The best family cats, listed

Picking the right pet is always important, but things get more complicated when you're introducing a new one to your family. Even experienced pet parents can face challenges when integrating new members into their growing family.

Common qualities pet parents look for in family-friendly cats are things like gentleness, playfulness and low-maintenance, which some cat breeds are well-known for.

But while a cat's breed can mean they're more likely to have certain qualities, we stress that all cats are different. You'll still need to factor in a cat's personality, and most of the time, you'll just "click" with a particular kitty without even thinking of their breed.

Here, we list some of the best family cats so you can find the right kitty for your household.

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What makes a cat good for families?

A good family cat, or the best cats for kids, usually has a mix of qualities like:

• An affectionate, sociable and tolerant temperament

• Adaptability

• Calm but playful energy

• Low maintenance needs

• Safety and patience with children

• Trainability

The ten best cat breeds for kids and families

Ragdoll

Ragdolls are known for being laid-back and love cuddle time, with a reputation for going fully relaxed when held. They're ideal for quiet family settings, and they tend to get along well with younger children.

They're social and playful, adaptable to indoor life and are devoted kitties with low-maintenance needs. If you want a very social cat to add to your family, then we recommend the ever-popular Ragdoll.

Maine Coon

These gentle giants are popular across the world for their calm, benevolent attitude and adaptability. They're great with kids and other pets, and despite their size, they're fun-loving, relaxed kitties to be around.

They love face-to-face time and play, and they're affectionate, social cats who love to spend time with us. If you want an intelligent, trainable cat who loves messing around and being silly, then a Maine Coon cat could be a much-loved addition to your family.

Birman

Birmans are considered one of the best family cats due to their gentle, friendly nature; they're good-tempered, cheerful cats who adapt well to most home environments.

Since they form strong bonds with their pet parents, they tend to integrate well into family life with all family members, which makes them a great fit for households with kids or other pets.

For a friendly cat with a quiet but social nature, a Birman is a strong choice.

Burmese

These energetic and people-oriented cats are described as being "like dogs" by many, which makes them a good fit for lively, active families.

They love to have face-to-face time with their humans, and their playful, affectionate nature makes them popular with children, with whom they get along with well.

These cats are known to vocalise their affection with their pet parents often, and their excitability is what gives them a dog-like reputation. For families that want an active, vocal kitty, we recommend a Burmese.

British Shorthair

British Shorthairs are becoming very popular cats in recent years, and it's not just because they look completely adorable - they're quiet cats, but they offset this with an independent, affectionate nature that makes them a good fit for most families.

While they enjoy companionship, they can take care of themselves (to an extent), so their independent nature makes them a good fit for busy families, too.

If you want a calm cat to match your mellow family life, look into getting a British Shorthair.

Abyssinian

Abyssinian cats are active, curious kitties who get along well with older children thanks to their surprising, inventive nature. These cats are known for their playfulness, but they're affectionate too, and balance this with a love for socialising and being the centre of attention.

They form strong bonds with those they see as part of their family, and they can be vocal and expressive about how they feel. But do note: Abyssinian cats do like space, so make sure your home has plenty of it to match their need for activity and play.

For an extroverted, surprising cat that'll gel with families who have older children, an Abyssinian cat could work.

Siamese

Siamese cats are vocal, loving kitties that do best with engaged, extroverted families. They form strong bonds with their pet parents and family unit, and they're vocal cats who crave interaction, assuming they're well-socialised.

They're playful cats who really like attention, so we'd only recommend them if someone is regularly home with them. But their intelligence and playfulness mean they'll fit in with most families.

If your family home is full of activity and action, then a Siamese will suit it perfectly.

American Shorthair

American Shorthairs are popular due to their playful nature, and they're really adaptable; they get along well with pretty much everyone. They love to play, but they aren't attention-seeking either. It's not uncommon to see an American Shorthair making their own fun when nobody's around.

These engaging cats get along well with children, and they're relatively low maintenance, but will need regular grooming to keep that coat nice and healthy.

For an all-around family cat, we'd recommend the American Shorthair.

Scottish Fold

Scottish Folds get a lot of attention for their unique ears, but while they grab initial attention, what really captures the hearts of their owners is their sweet, friendly nature. They form really strong bonds with families, and their temperament allows them to get along with children and other pets.

They're playful, intelligent cats with fierce loyalty. They love to play games, aren't overly demanding and will grow and surprise as they mature with your family.

One thing to note is that Scottish Folds typically don't like alone time, so we'd only recommend one if you live in a home where someone is often present.

For a loyal, fun-loving cat that'll stick by your family through thick and thin, a Scottish Fold is a good option.

Exotic Shorthair

Exotic Shorthairs are similar to their Persian cat cousins due to their affectionate nature. They're very affectionate and cuddly cats, but they're quiet and mellow, too, which makes them adaptable and easy to get along with.

They're often recommended to families for their sweet nature, but they're not demanding either. They have low maintenance needs, and they can get along without constant face-to-face time. You'll still need to maintain and take care of them, but it won't be as intense as some other breeds.

For a cuddly and chilled out cat that gets along with most families, pick an Exotic Shorthair. 

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