My first cat wasn't a cuddle bug. He was an attack artist. His favorite method of attack was to wait outside my bedroom door. When I walked out of the room, he'd grab my ankles with his claws. To say it hurt was an understatement. I never figured out why he did this, but it might have had something to do with him being a male, black-and-white Tuxedo breed. Not the friendliest or most affectionate. So if you're interested in a sweet, cuddly cat, here are some of the most affectionate cat breeds.
1. Ragdolls
As their name implies, Ragdolls are sweethearts. They love to be held and petted. If you want a cuddle bug, look no further than a sweet Ragdoll cat. They're incredibly floppy and laid-back, which endears Ragdolls to everyone who meets them.
- Health: Prone to renal problems. This condition is very treatable when found early.
- Life span: 12 to 15 years
- Height: 9-13 inches
- Length: 17-21 inches, minus the tail
- Weight: Females 15 pounds or more, Males 20 pounds or fewer
- Colors: Cream, red, blue, lilac, or chocolate
- Coat: Silky and semi-long
- Other characteristics: Vocal, intelligent, easy to train, pet and kid-friendly.
2. Maine Coon Cats
Maine Coons are gentle giants. Friendly and smart, this cat breed loves to be held and made over. Because they're so playful, people often compare Maine Coons to a dog. You can even teach them to walk on a leash and do other tricks. This breed is worth checking out if you're looking for a loveable cat.
- Health issues: Obesity and dental disease, heart and hip problems
- Life span: 13 to 14
- Height: 10 to 16 inches
- Length: Up to 40 inches
- Weight: Male 25 pounds, Females 18 pounds
- Colors: Cream, red, solid white, black, blue, brown tabby, or tiger striped
- Coat: Long
- Other characteristics: Gentle and sweet-tempered. They can be silly. Maine Coons need exercise.
3. Ragamuffin Cats
Ragamuffins are a variant breed of the Ragdoll. Like their parent breed, ragamuffins are sweet and affectionate cats. They're social and get along with other pets, and young children. These snuggle bugs love to stick close, sitting on your lap or snuggling next to you on the sofa while watching television.
- Health issues: Heart and kidney disease
- Life span: 12 to 16 years
- Height: 10-15 inches
- Weight: Males 20 pounds, Females 12 pounds
- Colors: Blue, black, gray, red, fawn, cinnamon, silver, or lilac
- Coat: Long coat
- Temperament: Good with kids and older people
- Other characteristics: Laid back and easygoing, sweet, and affectionate.
4. Burmese Cats
This delightful breed loves kids and other pets. They're intelligent, affectionate, and gorgeous. Deemed 'the dogs of all cat breeds, Burmese cats need social interaction. They don't do well staying alone for too long because they miss their family. If you want a sweet, loveable cat look no further than the Burmese.
- Health issues: Obesity, diabetes risk
- Life span: 10 to 17 years
- Height: 9 to 13 inches
- Weight: Male up to 12 pounds, Females 8-12 pounds
- Colors: Blue, champagne, sable, tortoiseshell, cinnamon, cream, and red
- Coat: Short
- Other characteristics: Love to climb and play. Laid back.
5. Persian Cats
Persians are a favorite cat breed. Their gorgeous, thick fur and classic "grumpy" looking face bring a smile. But don't be fooled by their looks; these glamorous cats are super cuddly and sweet. Persians enjoy their humans but can be skittish around kids or anyone who roughhouses with them. They're lap lovers and enjoy being petted.
- Health: Dental issues, eye infections,
- Life span: 12 to 17 years
- Height: 10 to 15 inches
- Weight: Males-9 to 14 pounds, Females-7 to 11 pounds
- Colors: Variety of colors, mostly tortoiseshell, calico patterns, white, black, or tabby
- Coat: Long
- Other characteristics: Good with other pets and strangers, laid back, loves sitting in your lap.
6. Sphynx Cats
It's easy to spot a Sphynx because they are a hairless cat breed. They have wrinkled skin and droopy skin that's soft and fuzzy. Their large ears and unique almond-shaped eyes give them a mystical appearance. Sphynx cats are known for their intelligence and endearing nature. This breed is known for having strong preferences about who picks them up, but they're super loyal to their humans. Although they're not 100% hypoallergenic, if you have allergies, you'll have no trouble being around a Sphynx.
- Health: Prone to sunburn, needs bathing once a week, oily skin
- Life span: 8 to 14 years
- Height: 8 to 10 inches
- Weight: Males 8-14 pounds, females 7-10 pounds
- Skin colors: Black, white, chocolate, red, calico, tortoiseshell, lavender, and white.
- Other characteristics: Gets along well with other pets and kids. Playful and loves doing tricks.
7. Siamese Cats
Siamese cats' piercing blue eyes, unique coloring, and lovable nature make them a favorite among cat lovers. Because they're so social, they're incredibly talkative, voicing their curiosity about someone outside or something you're eating. Siamese cats usually bond with one human but get along well with other pets and children.
- Health: Asthma, bronchial illness, heart defects, and neurological problems.
- Life span:15 to 20 years
- Height: 11 to 14 inches
- Weight: 8 to 14 pounds
- Colors: Bluepoint, lilac point, chocolate point, or seal point
- Coat: Short
- Other characteristics: Clingy, and they need training.
8. American Shorthair Cat
This family-friendly cat loves cuddling and being petted. American Shorthair cats are super laid-back. Nothing seems to phase them, which makes them good cats for an active household. This cat breed is at the top of the list of cats that get along with kids and other pets. Sweet and low maintenance, they love to be petted and held.
- Health: Hip dysplasia, heart disease
- Life span: 12 to 17 years
- Height: 10 to 14 inches
- Weight: 8 to 15 pounds
- Colors: Cream, white, brown, black, blue, and silver
- Coat: Short
- Other characteristics: Affectionate, sociable, intelligent, and energetic.
