15 Friendly Cat Breeds That Will Give You All the Love

Here are 15 friendly cat breeds if you're looking for a new bestie that comes in a furry package.

15 Friendly Cat Breeds That Will Give You All the Love

Generally, our feline friends don’t have the best reputation when it comes to spreading the love. But while they might not be as friendly as some of their canine counterparts, dog owners shouldn’t get too smug. Many cat breeds are actually super loving and will take advantage of any given opportunity to snuggle.

Here are 15 of the friendliest cat breeds if you're looking for a new bestie that comes in a furry package. So, forget puppy love — it’s all about these caring kitties.

(But remember that, just like humans and dogs, cats are individuals, and their breed isn’t the only indicator of their affection levels.)

Abyssinian

The Abyssinian’s reddish coat makes this breed quite unique looking. And under that exotic look is a nice cat breed just waiting to love on you.

This cat is known for being highly playful and curious. Because it’s so extroverted, the Abyssinian has even been dubbed the “Clown of the Cat Kingdom.”

Abyssinian Summary

Temperament: Curious, Extroverted, Affectionate

Weight: 7-10 pounds (male), 6-8 pounds (female)

Appearance: A short coat that’s typically reddish in color

Life expectancy: 9-15 years

* All breed information was sourced from The International Cat Association or Petpedia.

American Bobtail

This nice cat breed was developed in the 1960s as a mix between a Siamese and a short-haired tabby, and it has since become super popular for its friendly nature.

In fact, the American bobtail can be an ideal therapy cat because it’s known for being sensitive to human emotion.

American Bobtail Summary

Temperament: Sweet, Affectionate, Docile

Weight: 7-16 pounds

Appearance: Large, deep-set eyes and stubby tail

Life expectancy: 13-15 years

Birman

The beautiful Birman, with its stunning blue eyes and long silky coat, is the epitome of feline elegance.

It loves human company and extends its warmth to everyone it meets, including other pets.

Birman Summary

Temperament: Loving, Loyal, Adaptable

Weight: 12 pounds (male and female)

Appearance: Long, heavy-boned body and blue eyes

Life expectancy: 9-15 years

Bombay

Still one of the rarer cat breeds in North America, the Bombay nonetheless has a reputation for being friendly and loving.

Its appearance — sleek black coat and intriguing gold eyes — adds to its appeal as a family pet.

Bombay Summary

Temperament: Affectionate, Intelligent, Sociable

Weight: 8-15 pounds

Appearance: Sleek black coat, round head and long body

Life expectancy: 9-15 years

Burmese

The Burmese is possibly more like a dog than any other cat breed. Like an adorable Labrador retriever puppy, it loves to play fetch. It’s also extremely sociable and loves to “talk” to its humans.

Another puppy trait is that it loves to follow its owners around wherever they go. In other words, the Burmese is a breed that definitely bucks the independent cat trend.

Burmese Summary

Temperament: Sweet-natured, Playful, People-oriented

Weight: Small-sized

Appearance: Rich, glossy, dark brown cat and gold eyes

Life expectancy: 18+ years

Chartreux

The Chartreux, with its distinctive blue woolly coat, isn’t an attention-seeker — but it’s made for cuddling.

If you’re looking for a cat that loves quiet lap time at the end of the day — or any time of the day, for that matter — this medium-sized breed will always oblige.

Chartreux Summary

Temperament: Sociable, Intelligent, Independent

Weight: 6-12 pounds

Appearance: Round face, short gray coat and copper eyes

Life expectancy: 12-15 years

Cornish Rex

Another excellent therapy cat breed, the Cornish Rex is known for being outgoing.

And just like your best friend on a bad day, this cat will even snuggle in bed with you — day or night.

Cornish Rex Summary

Temperament: Intelligent, Bold, Sociable

Weight: 6-10 pounds

Appearance: Slender but sturdy, with a small head

Life expectancy: 11-15 years

Devon Rex

Related to the Cornish Rex, the Devon Rex has similar traits.

While it loves cuddles, it’s also quite active and playful, so be ready to keep up with this kitty.

Devon Rex Summary

Temperament: Playful, Active, Affectionate

Weight: 5-7 pounds (female), 7-9 pounds (male)

Appearance: Short wavy coat and large ears

Life expectancy: 14-17 years

Himalayan

A crossbreed between a Siamese and a Persian cat, the Himalayan is calm, quiet and low-maintenance.

This could be the breed for you if you’re looking for a cat that’s easily pleased and always willing to show affection.

Himalayan Summary

Temperament: Calm, Sociable, Affectionate,

Weight: 7-12 pounds

Appearance: Long, fluffy coat and flat face

Life expectancy: 9-15 years

Maine Coon

Native to the U.S., the Maine Coon is a sociable breed that loves being at the center of all family gatherings.

It shows affection to everybody it comes into contact with and is as intelligent as it is loving.

Maine Coon Summary

Temperament: Friendly, Intelligent, Gentle

Weight: 12-15 pounds (female), 18-22 pounds (male)

Appearance: Big ears, long tail and large feet with tufts

Life expectancy: 12.5-plus years

Persian

It’s easy to understand why the Persian is one of the most popular cat breeds in North America. For starters, it’s a beautiful breed, with an adorable face and bushy tail.

But its laid-back, friendly personality is equally attractive.

Persian Summary

Temperament: Quiet, Gentle, Sweet

Weight: Medium-sized

Appearance: Long hair, sweet, flat face and bushy tail

Life expectancy: 8-11 years

Pixiebob

Another popular cat breed in the U.S., the Pixiebob makes a great family cat.

Young kids and seniors alike will want this cat to be their best friend.

Pixiebob Summary

Temperament: Social, Devoted, Relaxed

Weight: 8-12 pounds (female), 12-17 pounds (male)

Appearance: Thick double coat and short tail

Life expectancy: About 15 years

Ragdoll

The Ragdoll was developed to be a companion cat, and its affectionate nature doesn’t disappoint. This breed is also ideal for a family, as it’s especially great with kids (even playing games like fetch) and around other pets.

It’s actually more like a puppy than a cat, following its humans around the home.

Ragdoll Summary

Temperament: Sweet, Loving, Social

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

Appearance: Blue eyes and pointed coat

Life expectancy: Up to late teens

Siamese

The Siamese is known for its vocal abilities — so be ready to chat if you bring one into your life. It’s also one of the most striking cat breeds, with pale blue eyes and a “masked” face.

But for many people, the friendly Siamese nature is its most endearing quality.

Siamese Summary

Temperament: Intelligent, Talkative, Affectionate

Weight: 5-8 pounds (female), 8–12 pounds (male)

Appearance: Light coat with dark facial mask and extremities

Life expectancy: 10-plus years

Tonkinese

A cross between the Siamese and Burmese cat breeds, the Tonkinese was bred to be intelligent and affectionate but quieter. It’s known for being extremely affectionate as well as friendly and energetic.

Let’s just say that if you bring a Tonk into your life, you’ll never be deprived of love.

Tonkinese Summary

Temperament: Warm, Loving, Strong-willed

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

Appearance: Short, thick coat and bright aqua eyes

Life expectancy: 15-18 years