Contrary to popular belief, there are affectionate cat breeds for people looking for a friendly lap cat who wants to snuggle! For example, ragdoll cats can't get enough petting, and Scottish folds are sociable, loving, and want nothing more than to be around their person.
Keep reading because there are even more affectionate cat breeds to learn about!
American Shorthairs Enjoy Their Humans Company
The American shorthair is a family-friendly cat that loves attention and is very relaxed. According to Teresa Keiger, a judge with the Cat Fanciers' Association, "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
Also known as the "Sacred Cat of Burma," Birman cats are not only beautiful with their white and gray coat and blue eyes, but they are wonderful companions.
This breed tends to bond very closely with its owner, enjoying curling up on their lap to receive all of the love in the world.
American Bobtail Are Easy-Going
A medium-sized cat, the American bobtail is a pretty rare breed, but those families who have one are lucky. This breed is very easy-going and loving. They have no issue showering their humans with affection, especially if it means curling up together and getting petted.
This breed also loves to play with toys and doesn't mind being leash trained.
Kurilian Bobtails Make Excellent Companions
A Kurilian Bobtail might look like a miniature wild animal with its short fluffy tail, but it is nothing more than a loving kitty.
A gentle, smart, and loving breed, the Kurilian Bobtail loves playing with water and hanging out with their human, as they make one of the best companions.
Abyssinians Are Known As Clowns Of The Cat World
Extremely loving and attached to their humans, the Abyssinian breed tends to become a "shadow cat" once they bond to their owners.
When they're not paying and being the "clowns of the cat world," they'll be by their human side or on their lap, excelling in what they do best -- getting love, attention, and affection from their owners.
Scottish Folds Are Social Cats
Known for their lop-eared owl-like appearance, Scottish folds are one of the more affectionate breeds out there. Very social beings, Scottish folds want nothing more than to be around their people, sleeping on their back and getting tummy rubs.
While they are very social, this particular breed does have a stubborn streak!
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!
Persians Are Excellent Lap Cats
For anyone looking for a lazy housecat, look no further than a Persian. This breed is extremely loving and will be happy to do nothing all day but curl up in their person's lap and fall straight asleep.
Known for their quiet and gentle personalities, Persians are one of the most affectionate breeds that would make a great addition to any household.
European Burmese Are Lovers And Snugglers
The European Burmese might be a bit longer than its American counterpart, but it is still just as loving and playful.
In fact, according to Teresa Keiger, a judge with the Cat Fanciers' Association, European Burmese "are lovers and snugglers who want nothing more than to be your adoring companions."
Bombay Cats Love Affection
With their wide and curious eyes, Bombay cats are a fun and loving companion to have around the house. They love nothing more than to play all day and then curl up in their owner's lap to be loved and pet.
They also have zero issues jumping onto their human's lap to get attention!
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.
Russian Blues Are Shy At First But Become Loving
When Russian Blues are first introduced to a new household, they can be a bit shy. But once they open up and become comfortable with their surroundings, this breed is playful and loving.
This breed tends to bond to one person in their life and becomes an expert in readying their emotions.
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.
Ragdolls Love Being Pet
Ragdolls are pretty adapt named, as they tend to roll into a person's hand to receive a scratch behind the ears, a belly rub, or a good old-fashion pet on the head -- their favorite things in the world.
A large domestic breed, ragdolls, are extremely affectionate and love other animals and kids, making them great family pets.
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.
Burmese Are Social And Playful
The Burmese cat originated in Burma but has since become popular in the United States and Europe. Originally a dark brown color, the Burmese breed has since been bred into varying colors, depending on where the breeder is located.
But they all have the same loving, social, and playful personalities.
Siberians Love Human Companionship
Siberians are considered dog-like due to the amount of affection they show their owners. They are guaranteed to follow their humans around the house, pretty much like a shadow.
Loving, smart, with a huge need for attention and interaction, this breed is one of the best family pets, as they cannot get enough human companionship.
Korats Form Strong Bonds With People
Known as the "good luck cat," Korats used to be solely given as gifts. And what a good gift they were, as the breed forms strong bonds with their humans and is a very affectionate breed.
Also an intelligent breed with a great memory, their heart-shaped heads are very telling of their loving personalities.
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!
Pixie-Bobs Love Being In The Same Room As Its Owners
While Pixie-Bobs look like bobcats, they are a playful and affectionate cat breed. Sociable around both their humans and strangers, Pixie-Bobs are a fantastic addition to any family.
They love being in the same room as their owners, playing with toys, or being lazy on the couch getting pet on the head.
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.
Peterbalds Are "Aggressively Affectionate"
Peterbalds are a moderately hairless cat breed that loves being loved. According to The International Cat Association, this breed can be "aggressively affectionate" towards its humans.
So whoever is looking into a Peterbald, get ready to cuddle, snuggle, play, and pet a whole lot because this breed is very intelligent and will paw and purr until their being shown affection in return.
Devon Rex Cats Love To Cuddle
When it comes to dog-like cats, the Devon Rex breed takes the cake. They love to play, will perch on a person's shoulder while they're working, and will even follow their human around the house to make sure they're always in sight.
After playtime is over, it's all about the cuddle sessions!
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.
American Wirehairs Are Amazing Lap Cats
Similar to their American shorthair relatives, American Wirehairs are an affectionate breed that loves to be around their humans. In fact, they are one of the better lap cat breeds out there!
They are known to be fairly gentle and quiet while packing a punch when it comes to playtime.
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.
