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
Sphynx CatAffection 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
Somali CatAffection 4.5Energy 4.5Talkativeness 2.54.515
Scottish FoldAffection 4.5Energy 2.5Talkativeness 2.04.516
ChartreuxAffection 4.0Energy 3.0Talkativeness 1.54.517
Canaan CatAffection 4.0Energy 4.0Talkativeness 3.04.518
Thai CatAffection 5.0Energy 4.0Talkativeness 4.04.519
Exotic ShorthairAffection 4.5Energy 2.0Talkativeness 1.54.520
Tonkinese CatAffection 5.0Energy 4.5Talkativeness 4.04.521
Snowshoe CatAffection 5.0Energy 4.0Talkativeness 3.54.522
Singapura CatAffection 4.5Energy 4.0Talkativeness 2.54.523
Japanese BobtailAffection 4.5Energy 4.5Talkativeness 3.54.524
Siamese CatAffection 5.0Energy 4.5Talkativeness 5.04.525
MunchkinAffection 4.5Energy 4.0Talkativeness 2.54.526
Oriental ShorthairAffection 5.0Energy 4.5Talkativeness 5.04.527
Mekong BobtailAffection 4.5Energy 4.0Talkativeness 3.04.528
Cornish RexAffection 5.0Energy 5.0Talkativeness 3.04.529
Sacred BirmanAffection 4.5Energy 3.0Talkativeness 2.04.530
OcicatAffection 4.5Energy 4.5Talkativeness 3.04.5FAQ
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.