More affectionate cat breeds

[Bells3032]

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

It really all depends on the cat. We have four pedigrees and nine mogs. Our most affectionate is our big slobbery ginger mog boy!
Of the actual breeds - our Maine Coon is really friendly follows us around everywhere, is always the first to introduce herself to visitors - but isn't really cuddly. Our Somali is VERY affectionate and cuddly - he'll snuggle right up onto your chest and purr a lot! Then we have two Egyptian Maus - our boy is huge and cuddly and likes a lot of attention, his sister is a little wildcat - she does come for snuggles but very much on her own terms (this makes it all the more special when she does!)

Another vote for Siamese. I had mine for 17 years from a child and she would literally spoon me every night as I slept. One paw draped over my waist and snuggled up tight behind me. She loved nothing more than cuddles on the sofa! She was incredibly loving, and every other Siamese owner I know has had a similar experience 😊

Any oriental breeds, Siamese, Rexes and Sphynxes if you want velcro cats. Yherr can be oddballs buy it does depend on breeds.

Our Siberian. Loves water, plays fetch, waits by the door as you’re coming home.

Gets under your feet, will butt you
If she’s not getting enough attention, puts her front paws on your shoulders when she wants a cuddle. Very affectionate and snuggly.

Burmese - especially the males. Love machines.

If you want kids soon, you may want a cat with some independence. It's exhausting enough when the baby is velcroed to you all day. In that situation, the last thing you want is the cat velcroed to you too.

Birman. They are known as "little dog" in Burma because of their affectionate nature. Mine are very cuddly.

@SoftBlocks

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

I've a ginger tom, and whilst he's exceptionally friendly and docile he's very, very independent and not a lap cat. He doesn't often look to get affection, but he's quite happy for anyone to go to him to give him rubs. He doesn't mind being picked up cuddled, but if it lasts for about a minute you're doing well.

When he does look for attention it's a miaow and leg-wind or he'll jump up next to you and stare. (Not sat on anyone's lap since he was a tiny unwell fondling.) Occasionally he'll greet you when he comes in but you'd want to be expecting him to simply ignore you and walk past and go off to wherever he wants to sleep.

Think it might be because he's the neighbourhood tart. Everyone knows him and he gets fed and rubs from a ridiculous amount of people. I recently discovered he goes into people's houses and acts like it's his. He has a huge roaming area too (I've met him on walks kms away, and he greets me like it's perfectly acceptable!!) So that's a lot of people!

Get a rescue @Bells3032, one that's at least one year old, the centre will know their personality.

Not a female Bengal/Bengal mix

Not so sure about that, I suspect mine has some bengal in her and she is only really happy sitting on someone. It can be me, a friend, my nextdoor neighbour - in his house, apparently that's her favorite place for an aftenoon nap.

She is also incredibly docile and I sometimes think it's a shame she isn't with a family. I sometimes wind her up by moving her tail from one side to the other, eventually she gets mad and taps my hand, but without claws.

OP

Get a cat rather than a kitten and ask the rescue for a softie, I hear good things about male gingers, they seem to have a soppy reputation.

I used to foster for Cats' Protection and we did try to match cats with suitable homes.

Actually if you have not had a cat before then fostering might be the way to go.

Our Bengal was very affectionate but they are a hard work breed and not for novice cat slaves.

If you rescue don’t overlook shy cats, a lot of them just need a home to blossom in.

Definitely get an adult rescue. Their personality will be known and the rescue centre will be able to choose an affectionate one for you.

I am torn between and disbelief .
My old girl tortoiseshell&white would sit on or beside us if it suited her. If we picked her up, she jumped down in principal because it wasn't her choice to be lifted. But she'd play paw batting for ages.

My resident cats ( they've been with us a year) hover about honouring us by living with us.
My DS says the female has made it her aim to rid me of my Matriarch Status and now she is Head Female .
The male cat is madly in love with DD but only DD.

I thought that was how Life With Cats was meant to be

If you rescue don’t overlook shy cats, a lot of them just need a home to blossom in

Yes - shy black cats are very overlooked.
Our boy is shy black. Never any hint of aggression.
But he has blossomed 100% ..

My experience is that most male moggies are very good natured, some ridiculously so, so be careful what you wish for.
Also do be aware that cats definitely all have their own personalities - so it's important to let them make the decisions (which they are generally very good at )
Finally consider two cats rather than one - rescues often have cats that need to be rehomed together and they do seem to keep each other amused.

We have a shy black girl, she is amazing and completely gentle.

Ginger tomcat. Ive never met a bad one

Males are usually more affectionate than females as adults

It does depend on the individual cat but I've had four Burmese (m &f) and they were absolute Klingons. We now have a moggy as I felt I was being too precious but he is really aloof and barely tolerates a head rub. Burmese/Tonkinese are a lovely breed.
Or an adult rescue where they know the temperament.

Another vote for Burmese. We are on our third- currently have a 7 month old girl.

She jumps into our arms for a cuddle, but won't put her claws out to grab hold so if you don't catch her she just splats on the floor. She loves to be carried round like a baby and will lay herself back in your arms if you pick her up.

TBH I'll agree with PP that she is SO very interested in being involved in every single thing the humans are doing that it can be a bit annoying. If you put a shopping bag down, it has a cat in it. If you put anything in the sink, it has a cat in it. If you open the fridge, it has a cat in it. If you get in the shower....

Agree it's hard to say esp if you get them as a kitten. We have had good experiences with tabby cats . My mum has had two tabby cats both were so soft and cuddly. When we and DH moved in together we ended up with a tabby cat. We got her from the rescue centre she effectively picked us as she was all over us. She is the most affectionate lap cat.
We later decided to get a Ragdoll aswell due to their reputation she is also very affectionate
My in-laws however also got a Ragdoll and I have never known a cat like her. She hates people. Most people don't even know my in-laws have a cat as she hides if anybody goes to their house. If they bring her down she hisses at everyone and would definitely scratch you if you came too close. They got her as a kitten so I really don't know the reason for her behaviour. She is fine with them although definitely isn't a lap cat.

My little tabby mog from the RSPCA is the cuddliest cat we have ever known. Constantly snuggling, gives us little wet nose bump kisses. Can't bear to be in a room without us, just hangs out in the garden doesn't go far. Sleeps with us at night.

We adore him. He came straight to me for fuss in the rescue and I knew he was mine. He's been the greatest little lockdown buddy.

Devon Rex basically a dog in cat form :)

@Amberfest that is what on my list, like the cats I have but far less hair to clear up 😂

@Newuseroftheweek have you made contact back with your breeder about the biting? They should be able to advise how yo stop it. Burmese dont usually bite. If hes chewing thing use bitter apple spray in them. If hes biting you hes maybe over enthusiastic. Might possibly need to spend more time playing with fishing rid toys. It's worth speaking to the breeder of the Burmese cat blub. They will certainly advise you.

I have a British shorthair - she’s irritatingly affectionate

reefedsail I think I'd find that level of affection and feline involvement overwhelming after being tolerated

Our female is at the pantry door as soon as it opens and leaps in. There is nothing of interest in there . The cats' food is kept elsewhere. But it's a Closed Door . She hates a Closed Door !