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When choosing a feline companion, the friendliest cat breeds are often the most desirable. According to many scientists, the years of domestication have made cats more sociable and used to having people in their lives.
In a 2014 report, scientists found 13 genes in domestic cats that had significantly adapted compared to their wildcat sisters, showing how they have become kinder and more domesticated.
However, it can be difficult to know which cats are the friendliest, and sometimes your cat may need a little too much attention to find a more loving cat.
Which cats are considered friendly cat breeds and why are they like that?
Newsweek asked the experts about the most affable kittens and what to do when yours becomes too needy.
Are some breeds of cats friendlier?
In discussions with experts on the subject, the overwhelming majority of vets said that cats are much more difficult to agree on some “friendly” breeds. Some even said it was impossible to tell one friendlier breed from another.
This is because most purebred cats, unlike dogs, are bred for their physical characteristics, not their personality traits.
Dr. JustAnswer’s veterinarian, Jo Myers, told Newsweek, “Cat” breeds “are nowhere near what we think of dog breeds … After all, it’s fair to go as far as asking if or cats aren’t once really domesticated. “
An archive image of a Siamese cat
Getty Images
Dr. Myers stated that the majority of cats are not descended from or related to purebred cats, who are naturally “furry little obligate carnivores and predators”.
Because of this, in their opinion, there is no one type of cat that is friendlier than another.
Dr. Mikel Maria Delgado, an expert on cat behavior at Rover, agreed, telling Newsweek that the best way to find out which breeds are the friendliest is to meet them and access their individual personalities.
She said, “Some recent research has found that purebred breed owners report some racial differences, but the studies have often produced conflicting results and have not always paid particular attention to“ kindness. ”More research is needed to really match cat breeds with personality associate.”
“My recommendation is, if you are about to adopt or buy a cat, and ‘Kindness’ – however you interpret it – the most important concern is meet the cat first and see if you harmonize with it and like its personality! “
A picture of a ragdoll cat
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Dr. Woodnutt told Newsweek, “All cats are individuals, and their personalities vary widely from being overly friendly to aloof. Also, the way a cat is raised can make a huge difference in being friendly.”
“A cat that is bred in a good environment and has a dedicated breeder who treats it regularly will inevitably be far kinder than a kitten born to a wild mother and trapped at a young age.”
Friendly breeds of cats
Even so, according to Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, a veterinarian with Veterinary Content Company, and Dr. Emily Wilson of Fuzzy – The Pet Parent Company identified certain breeds that are generally better at handling human interaction.
She named Siamese, Ragdoll, and Persian cats as some notoriously friendlier with people.
Dr. Wilson agreed to these breeds and also added Maine Coon and Sphynx cats.
Siamese cats can be very noisy, meowing and connecting with their humans in this way, while ragdolls are particularly relaxed.
Speaking to Newsweek, Dr. Wilson: “Maine Coons are big cats with friendly, cute personalities that often thrive in households with children …”
“Sphynx cats have unique hairless looks and cute but comedic personalities that make them wonderful family cats.
- Siamese
- Ragdoll
- Persian
- American forest cat
- Sphynx
How to deal with attention-seeking cats
While having cats who are good with people is beneficial, there are times when the need for attention on the part of a pet owner can be very great. This is especially the case when small children or other animals need to be looked after in the house.
Dr. Delgado suggested that the important thing is not to reward bad cat behavior with things like food and attention, and making sure your cat knows that she didn’t make you behave in a certain way.
An archive image of a Maine Coon
Getty Images
She suggested that routines are vital to keeping cats from behaving. If you need help training your cat or working with malpractice, I recommend talking to a veterinary behaviorist or other behavioral expert! “
Dr. Myers also said that if your cat is seeking a lot of attention, it can be a good idea to see a veterinarian, as it could be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs investigation. Examples like hyperthyroidism, arthritis, or dental disease can cause cats to harass their humans in response to the pain.
She said, “As with many pet undesirable behaviors, it is always important to address any potential underlying medical issues that could contribute to a sudden surge in attention-seeking behavior …
“A seemingly subtle condition like high blood pressure can also lead to more aggressive attention-seeking behavior. So the first step is to have your cat thoroughly examined by a veterinarian. “
Dr. Wilson, along with the other vets, also suggested helping cats keep using their natural feline behavior through puzzles, scratching, and other activities that kept their neediness at bay.
That extra stimulation and enrichment can keep them busy and help them exercise and spend time outdoors.
She said, “For cats that crave an outdoor experience, Catios can be a safe way for pet parents to allow them to go outside.
“Enriching the environment can help cats while their owners and families are away, but it is also important to incorporate time into your daily life brushing, petting, or playing with your cat. These activities will help strengthen the bond between cats and their pet parents. “
