Hot Forum Topic: Most Affectionate Cat Breed
Wednesday December 13, 2006
Yours truly posted:
I got an email this morning from someone who asked me to make a "Top Picks" list of the most affectionate cat breeds. Obviously, "Moggies" will be at the top of the list. But I'd like input from people who either have purebred cats or have experience with them. I could check the profiles from each registry, but personal experience is always more meaningful.
Feel free to post your comments here, or join the forum discussion.
I got an email this morning from someone who asked me to make a "Top Picks" list of the most affectionate cat breeds. Obviously, "Moggies" will be at the top of the list. But I'd like input from people who either have purebred cats or have experience with them. I could check the profiles from each registry, but personal experience is always more meaningful.
Feel free to post your comments here, or join the forum discussion.
Comments
I have a 20 year old Abyssinian named Abber and he has to one of the most affectionate cats in the history of the world! He doesn’t let a day go by with out jumping into my arms and rubbing my face with his face. I believe he would rather love on me than eat. I am very lucky to have such a loving cat.
Pound for pound, the most affectionate cats must be Maine Coons. I’ve had a few over the years, and once they hit adulthood, few breeds can match them for sheer loving with their special person.
Truly the most affectionate cats have to be Tonkinese. They are true friends to everyone they meet. Tonks greet everyone they meet with love and joy. They talk to you, follow you around, and are content to cuddle up on you or next to you. My Tonk has turned people into cat lovers!
I have a Bengal and he’s the most precious, affectionate, intelligent kitty I’ve had the pleasure to be mommy to. I know, I know… Everyone’s cat is the best, but a BENGAL is the way to go.
All throughout my life I’ve had different cats of different breeds. I find the persians the most affectionate, but this is how you relate to them. If you pet them since you acquire them , most cats are affectionate, some more than others.
My Manx cat, Scout is the most affectionate cat I’ve ever known. He sleeps with his head on the pillow, follows me to the bathroom and sits on my foot while I brush my teeth. I pick him up and kiss him all the time and he never tries to wiggle free or get down. And when I brought a male Manx/Maine Coon kitten home, he loved him like he was his own!
I have found that above all that a male cat is the most affectionate and then consider breed. I have had two males of mixed breed and they were most loyal and affectionate.
I am blessed to share my life with Buddy, my 14 year old Persian. He is so sweet and just full of personality. He loves to go for walks on his leash and interact with all the people we meet. He’s my furry little angel!
It is great to hear that everyone thinks “their” cat is the best, the smartest, and the most friendly! That’s the way it should be. However, having said that, the Scottish Fold cat is known as a companion cat, and having several, I can attest to the in-your-face, loyal, purrsonable nature of this breed. But then, I’m totally biased.
I have had many cats in my life, moggies and exotic hybrids, but I have found that for sheer affection, the hybrids beat the moggies hands-down. They love you unconditionally, with everything they have to give. They follow you everywhere, sleep with you, lie in your lap when you watch TV. I have never been loved so totally by anything until I got a hybrid cat.
The most affectionate cat in the world in my cat, Julius Caesar, a Champagne Burmese who is a constant in his affection and love. He is our baby and our life would be one of emptiness without him.
I’ve heard that Siamese aren’t generally very warm, but mine is an exception. He is very talkative, follows me around like a puppy, cuddles with me in bed. … He is the sweetest thing!
I have to agree with Pudders. I have two 12 year old Abyssinians and they are the most affectionate cats ever. They also have the most annoying habit of making me feel so completely guilty when I have to go to work in the morning, but boy do they love it when I get home. It’s what gets me through the day.
Janice
I have a tabby cat that is dark brown and black. Her name is Layla. She is like my best friend. She follows me constantly, sleeps by my head on my pillow, follows me to the restroom and sits on the counter begging for me to pet her. Even when I am putting on my make-up in the morning she is right there to help. She is awsome as far as I am concerned!
I have a 17 year old Somali.I wasn’t planning on getting a purebred, but after seeing every Somali nuzzle their person at a local cat show, I was hooked! Roger continues to be the most attached cat I’ve ever had. I love him like crazy, and I’ve had 16+ years of constant headbutts throughout the night, sleeping on my neck, trying to groom me…. and his brother Nathan was the same way.
I would have to say that my Tort Ivy is the most affectionate fur-baby I have had. There isn’t a place in the house I can go without her tagging along. She even sits on the side of the tub when it’s bath time or waits outside the the shower door. She is also very vocal, so I never feel like I am alone, she is always ready to chat.
BOMBAYS..best cat breed their is. Part monkey, part dog, and part cat. Smart, energetic and quite good looking.
No one mentioned the pure black all american short hair. I resued my CoCo from my neighbors who literally STARVED this sweet cat to skin & bones. I took her…..had her spayed….and welcomed her into my home and that was 9 years ago, and she is THE most loving, smart,and sweetest cat I’ve ever had except for my BUTU who is siamese, and such a LOVER. He really *thinks* I AM his Mom, as he follows me evrywhere. I can’t do anything by myself, as he is always right behind me. I adore these cats SO much and I honestly think I LOVE them more than my own children Ohhhhhh…..the GUILT!!!!!
My Siamese, Bailey, is by far the most affectionate cat I know. He stays by my side every moment, taking every opportunity to snuggle. People that don’t like cats change their minds when they meet Bailey!
My siamese girl is a real people lover – particularly for the people she owns. She loves to interact, play, talk and have a cuddle. My parents own a Burmese and he absolutely adores them.
The love of a stray Applehead Siamese is unequaled. And it’s from a vietnam vet to his cat.
I would have to say Maine Coons.I lost my beloved 20 year old, Chopper Bates this year.He would sit in my lap any time I sat down & never left my side. When he died, I thought I’d never find another friend like him.I got a Maine Coon kitten,Sophie Lilac & she, too is a real love!
I have 2 Seal Point Siamese (sisters), Nala and Belle who are extremely affectionate. I never realized how affectionate cats could be until these 2. They are always by my side, on my lap, or demanding to be held and snuggled with. They are such amazing, loving kitties!!
Hello cat lover
why you call those cat somali?
I have an orange Tabby named Maggie. She is the smartest cat I know & extremely mushy! She fetches balls, knows what the word “Spider” means (she comes flying from anywhere just to get it), chirps when we say bidies are coming! I have never in my life seen a cat chirp (sort of studdering or something, deffinitely not a meow) She’s only 4 and keeps learning more every day.
I’ve had a variety of cats over the years but my Tonkinese was by far the most affectionate one I’ve ever had. He’d always followed me around, and attached himself to my lap whenever the opportunity was avaliable. Not only was he loving, but he was extremely vocal, anytime I said something to him, he’d answer back. Never seen a cat with such personality.
Ragamuffins. Seriously everytime I sit down she has to be in my lap. This includes when im sitting on the bathroom toliet. She is the biggest baby EVER. Will constantly cry ad put her paws on my legs when she wants to be held-pretty much all the time. She is incredably smart, goofy, and the most affectionate cat i’ve ever met. Right now she is laying under the blanket on my legs.
The Ragdoll hands down is the most affectionate. I have one and am looking into another. Very floppy passive cats. Mine follows me everyplace, yes even into the shower!!
i love my beautiful stray kitten…she is the most cutest cat in the world
Definitely the Ragdoll. Not just mine, but the entire breed in general. They are extremely sweet tempered, gentle, docile and will follow their owners from room to room. They play gentle without extending their claws. I have had many cats growing up and NONE compare to the sweet Ragdoll. No only do they love their owners to no end, they love all other animals.
Ever since I was a baby I had a short haired domestic cat. She was a little black cat who LOVED to be held and would always brush against my leg. I highly reccomened these kitties.
I have owned so many different types of cats since I was young. I would have to say it just depends on how much love you give them. You give love and you get love. But don’t just any love….UNCONDITIONAL LOVE! The best I must say.
I currently have 4 cats, and they comprise my top three after a lifetime of cats (some mine, some family, some friends).They are Snowshoe, Manx and Siamese. Of these three the snowshoe comes out on top. Siamese cats can sometimes be a bit high strung, and my Manx are incredibly pushy (more than the the orientals) when they want my attention. Snowshoes can be pushy much like Siamese, but they tend to do it in such a charming and clownish way you forget they’re being pushy, whereas my Manx will take your fingers in their mouth and drag your hand away from what ever you’re doing that’s keeping that hand from petting them. All three breeds (at least the ones I’ve had throughout my life) are really talkative, but the snowshoe has the most melodic voice. It’s almost musical and quite pleasant. Also, I think all 3 breeds are very intelligent, but the Snowshoe solves problems a lot faster and more thoroughly than the others. This can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on if you want the problem solved. For instance, I have to wedge the bedroom door shut because he learned to turn doorknobs very quickly.
I’ve owned various breeds of cats. The most affectionate was a lovely male Maine Coon. He loved everyone, even my dad who hated cats. I currently own twin Cornish Rexes who turn 2 tomorrow. Although I love them to bits and lavish them with attention, it breaks my heart that they very rarely return my affections. I’ve also owned Devon Rexes and they were much the same.
I have three Bengals and they are the most loveable little things I have ever known.They love to sleep with the boys,sit with me at the pc and just lay on my lap watching tv.I love them!
I own two sphynx, and I would like to add them to the list. I don’t actually know anyone else that owns them personally, so I can’t say they’re the most affectionate I’ve ever seen of the breed. However, the breed is generally known to be extremely affectionate…..and you can’t beat the way they feel!
Gee people, thanks a lot for narrowing the choices down, I mean for G-d’s sake, every one of you is mentioning a completely different breed.
Ragdoll hands down. Mine was very vocal and a “lap cat”.
I really think it depends on individual cats, not which breed you have. My parents own a part Siamese cat that has been nasty and high strung from the time she was a kitten. She’s now about 20 and still growls, hisses, bites, chitters when she’s picked up even by someone she likes and generally acts like a witch cat. She WAS very attached to my brother and used to sit on the table when he did his homework and paw him every now and then to remind him to pet her. She hated me ever since I went away to college and abandoned her. In my experience, cats with any Siamese in them tend to be like Koko — high strung, neurotic, and attached to only one person. I currently have two garden variety barn cats (mixed breeds or American domestic short-hairs if you want to get fancy) that are extremely affectionate, outgoing, and very laid back. They cuddle, they want to sleep on my pillow, they follow me from room to room, they meow back or prrrow when I talk to them, etc. The male orange and white tabby has a bad habit of jumping from the floor to someone’s shoulder, but all he ever wants to do is snuggle up and purr. He’s never scratched anyone deliberately, even though he scares people and sometimes digs in with the claws accidentally. He loves even strangers. He’d show a burglar where all the goodies are if anyone ever broke in and purr while he did it.
I would honestly say that the Birman breed is probably the most affectionate. I have 4 cats at the moment, a Main Coon, Ragdoll, Persian and a Birman. They are all very affectionate but the Birman (male) is probably too affectionate as he gets irritating at times when you stop stroking him with his constant meowing. If i am taking a shower he meows outside the glass/ If i come home from work he is the first to greet me. If I stop stroking him, he bites my hand as he wants more attention.
I have had a lot of cats so far in my life but none or more affectionate than birmans. REMEMBER THEY SRA CALLED BIRMAN AND NOT BURMESE!!
Years ago, my brother in Maine had a Maine Coon cat (the real, non-pedigreed thing–all moggies in Maine are Maine Coons) and it was such a lap cat (despite topping 20 pounds) and so laid-back that when I could finally afford a designer cat, I got my very own Maine Coon (this one pedigreed and born in Yokohama, Japan–maybe that makes a difference?) who turned out to be seriously challenged in the affection-giving category. Never learning from past mistakes,I went ahead and also got his sister, whose personality can best be described as “feral.” And yes, too stupid to change breeders, or breeds, I THEN went on to adopt another sister (still a kitten) who is affectionate now and will, I hope, continue to be when she matures. None of them will sleep with me, and none of them is half as loyal or affectionate as my Japanese moggy found in a park. True, the Maine Coons are well-mannered, and they give me an excuse to go to cat shows, but I’m thinking of going with an Oriental Shorthair sometime soon. I want the ultimate in-your-face cat, during this lifetime!!!
This is Jane again, with the three less-than-ideally affectionate Maine Coons. I just want to assure readers that all of my cats get oodles and oodles of affection and attention from ME, as well as the best food, toy selection, toilet maintenance, and vet care that I know how to give them (hanging out with professional breeders and cat maniacs at cat shows gives you lots of good hints about how to give your cat/cats the best of all possible lives; these people want healthy, happy cats, first because they love their beasties, and second because they have a vested interest in producing good-looking and contented animals that will impress judges and attract future adoptive parents). Actually, my cats aren’t that bad; I was complaining them rather the way mothers sometimes do about their seemingly ideal offspring (”He never visits, she never calls…”). In fact, my fur-babies seek me out every few hours to see what I’m up to and to cadge a moment of play or some petting (the male LOVES being combed!). I’ve had numerous cats since I was a child, and it’s been my experience that cats tend to mature into becoming more affectionate towards their humans (i.e. not just thinking of them as food machines) at about the age of two, and when they hit middle age, they can adopt radically new affectionate behavior, such as suddenly sleeping with you under the covers. I have a suspicion that in multiple cat households, particularly when the cats are related to one another biologically, they tend to think that they have the upper hand if they outnumber you (say, four cats to two humans). When my moggie was alone before the coming of the Maine Coons, he was extremely needy emotionally, which is one reason why I decided to get him some company (unfortunately, this rather backfired, as he took it as a form of rejection; peace has now been restored, however). Back to the original topic of what breed is most affectionate, I think it mostly depends on the luck of the draw, and on the amount of time and attention you’re willing to spend on your cat/cats. A word of advice that hardly seems necessary is that, when you choose a new cat (who is, after all, going to be a life partner for many years to come), choose a cat who is affectionate from the start. This is a bit hard with kittens, who are emotionally unformed and whose attention is usually focused more on potential play opportunities than on people, but don’t make the mistake of picking the shy little one hiding under the bed just because you feel sorry for her or because you like her color. My most loyal cat, the mongrel, chose ME when I walked by his cage at the vet’s and he reached out a paw to grab me. In contrast, my first Maine Coon was totally uninterested in me when we met at the breeder’s–didn’t want to be held, nor would he make eye contact, and this continues to be the case. He was 6 months old at the time, and I should have known that his character wasn’t going to change all that much. Actually, he’s morphed into an affectionate cat on his own terms (he won’t sleep with me in bed, but he will sleep on the desk next to my computer while I’m working), but he’s never going to be a lap cat (well, they say Maine Coons generally aren’t). When you choose a kitten, shop around for a kitten with whom you feel a real bond–you’ll know it when it happens. Remember the two truisms about cats: one, potential owners don’t choose cats, cats choose their potential owners; and two, ALL kittens are cute, so you should control your urge to choose the first cute specimen you find and put almost as much effort into searching out the right cat as you would into searching out a potential mate. Initial cuteness isn’t enough to guarantee an affectionate and loving relationship for the 15 to 20 years you’ll be spending with your cat.
I have had over the course of my 60 years many different breeds of cats, some pure and some mixed. I would have to say that the Maine Coon Cat and the Birmese would have topped my list of affectionate until recently when I got an Ocicat. They are the most amazing cats. Part Abby, part Siamese, and part american shorthair, they have the qualities of all 3. They are the smartest, most affectionate, and loving cats. They give new meaning to having a cat companion. Extraordinarily loyal and obedient and intelligent even from kittenhood. Their person becomes the center of their lives and they give love in a way I have never seen before. Mine loves to help me clean toilets, sinks, sweep, almost any chore. By one year my cat had learned nearly 200 words. Truly an amazing cat.
In my opinion I Would say that almost any breed can be affectionate, as long as you are back. But, if I had to pick a breed I would say Somali’s are the most cuddly, people loving, lap cats I’ve ever had. I hav had a maine coon, siemese, bengal, persian and two somalis. They were all affectionate and lovely cats but the somali’s were always there for me. when I cried they would sit on my lap. So, i ould say SOMALI all the way. :]
I have two American Shorthair cats. One is 15 and gray and white, the other 5 and black and white. They’re both extremely affectionate, but Milo, the 5 year old, is the most affectionate cat I’ve ever known. When he was a kitten he use to climb onto my shoulder and head but me while purring madly. He has slept on my pillow next to my head purring his heart out since I brought him home. I got him at 5 weeks old and really “babied” him. I cuddled him and played with him nonstop. He follows me around the house, is always trying to get my attention, hopping on my lap, trying to pull books out of my hands, or sitting on my keyboard as I type. He is also the most tolerant cat out there. He will sit through almost anything happily. When I last brought him to the vet, he was purring and rubbing up against the vet and his aid, even after getting shots and having a sore tooth looked at. The vet told me he was the nicest cat he had ever seen. He peacefully went in and out of his carrier without a fight.
I think almost any breed of cat can be raised to be affectionate, it just takes love
i don’t know what kind of cat he was, but i recently lost my beloved bubba. he moved in with us after roaming the neighborhood for a year or so. he’d been in a fight and lost, and after taking him to the vet, i decided he was mine. he was huge, 21 lbs., and looked like he had a bit of bobcat in him.
he was all sweetness and light, sleeping with my son and playing like a puppy until my son moved out, and then sleeping with me (especially in electric blanket weather!), either on my feet or next to my pillow. we did have him declawed, as i have all my cats, and they never, ever, went outside, and i don’t find it cruel.
his weight fit his frame, but even so, he developed diabetes a few years ago, requiring insulin shots every 12 hours. he never said boo.
the vet’s office loved him, because he never bit, always purred, and his favorite place was the scale. they all knew him, and it is a very busy practice. even thought the diabetes became costly and time consuming, it was a joy to wake up to him every day. and he never, ever complained about anything.
at the very end, when it was obvious he was quite ill (blood in stool and vomit) you would never have known by looking at him. even the vet said things were hopeful, until he came back with the initial tests. my sweet boy should have been in a coma long before we got to the vets, but there he was, calmly looking at the other excited animals in the waiting room, as if wondering what all the fuss was about. his blood glucose was at 29 (should have been around 100) and he was down to 11lbs. seems he had developed an intestinal bleed. even as we were saying our goodbyes, he wanted to investigate the room. THAT’S a helluva cat!!
oh, and out of our (currently 7) rescued bunnies, he had his own. we’ve finally bonded her with another bun.
i know this really didn’t have anything to do with the best cat breed, but that’s what led me here. i’ll never be able to replace him, and i’m not ready for another cat yet (like i said, SEVEN bunnies), but i’ve become fascinated with the scottish fold, and now the maine coon.
more than likely, i’ll adopt, but i couldn’t help but share the story of bubba, the wonder cat.
oh, and if anybody runs into the diabetes thing, all the help you need can be found at FDMB, the feline diabetes message board.
thanks for letting me share!
-buns
Siamese for sure! My siamese will not leeeeeave me alone. He’s always following me around and when i leave the room he almost cries out for me. Peanut! is the most affectionate cat ever. If you want the friendliest, most loyal and affectionate cat, get a siamese.
My tuxedo cat Maya is oh so affectionate- she is barely letting my type right now. She constantly purrs and always wants to be held and picked up. Also, my beloved orange tabby Pumpkin who died two years ago was very affectionate but only to me (I miss her). I really think it depends on how you raise your cat.
My Norwegian forest cat, Ivy, is the most loving cat I’ve had so far. She purrs like a motor boat all the time lol. She has her cuddly moments, but mainly she just likes being close to her owner(s), ie: me and fam;) She’s extremely smart,loyal,very even tempered, and fearless(a trait I personally like in cats). Great breed for sure!!
Of all my cats, my current Siamese is the most affectionate. Yes, they tend to be one person or one family cats, but they are unbelievable. My son can put this cat on his head like a hat! He is constantly underfoot and demands to be picked up and hugged which is sometimes inconvenient (like when cooking). My other cat is a female and she is also very affectionate to everyone. Between the two I am well-loved.
You can’t beat the love that you get from a Russian Blue! She is the loviest cat I have ever had.
My experiences over my lifetime with non-purebred cats has led me to consider longer haired male cats as generally the most affectionate lap kitties that enjoy playing and being held. That generality said, each cat has its own personality and I’ve loved and enjoyed all my pets.
My Siamese, named Bacciagaloupe, is the sweetest little guy. He sleeps on my pillow and plays with my hair. He likes shrimp which I left from the local buffet. He takes them into a corner and eats them, whilst growling.