In the war of “cats vs dogs” (because humans can’t just enjoy things and have to be competitive about everything), one of the biggest anti-cat arguments is that cats are not affectionate. While cats may be stereotypically more independent and picky than dogs, to say they are not as affectionate is largely unfair. To prove it, here is a list of the most affectionate cat breeds in the world.
Ragdoll
Despite being one of the largest cat breeds in the world, Ragdolls are renowned for being extremely docile and affectionate. Sometimes known as “dog-cats” (not sure how they’d feel about that), ragdolls often follow their owners around and even instigate games of fetch. Ragdoll cats got their name from their tendency to go floppy (like a ragdoll) when picked up. Weighing up to 9kg (20lb), these gentle giants make excellent companions for family members of all ages and species. Aside from their winning personalities, Ragdolls are beautiful cats, with long, silky fur, thick, soft bodies and large, bright blue eyes.
Scottish Fold
Scottish Folds get their name from their folded ears, a genetic mutation that caused their ears to fold forward, which breeders found charming and decided to keep. Sadly, this same mutation affects all the cartilage and bone in their bodies, causing them severe joint pain and premature degeneration. For this reason, breeding these cats is prohibited in some countries, including Scotland, where the breed originated.
Despite their numerous health issues, Scottish Folds are lovely cats, known to be as gentle and cuddly as they are active and playful. They are loving with all family members, including other cats and dogs, although may be a little too “playful” with smaller pets, such as rodents…
Siamese
The elegant and beautiful Siamese is one of the most easily recognizable cats, with its striking blue eyes, sleek body and distinctive point-coloured coat. These highly intelligent cats are affectionate to the point of being needy, and are happiest in homes where they will be with their owner or another cat at all times. Although they typically bond strongly with one person, Siamese cats are loving with their whole family. They are also exceptionally loud. Nicknamed “meezers” for the sounds they make, Siamese cats are blessed with loud, low-pitched voices, which they use to ask for attention or food, express their happiness, love, displeasure, boredom, chat about the weather, gossip about the neighbours, discuss the fundamentals of astrophysics…you know, cat stuff.
Sphynx
A hairless cat may not be everybody’s idea of a perfect pet, but for some, the Sphynx is just that. Despite their, for some, slightly off-putting appearance, Sphynx cats make excellent companions, particularly for those with mild cat allergies (they obviously do not shed, but do still produce oils which may trigger allergies). Sphynx cats are very energetic, playful clowns, known to get themselves into trouble despite their high intelligence. They are extremely friendly and enjoy cuddling up with their owners as much as they do playing with them. They are also very tolerant of baths, which is fortunate, as they need washing once or twice a week to keep their skin healthy. They also need extra protection against the sun and cold (yes, this gives you an excuse to dress them in ridiculously cute sweaters).
Maine Coon
Another gentle giant, the Maine Coon is not quite as heavy as the Ragdoll, but makes up for this by being a fair bit longer. In fact, the longest cat recorded is a Maine Coon measuring 1.2m (4ft) long. With their long, shaggy coats, strong jaws and tufted ears Maine Coons may look wild and intimidating, however, they are calm, tolerant and extremely loyal. Maine Coons are also unusually intelligent and enjoy training and learning. They are highly vocal and are known to have full-blown “conversations” with their owners. These majestic animals are also active and outdoorsy, and even enjoy snow and swimming! A cat of many quirks, the Maine Coon is also prone to polydactyly, a condition which means they are born with extra toes, making their already massive paws even larger.
Persian
Persian cats are instantly recognizable for their long, luxurious coats, round bodies and flat faces. Traditionally, Persians did not have flat faces, but over time Western breeders began to prefer the cuter, snub-nosed look, and this is now a breed standard in many organizations. This is unfortunate for the cats, as brachycephalic, or flat, faces, come with a host of health problems. Despite this, Persians are known to be quiet, loving and friendly cats. They are laid-back and lazy, perfect for pet owners with small spaces and the time to spend pampering and grooming these loving ladies (or men) of luxury.
Bombay
With their sleek, glossy black coats, muscular bodies and luminous golden eyes, Bombay cats were originally bred to resemble miniature panthers. Unlike actual panthers, Bombay cats are highly sociable and affectionate, and make excellent companions for children. They require near-constant attention and may get anxious or depressed if left alone for too long. Bombays are curious and intelligent cats, and enjoy puzzles and games which require some working out. That said, they are equally happy to chase around a toy mouse on a string. Or even just the string. They’re really not picky.
American Shorthair
The American Shorthair originates from – you guessed it – America, when European settlers brought them over to help control pests on their boats and in their homes. Although originally working cats, modern American Shorthairs are not particularly energetic, though they retain their solid, muscular build and strong jaws. Though not strictly lap-cats, American Shorthairs are very loving with their families and friendly with strangers. They enjoy being petted and played with, particularly games which challenge their intelligence. These laid-back cats tend to get along with just about everyone, dogs included, but due to their history as hunters, they may not be so friendly with your smaller pets.
Burmese
The Burmese cat is an excellent option for first-time owners. Famous for their “dog-like” (or perhaps, cat-like) personality, Burmese cats are extremely loyal and loving with family, and friendly and curious with strangers. Sometimes called “Velcro-cats”, Burmese love to stick close to their owners and do not like being left alone. Burmese cats are known to initiate games of fetch, and will bring their owners a toy when they want to play. Aside from their characters, Burmese are physically gorgeous cats, with sleek bodies, velvety fur and wide, expressive eyes. The Burmese cat has also been cross-bred the Siamese to create the Tonkinese, a cat just as loving and beautiful as its parent breeds.
Shelter Cats
“But they’re not purebreds!”, I hear you say. No, indeed, rescue cats are usually mongrels of indiscriminate parentage. However, this does not mean that they are not affectionate. At the end of the day, affection is largely down to a combination of upbringing, individual personality and, yes, genetic tendency (which is the part influenced by breeding). Spending thousands of dollars on a purebred doesn’t guarantee a cuddly kitty, just as rescuing a mongrel in need of a home from a shelter doesn’t mean it won’t be. As gorgeous as your favourite purebred may be, have a heart and go check out your local animal shelter before buying one. With over half a million cats put down in US shelters each year, you may just find you’d rather save a life than buy one.
See what a little love and care did to this author’s own rescue kittens:
