Most affectionate cat breeds

In short The most affectionate cat breeds bond with their person and love to be close — on your lap, in bed, following you around the house. Ideal for anyone who wants a gentle companion.
How we rated

Scored on attachment to people, affection and the need for closeness. A high score = the cat is maximally gentle and devoted.

Rankings:For apartmentsFor kidsFor beginnersMost affectionateQuietestHypoallergenicНайактивнішіSmartestНайбільшіНайменшіДовгожителіНайздоровішіНайспокійнішіДружні до собак
1Chantilly-TiffanyChantilly-TiffanyNeed for attention 4.5Kids 4.5Talkativeness 2.55.02LaPermLaPermNeed for attention 4.0Kids 4.5Talkativeness 2.05.03CymricCymricNeed for attention 4.5Kids 4.5Talkativeness 2.55.04Selkirk RexSelkirk RexNeed for attention 4.0Kids 4.5Talkativeness 2.55.05SphynxSphynxNeed for attention 5.0Kids 4.5Talkativeness 3.55.06Seychellois CatSeychellois CatNeed for attention 5.0Kids 4.0Talkativeness 4.05.07Balinese CatBalinese CatNeed for attention 5.0Kids 4.0Talkativeness 4.55.08RagdollRagdollNeed for attention 4.0Kids 5.0Talkativeness 2.05.09SnowshoeSnowshoeNeed for attention 4.5Kids 4.5Talkativeness 3.55.010Thai CatThai CatNeed for attention 4.5Kids 4.5Talkativeness 4.05.011Tonkinese CatTonkinese CatNeed for attention 4.5Kids 4.5Talkativeness 4.05.012Siamese CatSiamese CatNeed for attention 5.0Kids 4.5Talkativeness 5.05.013Oriental ShorthairOriental ShorthairNeed for attention 5.0Kids 4.5Talkativeness 5.05.014Cornish RexCornish RexNeed for attention 4.5Kids 4.5Talkativeness 3.05.015Devon RexDevon RexNeed for attention 5.0Kids 4.5Talkativeness 3.05.016German RexGerman RexNeed for attention 4.0Kids 4.5Talkativeness 2.55.017Burmese CatBurmese CatNeed for attention 4.5Kids 4.5Talkativeness 3.55.018Don SphynxDon SphynxNeed for attention 5.0Kids 4.5Talkativeness 3.05.019Bombay СatBombay СatNeed for attention 4.5Kids 4.5Talkativeness 3.05.020York Chocolate CatYork Chocolate CatNeed for attention 4.0Kids 4.5Talkativeness 2.55.021NebelungNebelungNeed for attention 4.0Kids 3.5Talkativeness 2.04.522Neva Masquerade CatNeva Masquerade CatNeed for attention 3.5Kids 4.5Talkativeness 2.04.523Maine CoonMaine CoonNeed for attention 3.5Kids 4.5Talkativeness 3.04.524Siberian CatSiberian CatNeed for attention 3.5Kids 4.5Talkativeness 2.54.525Turkish AngoraTurkish AngoraNeed for attention 4.0Kids 4.0Talkativeness 3.04.526Pixie-bobPixie-bobNeed for attention 3.5Kids 4.5Talkativeness 2.54.527Kurilian Bobtail LonghairKurilian Bobtail LonghairNeed for attention 3.5Kids 4.5Talkativeness 2.54.528American CurlAmerican CurlNeed for attention 3.5Kids 4.5Talkativeness 2.54.529Persian CatPersian CatNeed for attention 3.0Kids 4.0Talkativeness 1.54.530Exotic Longhair CatExotic Longhair CatNeed for attention 3.5Kids 4.0Talkativeness 1.54.5
FAQ
Which cat breeds are the most affectionate?
Ragdoll, Birman, Sphynx, Maine Coon — they bond strongly with their person and seek contact.
Do all affectionate cats cope poorly alone?
Many sociable breeds dislike being alone for long; they need company or a second animal.
Does affection depend only on the breed?
No — early socialization, upbringing and the cat’s individual character all play a big part.
Т
The tvaryny.com editors — canine experts and vets
Ranking based on structured breed ratings. Updated regularly.