What Cats Are Lap Cats?

Many cats are very independent, often to the point of looking aloof, snobbish, arrogant, and socially-detached. Most don’t like getting picked up or cuddled. They may but often at the expense of a few scratches on one’s arms. However, there are also kitties that love the attention they get from their human companions. Instead of them going up their perch like birds of prey waiting to swoop down from up high, they’d rather sit on their owner’s laps. These kitties are your feline version of the canine world’s lap dogs. No wonder people call them “lap cats”. The question now is which breeds of cats can we consider as affectionate lap cats? Sit back and relax as we give you the best lap cats in the world.

Tonkinese

A blend of Siamese and Burmese, the Tonkinese is a beautiful cat that is well-known for its friendly nature. These kitties are so affectionate that they don’t mind spending the rest of the day playing with kids. And if you have a dog that is amiable to cats as well, then they can be very good friends. Tonks have this insatiable desire to be with their human family. They want to be right in the action involving the family. As a matter of fact, the Tonkinese can replace any well-mannered maître d’ for its ability to welcome family guests and visitors with aplomb. It will sit on your lap all day long; that is if you’re not busy playing a game of fetch with the cat.

Ragdoll

It may not be as super-affectionate as the Tonkinese, but the Ragdoll is one of the best lap cats around. This kitty doesn’t mind being picked up, carried, and cuddled. In fact, the moment you put it in your arms, the Raggy assumes a floppy “ragdoll” posture. That’s how it got its name. It’s a very adaptable breed and one that can make good friends with dogs and other pets. It has striking blue eyes that can melt your heart, making for a more meaningful cuddle time. Take note, this is a big kitty. As much as it loves being cuddled, your little child may not be able to support the cat’s weight that maxes out at 20 lbs.

Ragamuffin

It’s easy to confuse the Ragamuffin for the Ragdoll. After all, they’re cousins that share the same appearance and temperament. The only distinction between the two is the tendency of the Ragdoll to go into a placid state the moment its owner cuddles it. This is not to say that the Ragamuffin hates being cuddled. It lives for it. It’s a big kitty that is as affectionate as its cousin. Ragamuffins are a classic lap cat. It’s known among cat fanciers as the feline equivalent of Velcro. It doesn’t stick to you per se. However, this kitty loves shadowing its people and getting involved in their activities. The cat also has the uncanny ability to greet visitors and guests with a melodious happy meow.

Persian

The epitome of a lap cat, the Persian uses its sweet and gentle face to soften anybody’s heart. It has this soft and melodious voice that goes well with its expressive eyes. Persians are affectionate kitties; although you will never see them demand for your attention. It loves to cuddle and won’t mind spending most of its time on your lap. But the Persian also has a playful streak. It loves feather toys. When not in its playground, the Persian will be happy posing on the couch with its round head. Get the Doll Face if you want a Persian that’s very sweet. For a wider selection of choices, check out our cat toys guide.

Birman

Another affectionate kitty that loves following its master is the Birman. This white-gloved kitty has a semi-long coat and sapphire-blue-eyes that can pierce through the soul. Sitting on your lap, running your hands on the Birman’s silky, gold-misted coat is a very pleasurable experience. This is a temple cat. Legends have it that the Birman embodies the spirit of Mun-Ha. It loves spending time with other pets as well as kids. Nothing makes the Birman happier than receiving the attention of its family. Talk to the Birman and you’ll hear a pretty yet soft voice. It’s more than enough reason to have the cat on your lap all the time.

Scottish Fold

It may look like a furry owl, but the Scottish Fold has the sociable traits of a dog. Its friendliness to dogs and children makes this medium-sized kitty a great companion for a large family. Its big round eyes convey the warmth that it has for its people. Folds have a very sweet demeanor which is made more remarkable by its calm and relaxed nature. It will follow you around the house or entice you to engage it with a game of fetch. It has the voice of an angel, making it a great lap cat to have for those snuggle times on the couch.

Himalayan

If the Himalayan could talk, it will tell you to pick it up and put it on your lap. This affectionate kitty combines the best of both the Siamese and the Persian. It borrows the Persian’s stocky and fluffy body while getting the color points of the Siamese. It also has the Persian’s sedate personality, allowing it to stay composed and relaxed on a couch or sofa the whole day. The Siamese’s curious and helpful demeanor is also evident on the Himalayan. This lap cat has a soft, almost melodious voice that it uses to communicate with its expressive eyes. There’s one minor issue, though; its friendliness is not that well-established when paired with dogs or kids. It still makes for a great lap cat, nonetheless.

Selkirk Rex

The adaptable and curly-coated Selkirk Rex is another cat deserving of a place on your lap. Its easygoing nature gives the Selkirk a level of friendliness and sociable trait that makes it feel like a Labrador retriever. It has the tolerance of an English Bulldog, making the Selkirk a joy to have among young children. Its intelligence and demeanor have earned this cat a place in the growing list of therapy pets. It’s more than happy to stay by your side. And if you don’t mind a kitty resting on your lap, the Selkirk will oblige. It’s not a couch potato, however. But this doesn’t mean you’ll have a hard time turning it into a champion lap cat.

Devonshire Rex

Another Rex making it to our list of great lap cats is the Devonshire Rex, or Devon for short. Some say that Devons are feline versions of pixies – mischievous little troublemakers. But this is far from the truth; devons are very active kitties and are very intelligent, too. You will find them perched on the shoulders of their human owner or lying pretty comfy on their owner’s lap. What makes the Devon so adorable is that it loves learning tricks. Teach it to play the piano and you’ll have an instant internet sensation in your household. These cats make for excellent therapy pets because of their sweet nature and intelligence.

Maine Coon

One of the largest felines, the Maine Coon also happens to be a certified lap cat. It’s like the Great Dane in the dog world – large yet a true softy. Developed from crossing a cat and a raccoon, the Maine Coon has a dog-like sociability that makes it a great companion for families. It is amiable to other cats and dogs in the household. It loves to shadow its owner, showing interest in everything that the owner does. It will never demand attention. But when given the chance to lay down on your lap, it will be the happiest kitty in the world.

Sphynx

People always associate the Sphynx with a hairless cat breed. In fact, this is the breed’s most distinguishing characteristic. What many don’t realize is that this kitty is also very affectionate, sweet-natured, and friendly. It makes for a very good lap cat, owing to its hairless nature. You have to understand that an animal’s coat is one of the ways it can keep from getting cold. Hence, the Sphynx will lie very close to its owner in an effort to keep warm. For the Sphynx, cuddling is as natural as breathing. It needs this if it wants to stay comfortable in its feline life.

Burmese

Many folks don’t believe that the Burmese is a lap cat. Why? This kitty has a very outgoing personality that loves to show off in front of its family. It’s an entertainer, relying on its remarkable athletic abilities to leap to the tallest vertical structure it can find. But the Burmese also has an affectionate and amiable nature that allows it to find peace on the lap of its owners. It strives for attention and will not mind if this means playing all day or cuddling for hours on end.

Siamese

This is one kitty that is perfect for those who find talking to their cats very therapeutic. The Siamese is a very vocal kitty and would love nothing more than to get involved in everything that its owner does. It will sit on your lap, but don’t expect it to lie down in a quiet manner. It will take this opportunity to “talk” to you. Its affection for its people is never questioned, however. It can display friendliness to dogs and other pets while enjoying some fun times with children, too.

Kurilian Bobtail

Kurilian Bobtails look a lot like a lynx, complete with long hind legs and a bob tail. This water-loving feline also happens to be an affectionate kitty that loves cuddling and following its owner. When not on its owner’s lap or side, Kurilians enjoy playing. You can see them jumping from one cat tower to the next or scaling a vertical structure in your house. It’s a great hunter, a trait that some folks may find disturbing. A piece of salmon on your dining table can disappear in an instant if you’re not careful. It still is a great lap cat, nonetheless.

Any Other Cat

You may not believe it, but you can teach any cat to be as loving and affectionate as you want. Sure, they may not sit or lie down on your lap, but they can show their affection in countless ways. Like other animals, you can train any cat to sit on your lap. Here are some useful pointers for you.

• Find out what your kitty loves. Most cats love to play while others enjoy having their coats stroked or brushed. Use this knowledge to entice your cat to play or stay “closer” with you. This will help get your cat feel happier and more relaxed. It will also be more ready to spend some quality time with you. The point here is to make every interaction worthwhile. It should always be a positive, rewarding, and a wonderful experience for your cat.
• Don’t underestimate the value of cat treats. Use only special treats so your kitty will realize that spending time with you is very special.
• Do not force your cat to sit on your lap. Take note that most cats do not like being picked up or handled. They don’t like being told what to do. If you force your cat to sit on your lap, there’s a chance that you’ll scare it. The cat may no longer want to spend time with you. So, be patient.
• Take your cue from your cat’s behavior. If it’s sleeping, don’t pick it up and place it on your lap. Respect your cat’s boundaries. The best way to make your cat sit on your lap is to make this “area” a very pleasant and rewarding space.
• Remember to always end every interaction on a positive note. Don’t make your cat stay on your lap if it is already telling you enough is enough.

You can train any cat to sit on your lap and be the lap cat you’ve always wanted. However, it takes patience and perseverance to achieve this. If you lack these attributes, then getting a cat that has the qualities of a true-blue lap cat is your best bet.