The Best Cats for Cuddling: A Look at the Most Friendly and Affectionate Breeds

In case you weren’t aware, there are many different types of cat temperaments. Some cats are very independent and will balance out cuddle time from their owners with solitude. Others are the best cats for cuddling, such as lap cats who are attached only to their owners and don’t trust other people. Then there are unique breeds that are most affectionate not only to their owners but to other people, even strangers, other cats, and dogs.

Seeking a new feline companion and curious about which breeds radiate affection? Here are the top 10 types of the friendliest cats around.

1. Maine Coon

The so-called dog of the cat world, the Maine Coon is muscular and an expert hunter. It is also one of the most loving cat breeds. This breed is the most affectionate to its owner and follows them around everywhere. It is also one of the friendliest cats towards other people, too. Although it’s not one of the most playful, it’s very curious and social and will act friendly towards other cats and even dogs. Not only does it have silky-soft fur and loves to be petted, but it’s also great for families with small children.

2. Ragdoll

So-called because it goes limp like a ragdoll when you hold or carry it, the Ragdoll is not only gorgeous-looking, but its tendency to turn floppy means it easily trusts you. It’s also one of the friendliest cats, the most affectionate, and one of the best cats for cuddling. In fact, it enjoys little more than being held or being in your lap. It’s also very sweet with children and a good choice for people living in small houses or apartments. This cat will follow you around the house and greet you at the front door after work.

3. Burmese

Another one of the friendliest cats is the Burmese. This small to medium-sized breed has an original color of dark brown but is also available in several other colors. It loves to be in your lap and that makes it one of the best cats for cuddling. This cat is known for enjoying being around people, purring like a motor, and grooming — itself, you, other cats, and dogs. Personality-wise, it has kitten-like energy and playfulness that lasts into adulthood along with puppy-like traits, including a penchant for fetch.

4. Ocicat

If you’re looking for a wild-looking exotic cat breed, the Ocicat is a great choice. The ocelot-like spotting belies, surprisingly enough, one of the friendliest cats around. A laid-back yet active and outgoing personality makes it devoted but friendly enough to get along with other people, kids, strangers, dogs, and other pets. It’s also one of the most playful cats around even as it’s one of the most affectionate towards its owner and family.

5. Sphynx

If you’re looking for a cat that gets along with children and other pets, the Sphynx is a top choice. it even enjoys hanging out with dogs. This hairless breed doesn’t let its lack of fur or unique grooming needs stand in the way of being the center of attention, as this most playful breed is mischievous, silly, and a show-off. It’s also one of the most loving breeds and one of the best cats for cuddling, coming to you when it needs warmth.

6. Birman

The Birman is a color-pointed, long-haired cat with white “gloves” on each paw and deep blue eyes. It’s a favorite cat breed around the world because of its adorable appearance as well as for being one of the most affectionate, loyal breeds. This breed is also one of the most playful and does well in a household with multiple pets, and it’s as great with children as it is with adults. However, it’s fine as a single cat as long as there are other people around. It’s a little shy at first around strangers.

7. Siamese

The Siamese is appealing at first glance because of its exotic appearance, with its pointed coloring, slender, graceful body, wedge-shaped head, and striking blue eyes. It enjoys being in your lap and will insist on being near you all the time when it can’t, such as waiting outside the shower. Plus, it’s very communicative and will meow loudly for attention or to tell you what it likes or doesn’t like. This demanding cat does best with an owner that can devote frequent, regular attention to it, and greatly enjoys having another cat around for companionship. If you have two Siamese cats, you get twice the meowiness.

8. Abyssinian

The Abyssinian has a very important-sounding name, and in fact, it’s one of the most ancient cat breeds and one of the five most popular in the world. This beautiful domestic shorthair has a ticked tabby, ruddy-colored coat, fine bone structure, a slender, medium-sized body, large ears, and an extroverted, intelligent personality. It balances the “zoomies” or racing around the house with lazy naps. At the same time, it’s also nosy and will jump on high perches to see what you’re doing or distract you. The Somali, also known as the Fox Cat, is the long-haired version of the Abyssinian if you want your cat on the fluffy side.

9. Cornish Rex

Also known as the Corn Rex, the Cornish Rex has no fur, only the fine down or undercoat, which is curly. This adds to its unusual appearance with its sleek body and large ears. It’s intelligent, adventurous, curious, and has kitten-like energy, tending towards galloping runs which makes people refer to it as the Greyhound of cats. At the same time, it’s also one of the friendliest cats towards people, kids, and other pets alike, making it one of the most affectionate all-around breeds.

10. Persian

One of the most docile cat breeds, the Persian is beautiful, sporting a flattened face, a long, fluffy coat, and a plumed tail. It is easily one of the most affectionate and the best cats for cuddling. It also enjoys being groomed. Sweet, gentle, and laid-back, it is not overly demanding. Do not expect it to be very playful, though — it would rather just lounge around on or near people. However, this means it’s never short on affection!