In short Novices do best with easy-going, even-tempered and healthy cat breeds that forgive care mistakes. Topping the list are low-maintenance, friendly cats.
How we rated
Scored on being low-maintenance, even-tempered and easy to care for. A high score = the breed suits a first cat.
1
American Wirehair
Intelligence 4.0
Affection 4.5
Health 4.5
5.0
2
Ragdoll
Intelligence 3.5
Affection 5.0
Health 3.0
5.0
3
British Shorthair
Intelligence 3.5
Affection 3.5
Health 3.5
5.0
4
German Rex
Intelligence 4.0
Affection 5.0
Health 4.5
4.5
5
LaPerm
Intelligence 4.0
Affection 5.0
Health 4.5
4.5
6
York Chocolate Cat
Intelligence 4.0
Affection 5.0
Health 4.0
4.5
7
Brazilian Shorthair Cat
Intelligence 4.0
Affection 4.5
Health 4.5
4.5
8
Australian Mist
Intelligence 4.0
Affection 4.5
Health 4.0
4.5
9
European Shorthair Cat
Intelligence 4.0
Affection 4.0
Health 4.5
4.5
10
Chartreux Cat
Intelligence 4.0
Affection 4.0
Health 3.5
4.5
American Wirehair
Intelligence 4.0
Affection 4.5
Health 4.5
5.0
2
Ragdoll
Intelligence 3.5
Affection 5.0
Health 3.0
5.0
3
British Shorthair
Intelligence 3.5
Affection 3.5
Health 3.5
5.0
4
German Rex
Intelligence 4.0
Affection 5.0
Health 4.5
4.5
5
LaPerm
Intelligence 4.0
Affection 5.0
Health 4.5
4.5
6
York Chocolate Cat
Intelligence 4.0
Affection 5.0
Health 4.0
4.5
7
Brazilian Shorthair Cat
Intelligence 4.0
Affection 4.5
Health 4.5
4.5
8
Australian Mist
Intelligence 4.0
Affection 4.5
Health 4.0
4.5
9
European Shorthair Cat
Intelligence 4.0
Affection 4.0
Health 4.5
4.5
10
Chartreux Cat
Intelligence 4.0
Affection 4.0
Health 3.5
4.5
How the ranking is built
order: Beginners → Intelligence → Affection → Health → breed · list composition as on the site, order by this rule
FAQ
Which cat is best for a first-time owner?
British Shorthair, Scottish Fold, European Shorthair — easy to care for, calm and robust.
Which breeds should a novice avoid?
Very active, demanding ones (Bengal, Sphynx, Oriental) — they need more attention and experience.
Is caring for a cat hard for a novice?
Basic care is simple: feeding, litter box, brushing; the key is consistency and attention.