So you're looking for a feline cuddle buddy? Look no further than our most affectionate cat breeds list, which has 16 of the most cuddly cats you can possibly get.
Of course, some of the rarest cat breeds in the world are known to be incredibly affectionate and cuddly, but you don't need to go looking for an exotic breed to ensure you get an affectionate cat. Adoptable cats are also a great choice when you're ready to add a new feline friend into your home, and there are so many cats in shelters who would love a person to cuddle with.
Keep in mind, however, that every cat has their own unique and individual personality. Although it's possible to identify common personality traits in the breed, there certainly can be exceptions to the rule.
We’ve rounded up our favorite cuddly cat breeds and if you like a cat with a sharp mind, you’ll be pleased to learn that many of them regularly feature on lists of the most intelligent cat breeds - cuddly and super bright? Now that’s a winning combination!
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PetsRadar’s pick of the most affectionate cat breeds
1. Ragdoll
Originating in California in the 1960s, the Ragdoll is the epitome of the laidback lap cat. Bred to be affectionate, Ragdolls make ideal pets for anyone looking for a lovable and low-maintenance furbaby. Ragdolls are a cross between a Persian and a Berman, and their name comes from the fact that they tend to go floppy when picked up and cuddled. Ragdolls are known for their piercing blue eyes and fluffy coats. Their friendly and gentle nature makes them ideal for homes with children or other pets, and they have a soft and delicate meow that will melt your heart.
If you’re looking for a sweet-natured kitty who will greet you whenever you return home and follow you wherever you go, you’ll be hard-pressed to beat the Ragdoll.
2. Siamese
If you want your love and cuddles to come in the form of a highly energetic, talkative, and intelligent cat, then the Siamese is a winner.
With striking blue eyes and sleek bodies, the Siamese is exceptionally social and likes conversing with people. An ancient breed that has been around for hundreds of years, Siamese cats crave companionship and are quick learners.
This curious cat loves exploring and getting into everything, and they need a lot of stimulation and playtime during the day to ensure they’ll be tired enough to snuggle up on your lap in the evenings.
3. Maine Coon
Maine Coons are family cats who like to be with their people. Huge in size and personality, these gentle giants are super affectionate towards humans and love hanging out where all the action is.
Sweet tempered and gentle, the Maine Coon loves to play, chase, and hunt. Outgoing and highly intelligent with a predisposition towards curiosity, Maine Coons are non-aggressive and get on well with both humans and other animals.
With a fondness for quality time and snuggles, the Maine Coon will lap up attention wherever they can get it.
4. Scottish Fold
Named for its unusual ears that fold forward and downward, the Scottish Fold is a well-adjusted breed who bond quickly with their humans.
Highly adaptable, these kitties can handle almost any living environment from a noisy house full of kids to a quiet single-person apartment.
Charming and easy-going, Scottish Folds love affection and their homebody nature means they prefer to be indoors with their owners. Chatty, with a soft and chirpy voice, these cats love gentle play and puzzle games. You might recognize this breed as being popularized by music star Taylor Swift who has two.
5. Persian
The Persian is one of the most popular cat breeds, probably because it's best known for being calm and docile. Not the most active of breeds, these furkids prefer lounging on your lap or the sofa with occasional bursts of spontaneous activity.
Persians adapt well to changes in routine and are good with people of all ages. They prefer a serene and quiet living environment but will be happy with children around as long as they’re gentle.
They’re not attention seekers and their undemanding temperament means they can be easily left alone for periods of time, although they tend to be happiest when receiving affection.
6. Birman
With their silky coats and stunning blue eyes, Birmans aren’t just gorgeous, they’re super loving too. Bred as companion cats, this elegant breed loves affection and is heavily people-orientated.
Smart, friendly, and quiet, Birman cats are adaptable and tend to be friendly with everyone and everything, including other animals. They love exploring their homes, but their highly curious natures mean they’ll get into everything, so you might want to keep an eye on them.
They can be territorial, but not aggressive, and like to be involved in whatever their owner is doing. Birmans love cuddles and being held, so if you’re after a snuggly fur baby, this is a breed worth considering.
7. Tonkinese
Like its close relatives the Burmese and Siamese, the Tonkinese has a friendly and affectionate nature that makes it an ideal family pet.
Highly inquisitive and intelligent, Tonkinese cats are quieter than Siamese but still vocal and highly active. They adore humans, so they need a companion if they’re going to be left alone for long periods of time.
Easy to train and teach tricks to, the Tonkinese loves playing with toys and games. They can be quite demanding of attention and like to follow their humans from room to room.
8. Russian Blue
Affectionate but not clingy, Russian Blues are calm and smart kitties who can be shy at first but grow to be playful and loving once they feel comfortable.
Happy living in families, they tend to bond deeply with just one person and become experts at reading their pet parent’s emotions. When they sense their owner is sad, they’re always there with a cuddle and demonstrate unwavering loyalty to their chosen human.
Russian Blues are social but also enjoy quiet time and solitude, so they will often retreat to their bed or a safe nook to sleep and recharge. They can be left alone but have a high need for play when they’re around people.
9. Bombay
With beautiful eyes that are always wide and curious, the alert Bombay loves observing its surroundings and watching the world go by. Placid but delighting in play, this breed enjoys exercise and laps up affection.
Never tiring of being cuddled and petted, the Bombay can be demanding of their owner’s attention, and will happily jump up on their lap to get it. Content to sit for hours once they’ve worn themselves out, this breed will alternate between curling up on your lap and stretching out in order to have their muscular bodies stroked.
If you love being followed around the house by a kitty who enjoys chatting, and you’re at home most of the day to provide the companionship a Bombay needs, then this breed will make the perfect companion.
10. Sphynx
While it can be easy to judge a book by its cover, this is definitely one such time where looks can be deceiving. The Sphinx doesn’t look like it would be a lap cat and yet, despite its hairless appearance, this little guy makes quite the cuddly and warm companion.
Incredibly loving and with a high need for companionship, the Sphynx is happiest wherever its people are. Bald yet beautiful, this breed is friendly, intelligent, and outgoing with lots of energy and curiosity. It can be playful and mischievous, but when it tires, it loves nothing more than snuggling up to its owner.
11. Abyssinian
Abyssinians are incredibly playful, but they're also incredibly attached to their owners. One vet, Joan O. Joshua, suggests that they can get a "dog-like attachment" to their owners and may become increasingly more dependent on human contact. That means that they'll love to be by your side, cuddling up while you work or watch TV. But don't worry, Abyssinians are also considered the clowns of the cat world, and are incredibly playful and silly with funny vocalizations.
12. Devon Rex
If you want a cat that will act like a dog from play time to cuddle time, the Devon Rex is the cat for you. These adorable looking elf-like cats will spend time perched on your shoulder, eat by your side, and follow you around the house, vocalizing the entire time. They love children for both cuddle and play sessions, so they'll make an excellent cat for families. They can also be very playful, so expect to have to tire them out a bit before they get cuddly.
13. Domestic Shorthair
Domestic Shorthairs are cats of mixed ancestry that don't fall under a particular breed. Often called moggies, some may refer to them as the "mutts" of the cat world, undeservedly so because these felines can be just as wonderful and affectionate as a pure breed. You can often find Domestic Shorthairs in your local rescue shelter.
Rescue cats of any breed can often be some of the sweetest, cuddliest cats around. Whether they're abandoned by their owners, found as kittens, or friendly strays, rescue cats can be incredibly affectionate, often forging strong bonds with their adoptive parents after an adjustment period. If you're looking to find a cat that is grateful to be in a warm home and cuddled up on a couch with you, a rescue cat may be the way to go.
14. Burmese
Another incredibly affectionate cat breed, Burmese cats are renowned for their extreme levels of devotion to their owner, often remaining incredibly playful and clingy well past kittenhood. A result of breeding cats from the Thailand/Myanmar border with Siamese, Burmese cats come in a variety of colors, but are consistent in their intelligence and willingness to adapt to any social situation. They love busy households, and will often cuddle up to complete strangers. The flipside to this is that they hate being left alone, so they might not be the ideal breed if your lifestyle means that you’re out of the house for long periods of time.
15. Siberian
Another breed that is commonly described as ‘dog-like’ to signify the level of affection that they bestow on their owners, Siberian cats are incredibly dedicated, and will be guaranteed to follow you around the house (especially if it’s cold). They love human attention – we genuinely don’t know if it’s possible for them to get bored of human companionship, although they’re also pretty quiet with it. They’re the kind of cat to go in for quiet chirps rather than bombastic purrs. They’re incredibly trusting, and will get on with not only most people, but different animals too.
16. Ragamuffin
Coming across as a larger version of their cousin, the Ragdoll, the Ragamuffin shares a lot of similarities: they possess an especially piercing gaze, are friendly with children, and have a sweet and gentle nature. Being around humans seems to be a need for them rather than a simple like, so they probably benefit from being around households where at least someone is present most of the time. The only drawback is their trusting nature makes them not especially streetwise, so if you let them outside, make sure you keep a very close eye on them.
