25 Best All-Around Cat Breeds for Families

Which cat breeds are the best for families?

25 Best All-Around Cat Breeds for Families

Cats can be as family-friendly as dogs — you just have to find the right cat for your family. When getting a cat, you need to consider things like the ages of your family members. While kittens are cute and cuddly, they’re not always the best choice when you have small children, as toddlers may not know how to treat a kitten. A cat’s personality isn’t formed yet when they’re very young, so you don’t know how they’ll be when they’re grown-up. Older cats may be a better fit.

When looking for a family cat, you want one that’s gentle, easygoing, low-maintenance, sweet-tempered, affectionate and tolerant. Look for a cat that isn’t easily angered and won’t get aggressive when picked up. You also want a cat that’ll get along with everyone, including other pets if you have them.

With all of this in mind, these are the best cat breeds for families interested in adding a feline addition to their clan.

Abyssinian

Temperament: Loving, Playful, Laid-back

Weight: 8-13 pounds

Life expectancy: 9-13 years

Bottom Line: Abyssinian

Abyssinian cats fit in perfectly with a family lifestyle. Since they’re highly social, they love being around people, kids and other animals. They’re so fun-loving that they’ll play with anything that moves: people, pets and even water.

Abyssinian cats keep their youthful exuberance well into adulthood. They’re delightful to be around, and you never know if they’re going to be in a sophisticated or silly mood. “Abys” are the perfect family-friendly cat.

American Curl

Temperament: Loving, Curious, Friendly

Weight: 7-10 pounds (male), 5-8 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 10-20 years

Bottom Line: American Curl

What makes the American curl so good for families is that they’re an all-age cat that gets along with children, adults and seniors. They’re also good for first-time pet parents because of their calm personalities and how sweet they are for families with children.

American curls don’t like to spend too much time on their own, so the more people they can love on, the better. They’re affectionate lap cats but without being too needy or clingy.

Bengal

Temperament: Gregarious, Intelligent, Social

Weight: 8-15 pounds

Life expectancy: 9-15 years

Bottom Line: Bengal

If a Bengal cat is exposed at an early age to kids and dogs, they’ll be able to be friends with them throughout their life. Bengals are active and like to have people and pets to play with.

One special quality Bengals have is that they’re very sensitive to their owner’s moods and can interpret their facial expressions, vocal tones, body language and behaviors. They make excellent therapy cats, knowing when you need a shoulder to cry on or someone to help you celebrate your new job!

Birman

Temperament: Playful, Sweet, Outgoing

Weight: 10-12 pounds

Life expectancy: 13-15 years

Bottom Line: Birman

Birman cats are sweethearts that love people and children who treat them right. The Birman cat will follow their fur-parent around, not because they don’t have anything better to do but because they want to be involved in what everybody’s doing.

If you want to hold your Birman and treat them like a furry baby, that’s OK with them. If dressing them up in a holiday costume or giving them a ride in a stroller would make you happy, then the Birman will tolerate those, too.

Burmese

Temperament: Outgoing, Curious, Playful

Weight: 8-12 pounds (male), 6-10 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 10-16 years

Bottom Line: Burmese

Burmese cats need human companionship and love spending time with their people, so much so that they’ll seek them out. Don’t expect a whole lot of privacy with the Burmese, for they want to get all up in your business.

They’re extremely intelligent and need to be engaged mentally, or they’ll become bored. A good way to keep them stimulated that’s fun for the whole family is to teach the Burmese cat tricks like fetching a catnip mouse, walking on a leash, sit, rollover and coming when called.

Colorpoint Shorthair

Temperament: Friendly, Playful, Affectionate

Weight: 6-14 pounds

Life expectancy: 8-12 years

Bottom Line: Colorpoint Shorthair

Colorpoint shorthair cats are loving, loyal and will act like brats if they don’t get enough attention. Their need to be center stage and for affection and companionship may be why they get along with almost everyone. The more people to love on them, the better.

Colorpoint shorthairs are extremely talkative and opinionated. They like to be of service and will be more than happy to supervise whatever you’re doing and give you pointers.

Cornish Rex

Temperament: Clever, Extroverted, Active

Weight: 6-10 pounds

Life expectancy: 11-15 years

Bottom Line: Cornish Rex

Cornish Rex cats love people and enjoy physical touch so much that they’ll trail their humans from room to room, waiting for somebody to take a seat and allow them to jump into their lap and give them kisses.

Cornish Rex cats are charming, clever and natural performers. They enjoy showing off by opening drawers and cabinets or doing daredevil-style jumps. They have a kitten mindset that stays with them their whole life long and keeps them feeling young.

Cymric

Temperament: Sweet, Playful, Laid-back

Weight: 12+ pounds (male), 12 pounds or less (female)

Life expectancy: 9-13 years

Bottom Line: Cymric

Cymrics don’t just love family members, they also make great watch cats. If a Cymric senses danger from mice, insects or other threats, they’ll react quickly, growl and attack if the situation calls for it.

They’re people-focused cats and can learn to live with kids and cat-friendly dogs if exposed at an early age. Since they’re adaptable, they can be trained to not go after pet birds or fish, learn tricks and even ride in the car without complaint.

Devon Rex

Temperament: Entertaining, Social, Affectionate

Weight: 6-9 pounds

Life expectancy: 9-15 years

Bottom Line: Devon Rex

Devon Rexes make excellent family cats because they love attention and welcome it from kids, adults and even friends of the family. One of the Devon Rex’s favorite spots is on top of their human’s shoulders, so they can see what’s happening around them.

They want to be included in all family activities, and it’s not a rare sight to see one seated at the dining room table waiting for dinner to begin.

Egyptian Mau

Temperament: Athletic, Faithful, Understanding

Weight: 10-14 pounds (male), 6-10 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 12-15 years

Bottom Line: Egyptian Mau

Egyptian Mau cats are more than family-friendly; they’re family-dependent. Their happiness relies on being with people and belonging. They’re lap cats, enjoy being fussed over and will even wiggle their tails and make noise to make sure everyone knows how happy they are being with their peeps.

They can be skittish around strangers but will warm up to them with enough time. They’re moderately active and enjoy jumping, climbing and playing with cat toys and would much appreciate a tall cat tree, a window perch or a sturdy scratching post.

European Burmese

Temperament: Loving, Intelligent, Loyal

Weight: 8-15 pounds

Life expectancy: 10-17 years

Bottom Line: European Burmese

European Burmese cats are affectionate with both kids and adults. Companionship is very important to them because they don’t do well if they’re left alone too much. European Burmese cats are so endearing that they can win over your most cat-hating friends.

They’re highly intelligent, curious and you’ll often find them exploring their environment. When encountering a European Burmese cat, know that they’re expecting you to take a moment to pet them or give them a scratch under the chin. If you don’t, then they might end up hating you.

Havana Brown

Temperament: Affectionate, Loyal, Active

Weight: 7-12 pounds

Life expectancy: 8-13 years

Bottom Line: Havana Brown

Havana brown cats will steal your heart, as they’re very easy to fall in love with. They’re affectionate, highly intelligent and outgoing. They love to play, and because they’re so smart, they like teaser and puzzle games.

Havana brown cats are good friends to children who treat them right and can play as long and hard as any kid. When they’re done with playtime, they want plenty of affection, including some precious lap time and cuddles.

Japanese Bobtail

Temperament: Entertaining, Social, Affectionate

Weight: 6-9 pounds

Life expectancy: 9-15 years

Bottom Line: Japanese Bobtail

If your family is made up of a mix of kids, adults and other pets, don’t worry. The Japanese bobtail will get along with everybody. They’re very adaptable and good with loud families, people who live a nomadic lifestyle and someone who lives on their own.

They need companionship, and if they can’t get it from humans, then another bobtail or even a dog will do. To feel complete, the Japanese bobtail needs a family with lots of love and time to spend with them.

Javanese

Temperament: Athletic, Lively, Affectionate

Weight: 8-12 pounds (male), 8 pounds or less (female)

Life expectancy: 8-12 years

Bottom Line: Javanese

Javanese get very attached to their people and try to make themselves indispensable in the family. They’ll be your shadow, watching your every move and when you sit down, they’ll make a beeline for your lap. When you go to bed, they want the prime spot under the covers and with their head on the pillow. Since they’re so often underfoot, they’re not good for families whose members are unstable on their feet because they could get tripped up by the well-meaning Javanese.

Korat

Temperament: Thoughtful, Laid-back, Affectionate

Weight: 6-10 pounds

Life expectancy: 10-15 years

Bottom Line: Korat

Korats demand constant access to their people and are very possessive of them. They tend to bond with one or two people and won’t abandon them when someone new comes into the house. However, they have a huge need for companionship and will take it whenever they can get it if their favorite isn’t available.

Be prepared to spend a lot of time with this lap cat once they’ve claimed you as theirs because getting cuddly is something they’re extremely good at.

Maine Coon

Temperament: Loyal, Loving, Sociable

Weight: 6-18 pounds

Life expectancy: 10-13 years

Bottom Line: Maine Coon

Maine Coons are great at playing with kids largely because they’re not afraid of them. Despite their large size, they don’t mind being handled and are quite gentle. You don’t have to worry about them hissing, biting or scratching when they get picked up.

They also are energetic enough to keep up with the younger set when it comes to playing games or having fun. Maine Coons are friendly, furry goodwill ambassadors because they’re popular and get along with everyone.

Ragamuffin

Temperament: Easy-going, Affectionate, Calm

Weight: 12-20 pounds (male), 8-15 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 15 years

Bottom Line: Ragamuffin

Ragamuffin cats love their people and adore spending time with them. The ragamuffin’s perfect day starts with greeting their loved one at the door, following them around the house, helping them with their work and then leaping into their lap for an extended snuggle session. They just want to be loved and show love.

Ragamuffins do well with children, other pets and everybody else within their vicinity. Ragamuffins are here to provide their people with some top-quality companionship and devotion.

Ragdoll

Temperament: Tolerant, Charming, Intelligent

Weight: 20 pounds or less (male), 10-15 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 13-15 years

Bottom Line: Ragdoll

Ragdolls didn’t get their name because they were inflexible and intolerant — no, they’re named ragdolls for their docile personalities and the way they go limp, like a ragdoll, when they’re held.

You won’t find a more sweet-tempered or lovely cat. This breed is well-suited to family life because of their love for every member, including the children and other pets. Ragdolls are everybody’s best friend because they’re cuddly, sweet and easy to love.

Scottish Fold

Temperament: Social, Inventive, Smart

Weight: 9-13 pounds (male), 6-9 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 11-15 years

Bottom Line: Scottish Fold

Beautiful Grey Scottish Fold Cat lounges on couch

Scottish fold cats don’t ask for much; all they want is a family to give them a lot of love, attention and companionship. They tend to create a tight bond with one family member, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t loving and friendly to others, just that one person is their main focus.

Scottish folds aren’t loners, and they need others around them to feel good, which makes them a welcome addition to any family.

Siamese

Temperament: Social, Intelligent, Playful

Weight: 6-14 pounds

Life expectancy: 8-12 years

Bottom Line: Siamese

Siamese will put a lot into their relationships, and they expect just as much attention and affection in return. They’re committed to their fur-parents, and they form strong bonds with them.

Since they’re very talkative, they enjoy having long conversations and quick chats with whoever’s around. Physical activity is a must for Siamese cats, as is mental stimulation, so interactive games or toys that require some figuring out work well.

Siberian

Temperament: Delightful, Affectionate, Personable

Weight: 10-20 pounds

Life expectancy: 10-18 years

Bottom Line: Siberian

Not much upsets a Siberian cat; their demeanor stays calm even when there’s the noisy activity of kids and other pets all around them. They make a great addition to active households where there’s always something going on.

You don’t have to worry about them not fitting in, for Siberian cats get along with everyone. Siberian cats are devoted to their humans but not too clingy. They’ll accompany you on your daily tasks and wait until you’re available for snuggles and cuddles and then pounce onto your lap.

Singapura

Temperament: Playful, Happy, Affectionate

Weight: 4-8 pounds

Life expectancy: 11-15 years

Bottom Line: Singapura

Singapura cats love everybody, including children and strangers, and people love them right back. They stay active by chasing toys, exploring, climbing whatever they can find or riding on their human’s shoulders. They’re known for being good friends to adults and children alike.

Although Singapura cats have a full schedule of playing, goofing around and making mischief, they’ll put all that on hold if they sense someone needs some tender loving care.

Sphynx

Temperament: Silly, Devoted, Extroverted

Weight: 6-12 pounds

Life expectancy: 9-15 years

Bottom Line: Sphynx

Everything about a Sphynx cat seems to say, “Look at me!” Their distinctive appearance, overtly friendly attitude and sense of humor help them get the attention they crave. They’re an ideal cat for families with kids and cat-friendly dogs, and they’re able to take most challenges in stride.

Since Sphynx cats don’t have a thick layer of fur to keep them warm, they’re always on the lookout for a heat source. They can’t stand to be alone and are always up for some lap time, cuddles and snuggles.

Tonkinese

Temperament: Loving, Smart, Bold

Weight: 6-12 pounds

Life expectancy: 12-16 years

Bottom Line: Tonkinese

Family life is everything to the Tonkinese cat. They enjoy being close to their family members, and they get along well with children, dogs and other pets. They love to hang out with their humans and have extensive conversations with them.

Anyone who thinks cats are standoffish, cold and independent needs to meet a Tonkinese. They are the opposite of the cliche aloof and distant cat — they just want to be close to people and show their love.

Turkish Angora

Temperament: Noble, Intelligent, Mischievous

Weight: 8-15 pounds

Life expectancy: 9-14 years

Bottom Line: Turkish Angora

Turkish Angora cats may look like a cat that should be admired from afar. The truth is, despite their elegant appearance, they’re a lively and social cat that loves to play.

They make excellent family cats because they’re friends with anyone who respects and treats them well — i.e., they don’t do well with kids who yank their fur or pull their tails. Turkish Angora cats become very attached to their humans and may choose one to be their person forever.