The Sweetest Cat Breeds Who Love To Snuggle (You’ll Be Running To Your Local Shelter ASAP)
Contrary to popular belief, many cat breeds are wonderfully affectionate and make excellent cuddle companions. Ragdolls, for example, thrive on attention and are famously calm and gentle. Scottish Folds are equally loving, often choosing to stay close to their favorite people.
And that's just scratching the surface—there’s a whole world of warmhearted breeds out there waiting to be your perfect snuggle buddy!
Persians Are Excellent Lap Cats
If you're looking for a relaxed and affectionate housecat, the Persian fits the bill beautifully. These cats adore lounging in their owner's lap and are more than happy to snooze the day away.
Thanks to their gentle temperament and loving disposition, Persians are considered one of the most devoted breeds—an ideal companion for any household.
Russian Blues Are Shy At First But Become Loving
Russian Blues may come off as timid when they first arrive in a new home, but once they settle in, their affectionate and playful nature shines through.
These cats often form a deep bond with one special person and have an uncanny ability to sense and respond to that individual's emotions.
Pixie-Bobs Love Being In The Same Room As Its Owners
Despite their wild bobcat appearance, Pixie-Bobs are friendly and loving companions. Known for their sociable nature, they get along well with both family members and new faces, making them a great fit for any household.
These cats enjoy hanging out wherever their humans are—whether it's chasing toys or lounging on the couch soaking up head scratches.
Ragdolls Love Being Pet
Ragdolls are perfectly named—they often go limp with delight when receiving ear scratches, belly rubs, or a classic head pet, all of which rank high on their list of favorite things.
As one of the larger domestic cat breeds, Ragdolls are incredibly affectionate and get along wonderfully with children and other animals, making them ideal companions for families.
Peterbalds Are "Aggressively Affectionate"
Peterbalds are a mostly hairless cat breed with a big heart for affection. The International Cat Association even describes them as "aggressively affectionate" toward their humans.
If you're considering a Peterbald, be prepared for constant cuddles, playtime, and plenty of snuggles. These highly intelligent cats won't hesitate to paw, purr, and nuzzle until they get the love they’re craving.
Kurilian Bobtails Make Excellent Companions
The Kurilian Bobtail, with its short, fluffy tail, might look like a miniature wildcat—but don't let appearances fool you. It’s actually a loving and affectionate companion.
Known for its intelligence and calm nature, this breed enjoys playing in water and sticking close to its favorite human, making it a delightful pet to have around.
Burmese Are Social And Playful
The Burmese cat may have its roots in Burma, but it's gained popularity across the United States and Europe. While the breed originally featured a rich dark brown coat, selective breeding has introduced a range of colors depending on the region.
Regardless of their coat shade, all Burmese cats share the same affectionate, sociable, and playful nature.
American Wirehairs Are Amazing Lap Cats
Much like their American Shorthair cousins, American Wirehairs are a loving breed that enjoys spending time with their people. They're actually considered one of the top lap cats!
Typically calm and mild-mannered, they still bring plenty of energy and enthusiasm when it’s time to play.
Scottish Folds Are Social Cats
Recognized for their signature folded ears and owl-like charm, Scottish Folds are among the most affectionate cat breeds. These sociable felines thrive on human companionship, often curling up on their backs and happily soaking up belly rubs.
Despite their loving nature, they can be a bit headstrong at times—expect a touch of stubbornness from these otherwise cuddly companions!
Korats Form Strong Bonds With People
Once known as the "good luck cat," Korats were traditionally given as special gifts—and it's easy to see why. These affectionate felines form deep connections with their humans and are incredibly loving companions.
Highly intelligent with excellent memories, their distinctive heart-shaped faces are a perfect reflection of their sweet and loyal nature.
European Burmese Are Lovers And Snugglers
While the European Burmese tends to be slightly longer than the American variety, it shares the same affectionate and playful nature.
Teresa Keiger, a judge with the Cat Fanciers' Association, describes European Burmese cats as "lovers and snugglers who want nothing more than to be your adoring companions."
Bombay Cats Love Affection
With their big, inquisitive eyes, Bombay cats make playful and affectionate companions at home. They enjoy spending the day playing and then snuggling up in their owner's lap for some loving pets.
They’re also not shy about hopping onto a human’s lap whenever they want some attention!
Siberians Love Human Companionship
Siberians are often compared to dogs because of the deep affection they show their owners. They tend to follow their humans everywhere around the house, almost like a shadow.
Intelligent, loving, and craving constant attention and interaction, this breed makes an excellent family pet, thriving on plenty of human companionship.
Devon Rex Cats Love To Cuddle
If you're looking for a cat with dog-like qualities, the Devon Rex definitely stands out. They’re playful, often hopping onto a person’s shoulder while they work, and will happily follow their human around the house to stay close.
Once playtime ends, they’re all about cozy cuddle sessions!
American Shorthairs Enjoy Their Humans Company
The American Shorthair is a calm, people-loving cat that does well in family settings. As Teresa Keiger, a judge with the Cat Fanciers' Association, explains, "The American Shorthair is another breed that's easy to live with and good in an active household."
"Nothing much bothers them, and they enjoy hanging out with their humans."
Birmans Bond Closely With Their Owner
Birman cats, often called the "Sacred Cat of Burma," are as affectionate as they are stunning, with their silky white-and-gray coats and striking blue eyes.
They form strong connections with their owners and love nothing more than curling up in a lap to soak up all the affection they can get.
American Bobtail Are Easy-Going
The American Bobtail is a medium-sized cat and a fairly rare breed, but families who have one are fortunate. Known for their laid-back and affectionate nature, these cats enjoy snuggling up with their people and soaking in the attention.
They're also playful and enjoy toys—and many don’t mind being trained to walk on a leash.
Abyssinians Are Known As Clowns Of The Cat World
Deeply affectionate and closely bonded to their humans, Abyssinians often turn into "shadow cats," following their owners wherever they go.
When they're not busy playing or showing off their goofy, playful side as the "clowns of the cat world," you’ll find them right next to their person—or curled up on a lap—soaking up all the love and attention they can get.
Siamese Cats Are Playful
While Siamese cats originate from Thailand, they have become one of the most popular breeds in both North America and Europe. And, it is not hard to see why.
A very distinct breed with its triangular head and blue eyes, Siamese cats are extremely playful, social, and not afraid to use their voice to get what they want!
Exotic Shorthairs Quietly Ask For Attention
Affectionate, quiet, and incredibly sweet, the Exotic Shorthair is the perfect breed for anyone who wants a loyal companion. They love to spend time with their humans, whether it's sitting on the couch watching TV or standing in the kitchen overseeing dinner.
The best part is this breed does not beg; they quietly ask for attention in an easy-going manner.
Maine Coons Are Big But Friendly
Maine Coons are the largest domestic breed, able to reach 48 inches in length and a whopping 18 pounds! But the sheer size of this breed shouldn't deter people from adopting one, as they are also one of the friendliest.
Known as "the gentle giant," Maine Coons are friendly and playful. They're even known to play fetch and walk with a leash!
Tonkinese Are High Energy
As a crossbreed between two very loving breeds, Siamese and Burmese, it is no wonder Tonkineses are one of the most affectionate cat breeds out there.
Very dog-like in nature, the Tonkinese is a lively and playful breed with high energy and a very outgoing, social personality. Their intelligence is just the cheery on top of this lovable cake.
Domestic Shorthair Are Some Of The Sweetest Around
Domestic Shorthair cats or "mutts" don't fall into any breed-specific category. They tend to be mixed and found in shelters. But that shouldn't deter people from thinking about Domestic Shorthairs for the family.
They are some of the sweetest and most affectionate cats around, forming strong bonds with the family that rescues them.
Singapura Cat Desires Human Interaction
Known for its large eyes and ears, the Singapura cat isn't just cute but very affectionate. Above all else, they desire human interaction. According to The Cat Fanciers' Association, the Singapura is "active, curious and playful...and enjoys dog-like games such as fetch."
They also like to perch high above everything, liking to scope out areas and keep an eye on their humans.
Ragamuffins Are Very Trusting
A cousin to the loving Ragdoll, Ragamuffins are just as affectionate and loving. While they have an intimidatingly piercing gaze, the Ragamuffin is most likely just wondering why their person isn't paying attention to them.
Sweet and gentle, this breed is very trusting and does very well in a household full of people.
Bengal Cats Are Loving And High-Energy
Looking like tiny leopards, Bengal cats take from the larger breed and are very high-energy. But that playful nature is amazing when it comes to being a family cat, as they love to be around their humans to play games.
When they aren't playing, being in the same area are their human is a must.
The Cornish Rex Makes A Great Therapy Cat
The Cornish Rex can't get enough attention! They love to have all eyes on them while they play, climb, meow, and even fetch! In fact, this breed is said to make great therapy cats, as they love their humans and want nothing more than to please them.
That includes climbing under the covers and cuddling when the occasion calls for it!
Chartreux Are Very Relaxed And Loving
The Chartreux cat is ready to become some lucky family's best friend. They are incredibly polite cats, typically an oxymoron when it comes to this specific animal!
A quiet, docile breed, the Chartreux isn't known to complain too much and would prefer to hang out with their humans and play.
Egyptian Maus Have A Playful Personality
A medium-sized cat breed, the Egyptian Mau is considered a rare breed. Even so, they are pretty cool. The Maus is a very playful breed and loves it when its human plays with toys.
The Egyptian Maus's friendly personality also allows people to leash train them, making them great travel companions.
Sphynx Exhibit "Dog-Like" Behavior
While Sphynx might not be for everyone, they are a very affectionate, intelligent, and curious cat breed. A hairless cat, Sphynx love curling up on their human's lap to stay warm.
They also exhibit dog-like behaviors, such as doing well with strangers, loving to play, and preferring to be around their family.
