10 Most Affectionate Cat Breeds
A common argument against cats is that they aren’t affectionate. Sure, some felines couldn't care less about their owners. There are plenty of affectionate cat breeds that show tons of love and attention to their owners, though. For example, Ragdoll cats, Scottish folds, and Maine coons all tend to enjoy social interaction with their human companions.
Here are ten affectionate cat breeds for those who want a day-and-night cuddler.
Most Affectionate Cat Breed Characteristics
Affectionate cats have some traits in common. They tend to be more social and friendly—not scaredy cats. They are often mellow and docile, not wound up and anxious. These cats may also communicate their affection with vocalizations like mewing, purring, murmuring, and trills—all forms of contentment or playfulness. These empathic kitties may also sense when you've had a rough day and might purposefully snuggle up or land in your lap to help you unwind with some endorphin-releasing cuddles.
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Ragdoll
Bred to be affectionate companions, ragdoll cats are ideal if you're looking for a lovable and relatively low-maintenance animal. Ragdolls are known to follow their humans from room to room, greet them after a long day out of the house, and even play games like fetch. Ragdoll cats are friendly around children and other pets, making them great family pets.
Breed Overview
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: 10 to 20 pounds
Coat and Color: Medium-length, silky plush coat; light-colored body with a darker face, legs, tail, and ears; coat patterns include bi-color, van, mitted, and colorpoint; coat colors include seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, and cream; blue eyes
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
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Scottish Fold
With this affectionate cat breed, it’s all about the ears. A random mutation happened naturally as the Scottish fold emerged—these cats developed a gene that caused their ears to fold forward. Cat lovers recognized the cats for their unique look, and breeders began breeding these cats specifically for their folds. However, their ears aren’t the only special thing about them. Scottish folds are affectionate and social and don’t like being left alone. So if you’re out of the house a lot, this may not be the breed for you. But if you have extra time to spare, you might have found your match.
Breed Overview
Weight: 5 to 11 pounds
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Coat and Color: Bred to have a white coat but can be seen in a variety of colors, commonly calico, tortoiseshell, and tabby patterns; can have short or relatively long hair
Life Expectancy: 11 to 14 years
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Sphynx
Because sphynx cats have no hair, they are often cold and need a source of heat to keep them comfortable. Sphynxes are bright, extroverted cats that love humans both for interaction and their warmth. This neat synergistic relationship gives these cats something they need while their humans reap the cuddly benefits. Some people say that owning a sphynx is like owning a living, breathing hot water bottle. They'll cuddle with you beneath the covers at night and perch on your lap during the day.
Breed Overview
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 6 to 12 pounds
Coat and Color: Hairless; colors include white, black, red, chocolate, lavender, tabby, tortoiseshell, calico, pointed, and mink
Life Expectancy: 9 to 15 years
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Maine Coon
Maine coons are native to America. Their history is mysterious; some believe their history dates back to cats traveling with Viking explorers. Others think these big kitties are a mix between a cat and a raccoon, though that is biologically impossible. These social cats are affectionate towards people of all ages, and they love being involved in all family happenings, whether that means lounging on the couch or sitting at the table for dinner. Besides their affectionate personalities, Maine coons are great hunters and highly intelligent.
Breed Overview
Height: Up to 16 inches
Weight: 9 to 17 pounds
Coat and Color: Long, double coat with more than 75 color combinations and green, gold, or copper eyes
Life Expectancy: 9 to 15 years
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Persian
Persians are one of the most popular cat breeds in North America. They look beautiful, with their long, flowy coats, and have a calm, affectionate temperament. Persians are not very energetic. They are happy lounging on the couch and achieve contentment getting ear scratches and gentle pets from their humans.
Breed Overview
Height: 14 to 18 inches
Weight: 7 to 12 pounds
Coat and Color: Long coat in solid (white, black, cream), tabby, calico, bi-color, silver and gold, shaded, and smoke
Life Expectancy: 10 to 17 years
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Siamese
If you decide to bring a Siamese cat into your life, prepare to have long conversations with your vocal kitty. This breed is exceptionally social. Siamese cats have a distinctive masked look and striking pale blue eyes. Throughout history, their looks and affectionate personalities led to their popularity among cat lovers across the world.
Breed Overview
Height: Up to 14 inches
Weight: 6 to 14 pounds
Coat and Color: Short coat in seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac with blue eyes
Life Expectancy: 8 to 12 years
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Bombay
This breed is still relatively rare in North America, but it has a dedicated following. Bombay owners love the fact that these cats are so loving and people-oriented. Their sleek, black coat and stunning copper eyes also make them stand out among some other breeds. Once you meet a clever, cute, and cuddly Bombay, you’ll be hooked.
Breed Overview
Height: 9 to 13 inches
Weight: 6 to 11 pounds
Coat and Color: Short, sleek coat, usually solid black coat; large, copper eyes
Life Expectancy: 15 to 20 years
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Tonkinese
Breeders wanted to create a loving, affectionate cat breed that was intelligent and less vocal than the Siamese cat. The Tonkinese resulted from crossing the Siamese and Burmese breeds for the best characteristics of both. Affectionately called Tonks, these cats love their humans. They are known for being friendly, active, and exceptionally affectionate. They love attention and will demand it.
Breed Overview
Height: 7 to 10 inches
Weight: 6 to 14 pounds
Coat and Color: Coat can be seal, blue, lilac, and chocolate with points around the face, ears, paws, and tail
Life Expectancy: 13 to 18 years
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American Shorthair
When you say “housecat” in the U.S., you're likely talking about an American shorthair. They are extremely common pets in North America, primarily due to their affectionate personality and distinct coats that come in a wide variety of colors. American shorthairs are exceptionally adaptable, making them great pets for families with growing kids or those who are routinely on the move. American shorthairs love attention and love to be held, unlike other breeds. They are always happy to lay perched in the sun when you don’t have time to give them love.
Breed Overview
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 6 to 15 pounds
Coat and Color: Shorthaired coat with a wide variety of color possibilities, including white, black, cream, blue, brown, chinchilla, tortoiseshell, cameo, and many more
Life Expectancy: 15 to 20 years
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Birman
Birman cats are stunning. While showing off piercing blue eyes and a long silky coat, Birmans also exude elegance. Like the American shorthair, this breed loves to be around people and is highly adaptable to any type of home. Birmans are friendly with anyone and everything, including other pets. They like to play with any companions, no matter their breed.
Breed Overview
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 10 to 12 pounds
Coat and Color: Long and silky coat in seal, blue, red, chocolate, cream, and tortie colors, including standard or lynx pattern points and deep blue eyes
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
Breeds to Avoid
Cats that tend to be less affectionate are more independent-minded or task-oriented, like the Norwegian forest cat; the curly LaPerm breed descended from barn cats; and the active climber, the Abyssinian. Other breeds to avoid are cats that have had very little to no socialization with humans. These cats were left to fend for themselves and are feral or wild. Most have difficulties trusting humans and may never be tamed, but you can try.