Top 15 Cat Breeds for Every Family

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Are you looking to add a feline friend to your family? Cats make excellent companions, but picking the perfect one from so many breeds can take time. From lazy lap snugglers to energetic entertainers, this fun-filled list includes kitties that will turn your house into a home. Explore the top 15 cat breeds and find the perfect feline companion for your family today!

Ragdoll

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These large, semi-long-haired cats are the ultimate in laid-back luxury. Ragdolls go limp like ragdolls when picked up, making them ideal snuggle buddies. With their bright blue eyes and friendly personalities, they thrive on human affection. Don’t be fooled by their puppy-like devotion, though. Ragdolls also have a silly, playful side that will make the whole family laugh. 

Maine Coon

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More significant is better with the Maine Coon! These gentle giants can tip the scales at 18 pounds, with their massive body size matched by an equally large heart. Despite their impressive stature, Maine Coons are known for being highly affectionate family cats. Under that rugged exterior lies a sweet, simple soul that loves playtime and cuddling up in laps. Their long, shaggy coats are perfect for stroking. It’s just that all that fur will cause a lot of shedding!

Siamese 

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The outgoing, chatty Siamese makes for a fun, animated companion. These sleek cats are famous for their blue eyes and color-pointed coats. Siamese thrive on being around their favorite humans all day long and will actively engage in everything you do. While affectionate, they do require a lot of activity and attention. Their energy and intelligence make Siamese ideal for families willing to invest in quality playtime in return for unconditional devotion.  

Scottish Fold

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It’s tough to resist the adorable looks of the Scottish Fold, with its petite body and unique folded ears. But these cats have more going for them than just their endearing appearance. Known for their excellent temperament, Scottish Folds make lovely family pets. They are typically laid-back and easygoing, happy to relax with their owners or enjoy the fun. Folds tend to bond closely with their humans, developing funny little quirks that entertain everyone. 

Persian

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For the fanciest of felines, look no further than the glamorous Persians. These long-haired beauties are the epitome of pampering with their small frames and smushed faces. Despite their exotic appearance, Persians have a calm, gentle personality, making them excellent family companions. They don’t require much activity and are content to lounge and sun themselves while watching the action unfold around them. But be prepared for a fair amount of grooming to keep that lush coat in good condition!  

Sphynx 

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There’s no cat breed quite as unique and attention-grabbing as the hairless Sphynx. Sphynxes are some of the most extroverted cats, always seeking the spotlight and showering their families with love. Despite their lack of fur, they make great lap warmers thanks to their high body temperatures. Be warned: these companions are highly energetic and enjoy lots of playtime. With their snuggly yet silly demeanors, Sphynxes will keep you constantly amused and on your toes!

Abyssinian

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Are you looking for an energetic cat for your home? You’ll find it in the lively Abyssinian. These naturally slender kitties are among the most active and curious breeds, constantly zooming around and exploring every nook and cranny. Abyssinians are energetic and intelligent, so they need many interactive toys and activities to keep themselves occupied. Fortunately, they make up for their high-maintenance personalities by being very people-oriented and affectionate with their favorite humans.

British Shorthair

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Compact, round, and oh-so-cuddly—what’s not to love about the teddy bear-like British Shorthair? This ancient breed has been delighting cat fans for centuries with its adorable face and dense, plush coat. They tend to have a very gentle, laid-back disposition well-suited to families. They don’t require much activity but enjoy moderate playtime with their favorite toys and people. Despite their rather severe facial expressions, these felines have a very patient, easygoing personality that kids tend to adore.

Russian Blue

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You can’t go wrong with the Russian Blue for a cat breed that’s stunningly beautiful and blessed with brains. Their thick, plush blue-gray coat and incredibly bright green eyes are captivating. But underneath that eye-catching exterior lies a fiercely intelligent feline with lots of personality. Russian blues form powerful bonds with their owners, often behaving more like dogs in their loyalty and affection. 

American Shorthair

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The American shorthair has been a favorite U.S. family cat for generations. These medium-sized kitties have an endearing teddy bear look with round heads, bright eyes, and dense, plush coats. Their friendly, easygoing personalities allow them to adapt well to families with children and other pets. While relatively low-key indoors, American Shorthairs enjoy playtime and can be athletic when motivated. 

Bengal

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Talk about one wild-looking cat breed! Bengals resemble miniature leopards with distinctive coats! Underneath that exotic appearance, however, you’ll find an incredibly affectionate companion with a dog-like devotion to its family. Bengals are known for being extremely energetic as they always crave interactive playtime and activities to stay stimulated. 

Tonkinese 

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For those wanting the friendly nature of a Siamese combined with a moderate energy level, meet the delightful Tonkinese! This relatively new breed, developed by crossing Siamese with Burmese, offers the best of both worlds. Like Siamese, Tonkinese are affectionate companions who crave involvement in their families’ lives. However, their slightly more laid-back attitude from the Burmese side makes them easier to live with. They have fun, playful personalities without being overly demanding. 

Norwegian Forest Cat

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If you love the great outdoors, you’ll adore the hardy Norwegian forest cat. Hailing from chilly Scandinavian forests, these long-haired beauties were initially bred to hunt rodents and deal with highly rugged conditions. Today’s Norwegian forest cats have retained their muscular builds, big sizes, and adventurous spirits while adjusting well to a pampered family life. Fiercely loyal, they form strong bonds with their owners yet have enough independence to be left alone.

Bombay

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There’s just something utterly irresistible about that sleek, shiny black coat and those gorgeous copper eyes adorning the Bombay breed. While their appearance might resemble a tiny baby panther, Bombays have very laid-back, mellow personalities. These quiet, gentle felines make excellent lap warmers and couch potatoes. Despite their relaxed natures, Bombays remain devoted to their families and always enjoy playtime and attention when you indulge them. 

Siberian

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Don’t let their stocky frames and dense triple coats fool you, though— underneath all that fur, Siberians are very gentle, personable companions. These felines have been gaining popularity for their hypoallergenic qualities, which makes them easier for some people to tolerate. Beyond their lack of “cat smell,” Siberians exhibit extremely affectionate, family-friendly personalities. They love to play and explore and will even happily accompany you on walks outdoors.

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