Child Friendly Cats: Best Cat Breeds for Your Kids [2021]

If you are considering giving a new cat to your kids, it is crucial to pick one that can fit in with the dynamics that you already have. Some cat breeds are perfect for loud and boisterous families, while others like attention but need things to be quiet. 

In this guide, we’ll see some of the best breeds that will go perfectly well for your kids and other family members. So without further delay, let’s see what we got for you today!

Maine Coon

The first cat on our list is the Maine Coon. These cats are just big teddy bears. They are great with kids because they love to get a lot of attention and do not mind being petted and having a child who wants to play with them. 

In fact, this type of cat is likely to follow your child around because their curiosity makes them want to see what is going on.

More About Maine Coon

The Maine Coon will live for up to 13 years, so they can be a great member of your home for a long time. They only get to about 12 pounds for females and 15 pounds for males, so they won’t overtake your children or take up too much space.

Before bringing them into your home, you need to ensure they get enough exercise. They like to be active and will need some interactive play. If you have children, this should be relatively easy to do. 

Make sure to monitor their nutrition well and not allow your children to feed too many scraps under the table.

Pros

• They get along well with children and like to be active and play.
• The soft fur is perfect for petting and cuddling with.
• They love to get attention from everyone in the family.
• Have a long lifespan.

Cons

• They are a little heavier, so they may knock things over easily.
• The fur is comfortable but does require daily upkeep.

Cornish Rex

Cornish Rex gets their name because the tufts of fur on them look just like the Rex rabbit’s fur. These cats love to play around and are very active, so get ready to give them attention. 

They are playful and outgoing by nature. Your children or other pets will have a fun time playing with this cat.

More About Cornish Rex

This breed is a little bit smaller, usually coming in at under eight pounds so they can fit in nicely. They will also live between nine to 13 years with minimal shedding, so you will not need to worry about cleaning up after them as much. 

They are a very athletic cat, though, so be ready for the inexhaustible energy. They like to play, jump and run a lot. But if you have children who seem to run all day, this may be the perfect choice for you.

The Cornish Rex likes to be right next to the other family members and needs some attention all the time. They may even learn how to walk on a lead if it means they can spend time with others. 

Pros

• Lots of energy to play
• Love to be near others in the family
• Can live for a long time
• Love to play

Cons

• They are not as cuddly as some other cats.
• Hard to wear out all the energy.

Birman

These cats came from France in 1919 and are often called the Sacred Cat of Burma. These are easy to recognize because they have four feet that are all white, making them appear to have gloves right on their feet.

You will notice that they are loyal, calm, and very affectionate other than their unique appearance. Their favorite thing to do each day is to spend time with their family. They are not as active as the Cornish Rex, but they still like to be around children.

More About Birman Cat

The Birman is a private breed and likes to pick just one person in the family to be close to. They will even get jealous if they find they are not getting enough attention. They will be territorial, but they do not show aggression.

They are also larger and somewhat stocky, so you need to be careful about them getting overweight. Keep them active and groom them to make sure the fur doesn’t matt.

Pros

• Very affectionate and loyal to their families
• They are easy to train
• They have a unique appearance
• Laid-back and easy to get along with

Cons

• Their fur can get matted without proper care
• They may not have enough energy for loud families

Ragdoll

Ragdolls are the perfect companion for your children because they are simple to pick up and move around. 

In fact, they get their name because their muscles will relax when they get picked up at all. It is not certain why this cat does this, but it does make it easier for your children to pick them up and carry them around.

More About Ragdoll Cat

These cats love to follow family members around to get affection, but they are best for older children because their energy levels are a little lower than others.

This is the perfect cat for those who want a cuddle companion or someone to sit on the couch with them. The Ragdoll is not that hyper compared to other pets and has a pretty laid-back temperament. 

However, they can learn tricks that can be a fun way for them to bond with their humans.

Himalayan

If you want a cat that can play with anything, then this is the one. They have the stout and fluffy shape of options like the Persian, while also having the activity level and natural curiosity of other choices like the Siamese. 

These cats like to spend their time playing and will honestly find entertainment in pretty much anything.

More About Himalayan Cat

The Himalayans are very dependent on their humans and they will crave a lot of attention from their humans. They are devoted with a sweet temper, though they can get stressed out more than some of the other breeds. 

Due to their higher stress levels, these cats are not going to be the best in a very active or loud home. But if you have calmer children who are a little older, the Himalayan cat is going to enjoy spending time with you.

Pros

• Easy to entertain and play with this cat.
• They like to get a lot of attention.
• They have a sweet temper.
• They like to sit and cuddle.

Cons

• They get stressed out and do not like noise.

Final Thoughts

Many cat breeds will do well with your children. Choosing one that likes affection and can do well with your family can make the transition easier. Selecting one of the cats above will help you pick the right cat to join your family.