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.
Rankings:For apartmentsFor kidsFor beginnersMost affectionateQuietestHypoallergenicНайактивнішіSmartestНайбільшіНайменшіДовгожителіНайздоровішіНайспокійнішіДружні до собак
1
RagdollIntelligence 3.5Affection 5.0Health 3.05.02
British ShorthairIntelligence 3.5Affection 3.5Health 3.55.03
American WirehairIntelligence 4.0Affection 4.5Health 4.55.04
LaPermIntelligence 4.0Affection 5.0Health 4.54.55
Selkirk RexIntelligence 3.5Affection 5.0Health 3.54.56
Scottish FoldIntelligence 3.5Affection 4.5Health 2.04.57
ChartreuxIntelligence 4.0Affection 4.0Health 3.54.58
Exotic ShorthairIntelligence 3.0Affection 4.5Health 2.54.59
Sacred BirmanIntelligence 3.5Affection 4.5Health 3.54.510
European ShorthairIntelligence 4.0Affection 4.0Health 4.54.511
German RexIntelligence 4.0Affection 5.0Health 4.54.512
Brazilian Shorthair CatIntelligence 4.0Affection 4.5Health 4.54.513
Australian MistIntelligence 4.0Affection 4.5Health 4.04.514
York Chocolate CatIntelligence 4.0Affection 5.0Health 4.04.515
Chantilly-TiffanyIntelligence 4.0Affection 5.0Health 4.04.016
CymricIntelligence 4.0Affection 5.0Health 3.04.017
Neva Masquerade CatIntelligence 4.5Affection 4.5Health 4.54.018
Maine CoonIntelligence 4.5Affection 4.5Health 3.04.019
Siberian CatIntelligence 4.5Affection 4.5Health 4.54.020
Norwegian Forest CatIntelligence 4.0Affection 4.0Health 3.54.021
Pixie-bobIntelligence 4.5Affection 4.5Health 4.04.022
Kurilian Bobtail LonghairIntelligence 4.5Affection 4.5Health 4.54.023
American CurlIntelligence 4.0Affection 4.5Health 4.04.024
Exotic Longhair CatIntelligence 3.0Affection 4.5Health 2.54.025
Persian CatIntelligence 3.0Affection 4.5Health 2.54.026
Canaan CatIntelligence 4.5Affection 4.0Health 4.04.027
Thai CatIntelligence 4.5Affection 5.0Health 3.54.028
Tonkinese CatIntelligence 4.5Affection 5.0Health 3.54.029
Snowshoe CatIntelligence 4.5Affection 5.0Health 3.54.030
Singapura CatIntelligence 4.5Affection 4.5Health 3.54.0FAQ
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.