Best Cat Breeds For Children

It would be incorrect to say that some cat breeds are definitely good and some are definitely bad for children. Ideally, every cat should get along well with a kid as long as proper communication and handling rules are set.
However, kids can accidentally be rough, so it's important that a cat can tolerate this type of behaviour. Regardless of the breed, a good family cat should have the following qualities:
- It should be tolerant to loud noises and sudden movements,
- It should have low territorial instincts,
- It should enjoys being handled and pet,
- It should not be prone to nipping or clawing when you handle it,
- It should be sociable, adaptable, and easy-going.
While there are many breeds that fit the above criteria, we've tried to highlight the most popular ones.
Please remember that a cat's temperament can differ even within the same breed, so every individual will demonstrate its own unique traits. Moreover, choosing a cat solely on breed does not guarantee a perfect match. If you're limiting your search to specific breeds, you might miss out on some of the wonderful mixed breed cats awaiting forever homes at your local shelter, many of whom would be great kid-tolerant pets.
No matter what cat you choose, you should never leave your kid playing with the cat alone. Always supervise any interaction between pets and children, and teach children to play gently and to respect the animal. This is for the safety and enjoyment of them both.

Photo by John Morton

Abyssinian

Origin: Egypt
Colors: Ruddy, cinnamon, red, blue and fawn
Size: Small to medium
Coat Type(s): Shorthair
Grooming: Little
Talkativeness: Quiet
Activity Level: Very high
Attention Requirement: High
Overall: Can be a handful

Breed video: Abyssinian - for active family!

The Aby is an extremely friendly and sociable breed that loves to play.

Photo by Marser

American Shorthair

Origin: Emigrated from Europe to United States
Colors: Any, except chocolate, sable, lavender, and colourpoint
Size: Medium to large
Coat Type(s): Shorthair
Grooming: Little
Talkativeness: Quiet
Activity Level: Average
Attention Requirement: Average
Overall: Moderately obedient

American shorthairs are easy-going, adaptable, affectionate, and intelligent cats.

Photo by Sony 70-200

Birman

Origin: Thought to be Burma
Colors: blue-point, chocolate-point, lilac-point, seal tortie-point, cream-point, blue cream point, chocolate tortie point, lilac tortie point. Same go for tabby variety.
Size: Medium to large
Coat Type(s): Longhair
Grooming: Twice a week
Talkativeness: Quiet
Activity Level: Low
Attention Requirement: Average
Overall: Easy to handle

Breed Video: Birman

Photo by Stéphane Giner

Burmese

Origin: Burma, Thailand

Colours: brown, blue, lilac, red, chocolate, cream, brown tortie, blue tortie, chocolate tortie, lilac tortie
Size: Medium to large
Coat Type(s): Shorthair
Grooming: Little
Talkativeness: Vocal
Activity Level: Very high
Attention Requirement: High
Overall: Can be a handful

Breed video: Burmese Cat Playing Fetch

Friendly and people-oriented, Burmese are known to be gentle with kids. Burmese cats will want to participate in everything that is going on around.

Photo by ntt

Maine Coon

Origin: USA

Colours: Any

Size: Large
Coat Type(s): Longhair
Grooming: Weekly
Talkativeness: Quiet
Activity Level: Average
Attention Requirement: Average
Overall: Easy to handle

These big mellow cats are naturally sociable and great with kids, but they require daily brushing.

Photo by © Tina Kay

Manx

Origin: Isle of Man (Great Britain)
Colors: All
Size: Medium to large
Coat Type(s): Shorthair
Grooming: Once a week
Talkativeness: Average
Activity Level: Average
Attention Requirement: Average
Overall: Easy to handle

Breed video: Manx cats

Social and friendly, Manx cats thrive on attention.

Photo by Scott Moorman

Persian

Origin: Iranian plateau (Persia)
Colors: Any
Size: Medium to large
Coat Type(s): Longhair
Grooming: Daily
Talkativeness: Quiet
Activity Level: Low
Attention Requirement: High
Overall: Easy to handle

Breed video: Persian - perfect family cat

Like the Maine Coon, a Persian needs daily grooming, so be prepared for that commitment before adopting one.

Photo by Janoid

Ragdoll

Origin: United States
Colors: Seal, blue, lilac, chocolate, read, and cream
Size: Medium to large
Coat Type(s): Longhair
Grooming: Weekly
Talkativeness: Quiet
Activity Level: Low
Attention Requirement: Average
Overall: Easy to handle

Breed video: Ragdoll

If you'd like a longhaired cat who needs less frequent grooming than the Maine Coon or Persian, consider the Ragdoll. The Ragdoll's character can be described by three simple words: obedient, sweet and neat.

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