Cats are often suitable as a child’s first pet because they don’t require much maintenance and are easy to care for. Still, having one at home helps teach them essential social skills like respect, patience, and responsibility. As with dogs, cat breeds are better suited to the family dynamics of a household with children.
Are cats kid-friendly? Which cats are good with kids? What are the best cats for kids? What are the cats most recommended as a pet for children? What characteristics should a cat have to get along with your child?
At Omg Meow, we list the best cat breeds for kids to consider and explain why you would want to have them at home.
What are the best cats for kids?
Cats that are friendly, playful, and relaxed are the best to live with children. Children tend to push, pull, chase, make noises, and hug tightly while playing.
In general, these are the 11 friendliest and most patient cats to have at home with kids:
- Burmese
- Abyssinian
- Ragdoll
- Maine Coon
- Manx
- Siamese
- European Burmese
- Himalayan
- American shorthair
- Scottish fold
- Cornish Rex
Let’s see what each one of them looks like and what makes them ideal as a pet for kids.
Burmese
Many describe the beautiful Burmese cat as “mystical, magical, and charming.” Famous for its sweet expression and striking blue eyes, the Burmese is a pretty, calm, and very affectionate cat for children. He loves the attention he receives from the little ones, primarily when they treat him with kindness and respect.
This lap kitty likes to play, chase, and doesn’t even mind dressing up with his human friend for fun.
It is a perfect cat breed for families with children of all ages and tolerant dogs.
- Origin: France
- Size: medium to large
- Colors: blue, chocolate, lilac, spotted, seal
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life expectancy: 14-15 years
Abyssinian
Another favorite among the most recommended cats for children is the Abyssinian. They are an active, intelligent, curious, and highly people-oriented breed. Abyssinians are said to be ideal for older children, preferably ages 6 and up.
With one of these at home, your child won’t have a chance to get bored. They like to keep busy, whether snooping, playing games, learning tricks, or probing at heights.
- Origin: Egypt
- Size: small to medium
- Colors: black, chocolate, tan, fawn, reddish
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life expectancy: 14-15 years
Ragdoll
The majestic ragdoll cat makes an excellent pet to hang out with children. As its name implies, this kitten loves to be carried around. Your child can handle it as if it is a rag doll.
The breed is characterized by having a relaxed, gentle, intelligent, and loving temperament. Any family would be happy to have a patient cat with such good manners.
- Origin: United States
- Size: Large to very large
- Colors: blue, chocolate, cream, lilac, red
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life expectancy: 12-17 years
Maine Coon
This big cat has a heart of gold. Despite its size, the Maine Coon exhibits a friendly, pleasant, and playful personality. It is known that the breed can act with some independence but always maintains a loving nature towards the family.
Maine Coons love being around people, children, and other pets. They can sometimes be magnificent therapy cats.
Are you looking for a big, little dependent, and kid-friendly cat? This is a great choice.
- Origin: United States
- Size: Large to very large
- Colors: black, gold, gray, silver, white
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Manx
Native to the picturesque Isle of Man, the Manx is another of the best cat for kids. It is a playful and fun breed, but without being too active. Many describe him as a “cat with the character of a dog.” He likes to look for and hide toys, walk around the house, and jump from great heights.
A peculiar characteristic that makes it a better pet for children is that it does not have a tail. It will not be tempting for the child to pull on the tail.
In short, Manx are considered excellent family cats. They are adaptable, sweet, friendly, and level-headed.
- Origin: Isle of Man (Irish Sea)
- Medium size
- Colors: blue, brown, cream, silver, red
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life expectancy: 12-14 years
Siamese
The Siamese cat breed is one of the most popular pets, not only for kids but also for cat lovers in general. Siamese is highly friendly, playful, and intelligent creatures. They love the interaction with children and other pets, especially dogs.
Having one at home will help provide hours of entertainment for your children as they love to play with toys, make mischief, explore their surroundings, and welcome themselves while resting on the owner’s lap.
- Origin: Thailand
- Size: medium to large
- Colors: seal, chocolate, blue, lilac
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
European Burmese
Another excellent lap cat for children is the European Burmese. His admirers assure that once you bring a Burmese home, you will want to stay with this breed forever. Sweet in character and highly people-oriented, Burmese crave close contact with their human friends.
They are tolerant, playful, and mischievous, a behavior that they retain throughout adulthood. They can be the best playmate for young and old children.
- Origin: Burma, Thailand
- Size: small to medium
- Colors: blue, silver, champagne, sable
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Life expectancy: 15-16 years
Himalayan
Obtained by crossing the Siamese and Persian breeds, the Himalayan cat has several of the same traits as its parents. He is loving, intelligent, and tolerant by nature. It is known that he creates strong bonds of affection and prefers to spend time with his family. He does not like to be alone.
As a child’s pet, you can have long entertaining moments while playing with a paper ball or cat toy. It is noted that it is not the most suitable breed for homes with noisy children.
- Origin: United States, United Kingdom
- Size: medium to large
- Colors: white, fawn, chocolate, seal, lilac, blue, red
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life expectancy: 9-15 years
American shorthair
The American Shorthair may be the perfect breed for parents looking for a friendly, calm, and relaxed pet cat. This cute and robust feline is made for family life. It has a good temperament, requires little maintenance, and gets along well with anyone or household pets.
Like the other cats on the list of best cats for kids, it is curious, active, and loves to play with children.
- Origin: United States
- Size: medium to large
- Colors: black, blue, brown, silver, brindle
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life expectancy: 15-17 years
Scottish Fold
Popularly recognized for its particular folded ears, the Scottish Fold is a highly recommended pet kitten for families with children. The breed has a sweet, friendly, and very laid-back temperament, but at the same time, it is outgoing and playful. He loves the attention he receives from children; he can play for long periods and learn new tricks.
- Origin: UK
- Size: small to medium
- Colors: white, black, blue, red, cream, silver
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life expectancy: 11-14 years
Cornish Rex
A very unique-looking cat that is also good for living with children is the Cornish Rex. The wide erect ears, the big round eyes, the curly fur, and charming personality will win the admiration of everyone in the home.
The Cornish Rex likes to be the center of attention. It copes well with busy environments. It can get along with any child, especially if the child treats him with respect.
- Origin: UK
- Small size
- Colors: white, black, blue, red, cream, silver, chocolate, lavender
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Life expectancy: 11-14 years
Other cats that tend to get along well with children include the Persian, the Devon Rex, the Japanese Bobtail, the Ragamuffin, the Exotic, and the Siberian.
It should be noted that although these cat breeds are particularly affectionate and patient with children, that does not mean that they are always friendly. It may be the case of a cat that is not carried with children, despite being one of the breeds mentioned above. Like all animals, each cat has its own personality, regardless of genetics.
How to choose a good cat for children?
According to experts, it is essential to assess certain aspects before bringing a pet at home. For example, lifestyle, family habits, the personality of the child, the presence of other pets, as well as the temperament of the breed.
Here are some tips to help you find the perfect cat for your baby as a parent.
The ideal pet cat at home with children must be friendly, affectionate, patient, and not very territorial. In addition, it must tolerate handling and noise well.
It is also wise to choose a breed that can peacefully coexist with other pets.
If the family maintains a very active lifestyle, avoid low-energy breeds, and vice versa. Independent cats are not best suited for energetic children, while social and lively cats are not recommended for inactive or older children.
Even among the best cat breeds for kids, there are some more demanding than others. If the child is used to carrying, stroking, and squeezing their pets, opt for a kitten who does not mind excessive physical handling.
Are cats good pets for children?
In general, the cat is one of the best pets a child can have. As long as the right breed type, cats and children can live and interact happily and safely. Having a cat at home can help us teach them values such as respect, responsibility, patience, and courtesy from a young age.
In this case, a good pet cat must be friendly, playful, and tolerant. Still, parents should make sure their children learn to handle, respect and love the new friend.
What are the calmest cats for homes with children?
These 5 calm cat breeds interact well with children, especially calm children who don’t need such an active playmate.
- Burmese
- Ragdoll
- Himalayan
- Maine Coon
- Exotic cat
What are the best hypoallergenic cats for kids?
In the group of cats that best relate to children, the Siamese, the Cornish Rex, and the Burmese are often highly valued due to their hypoallergenic fur.
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