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If you’re bringing home a new feline family member and you have kids, you might be wondering which cat breeds are best for kids. Every cat is an individual. This means that many breeds and mixed-breed cats can potentially be good with kids. However, some are known for being especially ideal companions for children.
Some key temperament traits lead to cats getting along well with children. The most relevant include:
Personality: Cat breeds known for being calm, gentle, and friendly toward people can be great companions for enthusiastic kids.
Patience: Cats who enjoy handling and attention are more likely to tolerate persistent interaction from adoring children.
Flexibility: Cats who “go with the flow” are well-suited for loud, busy households filled with lots of change and activity.
Energy level: More active breeds are great friends for kids who also have plenty of energy to play with them.
Proper socialization in kittenhood greatly impacts how well cats will get along with people. A kitten who is not well-socialized might grow up to be nervous, shy, and uncomfortable with human contact. Harmonious friendships often result when kids and kittens are introduced in a positive way from a young age.
Always teach kids how to safely and respectfully interact with cats and supervise their play to make sure all goes well. Even the sweetest child can mistake a fragile cat for a durable toy.
Let’s meet 11 popular cat breeds that get along great with kids and are well-suited to family life:
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With its unique ticked coat, large ears, and expressive eyes, the Abyssinian exudes exotic beauty. These medium-sized cats have short, silky coats that come in six colors: ruddy, cinnamon, chocolate, blue, fawn, and lilac. They’re easy to care for and need to be brushed once or twice a week to maintain their coat.
Affectionate and outgoing, Abyssinian cats can sometimes be shy around strangers, but they bond closely with their human families. They thrive on attention and enjoy interactions with the entire family, including children. These cats are full of energy, so they’ll be thrilled to play with the kids, who will themselves be entertained by the Abyssinian’s nonstop antics as they run, climb, and explore.
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The American Curl stands out for its one-of-a-kind ears, which curl backward a minimum of 90 degrees. This is due to an inherited gene for ear curling that occurred spontaneously in a stray female cat, who went on to become the foundation cat for the breed. American Curls can have long or short hair and come in any color or pattern
American Curls are highly social and playful cats that love to interact with people of all ages, including kids. They are easy-going but curious, so they love to be in the middle of the action and will follow their people all around the house. American Curls are even called “Peter Pan cats” for their tendency to act like kittens well into adulthood. What cat could be a better fit as a playmate for kids?
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If you think the spotted, striped, or marbled Bengal looks wild, that’s because the breed was created by crossing a small wild cat species called the Asian leopard cat with domestic cats. Today’s Bengal is far removed from its wild ancestors, but it remains an intense and engaging pet. The breed comes in both long and short hair.
The high-energy Bengal is one of the most active cat breeds out there. This can be a great fit for kids, though they’re often best suited for the boundless energy of older kids. They will love to play with their Bengal until everyone is tired out. Some may like a quick cuddle, but these cats are far more interested in climbing, perching, jumping, and playing. Bengals are highly intelligent and capable of learning fun tricks. Cat training is the perfect way for kids and Bengals to bond.
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The Devon Rex is small in stature but mighty in personality, with an irresistibly soft wavy coat unlike no other. The rexed coat is extremely short and sheds very little, so people with cat allergies can sometimes live comfortably with a Devon Rex. The coat is the result of a gene mutation that occurred spontaneously in the original cat used to create the breed.
What child could resist an adorable little cat that looks like a feline elf? The Devon Rex also shines in personality. Lively, curious, and playful, the friendly Devon Rex likes to split time between fun, games, and sweet snuggles. They will seek out attention from everyone in the family, including kids, though they might choose one lucky person as their favorite.
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Kids find it hard to resist the Exotic, which looks a lot like a cuddly, plush teddy bear. Sometimes called the Exotic Shorthair, the Exotic is essentially a shorthaired Persian. Created by crossing Persians with American Shorthairs, the breed is sometimes called the “lazy man’s Persian” in reference to the low-maintenance coat.
Like their longhaired cousins, Exotic cats are extremely calm, gentle, and friendly. They love attention and cuddles from everyone in the family, including kids. Exotics don’t enjoy being alone, so get used to a shadow as you move about the house. They like to play, but they do have an off switch and are quick to snuggle in your lap.
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With an adult weight that often tips the scales at more than 20 pounds, the Main Coon is one of the largest cat breeds. But their size is the only imposing thing about this chill breed. Maine Coons are very gentle and laid-back, traits that have earned them the nickname gentle giants. The heavy, shaggy coat comes in almost any color and pattern except chocolate, lavender, and the Himalayan pattern.
Maine Coon cats are incredibly mellow, which makes them natural companions for kids. In fact, Maine Coons seem naturally drawn to kids, appreciating their attention and company. They’re up for games, cuddling, or simply hanging out. These cats are the epitome of “go with the flow!”
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The Persian is one of the oldest cat breeds, tracing its lineage to Persia (present-day Iran), possibly as far back as 1684 BC. The breed’s hallmarks are its flat, round face and long, luxurious, flowing coat. Although the breed is high maintenance in terms of grooming, the Persian has a sweet personality, is quiet, and is a non-demanding pet.
Gentle and quiet, Persian cats are extremely tolerant and enjoy lots of attention and company, so they’re an excellent choice for gentle kids. Persians are somewhat sedentary cats, but they do like to play. Kids are a great catalyst to encourage them to move and get enough exercise through interactive play sessions.
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The Ragdoll earned its breed name from the way they tend to relax into your arms when held, going limp like a ragdoll. This pointed breed has soft, silky, semi-long fur that naturally resists matting. All Ragdolls have blue eyes.
Ragdoll cats are tolerant, friendly, and affectionate. They are a great choice as playmates for children as long as they are taught to handle them gently and treat them with respect. Ragdolls are up for tea parties, cuddle fests, or fun games. They will happily play with teaser wands and other toys. They’re also happy to sit back and observe the kids’ antics and anything else going on in the household.
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The Scottish Fold has unique ears that fold forward, creating a rounded-looking head. When combined with their large, round eyes, this makes them look like adorable little owls. Kittens are all born with straight ears that begin to fold forward at around three weeks of age. Scottish Fold cats can have long or short hair and may be any color or pattern.
Scottish Fold cats do not like being alone and kids are welcome playmates and companions to them. These cats are gentle and quiet but also up for some playtime when the mood strikes. They enjoy play sessions as much as just hanging out—they’re just happy to be with you.
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Siamese cats originated in Siam (Thailand) in the 1800s. Their wedge-shaped heads, huge ears, and long, slender bodies give them a uniquely elegant look. The Siamese’s short, sleek coat comes in four traditional pointed colors—seal, chocolate, blue, or lilac. All Siamese have deep blue eyes.
Siamese cats take the term “people-oriented” to a new level—these cats demand attention. Try to ignore them and they’ll meow, yowl, and climb up your shirt to rest on your shoulders until you give them some one-on-one. Siamese are great for children who want a feline friend. Siamese love kids, whether playing with them, talking to them (the Siamese will talk back!), or just hanging out.
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The hairless Sphynx was created when a hairless kitten was born in a litter of cats in Canada in the 1960s. The descendants of that kitten, plus some hairless cats from Minnesota, became the foundation of this unique breed.
Sphynx cats are incredibly friendly and get along great with kids. It is hard to resist petting their soft, velvety skin. They love to cuddle, especially in the colder months when they might just crawl under your blankets with you. Kids will have a blast dressing up their Sphynx, which unlike other cats, often like wearing soft, cozy clothing to keep them nice and warm.
