Looking for something new in your life, something that will make you happy, wake you up in the morning and get into a little mischief now and then? Then a kitten is exactly the pet you need. Below, read about the 11 best cat breeds for kids and families.
- Why not a dog? Because dogs need special care and daily walks, and you won’t always have time for that.
- Why not fish? You can only watch them; you can’t pet them, cuddle up with them or enjoy watching them play.
- Why not a hamster or gerbil? They don’t live long, and they can squeeze into tight spots and chew through all sorts of electrical cords.
Cats, on the other hand, live a long time, can be litter trained and taught where to eat and sleep, are said to have a calming, even healing effect on people, and keep you entertained with their antics.
If you’ve weighed all the pros and cons and decided to get a kitten, all that’s left is to choose a breed and a name (read how to name a white kitten or an orange kitten).
How do you choose the best cat breed for a child?
There’s no single answer, since many factors can influence your choice: personality, coat and looks. But if you look at what makes each breed special, choosing becomes much easier. Weigh the strengths and a few weaknesses of each breed from the photos and descriptions, and figure out which one suits your family.
The Best Cat Breeds for Kids
1. Mixed-breed cats. Mixed-breed cats can have completely unpredictable kittens, with personalities inherited from all kinds of pedigreed and non-pedigreed ancestors. They come in all colors, with short or long legs, fluffy or not so fluffy; every one is different. What mixed-breed kittens have in common, though, is that they’re very friendly, rarely aggressive and don’t hold grudges. Your local shelter is full of them.
2. Turkish Angora. These cats are cheerful and love to play. They also won’t pester you with meowing, since they aren’t very chatty. They adapt well to new surroundings and easily get along with children and other pets. Their coat is long and soft, almost like down, so you’ll have to clean the rugs and furniture now and then.
Read also: the most affectionate cat breeds in the world.
3. American Curl. These cats stand out for their unusual ears. Their colors vary, but the ears always have that one-of-a-kind curl. Their silky coat is medium-fluffy. These cats are very gentle and good-natured. They’re rarely aggressive and don’t hold grudges.
Read also: cat breeds with bent ears.
4. British Shorthair: the best cat breed for kids. Children adore these plush cats, which they can cuddle without worrying about their fingers. These cats are calm and self-assured, and their patient, kind nature makes them a bit lazy (they’re not very active). They can make friends with a dog or another pet. Their coat doesn’t need special care. They can be prone to some health problems, so keep an eye on their health and take them for regular vet checkups.
Read also: the most aggressive cat breeds.
5. Abyssinian. These cats are as energetic as little kids. They’re very curious and poke their noses into everything. We don’t recommend this kitten for families with very young children, since it likes to be treated with respect and may scratch. The coat is short and needs no special care.
6. Burmese: a great feline “nanny.”
These cats are unusually patient and not aggressive at all. They’re very active and curious, but not overly so, so you don’t need to worry. They meow only when they have something to say. Their coat is short and needs no special care.
Read also: the most beautiful cats, a list of breeds.
7. Bengal: fun-loving and mischievous. A Bengal can “rearrange” a room in minutes, so don’t leave it unsupervised wherever there’s a lot to explore. Bengals make great friends, but they aren’t toys; they can use their claws if handled roughly.
8. Scottish Fold (and Scottish Straight). Scottish cats are very friendly. They’re quiet and don’t bite or scratch, but they don’t like being held for long and can be frightened by loud noises (rowdy games). Read how to name a Scottish Fold.
9. Persian. Persians are simply adorable. They look like toys, with their sweet little faces and soft, fluffy fur that makes them as cuddly as teddy bears. They get along well with children: they won’t hurt them and aren’t afraid to play with them. Their coat needs daily brushing and special care.
Read also: the fluffiest cat breeds.
10. Ragdoll. These cats are called “ragdolls” because they go limp and let you do almost anything with them. They don’t scratch or bite, and they follow their owner around like a little shadow. It’s a calm breed and one of the very best cats for kids.
11. Oriental. These are elegant cats with unusual faces and body shapes. With their big ears, slim bodies, long legs and long noses, they’re so graceful they remind some people of small dogs. They’re easygoing, affectionate, social and active. Like dogs, they can fetch you a ball or a toy mouse. They’re sensitive to cold, though, so keep an eye on the temperature in your home.
There are other breeds you might like as well. Weigh all the arguments for each one and choose the best cat to bring joy to your family! Whichever breed you pick, teach your kids to handle the kitten gently and always supervise young children with a new pet.
