In short The best cat breeds for children are patient, friendly and unfazed by lively play. Topping the list are sociable cats that take children’s bustle in their stride.
How we rated
Scored on child-friendliness, patience and tolerance of play. A high score = the cat gets on reliably with children.
Rankings:For apartmentsFor kidsFor beginnersMost affectionateQuietestHypoallergenicНайактивнішіSmartestНайбільшіНайменшіДовгожителіНайздоровішіНайспокійнішіДружні до собак
1
RagdollAffection 5.0Energy 2.5Talkativeness 2.05.02
Chantilly-TiffanyAffection 5.0Energy 3.0Talkativeness 2.54.53
LaPermAffection 5.0Energy 3.5Talkativeness 2.04.54
CymricAffection 5.0Energy 3.5Talkativeness 2.54.55
Selkirk RexAffection 5.0Energy 3.5Talkativeness 2.54.56
SphynxAffection 5.0Energy 4.5Talkativeness 3.54.57
Neva Masquerade CatAffection 4.5Energy 3.5Talkativeness 2.04.58
Maine CoonAffection 4.5Energy 4.0Talkativeness 3.04.59
Siberian CatAffection 4.5Energy 4.0Talkativeness 2.54.510
Norwegian Forest CatAffection 4.0Energy 3.5Talkativeness 2.04.511
Pixie-bobAffection 4.5Energy 3.5Talkativeness 2.54.512
Kurilian Bobtail LonghairAffection 4.5Energy 4.0Talkativeness 2.54.513
American CurlAffection 4.5Energy 3.5Talkativeness 2.54.514
SnowshoeAffection 5.0Energy 4.0Talkativeness 3.54.515
Somali CatAffection 4.5Energy 4.5Talkativeness 2.54.516
Scottish Fold CatAffection 4.5Energy 2.5Talkativeness 2.04.517
Chartreux CatAffection 4.0Energy 3.0Talkativeness 1.54.518
Canaan CatAffection 4.0Energy 4.0Talkativeness 3.04.519
Thai CatAffection 5.0Energy 4.0Talkativeness 4.04.520
Exotic Shorthair CatAffection 4.5Energy 2.0Talkativeness 1.54.521
Tonkinese CatAffection 5.0Energy 4.5Talkativeness 4.04.522
Japanese BobtailAffection 4.5Energy 4.5Talkativeness 3.54.523
Singapura CatAffection 4.5Energy 4.0Talkativeness 2.54.524
OcicatAffection 4.5Energy 4.5Talkativeness 3.04.525
Siamese CatAffection 5.0Energy 4.5Talkativeness 5.04.526
MunchkinAffection 4.5Energy 4.0Talkativeness 2.54.527
Oriental ShorthairAffection 5.0Energy 4.5Talkativeness 5.04.528
Mekong BobtailAffection 4.5Energy 4.0Talkativeness 3.04.529
Cornish RexAffection 5.0Energy 5.0Talkativeness 3.04.530
Sacred BirmanAffection 4.5Energy 3.0Talkativeness 2.04.5FAQ
Which cat breeds are best for families with children?
Maine Coon, Ragdoll, British Shorthair, Birman — patient, gentle and sociable.
Are cats safe for small children?
Yes, with a proper introduction and supervision; the child should be taught not to disturb the cat while it eats or sleeps.
How do I get a cat used to a child?
Gradually, with positive associations (treats, play), and always leaving the cat an escape route.