The 18 best cat breeds

*Review of the best according to the editors. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective, not an advertisement and is not a guide to purchase. Consultation with a specialist is required before purchase.

The choice of a cat must be approached responsibly. After all, it’s not just a pet. A friend for the ages, it depends on the breed whether they make you happy or intimidate you.

We’ve ranked the 18 best cat breeds that will suit both the experienced breeder and the novice amateur.

Rating of the best cats

The calmest breeds of cats

British Shorthair

Rating: 4.9

“The British are some of the most independent cats. Of course, they love their master very much and are infinitely attached to him, but they can do quite well on their own. They can be left alone in the apartment for several days and they won’t go mad. The main thing is to feed.

“Brits are intelligent and aristocratic. They never allow themselves to pounce on people – as long as they observe their own boundaries, of course. Not too affectionate, but adorable, they also need polite, attentive and calm treatment. They love kids, but they don’t tolerate familiarity.

Advantages

• Independents;
• They love their owners;
• Radiate charm and charm.

Disadvantages

• Require polite, respectful treatment;
• Not too affectionate to strangers or family members.

American Shorthair Cat

Rating: 4.8

Sociable but very independent cat. They like to be near the owner, but they are rarely in the owner’s arms – and they don’t let themselves be petted. They easily survive the owner’s absence, if he is at work all day or often goes on business trips.

Very active, they like to play. A cat like this needs a rattle or something similar. Retains hunting instinct and easily catches mice.

Cuddle with children but do not allow themselves to be petted.

Advantages

• Playful and cheerful;
• Very easy to care for;
• Sociable.

Disadvantages

• Not too affectionate;
• Need games and toys.

Ragdoll

Rating: 4.7

Very affectionate cats. Completely relax and soften in the hands of the owner, they like caressing, scratching, playing and just being gentle. Social but not annoying, with a very soft and melodious voice. Calm, intelligent, but very trusting. Devoted to their owners more than life.

Get along very well with children. However, because of the low pain threshold and absolute unresistance, a child may accidentally, unknowingly, harm the pet.

Advantages

• Gentle and loyal;
• Remain kittens for a long time (maturity comes in the 4th year of life);
• Soft and affectionate.

Disadvantages

• Requires care in both grooming and tenderness;
• Needs a special balanced diet and regular visits to the vet.

Scottish lop-eared

Rating: 4.7

“Scots”, as well as their neighbors – territorially and by rating – “British”, are very independent and aristocratic. They are more of a companion cat than a pet. Quiet, independent, she needs her own place, which no one will touch.

However, “Scotties” are quite playful. They need fun and mobility. So these pets are good with kids – but not particularly affectionate. A “Scottish” and a child would rather happily scurry about the house knocking furniture down than sleep together.

Smart, quick to respond to their owner’s moods and therefore not inclined to be naughty when they shouldn’t be. They like people, but in terms of communication, not affection. You can pet such a cat only if it wants to.

Advantages

• A calm and balanced character;
• They love children;
• Not particularly finicky or fussy.

Disadvantages

• Not the most affectionate cat breed.

Burmese cat

Rating: 4.6

“Burma” – a cat with a sense of dignity. It is not very active, it can lie for hours and look at its possessions, like the ruler of the state – even if it is limited to an apartment. Calm, intelligent, unobtrusive – this cat will become a decoration of an apartment.

But it is very sociable. She gladly “talk” to the owner if the latter wants it and get acquainted with visiting guests. Very curious and not at all cowardly. Good with other animals, loves children – she treats them parentally, that is, she can play, and protect, and warn. Almost never lets out her claws, if something is wrong – just give up.

Advantages

• Calm and with dignity;
• Helps to relax and “let off steam” due to sociability;
• Smart and unobtrusive.

Disadvantages

• Needs to take care of its fur;
• Does not know how to land, so it is better not to let her on the closet or keep windows closed.

Persian

Rating: 4.5

Phlegmatic, sedate, calm cat. Even a playful child or an overly intrusive guest is not able to bring the “Persian” out of temper. Rather, the cat with its inherent dignity will give a leering look to the intruder and go on to sleep in a quiet and safe place.

Often it seems that Persian cats are also cold to their owner. But they are not. They love their owner tenderly and devotedly, they are ready to go to the edge of the world for him, but they understand that he also needs his personal space. They will not impose, but will gladly accept petting, cuddling and play.

At the same time, to other family members, they can be too haughty. But the attitude towards children is different. Some Persians will adore a baby, allowing it everything; others will remain regal and haughty.

Advantages

• Calm, phlegmatic, and patient;
• Love the owner;
• Does not require attention.

Disadvantages

• Too ostentatiously arrogant and regal toward other people.

Selkirk Rex

Rating: 4.5

One of the friendliest cat breeds in the ranking. Loves affection, games, attention. Very nice and cheerful. Sociable, does not lag behind the owner, but particularly in his personal space is not invaded. During petting likes to climb on the shoulders and sit there for a long time, while the owner does his business.

Relates to children calmly, with pleasure joins in the games, and takes part in education – as far as a cat can do, of course. Patient. Even if the child oversteps the boundaries of the permitted – rather run to the owner or hide than release the claws.

Needs care, however. Curly hair requires brushing and washing, as the pet’s own tongue does not handle “curls” well.

Advantages

• Gentle, loving cat;
• Patient and calm;
• Good with children.

Disadvantages

• Requires regular brushing and washing.

Best hypoallergenic cat breeds

Balinese cat

Rating: 4.9

Communicative, strong, and often overly intelligent cats. “Too much” means they can easily learn to open the refrigerator or toy boxes. They get attached to people, won’t leave them even for a step, play with pleasure. Need attention and love to be shown it to them.

Good with children, often plays and displays parental qualities. But a tandem of a baby and a Balinese cat can do a lot more mischief than they can separately. They are also very talkative, often meowing, purring – and, again, love to be the center of attention.

Very addictive and not suitable for people who only sleep at home.

Advantages

• Companionable, playful, sociable;
• Get along well with children and animals;
• Very intelligent.

Disadvantages

• Require attention;
• Sometimes pranks.

Oriental Shorthair cat

Rating: 4.8

Playful cat that needs an emotional connection with its owner. Her attitude towards her owner can’t even be described with the word “love”, but rather with the word “dependency. She is absolutely trusting, misses her owner if he leaves home for a long time, perfectly understands his mood and is ready to help him cope with stress or join the game.

Loves to be the center of attention, attracting it as a game, and communication. A lot of “talking”, so it will not suit well for those who like silence. Very energetic, but by the end of the day calms down and just needs a cuddle.

Advantages

• Quickly and permanently becomes attached to the owner;
• Easily detects the owner’s mood;
• Is very calm towards children.

Disadvantages

• Requires attention, noisy and playful;
• Does not forgive treachery.

Cornish Rex

Rating: 4.8

Very energetic and inquisitive cat. Needs constant play, activity, in the first days of his stay will explore all the cracks, drawers and entresols in the house. And then goes to study them a second time. It is distinguished by observation, quickly gets used to the owners’ schedule and begins to help with household chores – as much as possible for a cat, of course. Even if she will not succeed, she will still try to help.

Therefore it is one of the most demanding breeds in the rating. And attention is not only due to her character. If there are dangerous places in the house, you will have to make sure the cat is not there.

It is important to consider that this cat has an appetite. It eats a lot – and then expends calories on heating itself (after all, it has almost no fur) and on physical activity.

Advantages

• Inquisitive and active;
• Likes to be close to the owner;
• Intelligent, observant, even with a sense of humor.

Disadvantages

• Demanding attention;
• They need regular bathing.

Javanese

Rating: 4.7

The Javanese cat, or Javanese, comes from about the same breed family as the Balinese and Oriental. Therefore, their personality traits are similar. Nevertheless, Javanese is characterized more by “passive affection” than by the demand for attention.

Javanese, in particular, is constantly spending time with the owner. It will sit in your arms, sleep in the same bed, just sit next to you while doing whatever. But it is active, needs games, toys and walks. Can get frisky out of boredom.

Advantages

• Loyal and sociable;
• Loves games and walks;
• Treats all family members, children and guests well.

Disadvantages

• Needs activity and games;
• Susceptible to various diseases.

Siberian cat

Rating: 4.6

Good-natured, benevolent and friendly cat – which is not particularly associated with its completely “forest” appearance. Characterized by activity and playfulness, and saves this disposition for a long time.

Quick-witted and intelligent cat. She will not be naughty in the house. One should not expect from her strong affection, but a companion with a sense of dignity. At the same time, she is very calm with children and does not show aggression, even if they pull her tail. However, the “Siberian” will gladly take part in education.

Advantages

• A calm cat with self-esteem;
• Friendly and contactable;
• Easy to care for.

Disadvantages

• Not particularly affectionate;
• Do not get along well with rodents or other small animals in the apartment.

The most sociable cats

Abyssinian cat

Rating: 4.9

“Abyssinians are companionable, friendly cats who love to participate in everything a human does. And if people also gather in a group … Everything, the cat will be in the very center of this company and will help in every way.

Abyssinian cats are among the most curious and active cats in the rating. They are constantly playing, going somewhere, running around, doing something and just not sitting still. They actively explore every corner of the apartment, greet guests, catch insects and adore spending time with their owner, especially if the owner is doing something active.

Advantages

• Active and friendly;
• Constantly spend time with the owner;
• Love guests and groups of people in general.

Disadvantages

• Not suitable for passive lovers;
• They need a closed window and a balcony, as they can fall out.

Toyger

Rating: 4.8

Toigers are both “plush” and very active cats. They enjoy running, playing, participating in all human activities. Toogers especially like children, as they always have time for games and running around. Cats are friendly – and gladly “go for contact” with anyone who is willing to play with them.

Toigers will love semi-open confinement – and they’re the first ones to want to go with you to the cottage. But in the apartment they will be happy to get accustomed as well. The main thing is not to forget to play with them, because these cats keep active till the old age.

Advantages

• Active and playful;
• They like walks and in general semi-retirement;
• Characterized by good health.

Disadvantages

• Very much in need of games.

Bengal

Rating: 4.8

“Bengals” – very socially active and sociable cats. So they will suit only a person who is ready to give them a lot of time. They “pay” for it with deep emotional attachment, which lasts for life.

An interesting feature of Bengal cats is their love of water. They gladly play with the stream from under the tap, and in extreme cases – even climb with the owner in the bath or shower. In addition, “Bengals”, even though they are very active, they love to sit in hands and just cuddle.

And the rest of the time they play, open drawers and cupboards, scurry about the house and just frolic. Also that this pet is for active people who are willing to devote a lot of time and attention to play.

Advantages

• They like to sit in their arms;
• Very fond of water;
• Active, playful, and social.

Disadvantages

• They need attention and activity.
• Showers, taps and toilets are better closed – cats are very fond of water;

Maine Coon

Rating: 4.7

Despite their huge size and rather severe appearance, the Maine Coon is incredibly friendly. He loves people and animals, adores children, plays with pleasure and amazing grace with anyone who wants it. But at the same time Maine Coons have a sense of dignity. They do not impose, but they do not like familiarity.

As a kind of “sanguine” Maine Coons need to play. They need constant activity. So they don’t really have a feline personality, but rather a canine one. They even like going for walks very much!

Like the previous breed in the rating, the Maine Coon has a weakness for water. He not only swims with pleasure, but even swims – if the size of the body of water, of course, allows. Still a very big cat.

Advantages

• They like games and walks;
• Get attached to people, but have self-esteem;
• Love water, but without fanaticism;
• They love children.

Disadvantages

• Too large, they need a spacious apartment and do not sit in the owner’s arms much.

Siamese cat

Rating: 4.7

Siamese cats like to be the center of attention. They show their friendliness only to their owner. But they are so attached to the owner that they are ready to follow him everywhere.

In addition, “Siamese” are very smart. They can even learn some tricks! It is worth considering that such pets need not only games, but also in communication – you need to talk to them, and they will respond in the same way. And most of the time initiate a dialogue.

But it should be taken into account that Siamese cats are jealous. And it shows in many ways. They can even take revenge on the owner for paying too little attention.

Advantages

• They are tender and gentle;
• Beautiful and elegant;
• They like communication.

Disadvantages

• Have an unpredictable temperament;
• Are prone to jealousy attacks;
• Sometimes aggressive.

Russian blue cat

Rating: 4.6

A cat with a calm and playful temperament. Cheerful and active, she will chase anything around the house that is not well anchored to the floor. But it is neat enough, so that grandmother’s vase on the edge of the dresser will not suffer. They do not get attached to their owners very quickly, but they remain loyal to them for many years. Characterized by intelligence and a sense of humor.

The truth is, it is the only cat in its rating segment that is unfriendly to guests. As soon as a stranger comes into the house, the cat will hide in a hard-to-reach place. In addition, it is not too fond of sitting in your arms and being petted – rather, the cat will place itself somewhere nearby or at your feet and will just “be present.

Advantages

• A cat with dignity;
• Playful, but not obtrusive;
• Characterized by intelligence.

Flaws

• Takes a long time to get used to the owner;
• Very cautious, does not like shouting and scandal, is afraid of visitors.