Best Cat Breeds for Kids
Studies carried out over the years have shown that kids who grow up alongside family pets are abundantly benefited. These children are more likely to have the natural inclination to be more empathetic and caring towards humans and animals alike. However, when making a conscious decision to bring a cat into your family, the first thing to consider is whether the kitty is child-friendly not. It is a known fact that children have the natural tendency to prod, poke, chase, tug, and hug rather tightly. Besides, children are known to make very loud noise during playtime; all these and more are the factors that will have to come to play when you are ready to choose the cat breed that will be best for kids.
Families who are ready to bring a cat home should learn not to base their decisions on looks alone. You cannot just take a kitten home to your kids because it looks very cute, or perhaps you love its unique coat. Your best bet is to conduct enough research and ask as many questions as possible about your preferred breed; starting with the breeder, or the responsible worker at the animal shelter. In this article, we have picked out a list of the best cat breed for kids to aid you in making a good decision of the right feline for your family.
Abyssinian Cat
The Abyssinian cat is, no doubt, one of the best family cats. It is highly athletic by nature and is well suited to family life. The temperament for this short-coated feline is described as excellent as they come across as intelligent and playful, and are believed to make excellent family cats. This loyal and affectionate cat is not only a child-friendly kitty, but it is also very smart; it doesn’t need to be told to get out of the way of tots, but enjoys playtime with children of school age as they match its energy and curiosity level. In fact, the Abyssinian is rated among the most playful kitties and is known to provide children with great companionship. The breed is forever busy exploring their vicinity which creates entertainment for children.
Ragdoll Cat
The Ragdoll cat got its name from its unique characteristics, which can be best described as ‘floppy’. The moment you pick up a Ragdoll feline, the cat’s muscles go lax, leaving the kitty draped on your arm. The reason behind the limpness of this breed has no scientific explanation, but the trait is definitely genetic and has mysteriously survived evolution.
They are a good choice for an indoor cat and will be hot on your heels around the house. The Ragdoll is also very kid-friendly and has been known to tolerate other house pets like dogs. Though the cat is quite inactive, it is still adept at learning little tricks, but kids (especially older ones) that want an active cat should stay away from the Ragdoll as this cat is best described as a lap cat.
If it is younger kids; the Ragdoll might turn out to be the perfect choice as the feline hardly ever extends her claws during playtime. The furry cat is not averse to playing kiddie games like dress up, it can ride comfortably in a baby buggy, and loves to accompany kids to a tea party. About temperament, the Ragdoll is laidback, loving, and patient, which makes it the ideal feline for younger kids. It is also an attention-loving cat that tends to bask in the attention it receives from family, especially kids.
Maine Coon Cat
The breed is known to make bird-like noises rather than mewings like other felines and displays the kind of personality that will keep the family entertained for long. The cat loves the water, and its trademark is evident in its restless sleeping habits, frequently shifting position during the night. It may fascinate the kids to wake up to discover their kitty in a playing-dead position with paws-up in the air, or in other awkward spots the next morning.
The breed is the veritable gentle giant and is known to be a great company for both kids and other family members, though it has some reservations in the company of strangers. The cat is extremely loyal to its adoptive family, especially as it exhibits a gentle disposition that makes it perfect for families with little kids and other house pets. Overall, the Main Coon is a calm cat breed, and with its mellow personality, it will be quite difficult for the kitty to be spooked by the ruckus created by kids.
Himalayan Cat
Among the recommended cats for kids is the Himalayan. It is a typical lap cat created by a crossbreeding project between a Persian and a Siamese cat. The resultant effect is a longhaired cat, displaying the black patches of the Siamese. As for personality, Himalayan cats are very well suited as a house cat, due to their serenity. Although you are not likely to catch a Himalayan kitty scaling countertops, or on the furniture, the breed perfectly combines the characters of being both docile and active and are absolutely great for kids.
However, in the presence of unknown persons or animals, it may be reserved or shy. But with proper socialization, it will be able to build a positive relationship with other people and the charms of its surroundings. The Himalayan is also characterized by its good learning ability, which facilitates their education (and enormously!). With family, it enjoys new games and activities that arouse her curiosity and stimulate its senses, especially the extraordinary hunting instinct.
Make sure you have plenty of play and climbing opportunities to make sure it does not get bored. What’s more, this very affectionate race cat does not like it when you leave the house. Consider this, if you want to get a Himalayan as a cuddly tiger in the house.
Siberian Cat
Just like the Maine Coon, the Siberian breed of cats comes in large sizes; their easy-going disposition makes them adapt well to family life. Generally speaking, the Siberian cat is a very social animal that loves to be in company. The feline’s temperament is rather bold, and nothing seems capable of ruffling it, and it is this trait that makes the Siberian cat a perfect breed for families with little children.
However, if possible, it should be kept together with another cat as it is very friendly towards other animals. It can easily be kept as a domestic cat, but then should have enough opportunities for climbing and playing. A special feature of the Siberian cat is its love of water: it loves to play in a still humid shower or tub, and a dripping tap can provide hours of entertainment.
Exotic Shorthair Cat
This breed of cats tends to be more outgoing making their social and communication skills positively impacted. It is a calm cat breed, thanks to its Persian ancestry; the kitty has a quiet nature and is pretty popular for its propensity to lounge with its human family. It also enjoys close proximity with people, both adult, and children. Furthermore, it behaves unobtrusively and waits patiently until you are ready to pay attention and love to it.
Additionally, this breed of cats show such a loving playfulness that they can be described as perfect family cats. Fear is foreign to them, so they get along wonderfully with children and other pets. Even with dogs, a close relationship can be established, provided that the two species were correctly accustomed to each other. However, they are sometimes reluctant to be left alone.
Cornish Rex Cat
Cornish Rex Cat is a very friendly and intelligent breed that is adept at learning new tricks. The kitty enjoys a lot of playtime playing fetch and loves getting attention from its family, especially children who treat it with respect and also show politeness. The breed is distinct from other cat breeds as it is not averse to extending its love and affection to family members and loves lots of cuddles.
What’s more, the interaction level of the cornish is quite high; it loves to have a go at burying toys as well as digging them up. With its irrepressible curiosity, it wants to explore everything in its surroundings. This breed is very active, lively, and playful and remains loyal to its owner for a lifetime. Furthermore, the Cornish Rex has a pronounced assertiveness of which it also makes use of and is also open to strangers.
Persian Cat
Persian cats are unbelievably docile, they come in beautiful fur, so shiny and fluffy that your kids might think that it is a stuffed toy. Thanks to their low activity level, Persian cats are mostly used as a starter pet for children who have no need for high activity pets.
Fans of the Persian praise their loveable character. It is a cat that likes to cuddle and also form close bonds with family members, making them perfect for kids. The Persian cat is still a stubborn head. A lot of cuddling and numerous pats are important to it. It is also a very restrained and reliable cat. Their thing is to look for a cozy spot, like on the windowsill, and watch everything from there.
Burmese Cat
The Burmese is related to the Siamese and comes with a comparatively high energy level, but it also displays a natural affinity for its parent’s lap. The breed is quite beautiful and maintains a playful disposition throughout life; their personality is comparable to that of a kitten and they are quite affectionate and waste no time in forming a very strong bond with both adults and kids alike.
However, the Burmese are known to be opinionated – a trait which they display from time to time given whatever provocation that triggered it. When they don’t feel like doing what you want them to do, the Burmese might likely display its not-so-nice side.
The breed is usually up to a lot of mischiefs, which will serve as a source of entertainment for the family, and like a dog, finds it easy to master the act of fetching. The feline is not averse to a boisterous home; in fact, they are known to feel at home in a busy household, basking in the love and attention it gets from children and other family members.
Manx Cat
The Manx Cat is indigenous to the Isle of Man off the coast of Great Britain. It gained popularity for being the cat that has no tail, though they are known to come with a short stub or tail. More often than not, this adorable kitty appears to be sticking her butt up in the air, like she is getting prepared to pounce, but the Manx is one of the most friendly felines around.
This tailless kitty is known from her unconditional devotion to family, and is very playful as well as intelligent. In fact, this breed is comparable to the canine population thanks to its love for playing fetch with kids. They are also outgoing and as a companion, great for little children.
One thing that makes the Manx a great cat breed for younger kids is the absence of a tail – without a tail, kids won’t see where to pull, and thus that particular temptation will rarely surface. It is really fun to have Manx cat underfoot; however, they love to scale heights; thus, you are likely to find your pet surveying its surroundings from the highest heights in the house.
Source:
- Best Cat Breeds For Kids – Petfinder
