Ranking · 10 breeds
Best cat breeds for children and family
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.
1
Ragdoll
Affection 5.0
Energy 2.5
Talkativeness 2.0
5.0
2
Cornish Rex
Affection 5.0
Energy 5.0
Talkativeness 3.0
4.5
3
Oriental Shorthair
Affection 5.0
Energy 4.5
Talkativeness 5.0
4.5
4
Siamese Cat
Affection 5.0
Energy 4.5
Talkativeness 5.0
4.5
5
Tonkinese Cat
Affection 5.0
Energy 4.5
Talkativeness 4.0
4.5
6
Sphynx Cat
Affection 5.0
Energy 4.5
Talkativeness 3.5
4.5
7
Thai Cat
Affection 5.0
Energy 4.0
Talkativeness 4.0
4.5
8
Snowshoe Cat
Affection 5.0
Energy 4.0
Talkativeness 3.5
4.5
9
Cymric
Affection 5.0
Energy 3.5
Talkativeness 2.5
4.5
10
Selkirk Rex
Affection 5.0
Energy 3.5
Talkativeness 2.5
4.5
Ragdoll
Affection 5.0
Energy 2.5
Talkativeness 2.0
5.0
2
Cornish Rex
Affection 5.0
Energy 5.0
Talkativeness 3.0
4.5
3
Oriental Shorthair
Affection 5.0
Energy 4.5
Talkativeness 5.0
4.5
4
Siamese Cat
Affection 5.0
Energy 4.5
Talkativeness 5.0
4.5
5
Tonkinese Cat
Affection 5.0
Energy 4.5
Talkativeness 4.0
4.5
6
Sphynx Cat
Affection 5.0
Energy 4.5
Talkativeness 3.5
4.5
7
Thai Cat
Affection 5.0
Energy 4.0
Talkativeness 4.0
4.5
8
Snowshoe Cat
Affection 5.0
Energy 4.0
Talkativeness 3.5
4.5
9
Cymric
Affection 5.0
Energy 3.5
Talkativeness 2.5
4.5
10
Selkirk Rex
Affection 5.0
Energy 3.5
Talkativeness 2.5
4.5
How the ranking is built
order: Kids → Affection → Energy → Talkativeness → breed · list composition as on the site, order by this rule
FAQ
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.