The most affectionate cat breeds, listed

We know cats can sometimes have the (totally wrong) reputation for being too calm, cool, and collected for their own good. Some see this “aloofness” as a lack of affection, but this is far from the case. All cats show affection, it just sometimes doesn't fit into our human view of it.

While every feline has their own personality, their breed does play a part in how "affectionate" they'll be, especially when it comes to how social and cuddly they are. So, we've listed some of the most cuddly cat breeds around below who act close to our version of affection.

The breeds we’re listing here tend to take to things socialisation training more easily or show behaviours that we see as affectionate. But we do stress that all cats can show affection and be affectionate.

Here, we explain what makes a cat affectionate, list ten of the friendliest cat breeds, and help you pick the right cat for you.

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What makes a cat "affectionate"?

So, what do people mean when we say a cat is “affectionate”? Typically, it’s behaviours like:

• Following you around

• Head bunting

• Pawing

• Positive body language

• Sitting on your lap

• Staying close to you

• Vocalisation, like meowing and purring

Now, this isn’t to be confused with clinginess. If your cat is clinging to you like a shadow out of nowhere, it may be worth chatting to your vet about it, as cats are famously good at hiding pain and instead express it in other ways.

Top 10 most affectionate cat breeds

Ragdoll

Ragdoll cats are famous for going limp when they’re picked up, which is a reflection of their docile personality. These popular, adorable cats have fans across the world for their gentle, laid-back attitude.

They form strong social bonds with their families, and they enjoy being physically close to them. Socialisation training is easy for them as they form strong social bonds quickly, and this is all topped off with a playful, curious nature that only gets more excitable when others are around.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, social cat that lives and breathes our version of affection, then you can’t go wrong with a Ragdoll.

Maine Coon

Maine Coon cats are popular and their parents love them for their friendly, gentle nature. They’re often called “gentle giants” due to their big size and chilled-out attitude, and this mellow outlook makes them very affectionate cats.

Maine Coon cats are known to keep their playful, kitten-like energy throughout their adult lives, and they love to play, exercise and learn new things.

Their outgoing attitude is mixed with a tendency to vocalise, making them appear very affectionate to their parents. If you want a loving cat that’s also active and calm, then a Maine Coon cat is the one for you.

Scottish Fold

Scottish Folds are sweet-tempered kitties who form quick bonds with their parents, especially those they see as their “main” one. They’re social, quiet cats that like to chill out around their owners, snuggle with them and cosy up.

They’re not overly demanding cats, but they love companionship, as well as some playful, relaxed time with their parents. If you want a gentle, calm cat that can adapt to most situations with quiet confidence, then we'd recommend a Scottish Fold.

Siamese

Siamese cats are very affectionate, and some (definitely not us) would see them as somewhat attention-seeking. But this behaviour is really just a reflection of the strong bonds they form with their parents. They love interaction, play and time spent together, and this deepens the bond they have with their pet parents.

Siamese cats crave attention, and they can be very vocal kitties, always seeking companionship and a dollop of attention.

If you want a cat that’ll keep you on your toes and show you nothing but affection, then a Siamese is for you.

Sphynx

Sphynx cats may be hairless and appear too cool for school, but they’re warm, affectionate cats who crave human contact. They have a literal need for more warmth, so they naturally gravitate to warm spots (like a human’s lap).

They’re extroverted, social cats who have outgoing personalities. Their parents often say they act “like a dog” due to their affection and love of games like fetch and playing with cat toys.

If you want an affectionate cat that forms strong bonds and can intellectually challenge you, then a Sphynx cat could be the one you pick.

Burmese

Burmese cats are yet another “dog-like cat”, and it’s due to their high energy and adoration for people. These cats love to be the centre of a human’s attention, and they do this by showing as much affection as they can.

Burmese cats have one of the longest histories with us humans, and ancient history shows they were once worshipped in temples in Myanmar. So, it makes sense why they love our attention so much - we literally worshipped them at one point!

But in reality, this attention-seeking behaviour is the best kind: it’s expressed as strong bonds, vocalisation and playfulness. If that sounds like a bit of you, then pick a Burmese.

Persian

Docile, calm and gentle, Persian cats love to be petted and cuddled. They form close bonds, and they seek companionship over anything else with their parents.

Some people think Persians are a little cold, but it’s because they’re usually reserved around strangers; around their pet parents, they’re loyal and affectionate.

They’re ideal for low-maintenance companionship, and they have a real preference for calm households. So, if you want a cat that’ll stick by your side without much noise or fuss, then a Persian is the one for you.

Tonkinese

Much like their Burmese and Siamese cousins, Tonkinese cats love to interact with us humans. They’re very people-oriented cats and are very vocal when they want our attention. If you like to “talk” with your cat, then a Tonkinese is a good choice.

They’re playful, curious cats who are fiercely loyal to their parents, and they’re always up for a cuddle and a gossip. If you want a cat that’s receptive to play, talk and affection, then a Tonkinese could work.

Exotic Shorthair

Thanks to their Persian ancestry, Exotic Shorthairs are sweet, laid-back and affectionate cats that love nothing more than curling up with their pet parent. They’ve inherited the gentle Persian nature but have their own personality, too, by being quite playful and extroverted.

They’re seen as a low-maintenance cat that forms strong bonds quickly with their pet parent, and they’re adaptable and mentally sharp too.

If you want a “lap cat” that’s fun to be around, then an Exotic Shorthair could be that cat for you.

Birman

Birmans have been known as affectionate companions for decades, and their long experience with humans has made them affectionate and loving towards their pet parents. They get a lot of energy from human interaction and thrive on being a key part of family activities.

They display affection by following their owners around, and they crave attention from people they see as their family. Combined with an adaptable, gentle and calm temperament, these chilled-out kitties are perfect if you want a cat that isn’t afraid to show they like you.

For a reasonably quiet cat that loves playtime and cuddles, a Birman is ideal.

How kitten insurance may help

We understand picking the right cat is hard. After all, they'll be an integral part of your family. But you’re almost there - you know what you’re looking for, now it’s just about finding the right personality to fit you and your household.

But to reiterate, we’d like to say all cats, and all pets generally, show affection to their owners. Some breeds just match our human concept of affection more closely. There isn't really such a thing as the "most lovable cat breed" or anything like that; we've just listed breeds that act close to human affection.

And while the breeds we’ve listed above definitely show these affectionate traits, most of them will need more mental stimulation, face-to-face time and behaviour training than other breeds.

Oh, and it’s really important that you consider what kitten insurance you’re going to get, too.

Get behavioural cover up to £20,000 as part of your overall vet fee limit, on Complete Care

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