Are you thinking about getting a cat but you’re not sure which breed to go for?
Cats can make wonderful family pets but there’s a lot of information online about the different breeds with their pros and cons.
You may be familiar with some well-known cat breeds such as the British Shorthair but know little about less common breeds like the Abyssinas.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at the seven best cat breeds for kids.
We’ll hear from a number of different pet experts to hear their suggestions for anyone looking to get a cat for their family home.
Birman
Birman cat (Photo: Adobe Stock)
The Birman cat breed gets described as being loving and affectionate. They are gentle, quiet and love cuddles with their family. Their social nature means they suit families and multi-pet households, as they don’t like being alone. They are intelligent and can even be taught tricks such as being leash trained which kids will love! Birmans love playing, making them great play mates for children. They are a curious, inquisitive breed which loves exploring their environment making them great adventure buddies for the children!
Suggested by Steffi Trott, Founder Of Spirit Dog Training
British Shorthair
British Shorthair (Photo: Adobe Stock)
I have many cats, which have been a source of love and joy in my home. Growing up, my family had a handful of different breeds, and each provided us with years of entertainment. Of all those special felines, the best cat for kids was undoubtedly our British Shorthair. When I had my daughter, I wanted to find a cat that would be tolerant and playful for her. British Shorthairs have been known for their even temperaments, making them an ideal choice to bring into a home with kids.
Not only were the British Shorthairs easy to train, but they also had a very playful and gentle demeanor. They even tolerated my daughter’s occasional mishandling and allowed her to pick them up and play with them for hours. They were also very patient and loving with her, allowing her to cuddle up close and nap next to them.
In addition to their intelligence and gentle nature, they were also extremely low-maintenance cats. They had no issue with being left alone for long periods of time and didn’t require much in terms of grooming or diet. This meant that I could spend more valuable time with my daughter without worrying about cleaning up after the cat.
She was also very attached to our British Shorthair. She felt as though it was her best friend and confidante. Even when we had to move across the country, she always brought her cat with us. Having a pet that was always there for her in times of joy and sorrow made my daughter’s transition to a new place much easier.
Suggested by Mark Joseph, Founder Of Parental Queries
Ragdoll
I feel like you can’t go wrong with a Ragdoll when you have kids. This is a breed that is extremely laid back and tolerant of changes in schedules and activity. However, they are also very affectionate, loyal and love to be with their family. Ragdolls often enjoy interactive play as well. This breed has a soft haircoat, eye catching colors, and will collapse in your arms when you go to snuggle them.
Suggested by Chyrle Bonk, Founder Of Excited Cats
Abyssinian
Abyssinian (Photo: Adobe Stock)
The Abyssinian is an active, playful, and social breed. They love to interact with their humans, whether this is being cuddled or being played with. Often these breeds love their humans so much they will follow them everywhere, or even ride around perched on their humans’ shoulders! These energetic cats love to play, making them great for active children. Their craving for attention and interaction make them great for larger families where they are accompanied by their humans most of the time.
Suggested by Steffi Trott, Founder Of Spirit Dog Training
Maine Coon
Maine Coon cat (Photo: Adobe Stock)
The Maine Coon are a great breed for kids. They are long haired which makes them soft, and enjoyable for kids to cuddle. These cats are very affectionate, and love to be held. As kittens they are very playful, so they are guaranteed to keep kids occupied for hours. Maine Coon’s loved to be groomed, and are very attached to their pet owners. So these cats are great long term companions for children.
Suggested by Dr Dwight Alleyne, DVM At Better Pet
American Shorthair
American Shorthair Cat (Photo: Adobe Stock)
American Shorthairs are known for their friendly and sociable nature, making them great companions for kids. They are also easy to groom and have a low-maintenance coat, which is helpful for families with busy schedules.
Suggested by Lazhar Ichir, Founder Of Breeding Business
Manx
Manx cat (Photo: Adobe Stock)
The Manx is a calm, docile breed who are people orientated and love their family. They are affectionate and love cuddles. Their characteristic lack of a tail makes them good for young children as they have nothing there to mistakenly pull! The Manx has a double coat which requires daily brushing which is a great way to get the kids involved in their daily care. Despite the placid nature they still love to play making them great family companions.
Suggested by Steffi Trott, Founder Of Spirit Dog Training
