11 Best Cat Breeds for Kids

Olivia Moore | Last updated: Sep 12 2022 main-post-page-img

Looking for the best cat breeds for kids? Look no further than these playful, affectionate companions.

Getting a cat while you have a family with children is a major decision. Cats can be great companions, yet the best cat breeds for kids are the ones that are laidback, gentle, playful, low maintenance, and easy to care for.

So while choosing the best cat breeds for kids, you should consider their lifestyle, habits, and most importantly, whether they are friendly or not. Owning a perfect cat can teach your kids important social skills like responsibility, patience, and respect.

Moreover, it would be best if you also considered your family’s lifestyle to choose the right breed.

So, if you’re looking to expand your family and bring a new pet into your family, read on to learn about some of the best cat breeds for kids.

11 Best Cat Breeds for Kids:

To help you find a perfect furry friend, I’ve compiled a list of the 11 best cat breeds for kids that are extremely gentle and kid-friendly.
1. Abyssinian
2. Birman
3. European Burmese
4. Maine Coon
5. Manx
6. Persian
7. Ragdoll
8. Himalayan
9. Cornish Rex
10. Siberian
11. American Shorthair

1Abyssinian

The Abyssinian is the most energetic, active, playful, and intelligent breed. They have high energy levels and never get tired of playing. So they can be great companions for your kids. Abyssinians are known for their curiosity to explore their surroundings. They are people-oriented cats. Abyssinians, known as “Abys,” are suitable for families with kids ages 6 and up.
Temperament: Energetic, active, intelligent, playful, loyal, and affectionate.
Colors: Ruddy, Sorrel, blue, or fawn.
Life Expectancy: 9 – 13 years.

2American Shorthair

The American shorthairs are very gentle, affectionate, sweet, and tolerant cats. They are very reliable and easily accept people and other pets. American shorthairs are famous for their brown or grey tabby coats. They are low-maintenance cats and get along well with anyone. American shorthairs are easygoing and placid cats that attach themselves to all family members.
Temperament: Friendly, Playful, sociable, bold, affectionate, and tolerant.
Colors: Black, White, Brown, Cream, Blue, and Silver.
Life Expectancy: 15-20 years.

3Birman

Birman is a perfect choice for families with kids. Birmans are affectionate, gentle, friendly, intelligent, and curious cats. They are playful cats, and solitude can make them sad. Birmans are highly adaptive and easy to handle, making them ideal companions for kids.
Temperament: Friendly, Gentle, Affectionate, and Curious.
Colors: Seal, Lilac, Blue, Red, Tabby, Blue Tabby, Cream, Chocolate, Seal Tabby, and Seal Tortie Tabby.
Life Expectancy: 9 – 13 years.

4European Burmese

European Burmese is a friendly and intelligent breed that seeks out human companionship. European Burmese is a curious cat who will explore the home and know all its nooks and crannies. Moreover, the European Burmese will be involved in everything you do, from reading the newspaper to working on a computer. They are very playful and like to get attention. European Burmese is not suited to be left alone all day.
Temperament: Intelligent, Affectionate, sweet, and extremely Loyal.
Colors: Brown, Blue, Lilac, Chocolate, Cream, Red, and Lilac tortoiseshell.
Life Expectancy: 10 – 15 years.

5Cornish Rex

Cornish Rex is an active, playful, and adventurous cat who often performs acrobatics when very excited. Cornish Rex loves to fetch balls and toys. Cornish Rex is not a couch potato and enjoys the company of other pets and humans. Cornish Rex is easily adaptable to new locations and is known to get along well with shy children.
Temperament: Intelligent, Social, Affectionate, Highly Energetic, and Curious.
Colors: Blue, Black, Brown, Chocolate, Cream, Lilac, and Red.
Life Expectancy: 9 – 13 years.

6Himalayan

Himalayan cats are loveable cats known for their intelligence, sweet temperament, and playful interaction. The Himalayan breed cats can be both energetic playmates and quiet companions. The Himalayan cat enjoys human affection and is often known as a great lap cat. They bond well with their families, preferring to spend more time in their company than on their own.
Temperament: Friendly, Smart, Affectionate, Intelligence, and Devoted.
Colors: Seal, Lilac, Chocolate, Red, Blue, Cream, Blue-cream, Chocolate-tort
Life Expectancy: 8 – 11 years.

7Maine Coon

Maine Coon is a sweet-tempered, intelligent, easygoing cat who is friendly toward everyone. The Maine coon is one of the largest breeds of domestic cats and can adapt well to a busy family lifestyle. They are gentle and good nature cats that thrive in families with children and other pets.
Temperament: Sweet-tempered, Intelligent, Gentle, Affectionate.
Colors: Blue, Black, White, Cream, and Brown tabby.
Life Expectancy: 13 – 14 years.

8Manx

The Manx cat is knowns for its lack of a tail. The Manx cat is generally a friendly, affectionate cat who loves to be around people. Manx are pretty intelligent and playful cats that will likely follow you around the house. Manx is a playful breed that loves to play fetching games and enjoys the water. Manx are also loyal and protective cats; they might growl or attack a dog, or a person they suspect is a threat to the family. Manx are wonderful even-tempered family cats.
Temperament: Friendly, Affectionate, Social, Tame, Active, Shy to strangers yet attached to owners.
Colors: Tabby, Black, White, Gray, Cream, Chocolate, Sable, Red, Orange, and tan.
Life Expectancy: 9 – 13 years.

9Persian

The Persian cat is a long-haired cat that is an extremely popular family pet. Persian cats are very calm, playful, and patient cats. Persian cats adore being cuddled and petted. They are perfect for families with kids because of their patient nature. They love their favorite human attention and have plenty of energy to play with kids.
Temperament: Gentle, Quiet, Docile, Friendly, Loving, Social, and affectionate.
Colors: Silver, Red, Brown, Blue, Blue, Silver, Brown, Cream, Cameo, and Cream Cameo.
Life Expectancy: 12 – 17 years.

10Ragdoll

Ragdolls are loving and friendly indoor cats that are fairly large and have bright blue eyes. They are easygoing cats and easily adapt to any environment. Ragdolls are ideal companions and enjoy being picked up and carried around. Ragdoll is the best cat breed for kids because of its laid-back temperament and well-behaved manners.
Temperament: Even-tempered, Gentle, Calm, and Sociable.
Colors: Red, Blue, Lilac, Cream, Seal, Chocolate, Fawn, and Cinnamon.
Life Expectancy: 9 – 15 years.

11Siberian

Siberian cats enjoy the company of their owners and other pets. Siberian cats are gentle, loving, easygoing, and can adapt to family situations. Siberian cats love to cuddle and are devoted to their pet parents and children. Siberian cats adore kids and get along with the whole family.
Temperament: Gentle, loving, Social, and Affectionate.
Colors: Brown, Blue, Silver, White, Red, Black, and many more.
Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years.

Written by

Olivia Moore

Olivia is a freelance writer and pet enthusiast who writes articles on animals to help owners and their pets live their life in the best way. She resides in Australia and is currently doing her master’s degree in wildlife biology. Besides her studies, she has found a new love for working online and writing about animals. She is passionate about creating awareness about pets. Her mission is to write content on their health issues and the best ways to make their pets content. She loves to write about animals of all types but her specialties are dogs, cats, and birds.