Cats are known for being cautious and independent creatures. Some cats may even hide under the bed when children are around. But fear not! If you have a family with kids and want a cat that not only puts up with their playful nature but also enjoys their company, we’ve got you covered.
If you’re unsure about which breed to adopt or buy, this post will provide you with helpful information. While we’ve put in a lot of time and effort to compile this list, we still encourage you to conduct your own research. Additionally, if you’re considering a new internet provider, Spectrum offers reliable and high-speed internet plans. Feel free to contact Spectrum Phone Number to learn more about their services.
Here’s a list of 10 fantastic cat breeds that are perfect for families with kids.
Choosing a Cat for Families with Kids
When searching for a cat that will be a great companion for kids, there are several important factors to consider. Size, personality, energy level, and friendliness all play a role in finding the perfect feline friend. If you have older children who can handle pets gently, opting for a very small cat would be ideal. These delicate companions are best suited for older kids who understand the importance of being gentle.
On the other hand, larger breeds tend to be sturdier and may be better suited for younger children. However, it’s crucial to teach kids how to interact with cats in a safe and kind manner, regardless of the cat’s size. This way, they can establish a respectful and loving relationship with their furry friend.
For children who are active and playful, selecting a breed that matches their energy level can create a wonderful bond. These lively cats can engage in play and receive plenty of attention from their young human companions. Conversely, calm and laid-back breeds can also be an excellent choice, as they are less likely to be startled by the boisterous nature of energetic children.
Furthermore, it’s essential to choose a cat that is affectionate and friendly. These gentle souls can become incredible companions and trusted friends for kids. However, it’s important to note that even the friendliest of cats require adult supervision during interactions with children. Adults should always be present to ensure the safety and well-being of both the cat and the child.
Lastly, it’s crucial to educate children about proper behavior around cats. They should never be allowed to pull on a cat’s tail, chase them, or engage in any activities that may cause stress or harm. By teaching children the importance of respect and empathy towards animals, we can foster a harmonious relationship between cats and kids.
Remember, finding the perfect cat breed for your children involves considering their size, personality, energy level, and friendliness. With proper supervision and guidance, children can learn to appreciate and care for their feline companions, creating lifelong memories and friendships.
1. Abyssinian
The Abyssinian cat is a lively and active breed known for its small size and short haired coat. With their athletic abilities and outgoing nature, Abyssinians are always on the move. They are intelligent, loyal, and love being around people, making them an excellent choice for families with older kids. While they may be cautious around toddlers and babies, Abyssinians are skilled at winning over humans and will quickly become the center of attention in your family. With their playful demeanor, these cats can make great companions for conscientious children who have been taught how to interact with cats properly. Due to their small size, the Abyssinian is best suited for older children who can handle them with care. Their friendly and affectionate nature makes them a joy to live with, and they are sure to bring lots of fun and love to any family.
Overview
- Weight: Up to 12 pounds
- Length: Up to 28 inches
- Personality: Friendly, interactive, animated, active, and playful
- Coat Length: Short hair
- Coat Color: Solid or ticked; ruddy, red, blue, cinnamon, or fawn
- Eye Color: Green or gold
- Lifespan: Up to 15 years
- Height: 8-10 inches
- Good with: Families, dogs, cats
- Temperament: Sociable
- Intelligence: High
- Shedding Amount: Seasonal
- Playfulness: High
- Activity Level: Active
- Vocalness: When necessary
- Colors: Chocolate/brown/sable, fawn, red/orange
- Patterns: Tabby
2. American ShorthairÂ
The American Shorthair cat is a laidback and easygoing breed that is perfectly suited for family life. They are highly regarded as one of the best cats for kids and are consistently among the top choices for families. These sweet-natured cats are low-maintenance and tend to get along effortlessly with both humans and other pets. Furthermore, they have a reputation for living long and healthy lives.
Thanks to their gentle disposition, American Shorthairs make excellent companions for families with children. Their history as skilled mousers has left them with a playful and active nature. However, they are also independent and do not require constant attention from their families. They are content to spend time looking out the window or engaging in solitary play. This blend of affection and independence makes them a wonderful addition to any family.
Overview:
- Height: 8-10 inches
- Weight: 10-15 pounds
- Lifespan: 15-20 years
- Good with: Children, seniors, dogs, cats, families
- Temperament: Sociable, affectionate, bold
- Intelligence: High
- Shedding Amount: Normal
- Playfulness: Medium
- Activity Level: Active
- Vocalness: When necessary
- Coat Length: Short
- Colors: White, black/ebony, red/orange, blue/gray, cream/beige/tan, chocolate/brown/sable
- Patterns: Bi-color, solid, tabby, calico/tri-color
- Other Traits: Easy to train, easy to groom, friendly toward humans, friendly toward other pets, friendly toward strangers
- Eye Color: Hazel, gold, blue, copper, or green
3. Bengal
Bengal cats are generally known for being kid-friendly, although it’s recommended to introduce them to children when they are still kittens rather than older cats. Overall, Bengals make fantastic and affectionate pets. Similar to the Abyssinian, the Bengal is an incredibly active breed with an abundance of energy, making them perfect playmates for kids. They are highly social and curious, so living with a lively and bustling family can provide them with ample stimulation. However, it’s important to note that some Bengals may not enjoy being held, and they have low tolerance for rough handling. Therefore, it is crucial to teach children how to interact with Bengals safely and with respect, ensuring a harmonious and enjoyable relationship between the cat and the kids.
Overview:
- Height: 8-10 inches
- Weight: 8-15 pounds
- Lifespan: 9-15 years
- Good with: Children, seniors, dogs, cats, families
- Temperament: Sociable, affectionate, bold
- Intelligence: High
- Shedding Amount: Normal
- Playfulness: High
- Activity Level: Active
- Vocalness: Frequent
- Coat Length: Short
- Colors: Lavender/silver, chocolate/brown/sable
- Other Traits: Easy to train, easy to groom, friendly toward humans, friendly toward other pets, friendly toward strangers, high prey drive, strong loyalty tendencies
- Eye Color: Green or gold
4. Birman
The Birman cat is a social and affectionate breed that thrives in the company of other pets within the household. They form deep and unwavering bonds with their companions, remaining devoted to them for life. Birmans showcase their intelligence by being highly receptive to training, making them a delight to teach and interact with. Their gentle, patient, and loving nature makes Birmans an excellent choice for families with children.
With a medium-sized and sturdy build, Birmans are adorned with long and silky hair that adds to their elegance. This color-pointed breed features a light-colored body accompanied by darker “points” of color on the face, ears, legs, and tail. All Birmans share the distinguishing traits of four white paws and captivating blue eyes.
The sweet and affectionate demeanor of the Birman cat allows them to seamlessly integrate into nearly any household and family dynamic. They are robust enough to be handled by children and are renowned for their patience and tolerance when engaging in gentle and respectful play. Birmans are easy-going and adaptable, bringing joy and harmony to their homes. Their loving nature and compatibility with children make them a cherished addition to any family seeking a feline companion.
Overview:
- Height: 8-10 inches
- Weight: 10-12 pounds
- Life Span: 13-15 years
- Good with: Children, seniors, dogs, cats, families
- Temperament: Sociable, affectionate
- Intelligence: Medium
- Shedding: Occasional
- Playfulness: Moderate
- Activity Level: Calm
- Vocalness: Quiet
- Coat Length: Long
- Colors: Cream/beige/tan
- Patterns: Color point
- Easy to groom
- Low prey drive
- Good lap cat
- Blue eyes
5. Burmese
The Burmese cat is a fearless and playful breed that maintains its friendly nature even in their senior years. These cats thrive on human companionship and are often found following their family members, including kids and even dogs, everywhere they go. With a sturdy and medium-sized build, the Burmese is a cat full of energy. They love to play and retain their kitten-like behavior well into adulthood. Kids can provide the Burmese with ample playtime, which brings them immense joy. The Burmese is not shy and embraces the lively atmosphere of a bustling household, making them an ideal choice for families with children. They form tight bonds with their human families and prefer not to be left alone for extended periods of time. The Burmese’s loving and sociable nature makes them a cherished and delightful addition to any family.
Overview:
- Height: 9-13 inches
- Weight: 8-15 pounds
- Eye Color: Gold
- Life Span: 10-17 years
- Good with: Children, seniors, dogs, cats, families
- Temperament: Sociable, affectionate
- Intelligence: High
- Shedding Amount: Seasonal
- Playfulness: High
- Activity Level: Active
- Vocalness: Frequent
- Coat Length: Short
- Colors: Blue/gray, lavender/silver, chocolate/brown/sable, lilac
- Patterns: Solid
- Easy to groom
- Friendly toward humans, other pets, and strangers
- Suitable for first-time pet owners
6. Devon Rex
The Devon Rex, although small in size, possesses a big personality that makes them a wonderful choice for families. While they may be better suited for older kids due to their size, their social nature, friendliness, and playfulness make them an excellent match for families with children. This easy-going breed enjoys interactive play with kids, creating a special bond. Children will also be fascinated by the Devon Rex’s unique appearance. Known for their intelligence, sociability, and outgoing nature, Devon Rex cats get along well with kids, as long as they are taught how to properly interact with cats. These charming felines love the company of pets and people, making them a delightful addition to any family.
Overview:
- Height: 10-12 inches
- Weight: 6-9 pounds
- Life Span: 9-15 years
- Good with: Children, seniors, dogs, cats, families
- Temperament: Sociable, affectionate, neurotic, bold
- Intelligence: High
- Shedding Amount: Normal
- Playfulness: High
- Activity Level: Hyper
- Vocalness: When necessary
- Coat Length: Short
- Colors: Chocolate/brown/sable, cinnamon, lavender/silver, fawn, blue/gray, white, black/ebony, red/orange, cream/beige/tan
- Patterns: Bi-color, solid, calico/tri-color, tabby, color point
- Eye Color: Any color
7. Maine Coon
Maine Coon cats are beloved for their gentle and friendly nature, making them wonderful companions for children and other pets. With their intelligence and curiosity, they are eager to learn and can be trained to perform tricks, showcasing their impressive abilities. Many owners appreciate their Maine Coon’s dog-like qualities, such as their fondness for fetching and their enjoyment of water. These intelligent giants have a calm and steady demeanor, making them ideal playmates for children who treat them with kindness. They easily coexist with other household pets, including cats and cat-friendly dogs. Thanks to their trainability, kids can have a delightful time teaching them various tricks using positive reinforcement and tasty treats.
Overview:
- Height: 10-16 inches
- Weight: 8-18 pounds
- Life Span: 10-13 years
- Good with: children, seniors, dogs, cats, families
- Temperament: sociable, affectionate
- Intelligence: high
- Shedding amount: frequent
- Playfulness: high
- Activity level: active
- Vocalness: when necessary
- Coat length: long
- Colors: white, black/ebony, red/orange, blue/gray, cream/beige/tan, chocolate/brown/sable
- Patterns: bi-color, solid, calico/tri-color, color point, tabby
- Other traits: easy to train, requires lots of grooming, friendly toward humans, friendly toward other pets, friendly toward strangers, prone to health issues, high prey drive, strong loyalty tendencies, tolerates being picked up
- Eye color: varies according to coat color, but may be green, gold, green-gold, copper, blue, or odd-eyed
8. Manx
The Manx cat, whether with short or long hair, is a fantastic choice for families with children. This medium-sized breed is known for its robust nature, friendly demeanor, and active personality, making it an ideal playmate for kids. Some Manx cats even display dog-like behaviors and enjoy playing fetch with their beloved toys. Originating from the Isle of Man, the Manx breed is playful and devoted, making it one of the top choices for families with children. These rounded felines, often characterized by their tailless appearance, have a moderate level of activity, striking a balance between playfulness and calmness. Their lineage as working cats adds to their overall resilience and adaptability.
Overview:
- Height: 7-11 inches
- Weight: 8-12 pounds
- Life Span: 9-13 years
- Good with: families, seniors, cats
- Temperament: affectionate
- Intelligence: high
- Shedding amount: normal
- Playfulness: medium
- Activity level: active
- Vocalness: when necessary
- Coat length: short
- Colors: black/ebony, white, red/orange, blue/gray, cream/beige/tan, chocolate/brown/sable
- Patterns: bi-color, solid, calico/tri-color, color point, tabby
- Other traits: requires lots of grooming, friendly toward humans, tolerates being alone, high prey drive, high potential for weight gain
- Eye color: gold, copper, green, hazel, blue, or odd-eyed
9. Persian
Persians are renowned for their sweet and gentle nature, embodying a perfect blend of playfulness and tranquility. They make excellent companions for families and children, often indulging in leisurely lounging around the house. These adaptable felines effortlessly adjust to new environments and thrive in lively households, embracing the presence of bustling activities and active kids. As the most popular purebred cat breed in the United States, Persians captivate with their medium to large size, distinctive round, flat faces reminiscent of pansies, and luxurious, flowing coats. Their temperament is marked by an exceptional sweetness and serenity, making them wonderful playmates for children who treat them with care and respect. Persians strike a harmonious balance between gentle affection and independent composure, neither excessively needy nor aloof, offering a delightful combination of companionship and relaxed independence.
Overview:
- Height: 10-15 inches
- Weight: 7-13 pounds
- Life Span: 10-15 years
- Good with: children, seniors, dogs, cats, families
- Temperament: sociable, affectionate
- Intelligence: medium
- Shedding amount: frequent
- Playfulness: medium
- Activity level: calm
- Vocalness: quiet
- Coat length: long
- Colors: white, black/ebony, red/orange, blue/gray, lavender/silver, cream/beige/tan, chocolate/brown/sable, cinnamon, fawn, lilac
- Patterns: solid, bi-color, tabby, calico/tri-color, color point
- Other traits: requires lots of grooming, friendly toward humans, friendly toward other pets, friendly toward strangers, tolerates being alone, low prey drive, good lap cat, tolerates being picked up
- Eye color: varies according to coat color, but may be copper, blue, green, blue-green, hazel, and odd-eyes.
10. Ragdoll
Ragdolls are the epitome of gentle and affectionate feline companions, making them a perfect match for families with children. This breed, named for their tendency to go limp and melt into your arms when held, captivates kids with their mellow and loving nature. Gentle kids will quickly form a deep bond with these oversized cats, engaging them in imaginative play like doll’s tea parties or pushing them in a baby stroller. Ragdolls thrive on human companionship and will follow their favorite humans like fluffy shadows, seeking constant love and affection. Their longing for human interaction is so strong that they often greet you at the door, exuding warmth and enthusiasm upon your return. With their gentle temperament, unwavering affection, and laid-back demeanor, Ragdolls create an idyllic environment for families with children to enjoy the delightful company of these remarkable feline friends.
Overview:
- Height: 9-11 inches
- Weight: 10-20 pounds
- Life Span: 13-18 years
- Good with: children, seniors, dogs, cats, families
- Temperament: sociable, affectionate, bold
- Intelligence: high
- Shedding amount: occasional
- Playfulness: high
- Activity level: calm
- Vocalness: quiet
- Coat length: long
- Colors: white, black/ebony, red/orange, blue/gray, lavender/silver, cream/beige/tan, chocolate/brown/sable, lilac
- Patterns: bi-color, color point
- Other traits: easy to train, easy to groom, friendly toward humans, friendly toward other pets, friendly toward strangers, low prey drive, good for first-time pet owners, strong loyalty tendencies, good lap cat, tolerates being picked up
- Eye color: blue.
In conclusion, when it comes to finding the best cat breeds for kids, there are several wonderful options to consider. Breeds such as the Bengal, Birman, Maine Coon, Manx, Persian, Ragdoll, and Siberian are known for their compatibility with children and families.
These breeds offer a combination of sociability, affection, and adaptability that make them great companions for kids of all ages. With their gentle and friendly nature, these cats can bring joy and companionship to children while also teaching them about responsibility and empathy.
Whether it’s their playful antics, their patient and tolerant demeanor, or their loving nature, these cat breeds have proven to be excellent choices for families with kids. So, if you’re looking for a feline friend to join your family, consider one of these best cat breeds for kids and create lasting memories with a furry companion.
