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Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

More affectionate cat breeds

122 replies

Bells3032 · 29/05/2020 20:22

Hi all

Following a little intruder to our home (a very cute tortoiseshell who decided our bed was her temporary home) we were thinking about getting a cat. It won't be got at least 6 months as we are planning to move into a house once lockdown is finished.

We both grew up around dogs and I really miss having a fluffy friend to cuddle but realistically we want to start trying for a baby in the next couple of years and I don't think it would be possible for me to care for a puppy and young kids so no dog for at least ten years we agreed. And I'd never take on an animal I didn't feel I could give 100% of its needs.

However we both also love cats too. We know nothing about cats Tbh but we have a while to find out.

Was just wondering if there are some breeds that are more likely to be affectionate (want something to cuddle) that would be OK around kids. We want kids soon and my sister is also around a lot with my niece and nephew who are 5 and 7.

Any advice on where to start? I'd prefer to rehome but worried they might not be OK with kids though I reckon there will sadly be an abundance of unwanted pets in six months.

Help please. Thanks

OP posts:
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14
ChewChewIsMySpiritAnimal · 29/05/2020 20:26

A male ragdoll. They're huge and fluffy, and all the boys I've known have adored people. Females can be more aloof and independent. Usually great with children as long as the kids are gentle.

IHateCoronavirus · 29/05/2020 20:29

Not a female Bengal/Bengal mix Wink

Soubriquet · 29/05/2020 20:29

Not always

My nan has a Male ragdoll and he couldn’t care less about cuddles

I think it’s about the individual cat

If you really want a cuddly one, go to a rescue. There will be some cuddle cats there whereas kittens can grow up with a I don’t give a Fuck attitude

Hellbentwellwent · 29/05/2020 20:30

Burmese! When I was pg he used to sit on my bump and purr. When we brought the twins home he would sit between their cots and watch them nap during the day and purr... now they’re 5 every morning he sits on my dds lap when she’s watching cartoons and purrs his heart out, they’re inseparable and it’s ridiculously cute. He’s actually is affectionate it gets annoying at times. I took a work call earlier and he insisted on head butting my chin while I was talking and purring so loudly that my colleague could hear him down the phone. Burmese cats are amazing. We also had one when I was little and he used to stand in between me and my brother defending me when we got into fights!

Ohnonotnow · 29/05/2020 20:32

I'm a fan of male shorthair black and white cats. I've had three in my lifetime and that have all been super friendly. I'm my experience, female cats often don't get on so well with other female cats in the same house.

justanotherneighinparadise · 29/05/2020 20:33

Ragdoll.

habibihabibi · 29/05/2020 20:34

I 2nd Burmese. I had four of them growing up and they were so loving and playful. My sister has had several more. They beg for attention and not only from one person. I'd describe them as promiscuous in their affection.

FeedMeWell · 29/05/2020 20:35

Burmese.

topcat2014 · 29/05/2020 20:38

Our road has a 'shared' male rag doll who tours round and comes in for attention..he is ace

GameofPhones · 29/05/2020 20:41

Burmese - a friend described mine as 'passionate'. I also had an Abyssinian who would leap on me and pin me down to give affection.

PinglePongle · 29/05/2020 20:48

All cats completely different personalities regardless of breed but I personally find boys more laid back

ClientQ · 29/05/2020 20:48

I have a rescue bog standard male moggie who possibly classes as the most loving cat ever
If you're not cuddling him, he wants to know why. Will sit for hours giving head bops, being brushed, never scratches...
the only annoying thing is he's very vocal Grin and he gazes at me adoringly 24/7

More affectionate cat breeds
JorisBonson · 29/05/2020 20:48

I've only ever had rescued moggies and, barring one, they have all been lovely and affectionate. Our latest addition to the clan won't leave me alone, ever.

CherrySpritz · 29/05/2020 20:49

I’ve had a series of Siamese and they’ve all been insanely affectionate.

MintyCedric · 29/05/2020 20:53

@IHateCoronavirus

How weird. I came on to say the exact opposite! My 2yo girl is part Bengal and she I'd incredibly loving and almost dog-like in her behaviour.

She is like my little shadow and even comes when I call her for cuddles

More affectionate cat breeds
Toilenstripes · 29/05/2020 20:54

I’m a big advocate of the standard rescue mog, past the kitten stage. Shelters access their personalities and will pair you up with an affectionate gentle one.

IHateCoronavirus · 29/05/2020 20:55

MintyCedric I think we must have ended up with her evil twin! Grin

Lynda07 · 29/05/2020 20:56

Any blue cat is nice, especially males.

MintyCedric · 29/05/2020 21:00

@IHateCoronavirus

Must be an evil triplet, cos we have her sister and she's also daft as a brush Grin.

More affectionate cat breeds
SpillTheTeaa · 29/05/2020 21:00

We had two grey cats both brothers from kittens only one of them was cuddly. Miss him so much my little tubby Reg Sad.
Tabbies now and they couldn't give a shit unless there is food in their bowl. One of them actually looks at me in disgust as she goes past. Such a princess

lucindalovescats · 29/05/2020 21:00

Siamese cats are very affectionate, I have two and they both are lovely and they put up with alot from my two young children. Never ever scratched ever even when they've been provoked.

GlamGiraffe · 29/05/2020 21:03

Burmese, I have 2. They are calleded "dog cats ", they are cats with dog like traits such as great human loyalty cleverness, good at tricks etc.they also retain kitten like playfulness. Mine bring the post from the front door if its light enough to carry and bring the door keys if they want to go out but are very very loyal and affectionate. They are not like most cats who will lay their hat wherever food and a warm bed is.they are incredibly loyal. Unlike siamese, they like everyone in the house not just one person. My sister's ragdoll was a really antisocial and quite an aggressive Cat. Our vet always says a vet will choose a burmese if they're a cat person or a labrador if they're a dog person for their own pets due to their temperaments (it turns out he has both!)

SoftBlocks · 29/05/2020 21:04

Ginger toms. All the ones I’ve known have been super friendly, almost like dogs.

Wolfiefan · 29/05/2020 21:09

An adult rescue is by far your best bet. No one breed is guaranteed to be cuddly. And you can’t easily tell what a kitten will grow into. A decent rescue will spend time with its cats and know their personalities. You can spend time with candidates and ensure you enslaved yourself to the right one. Grin
Good luck!!

HelpMeh · 29/05/2020 21:19

Please get a rescue Smile

Personalities are hard to predict to be honest so I wouldn't get a cat if your only reason for doing so is to cuddle it.

I have a very timid ragdoll who took years to trust me and is still nervy. She loves affection but is very easily startled.

My other is a huge, long-haired, grey mog of unknown origin. He is friendly to the point of infidelity and will often be found in other people's houses if they'll let him in. He's too big to be a lap cap but will happily take over your entire pillow. He's like a dog and will follow me on walks, likes to go in the car for a drive and sprints across green areas.

Don't underestimate how much work they can be. We have regular poo and vomit dramas in this house. I have to police outdoor activities thanks to the neighbourhood bully cat and there is often a lot of meowing for no reason. The ragdoll often shouts into the wind in the middle of the night.