Best Cat Breeds for Families With Children
Patient, sociable cat breeds that usually cope well with children — plus how to make any cat–child relationship work.
Good family cats are confident, tolerant and sociable. These breeds typically handle the noise and activity of family life well. But no breed is "child-proof": teach children to interact safely with cats, always supervise young children, and give the cat escape routes and high resting places.
Maine Coon
The gentle giant: sociable, playful and dog-like, with a big fluffy coat.
Ragdoll
A big, placid, blue-eyed cat that loves people and is often happy to be held.
Siberian
Strong, playful and affectionate — and popular with some allergy sufferers.
Birman
Sweet, gentle and sociable, with blue eyes and white "gloves".
American Shorthair
Easy-going, healthy and adaptable — a classic, low-drama family cat.
Burmese
A heavy-for-its-size "brick wrapped in silk" that adores people.
Tonkinese
The Siamese–Burmese blend: social, playful and a little less loud.
Ragamuffin
A big, cuddly, easy-going lap cat in every color.
For families with very young children, a calm adult cat with a known history of living with kids is often a better choice than a kitten, whose sharp claws and teeth — and fragile body — don't mix well with toddlers.
Most affectionateFor apartmentsCalm & quietLow sheddingFor allergy sufferers