45 Cat Breeds With the Friendliest Personalities

If you’re looking for a kitty who will be friendlier than the average cat, here are several friendly cat breeds that just might do the trick.

There’s a good reason cats have garnered a reputation for being a bit more standoffish than their canine counterparts.

For the most part, the animals are highly independent and tend to treat their human friends with a bit more distance than dogs, who can never seem to get enough of you.

But that doesn’t mean that kitties can’t be cuddly. Even the most independent cat may go through a generous mood, allowing a human to give them affection.

But some types of cats have naturally affectionate and friendly natures. If you’re the type of person who wants a bit more snuggles from a feline friend, here’s a list of some of the friendliest cat breeds on the planet.

Abyssinian

Abyssinians are intelligent, playful and easy to get along with. Getty Images

You’ll often see this breed listed as one of the most fun breeds of cat to own. They’re intelligent and playful.

Though they may not be the most interested in constantly cuddling with you, they will be open to playing with everyone in the house and be extremely easy going about sharing their space with little ones and other pets.

Persian

Persians are extremely committed to and interested in their family members, but not so much in others. Getty Images

These kittens are well known for being pretty quiet and sweet little buddies. They will love sitting in their throne (oh, their throne is your lap in case you didn’t get the memo) and spending time being adored as this regal breed has come to expect.

They will be extremely committed to and interested in their family members, though may not have much time or attention to be bothered by outsiders who enter the fold.

They do have long hair to go along with their elegant personalities, so be ready to deal with a healthy amount of shedding.

Exotic Shorthair

Exotic shorthairs are affectionate and pretty easy going about their living situation. Getty Images

Unlike their Persian counterparts, these cats — as their name implies, have shorter and more manageable manes.

They’re usually extremely affectionate and pretty easy going about their living situation.

Plus, their round faces and big round eyes combined with their ongoing desire for attention and affection will make your heart melt in no time.

Bombay

Bombays are friendly and like to insist on cuddles. Getty Images

Some people may believe that it’s bad luck to cross paths with a black cat, but those people have obviously never been lucky enough to encounter a Bombay cat.

If their beautiful dark coats don’t have you captivated at once, they’ll make sure to get your attention when they come over and demand cuddles by kneading your lap endlessly until they get them.

Once you give them, of course, they’ll respond with loud, happy cuddles that will leave you both feeling totally relaxed.

Maine Coon

Maine coons are gentle giants. Getty Images

If you’ve always dreamed of having a cat that not only had a big heart, but also had a big body to go along with it, your dreams may come true with the Maine coon.

These giant love bugs may seem intimidating at first since they’re larger than your average feline, but don’t let their size fool you into thinking they’re anything but gentle giants.

They get along with all sorts of other creatures including other cats, dogs, and humans alike. Keep them combed and petted and you’ll have the happiest — and possibly the largest — cat on the block.

Ragdoll

Ragdolls get along with all family members, even, especially, dogs. Getty Images

Sometimes called “puppy cats,” these lovable and playful kitties will have you convinced cats can be just like dogs.

They’ll do anything to get human hang time, from playing fetch to going for walks on leashes.

They get along really well with all human family members, but especially with their soulmate counterparts, dogs.

Sphynx

The distinctive looking Sphynx is friendly and happy to get attention. Getty Images

An encounter with these distinct-looking hairless cats will not be something you soon forget.

Not only because this breed is so unique in their features, but also because they’ll be so friendly and happy to get attention, they’ll definitely make an impression.

Though they appear hairless, they actually do have a little peach fuzz on their body. And this breed is more than happy to let you pet all that fuzz while they curl up on you.

Moggy

Like any “mutt,” you don’t always know what you’re going to get with a moggy. Getty Images

This originally British coined phrase for the cat version of “a mutt” basically means you’ll be getting a surprise kitty with a lot of love to give and a ton of smarts to go with it.

While some breeds can be a little inbred and may love to cuddle, these playful kitties are often really smart and can provide you and your family hours of entertainment.

Like any “mutt,” you don’t always know what you’re going to get, but that can easily mean you end up with the best of all the kitten breed worlds.

Scottish Fold

Scottish folds love interacting with humans. Getty Images

These folded eared kitties have distinctly smart and playful personalities.

They love interacting with their human friends and enjoy the stimulation that comes from all sorts of puzzles and games.

They enjoy human attention so much that it’s likely not the best cat to be left by itself for long periods of time.

Tonkinese

Tonkineses love attention and won’t leave you alone until they get it. Getty Images

A mix between the (soon to be mentioned) Burmese and Siamese breeds, this lovable feline buddy loves attention so much, it won’t leave you be until it gets its fix.

Its very friendly nature combined with its desire to will have you questioning why you ever believed that cats can be standoffish.

Burmese

Burmese love getting affection. Getty Images

These super solid and super soft cats are happiest when laying their muscular bodies across your lap and getting affection.

Long ago, the Burmese were bred from Siamese cats, and it retains some of the chattiness of that breed without much of the loudness.

These cats enjoy other animals in the house and will get along with anyone, but they have a particular affection for their own kind. As a bonus, it retains much of its kitty-like playfulness well into adulthood.

Siamese

Siamese become extremely bonded to their humans. Getty Images

This chatty breed is totally worth all the inevitable conversations you’ll have with it. They will let you know exactly how they feel in any given situation and what they want from you.

And, usually, what they want will simply be affection and attention. These very loving cats become extremely bonded to their humans, and have no problem showing the world that they are the best of friends.

If you’re looking for a cat that can double as a chatty brunch date, this is the breed for you.

Kurilian Bobtail

Kurilian bobtails have athletic bodies and impressive hunting skills. Getty Images

The tiny nub on this kitty’s tail makes more space for you in its heart. This breed is one of the few cat breeds that developed naturally, and is renowned for its athletic body and impressive hunting skills.

But just because it can go out and attack prey — or, maybe, just that pesky laser that keeps showing up — doesn’t mean that it doesn’t want to spend time with you. Its humans are its favorite play companions, though it also gets along with whatever other critters a family may have including children and dogs.

Russian Blue

The Russian blue is playful and affectionate when it feels comfortable. Getty Images

Though it can be a little shyer than its kitty counterparts, the Russian blue is extremely playful and affectionate once it’s comfortable in a situation.

They tend to bond to one or just a few people rather than anyone who walks in the door, but their special people will certainly feel special with the loads of love and attention this sweet cat will give them.

Somali

Somalis will ask for and happily receive all the attention and affection you’re willing to give. Getty Images

These cats are particularly gorgeous in coloring and coat. So if you’re hoping to have a cat companion who could double as an Instagram model, this could be a great choice for you.

But if you’re just that old-fashioned cat owner who wants a loving friend by your side, the curious and playful Somali could still be a great fit.

They’ll ask for and happily receive all the attention and affection you’re willing to give, and you’ll feel spoiled by having such a delightful cat in your life day in and day out.

Manx

Manx are very sociable and have a lot of energy. Getty Images

This cat, who also happens to be tailless like some of the others on this list, is very sociable, has a lot of energy, and absolutely loves to be the center of attention.

They can enjoy a good game of fetch and will happily spend hours playing and exploring the house with you.

Its round eyes and gentle personality will work its way into your heart in no time.

Ragamuffin

Ragamuffins are great for kids who want to spend time with a cat. Getty Images

Aside from its spectacularly cute name, this breed has plenty of reasons to love it. Related to the Ragdoll breed, who also love people, these lovable and cuddly critters won’t ever get enough of your pets and affection.

They’re happy to sit in your lap, learn new tricks, and play with you — maybe even some fetch. These are especially great for kids who want to spend time with the cat since they love all attention everywhere and have extremely chill natures that make it hard to even fathom them ever threatening or harming their human people.

If they’re getting love, they’re happy and may even let you hold them like a baby.

Chartreux

The chartreux has a big personality and a lot of demands. Getty Images

Don’t let its quiet nature fool you — the Chartreux has a big personality and a lot of demands.

Despite the fact that it rarely if ever uses its voice to get its point across, it will make it very clear very quickly that it wants to play, hang out with its human, and generally get as many cuddles as possible.

Japanese Bobtail

Japanese bobtails are happy in a family setting. Getty Images

It’s easy to see why these cats are considered good luck in Japan. Just hanging out with them is really good fortune for someone hoping to have a happy cat interaction.

It is perfectly happy in a family setting since all it wants is simply to be included in the activity and to get plenty of affection along the way.

Munchkin

Munchkins love to cuddle with anyone who will give them attention. Getty Images

These aptly named kitties are smaller than their counterparts, but that won’t stop them from cuddling with anyone who will give them attention.

It doesn’t matter to these little guys if the petter is their person or if its a complete stranger, they’re just happy getting love.

Their happiest day involves exploring everywhere they can find in your home, having a bit of yummy catnip, then cuddling into your lap for hours.

Cornish Rex

Cornish rexs can be trained to be great therapy cats. Getty Images

This confident cat lives up to its regal name as it makes an entrance at every social event its welcome at.

Well known for not only its friendly nature and intellect, it also has a great sense of humor to go along with the rest of this fun package.

It is always happy to be held, handled, or even give a kiss. As a result, this breed can be trained to be great therapy cats.

American Curls

American curls are known for their warm personality. Getty Images

This distinct cat has curled ears and a warm personality. They get along really well with their special humans, but are pretty open to anyone willing to give them attention.

It generally enjoys greeting all two-legged visitors to her home and is always happy to play and interact.

Bengal

The Bengal is happiest interacting with a human companion. Getty Images

Like their larger counterparts, this gorgeous kitty has incredibly distinct coloring. But unlike their larger counterpart, they make affectionate and welcome new family members.

They want attention and they want it all the time. Make sure you’re not someone who spends all their time out on a safari looking for larger Bengal tigers, because this kitty is happiest interacting with a human companion.

Singapura

The singapura is happy to play, explore and hang out. Getty Images

This smaller sized cat is absolutely stunning to look at. It’s hard not to immediately fall in love with this happy kitty who simply wants to play, explore and hang out with any other available critter.

If you human happen to not be available, it’s more than happy with another animal around to keep it company and maybe even cause mischief with.

Siberian

Siberians are known to be playful and even dog-like in demanding your affection. Getty Images

This ancient Russian breed is believed to be more than 1,000 years old. And though it could definitely get the title of “classic cat” thanks to its age, it certainly doesn’t have classic cat-like attributes.

It’s known to be particularly playful and even dog-like in demanding your affection and wanting to interact with humans. In fact, they’re happy to interact with anyone around whether it be a miniature human (aka a kid), a dog, or many other animals.

As a bonus on top of all this delightfulness, it also makes more of a chirping rather than meowing sound, so you can get that extra little bit of charm to go with this super fun personality.

Ocicat

This exotic-looking Ocicat is also very friendly. Getty Images

This stunning spotted cat will bring not only a touch of exotic and wild-looking beauty to your home, but it’ll also bring a lot of cuddles along with that. A mix of some of the friendliest breeds (Siamese, Abyssinian and American Shorthair), this cat’s loving personality is no big surprise.

It’ll even happily let you hold it since that means it gets to stay by your side. In fact, they love companionship so much that they are happiest when they have a buddy (like another cat or a dog) to hang out with when you’re not around.

Devon Rex

The Devon Rex cat breed has a friendly, dog-like personality. Getty Images

The loyalty these cats will show you mixed with the interest they’ll show in your everyday activities have earned these cats a reputation for having dog-like personalities.

Whatever you’re doing, they want to be right by your side doing it, too — or at least cuddling next to you while you work. They especially love hanging out and playing with children.

Colorpoint Shorthair

The Colorpoint Shorthair’s doe eyes give it an almost cartoony look. Getty Images

This gorgeous slender cat has stunning features and an almost cartoony face. And behind those doe eyes is a personality that just wants to be by your side.

They’re man-made cousins of the Siamese and have some of the same friendly (and chatty) personality traits. So if these beauties want to play (and they often want to play), you better believe you’ll be hearing about it.

Oriental Shorthair

Oriental Shorthair cats are loyal, just like their Siamese cousins. Getty Images

Another cousin to the Siamese, this cat shares most of the same personality traits. You aren’t technically getting a Siamese since they have a distinctly darker and often patterned coat thanks to cross-breeding with other cats, but you’ll be getting the same loyal companionship and talkative personality.

Turkish Angora

Turkish Angoras love to, well, play. Getty Images

Their elegant long hair and fluffy white exteriors cover a surprisingly athletic and intelligent cat. As kittens, they love to play. And as they grow older, well, they continue to love to play. Oh, and they’re pretty stubborn at times, so if they decide it’s time to play, it’s easiest to just accept that it’s time to play.

They love to have another friend around in case you’re not available to play, so they’re well-suited for homes with families and other pets.

Norwegian Forest

Norwegian Forest cats were once sidekicks to the Vikings. Getty Images

These big beautiful babies come with a bigger frame, higher energy and a whole lot of love to give. Though they’re relatively new to the United States, they’ve been hanging out in Norway for a long time and providing excellent companionship for years. They were even said to hang out with Vikings as they went on adventures, making sure their ships were free of rats.

They’re not completely open to new visitors at first, but they show love and loyalty to their family members and particularly enjoy hanging out with them.

Havana Brown

Havana Browns like to put their intelligence to the test with puzzles or games. Getty Images

A very rare breed that’s similar to its Oriental Shorthair cousin, this gorgeous cat may be hard to find but well worth the search. They love to follow their family members around wherever they go and are open and affectionate to meeting new people. Their above-average intelligence means they especially love to be stimulated with either toys or puzzles.

Javanese

The Javanese cat is extremely social. AHHa YTEXNHa / Wikimedia Commons

This unique-looking cat is a mix of Siamese, Colorpoint and Balinese — all rolled into one happy-go-lucky and particularly pretty package. They’re often considered long-haired Siamese cats since their personalities are pretty similar, but they’re arguably not as chatty.

They still love hanging with people, playing as much as possible and letting their humans know all their strongly held opinions. They can hang by themselves, but they thrive in social settings, so make sure you have the time and energy to devote to giving them the attention they’ll demand.

Egyptian Mau

The Egyptian Mau is devoted to its owner. Getty Images

If you can find one of these exquisite-looking cats, you’ll be in for a treat. They’re extremely smart and fall totally in love with their owners. They’re particularly great for single people since they tend to automatically choose a special someone to give all their love and attention to, but they can happily tolerate a family.

Just don’t be surprised if they’re not all that interested in non-family members. They have charming personalities, especially if you’re the lucky recipient of their love and devotion.

Turkish Van

The Turkish Van breed was one of the first to be domesticated. Getty Images

One of the oldest-known domesticated cats, this breed knows how to make an impression. From its beautiful coat to its genuine love for playing in the water, it’s bound to make you fall in love.

Plus, these cats can be relatively easily trained to walk on leashes and will even happily play fetch with you. Though they aren’t always interested in cuddling, they are always happy hanging out and playing with their owners.

Cheetoh

Cheetoh cats reward affection with sweet purrs and cuddles. Getty Images

This breed’s name may remind of you of the Chester Cheetah cat, but it’s arguably way cooler. It may have been bred to look like a wild, exotic animal, but this cat is highly social, friendly and happy to hang at home.

They tend to be gentle and need a little more mellow care than other breeds. That doesn’t mean they can’t hang with kids. In fact, the highly intelligent and social breed loves children. And if they’re given some sweet, smooth affection, they’ll reward with lots of reciprocal lap cuddles and lots of happy purrs.

Korat

Korats are considered good luck in Thailand. Getty Images

You’d be lucky to have a Korat — because it’s literally considered good luck to have one in its home country of Thailand.

Like many other breeds on the list, these cats are related to the affable Siamese and share many of the friendly, intelligent personality traits. They’ll follow you around the house and will relish in any and all attention you give.

California Spangled

California Spangled cats bring a sense of wild to domestic life. Getty Images

Like the Wild Wild West of the state they’re named after, these cats have a reputation for being pretty wild.

But don’t let their exotic looks fool you — they’re highly domesticated companions who prefer to hang around humans than wander in the wild. They’re great with children and very friendly to pretty much everyone.

Pixiebob

The Pixebob breed likes to follow its owner. Getty Images

This breed seems to combine so many delightful things about many friendly cats. It can be trained to walk on a leash and play fetch, and it loves to chat with you about its day.

Its distinctive fur makes it almost look as if it has sideburns, which you can giggle at every time it follows you wherever you go.

Himalayan

Himalayans are full of energy and love. Getty Images

This gorgeous and intriguing-looking cat lives life on a whim. One minute it will be chilling and scratching a post, and the next it needs to chase something before immediately plopping down for a nap in the sunlight.

In between its crazy and high-energy decisions, you’ll get a cuddle monster who always wants to be by your side and is happiest stretched out next to you getting pets.

York Chocolate

Shy but playful, the York Chocolate cat makes an ideal companion. Pixabay

Though at times they can be shy — especially to new people — don’t let that fool you. This beautiful breed loves to greet and hang out with humans. They are intelligent and playful.

Plus, they’re pretty easy-going. So, if you want a cat that will act like a little calm presence in your life while giving you tons of love, this breed is a great choice.

LaPerm

LaPerms not only have delightful curls, but also delightful senses of humor. Bebopscrx / Wikimedia Commons

This unmistakable cat looks like it always just stepped out of the salon with its loose, beautiful curls. But while the curls are interesting, they’re nothing compared to the delightful sense of humor and impressive intelligence that come along with this breed.

Though these cats aren’t always the most interested in cuddling with you, they will do it on their terms when they feel like it. And they will always give their family a lot of love and devotion.

Nebelung

Nebelungs like to get creative with puzzles. Getty Images

The long-haired version of the friendly Russian Blue breed, these cats have a lot of the same charming personality traits that their more famous counterparts do. Like others, they can be shy at first, but once they warm up, they’re all about playing, puzzles and giving their people affection.

They love affection so much, in fact, that they can actually get anxious if they don’t feel like they’re getting enough of it. So, be sure to have the time and energy to dedicate to your kitty feeling satisfied before you add this long-haired beauty into your family fold.

Sokoke

Sokokes will happily greet you at the door when you come home. Getty Images

Like others on this list, this breed has a lot of personality traits that resemble their canine companions. They may learn to go for walks, learn tricks and play fetch. Even more like dogs, though, this breed will typically happily greet you at the door when you come home.

They’re a big fan of big families, including those that have dogs and children around (especially since they’re not fans of being left alone). They’re also considered highly intuitive and will stay by your side giving sweet purrs and chirps if they sense you’re anxious and need some affection.

Toyger

Toygers look like, you guessed it, miniature tigers. Getty Images

Get a Toyger for the looks, keep it for the personality. Like its name implies, these cats were bred to look like miniature tigers.

But unlike their larger feline namesakes, they’re totally domesticated and safe to have around the house. They’re sociable, outgoing and sweet. They make awesome kitty companions and, as a bonus, are absolutely beautiful to show off to other animal lovers.