Cuddly And Loving, These Affectionate Cat Breeds Are The Purr-fect Pet

Contrary to popular belief, there are affectionate cat breeds for people looking for a friendly lap cat who wants to snuggle! For example, ragdoll cats can't get enough petting, and Scottish folds are sociable, loving, and want nothing more than to be around their person.

Keep reading because there are even more affectionate cat breeds to learn about!

American Shorthairs Enjoy Their Humans Company

680px-14_years_old_american_shorthair
Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons

The American shorthair is a family-friendly cat that loves attention and is very relaxed. According to Teresa Keiger, a judge with the Cat Fanciers' Association, "The American Shorthair is another breed that's easy to live with and good in an active household."

"Nothing much bothers them, and they enjoy hanging out with their humans."

ADVERTISEMENT

Birmans Bond Closely With Their Owner

ADVERTISEMENT
The Governing Council Of The Cat Fancy Show 2021
Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images
Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Also known as the "Sacred Cat of Burma," Birman cats are not only beautiful with their white and gray coat and blue eyes, but they are wonderful companions.

ADVERTISEMENT

This breed tends to bond very closely with its owner, enjoying curling up on their lap to receive all of the love in the world.

ADVERTISEMENT

American Bobtail Are Easy-Going

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
800px-American_bobtail_2
torbakhopper/Wikimedia Commons
torbakhopper/Wikimedia Commons
ADVERTISEMENT

A medium-sized cat, the American bobtail is a pretty rare breed, but those families who have one are lucky. This breed is very easy-going and loving. They have no issue showering their humans with affection, especially if it means curling up together and getting petted.

ADVERTISEMENT

This breed also loves to play with toys and doesn't mind being leash trained.

ADVERTISEMENT

Kurilian Bobtails Make Excellent Companions

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Out hunting in the garden
Cats/Pinterest
Cats/Pinterest
ADVERTISEMENT

A Kurilian Bobtail might look like a miniature wild animal with its short fluffy tail, but it is nothing more than a loving kitty.

ADVERTISEMENT

A gentle, smart, and loving breed, the Kurilian Bobtail loves playing with water and hanging out with their human, as they make one of the best companions.

ADVERTISEMENT

Abyssinians Are Known As Clowns Of The Cat World

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Cat show in Moscow
Artyom GeodakyanTASS via Getty Images
Artyom GeodakyanTASS via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Extremely loving and attached to their humans, the Abyssinian breed tends to become a "shadow cat" once they bond to their owners.

ADVERTISEMENT

When they're not paying and being the "clowns of the cat world," they'll be by their human side or on their lap, excelling in what they do best -- getting love, attention, and affection from their owners.

ADVERTISEMENT

Scottish Folds Are Social Cats

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Cat show in Moscow
Artyom GeodakyanTASS via Getty Images
Artyom GeodakyanTASS via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Known for their lop-eared owl-like appearance, Scottish folds are one of the more affectionate breeds out there. Very social beings, Scottish folds want nothing more than to be around their people, sleeping on their back and getting tummy rubs.

ADVERTISEMENT

While they are very social, this particular breed does have a stubborn streak!

ADVERTISEMENT

Siamese Cats Are Playful

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Two Siamese Kittens
Found Image Holdings/Corbis via Getty Images
Found Image Holdings/Corbis via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

While Siamese cats originate from Thailand, they have become one of the most popular breeds in both North America and Europe. And, it is not hard to see why.

ADVERTISEMENT

A very distinct breed with its triangular head and blue eyes, Siamese cats are extremely playful, social, and not afraid to use their voice to get what they want!

ADVERTISEMENT

Persians Are Excellent Lap Cats

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
A Persian cat seen displayed at the International Cat Show...
Hugo Amaral/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Hugo Amaral/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

For anyone looking for a lazy housecat, look no further than a Persian. This breed is extremely loving and will be happy to do nothing all day but curl up in their person's lap and fall straight asleep.

ADVERTISEMENT

Known for their quiet and gentle personalities, Persians are one of the most affectionate breeds that would make a great addition to any household.

ADVERTISEMENT

European Burmese Are Lovers And Snugglers

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
burmese-cat-breed-profile-4584510-hero-b7e3ecbe46ce4dc18a15351f8224b331
Silkbear European Burmese/Facebook
Silkbear European Burmese/Facebook
ADVERTISEMENT

The European Burmese might be a bit longer than its American counterpart, but it is still just as loving and playful.

ADVERTISEMENT

In fact, according to Teresa Keiger, a judge with the Cat Fanciers' Association, European Burmese "are lovers and snugglers who want nothing more than to be your adoring companions."

ADVERTISEMENT

Bombay Cats Love Affection

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Catsburg 2017 international cat show in Moscow
Dmitry SerebryakovTASS via Getty Images
Dmitry SerebryakovTASS via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

With their wide and curious eyes, Bombay cats are a fun and loving companion to have around the house. They love nothing more than to play all day and then curl up in their owner's lap to be loved and pet.

ADVERTISEMENT

They also have zero issues jumping onto their human's lap to get attention!

ADVERTISEMENT

Exotic Shorthairs Quietly Ask For Attention

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Catsburg 2017 international cat show in Moscow
Dmitry SerebryakovTASS via Getty Images
Dmitry SerebryakovTASS via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Affectionate, quiet, and incredibly sweet, the Exotic Shorthair is the perfect breed for anyone who wants a loyal companion. They love to spend time with their humans, whether it's sitting on the couch watching TV or standing in the kitchen overseeing dinner.

ADVERTISEMENT

The best part is this breed does not beg; they quietly ask for attention in an easy-going manner.

ADVERTISEMENT

Russian Blues Are Shy At First But Become Loving

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GERMANY-ANIMAL-FAIR-HUND-KATZ
BERND THISSEN/DPA/AFP via Getty Images
BERND THISSEN/DPA/AFP via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

When Russian Blues are first introduced to a new household, they can be a bit shy. But once they open up and become comfortable with their surroundings, this breed is playful and loving.

ADVERTISEMENT

This breed tends to bond to one person in their life and becomes an expert in readying their emotions.

ADVERTISEMENT

Maine Coons Are Big But Friendly

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-1125849658
Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Maine Coons are the largest domestic breed, able to reach 48 inches in length and a whopping 18 pounds! But the sheer size of this breed shouldn't deter people from adopting one, as they are also one of the friendliest.

ADVERTISEMENT

Known as "the gentle giant," Maine Coons are friendly and playful. They're even known to play fetch and walk with a leash!

ADVERTISEMENT

Tonkinese Are High Energy

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
800px-Tonkinese_Cat_ Leo
Esteban Maurer/Wikimedia Commons
Esteban Maurer/Wikimedia Commons
ADVERTISEMENT

As a crossbreed between two very loving breeds, Siamese and Burmese, it is no wonder Tonkineses are one of the most affectionate cat breeds out there.

ADVERTISEMENT

Very dog-like in nature, the Tonkinese is a lively and playful breed with high energy and a very outgoing, social personality. Their intelligence is just the cheery on top of this lovable cake.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ragdolls Love Being Pet

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
World Cat Day Celebrated In Poland
Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Ragdolls are pretty adapt named, as they tend to roll into a person's hand to receive a scratch behind the ears, a belly rub, or a good old-fashion pet on the head -- their favorite things in the world.

ADVERTISEMENT

A large domestic breed, ragdolls, are extremely affectionate and love other animals and kids, making them great family pets.

ADVERTISEMENT

Domestic Shorthair Are Some Of The Sweetest Around

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Cats In Greece
Wassilios Aswestopoulos/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Wassilios Aswestopoulos/NurPhoto via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Domestic Shorthair cats or "mutts" don't fall into any breed-specific category. They tend to be mixed and found in shelters. But that shouldn't deter people from thinking about Domestic Shorthairs for the family.

ADVERTISEMENT

They are some of the sweetest and most affectionate cats around, forming strong bonds with the family that rescues them.

ADVERTISEMENT

Singapura Cat Desires Human Interaction

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
The Feline World Gathers For The Supreme Cat Show 2017
Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage
Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage
ADVERTISEMENT

Known for its large eyes and ears, the Singapura cat isn't just cute but very affectionate. Above all else, they desire human interaction. According to The Cat Fanciers' Association, the Singapura is "active, curious and playful...and enjoys dog-like games such as fetch."

ADVERTISEMENT

They also like to perch high above everything, liking to scope out areas and keep an eye on their humans.

ADVERTISEMENT

Burmese Are Social And Playful

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Cat show in Moscow
Artyom GeodakyanTASS via Getty Images
Artyom GeodakyanTASS via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The Burmese cat originated in Burma but has since become popular in the United States and Europe. Originally a dark brown color, the Burmese breed has since been bred into varying colors, depending on where the breeder is located.

ADVERTISEMENT

But they all have the same loving, social, and playful personalities.

ADVERTISEMENT

Siberians Love Human Companionship

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Siberian cat kennel in Krasnoyarsk, Russia
Andrei SamsonovTASS via Getty Images
Andrei SamsonovTASS via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Siberians are considered dog-like due to the amount of affection they show their owners. They are guaranteed to follow their humans around the house, pretty much like a shadow.

ADVERTISEMENT

Loving, smart, with a huge need for attention and interaction, this breed is one of the best family pets, as they cannot get enough human companionship.

ADVERTISEMENT

Korats Form Strong Bonds With People

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Merseyside Cat Club Championship Show At Sutton Leisure Centre, St Helens
Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage
Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage
ADVERTISEMENT

Known as the "good luck cat," Korats used to be solely given as gifts. And what a good gift they were, as the breed forms strong bonds with their humans and is a very affectionate breed.

ADVERTISEMENT

Also an intelligent breed with a great memory, their heart-shaped heads are very telling of their loving personalities.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ragamuffins Are Very Trusting

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
The Governing Council Of The Cat Fancy Show 2021
Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images
Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

A cousin to the loving Ragdoll, Ragamuffins are just as affectionate and loving. While they have an intimidatingly piercing gaze, the Ragamuffin is most likely just wondering why their person isn't paying attention to them.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sweet and gentle, this breed is very trusting and does very well in a household full of people.

ADVERTISEMENT

Bengal Cats Are Loving And High-Energy

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Cat show in Moscow
Artyom GeodakyanTASS via Getty Images
Artyom GeodakyanTASS via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Looking like tiny leopards, Bengal cats take from the larger breed and are very high-energy. But that playful nature is amazing when it comes to being a family cat, as they love to be around their humans to play games.

ADVERTISEMENT

When they aren't playing, being in the same area are their human is a must.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Cornish Rex Makes A Great Therapy Cat

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Cat show in Moscow
Artyom GeodakyanTASS via Getty Images
Artyom GeodakyanTASS via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The Cornish Rex can't get enough attention! They love to have all eyes on them while they play, climb, meow, and even fetch! In fact, this breed is said to make great therapy cats, as they love their humans and want nothing more than to please them.

ADVERTISEMENT

That includes climbing under the covers and cuddling when the occasion calls for it!

ADVERTISEMENT

Pixie-Bobs Love Being In The Same Room As Its Owners

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Uptoyou_duFarWestwithBePacific2
I, Bob/Wikimedia Commons
I, Bob/Wikimedia Commons
ADVERTISEMENT

While Pixie-Bobs look like bobcats, they are a playful and affectionate cat breed. Sociable around both their humans and strangers, Pixie-Bobs are a fantastic addition to any family.

ADVERTISEMENT

They love being in the same room as their owners, playing with toys, or being lazy on the couch getting pet on the head.

ADVERTISEMENT

Chartreux Are Very Relaxed And Loving

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Chartreux Grey Cat
Giulio Andreini/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Giulio Andreini/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The Chartreux cat is ready to become some lucky family's best friend. They are incredibly polite cats, typically an oxymoron when it comes to this specific animal!

ADVERTISEMENT

A quiet, docile breed, the Chartreux isn't known to complain too much and would prefer to hang out with their humans and play.

ADVERTISEMENT

Peterbalds Are "Aggressively Affectionate"

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
LondonCats International Show and Expo
John Keeble/Getty Images
John Keeble/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Peterbalds are a moderately hairless cat breed that loves being loved. According to The International Cat Association, this breed can be "aggressively affectionate" towards its humans.

ADVERTISEMENT

So whoever is looking into a Peterbald, get ready to cuddle, snuggle, play, and pet a whole lot because this breed is very intelligent and will paw and purr until their being shown affection in return.

ADVERTISEMENT

Devon Rex Cats Love To Cuddle

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
KoShariki-Show cat show in Moscow
Stanislav KrasilnikovTASS via Getty Images
Stanislav KrasilnikovTASS via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

When it comes to dog-like cats, the Devon Rex breed takes the cake. They love to play, will perch on a person's shoulder while they're working, and will even follow their human around the house to make sure they're always in sight.

ADVERTISEMENT

After playtime is over, it's all about the cuddle sessions!

ADVERTISEMENT

Egyptian Maus Have A Playful Personality

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
1024px-Egyptian_Mau_Bronze
liz west/Wikimedia Commons
liz west/Wikimedia Commons
ADVERTISEMENT

A medium-sized cat breed, the Egyptian Mau is considered a rare breed. Even so, they are pretty cool. The Maus is a very playful breed and loves it when its human plays with toys.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Egyptian Maus's friendly personality also allows people to leash train them, making them great travel companions.

ADVERTISEMENT

American Wirehairs Are Amazing Lap Cats

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Government Ministers Meet For Their Weekly Cabinet Meeting
Alberto Pezzali/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Alberto Pezzali/NurPhoto via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Similar to their American shorthair relatives, American Wirehairs are an affectionate breed that loves to be around their humans. In fact, they are one of the better lap cat breeds out there!

ADVERTISEMENT

They are known to be fairly gentle and quiet while packing a punch when it comes to playtime.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sphynx Exhibit "Dog-Like" Behavior

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Ren Netherlands Crazy Cool Cats
Ren Netherland/ Barcroft Media / Getty Images
Ren Netherland/ Barcroft Media / Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

While Sphynx might not be for everyone, they are a very affectionate, intelligent, and curious cat breed. A hairless cat, Sphynx love curling up on their human's lap to stay warm.

ADVERTISEMENT

They also exhibit dog-like behaviors, such as doing well with strangers, loving to play, and preferring to be around their family.