During their time living next to people, cats have gained fame as proud and independent animals that walk on their own. But even among them there are playful and tame individuals, focused on communicating with people.
Let's figure out which breeds are the most affectionate and kind in the world.
Criteria for choosing a cat breed for a family with children
When choosing a cat for a child, parents should take into account several criteria: the animal’s temperament, difficulty in grooming, sociability, “talkativeness,” activity, noise . If your child is allergic but really wants a furry friend, you should pay attention to hypoallergenic breeds.
Having a cat as a child's first animal has a number of advantages.:
- Teaches you to take responsibility for a living being . Children get used to the daily ritual of caring for a pet: changing the water in the bowl, measuring out the amount of dry food, cleaning the tray, caring for the fur.
- Instills skills in proper handling of animals , teaches love and respect.
- Helps cope with stress after a long school day.
- Teaches how to manage aggression .
- Makes children healthy . Scientists have proven that having a cat in the house inhibits the development of asthma. With constant contact with a cat, a protective immune response is developed, which reduces the risk of colds.
The cat does not have to be purebred; you can take a kitten from the street or from an already domesticated yard cat . Such animals are united by a kind and flexible disposition, lack of aggression and thirst for revenge. Of course, some outbred kittens have difficulties with toilet training, but a systematic approach and persistence will help overcome the problem.
It is important not to forget about examination by a veterinarian , timely vaccination and deworming of foundlings in order to prevent children from contracting infectious diseases.
The nature
The breed of a cat does not guarantee that the pet will have the desired character traits. However, cases of “undesirable” nature in purebred cats are an exception to the rule.
Sociable and talkative
Communicating with your cat is a pleasant activity that talkative pets will happily share with their owner. If you want to discuss the weather with your cat every day, the following breeds are suitable:
A purr that's fun to talk to
Kitchen Talk Lover
Warm and smooth myavlik
Fan of philosophical conversations
Accompanies every action with his “meow”
Thai cat
Loves to talk even to herself
Sociable cat breeds enjoy philosophical conversations with their owners. Do not choose this breed if you value silence in your home.
Meowing can also irritate a cat's owner. If you prefer not to hear unnecessary sounds, choose from these breeds:
A cat who is too lazy to meow
Able to communicate with the owner without making sounds
Northern wisdom and silence
Doesn't meow while being fed
Turkish Angora
The Snow Queen
Exotic cat
Doesn't waste energy talking
Silent cats won't bother you and you'll keep your home calm
Representatives of these breeds will only meow for important reasons.
Active and energetic
It’s interesting to watch active cats: today the pet wanted to explore the closet, and tomorrow he will become an astronaut! These are the cats that love activity:
Astronaut cat with fiery color
Curious entertainer
Energetic and smart
Jumper with a short tail
Comes up with problems and solves them
Turkish van
Lover of games and swimming
Owners of energetic cat breeds will have to constantly come up with something to keep their pet occupied. But it's worth it! They will be happy to solve your puzzles and wait for the next ones.
Lazy cats
There are cats that don't like to run around their owners' shelves. You can eat well and then sleep well! The following breeds are true sloths:
Loves to eat and sleep
A cat who is interested in lying with his owner
Real cat pillow
Always resting to be ready for the hunt
Moves only to find a comfortable position
Exotic cat
Sloth cat with a cute face
Lazy cat breeds are a good choice for phlegmatic people. Slothful cats can be so inconspicuous that only a regularly empty bowl hints at the existence of a cat in the house.
Affectionate and kind
People get cats to pet them and love them! Affectionate breeds themselves come to hug and kiss, so they are suitable for loving owners:
They follow their owner like a tail
A cat who will live on your shoulder
Ball with love for affection
Will be happy to come pet you
Always remain affectionate kittens
Ragdoll
Tame cat with a submissive character
Such breeds are reluctant to get off their owner: they don’t like to part with their beloved friend! Choose an affectionate cat breed if you are willing to give it enough attention.
Smart cat breeds
It is interesting to communicate with intelligent pets: they understand speech, easily learn commands and become a true friend. Smart cat breeds include:
Easy to learn commands and rules
Trainable and intelligent cat
High intelligence and innovative thinking
A lively mind and good learning ability
A cat that acts like a dog
Turkish Angora
Know the wisdom of human life
Such cats can be trained: they learn to fetch a ball, perform actions, dance and walk on a leash. Cats with high intelligence are the choice of people who do not want to get a dog.
Top cat breeds for children
We invite you to familiarize yourself with the breeds that are best suited for children.
Non-aggressive
Cats with an easy-going character and absolutely devoid of aggression will become the best companions for little naughty girls.
Abyssinian
Abyssinians are active, curious and incredibly playful cats . They are ideal for the role of favorite friends for children. These animals are real fidgets; they cannot stay in one place for a long time. Sometimes it seems that they have batteries hidden inside them with an endless charge.
Abyssinian cats happily explore the apartment up and down with the baby, run races and come up with the next prank. Cats are famous for their limitless patience : they prefer not to respond to children’s attacks, but to sit out the attack of increased activity in a secluded corner.
Ragdoll
Ragdoll - "rag doll". This is how the name of the breed is translated from English. This cat is the ideal companion for a child. Absolute patience and a complete lack of aggression makes her an ideal furry nanny. Kids can do whatever they want with her, except outright bullying, of course. In your hands, cats become limp and spread out like butter dough.
Ragdolls have one physiological feature - they do not know how to group, so children need to be explained that throwing a pet from a height is prohibited.
British Shorthair
The British cat is a popular breed among families with children. This English aristocrat is phlegmatic to the point of impossibility, has excellent self-control, reacts restrainedly to children's pranks and rarely lets out her claws . The “British” become more attached to children than to adults; they watch their movements with genuine interest, take part in games and share their dreams.
British Shorthair
Angora
The Turkish Angora is a long-haired breed that is often confused with the Persian. This is a lively, sociable and intelligent cat, with a calm and gentle disposition, and is highly adaptable to the environment. The breed is suitable for families with children and will become a cheerful companion for older people. The Angora is a self-confident and self-sufficient cat, but at the same time it needs human attention and does not like loneliness.
Turkish Angora
Persian
There are many rumors about the origin of the Persians. Felinologists suggest that Asian steppe and Asian desert cats participated in its breeding. Compared to other breeds, Persians show the greatest degree of domestication . They have long forgotten how to catch mice and live outside a human home. Persian cats are very affectionate and trusting, and their loyalty is compared to the loyalty of a dog.
Persians resemble a toy thanks to the funny expression of their muzzle. Their fur is soft and fluffy, like that of a teddy bear. Cats easily get along with children, do not scratch or bite, and love to play with them .
Burmese
Burma is a charming, fluffy, blue-eyed beauty with a soft, pliable character. She is affectionate and playful, loves to sit on laps, but will not get underfoot if the owner is busy.
Burma is ideal for families with children due to its calm and balanced character . Fluffy fur is easy to care for; it does not fly around the apartment in clumps if you comb it out with a brush once a week.
Hypoallergenic
There is an opinion that there are cats in the world that do not cause allergies, but this is not true . The Fel D1 protein (Laden allergen), contained in the physiological secretions of cats: saliva, sweat, urine, sebum, is responsible for the development of an allergic reaction.
Some felines produce less protein . These include animals without a plush undercoat, hairless breeds and cats with curly hair. The latter are less likely to lose hair.
Hairless cats also secrete Fel D1, but the physiological secretions are more easily removed from the skin.
Hypoallergenic cats include cats with snow-white fur . They emit fewer allergens compared to dark ones. In addition, females are less allergenic.
Bengal
The Bengal cat is strong, athletic, muscular and flexible , has large oval eyes and fleshy paws, short, silky fur of marbled or leopard color, gray, red and white.
Cats are suitable for families with children due to their relative hypoallergenicity - their fur hardly sheds. They are active, intelligent and quick-witted, love to bask in attention, are friendly towards children and know how to establish relationships with all household members.
Reference. Bengals love to bathe in water, and their favorite pastime is watching water flow from the tap.
Neva Masquerade
The Neva Masquerade is a breed that was bred artificially, but the cats were not crossed with other breeds. A distinctive feature is bright blue eyes, light fur and a bushy tail . Due to its light coat and minimal levels of Fel D1 in saliva, urine and sweat, the breed is considered hypoallergenic. Cats get along well with children and can become affectionate nannies for them.
They love to communicate and be the center of attention, and always support the child’s initiative to play a fun game. The Neva Masquerade is not afraid of water, can swim, climb trees and catch mice. Therefore, the best toy for them will be a wind-up mouse.
Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex was named so for its similarity in color to the Rex rabbit. These are delightful cats with a playful and affectionate disposition, unusually dexterous, active, and strong . Despite their graceful physique, they have powerful muscles.
Distinctive features of the breed are a wide head, curly hair and curly mustache. Cats are extremely intelligent, have canine-like habits, learn tricks quickly and can be great company for children in fun games.
Elf
The Elf is a breed with a unique appearance, but in many ways similar to other hairless felines . Breeder Karen Nelson suffered from an allergy to cats, but with the advent of the elf, she noticed that the unpleasant symptoms disappeared.
Elves are crossed with Canadian Sphynxes, but crossing two elves is considered more valuable in order to maintain the breed standard. Elves have a soft and affectionate disposition. They are friendly towards children, love to be cuddled, cuddled and kissed .
Sociable
There are silent cats, for example, the Scottish Fold. Instead of meowing, they quietly make funny sounds when they want to communicate with their owner. But there are others, vocal and sociable, who like to chat and argue with people.
The most famous talkers are the Maine Coon, Oriental and Siamese cats . In addition, these breeds are suitable for families with small children.
Maine Coon
Maine Coons are known for their impressive size and desire for dominance. However, these animals treat children with special reverence. Maine Coons carefully guard children, and love to play outdoor games with older children .
The stern look of the Maine Coon reveals that he is a self-confident cat. A distinctive feature of the breed is its long and bushy tail , which cats wrap around their bodies to keep warm in cold weather.
These graceful beauties become strongly attached to their owners, but at the same time remain neutral . They do not need constant attention, but love to lie close and participate in household chores.
Oriental cat
Exotic appearance and wonderful character have made the Oriental cat a favorite of children. Representatives of this breed are hyperactive, so they will tirelessly play their favorite children's games . Animals rarely use their claws, which is why parents need not fear for their babies.
Orientals are affectionate cats that need a lot of attention . They love to talk and make a whole range of sounds that children will love.
Siamese
Siamese cats are real talkers, distinguished by their recognizable shrill, loud and squeaky voice. Cats love to move a lot, chase the mouse, catch candy wrappers on a string. Siamese cats are very trusting and loving, they become very attached to all family members and do not like to sit alone.
Rumors about the evil and vengeful nature of these animals are highly exaggerated. Much depends on human behavior. In a loving family, cats feel needed and are ready to give their warmth to others. Siamese behave calmly and friendly with children and are ready to support any children's pranks .
She or he?
You will have to answer this question after you decide on the breed.
Without a doubt, males are bolder, more independent and ruder than cats
. Moreover, cats at the time of puberty will begin to leave their odorous secretions throughout the apartment, and there is only one way out - castration.
True, females during estrus will also not show their best side: they will demand a partner with a nasty and protracted meow. In order not to go crazy from a howling cat, it is sterilized or given special drops that reduce libido.
But, compared to cats, kitties are more gentle and affectionate: they constantly caress and purr, while their mustachioed gentlemen watch their owner from afar through half-closed eyelids.
By depriving an animal of biological attributes, you change its behavior: a cat without claws is not able to attack an enemy or hide from him by climbing a tree. Castrated cats become lazy, gluttonous and, as a result, fat.
When planning to get a mustachioed pet, weigh the pros and cons again.
. Now think about whether it would be better to go outside right now and pick up the first unwashed kitten that throws itself at your feet with a plaintive “meow.”
Each cat breed has its own characteristics, which it is better to know about in advance, and its own character. If there is a child in the family, it is of course better to choose a cat among non-aggressive, friendly, playful breeds. Before purchasing, familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the breed and prepare for possible difficulties.
If you have decided on a breed, pay close attention to the breeders.
. Unfortunately, there are now more and more people who are trying to make money from breeding without caring about the health of the animals. A low cost may indicate that the animal was raised in poor conditions and fed cheap food, without veterinary control, or the kittens were the result of inbreeding. Such cats can have a number of serious defects and diseases.
It is important for parents to remember: no matter what animal they get, they must carefully monitor the health of their pet. Firstly, we are responsible for those we have tamed, and secondly, our smaller brothers themselves can become carriers of some diseases dangerous to humans if basic prevention rules are not followed.
Be sure to visit your veterinarian for a preventive examination.
and
vaccinations
at least 1-2 times a year. At least 2 times a year, you should drive away worms with special means: even if the cat sits in the apartment forever, you yourself can bring helminth eggs or dangerous viruses from the street on your shoes. When going outdoors, don’t forget to treat your fur against fleas and ticks.
It is also better to immediately discuss with your doctor the method and timing of sterilization of the animal.
: This will protect the cat from a number of diseases and improve its disposition. Teach your child to always maintain hygiene and wash their hands after contact with an animal. A healthy cat can become a true friend to you and your children and a full member of the family for many years.
What breeds should you avoid?
Felinologists do not recommend having breeds similar to predatory cats : Chausie, Caraquet, Savannah. They have a developed wild side, so cats use their fangs and claws to protect themselves.
For example, representatives of the interracial Savannah breed are labeled F1-F7. The lower the number, the more wild blood the animal has. Such animals are suitable exclusively for aviary keeping.
The Chausie breed is also classified into 4 stages F1-F4. Cats marked F4 differ little in size from domestic cats and have the maximum level of socialization, but still are not suitable for families with children.
To overpay or not to overpay?
This question is asked by many future owners who decide to choose a purebred cat - why is there such a wide range in prices for kittens
the same breed?
Why are some quite nice and clearly not “fence-friendly” purrs given into good hands, while others, exactly the same, are asked for 15-20 thousand rubles?
The answer depends on several factors:
- Reputation of the nursery
selling the kitten.
This is the same as why a gray T-shirt from Dior costs 20 times more than a similar one from the Vietnamese market - the company’s image speaks volumes! The nursery provides pedigree documents for the kitten, which provide a pass into the world of “big cat breeding.” Particularly high prices are for kittens of champion parents, winners of exhibitions - the so-called show class kittens
. But if you just dream of a cute kitten, then you probably shouldn’t overpay for a “brand.” - Compliance with breed standards.
For you, perhaps, a cute spot on the back or close, surprised eyes only adds charm to the kitten, but for specialists this is
a defect, a deviation from the breed standard.
Such a cat will never win an exhibition, so the price for it can be several times lower than that of its “correct” brothers and sisters. - Age.
The optimal age for selling a kitten is
2-3 months
. 4-5 month old kittens are already considered “grown up”, the owners try to give them a home as quickly as possible, and the price drops. - Health status.
Sometimes a kitten is sick with something that is not visible at first glance, and the owners try at all costs to “kick” it away before the disease progresses. It is sometimes difficult even for a specialist to identify such a pitfall!
But there are often cases when adopting a healthy cat
the chosen breed can be bought for ridiculous money - according to an advertisement, at the poultry market and in other “frivolous” places: once upon a time there was a cat, kittens were born, and the owners are dreaming of how to find a home for them as quickly as possible!
If you are not applying for medals and regalia, then why not?
Canadian Sphynx
This breed of cat is loved by many for its unusual appearance and almost complete lack of hair. There is no aggression in the character of the Canadian Sphynx. These animals get along well with children of all ages and get along well with other pets, including dogs.
Canadian Sphynx cats are playful and active. This breed does not tolerate loneliness well; it becomes attached not to a place, but to its owners. These animals love to climb onto your lap. Because of curiosity and affection for a person, a cat often follows on his heels.
Canadian Sphynx cats are very loyal. This is expressed not only in attachment to a person and desire for his company, but also sensitivity to his mood and state. If the owner feels bad or sad, the pet will definitely try to console him.
Canadian Sphynxes are not embarrassed by large crowds of people. This quality allows them to maintain royal equanimity at exhibitions.
Detailed description of the Sphynx breed »
Scottish Shorthair
Thanks to a gene mutation, humanity received a new breed that quickly gained popularity, and for many people the question of which cat is best to get for a child has only one answer.
Scottish Folds are real cuties with an excellent character, ideally adapted to the modern person.
Kittens are playful and tame from birth. Children love that Scots are easy to train and you can play ball with them and watch TV. They know how to stand on their hind legs - this is a normal manifestation of interest on their part. Tired of children's noise, the cat simply hides - aggression is not typical for her.
Very socialized animals, they have a calm character, do not require constant attention, and respect the human right to solitude.
It is believed that the Scots choose their owner, and simply love the rest of the family members.
It is convenient to keep such a cat in an apartment: it does not make loud sounds, is very clean, quickly understands the rules of behavior and follows them. Care is simple: just brush the animal regularly, wash the eyes and clean the ears.
Due to a gene mutation, cats do not have very strong joints, and owners need to remember this.
Which kitten should you not choose if there is a child in the house?
When considering how to choose a cat, you need to familiarize yourself with the breeds that are unacceptable for keeping in an apartment where there is a small child. These are Siamese cats with a quarrelsome disposition.
If there is a newborn in the house, then the choice of cat should be approached intelligently
In addition, keeping American Curls, British and Scottish Folds with children is unacceptable - the child may accidentally injure the animal. You should not have munchkins - these cats with short legs are very sensitive to accidental falls. We need to choose a breed with stronger bones.
Note! It is not recommended to have an unneutered cat of any breed.
General tips and tricks
Having decided which cat is best to get for a child, you need to carefully consider the issue of choosing a specific kitten.
How to choose:
- Age. If it is difficult to determine the age of a street kitten, then you need to buy an animal from a nursery that is 8-14 weeks old. At this age, the kitten begins to be accustomed to adult food, it is sufficiently socialized, it is easy to accustom it to the toilet and the rules in the apartment.
- Health. You need to look under the tail: the anus should be dry and clean. Health criteria: eyes and ears without discharge, clean shiny fur, belly is round, but not tight or sunken.
- Behavior. A healthy kitten should be playful, curious, and active. A cat that is too cocky or too quiet means problems with upbringing in the future.
You need to pick up the kitten you like and look at its reaction. Lack of aggression, calmness and a share of healthy curiosity is right.
If the kitten is interested in its future owners, it is possible that it was for them that it was born.
American Curl
The main difference between the Curl and other representatives of the cat world are the ears that are turned outward. They are the ones who give the pets a joyful, but slightly wary appearance. The coat is soft and silky with minimal undercoat. It can be either short or long. Adult pets are of average size, weighing from 3 to 5 kg.
Newborn kittens are born with straight ears; only by 4 months are they fully formed. Various colors (bicolor, solid).
This is a curious, loyal, eccentric, loving friend. They adore children and are very attached to the breeder. They get along well with other animals.
With folded ears I like I don't like
Abyssinian
It is believed that this is what the cats of the ancient Egyptians looked like, images of which are found in the tombs of the pharaohs. The breed appeared in Europe in the 19th century.
These are intelligent and active animals. They cannot stand boredom and always find something to do, being present wherever something is happening. If the owner communicates little with the animal and does not play, the Abyssinian begins to play pranks.
They love to communicate with children, treating them condescendingly, but it is important for children to understand: the Abyssinian, unlike other cats, can and wants to determine the rules of the game himself. It is better not to allow children under 3-4 years of age to approach these cats.
The apartment is a bit cramped for cats; they need a spacious play area to play.
Of course, as a long-bred breed, Abyssinian cats quickly understand what a person requires of them, but the traits of independence in them are still strong.
Cats of this breed quickly contract a fatal disease - leukemia, but the animal can be protected by a simple vaccination. The oral cavity requires attention. Once every 2 weeks you need to wipe your ears.
Who is the Ragdoll suitable for?
Representatives are ideal only for owners who are ready to fully emotionally devote themselves to communicating with their pet. Ragdolls are extremely obedient, but they become very stressed if they do not receive enough attention or reciprocity.
The breed is worth considering if you are planning to have children. Many cats cannot withstand the “pressure” of children's attention; Ragdolls in this sense are extremely patient and gentle. But there is also the other side of the coin, the pet will not defend itself, even if the child unknowingly causes harm, so the child should not be left alone with the pet.
Naturally, the Ragdoll is suitable only for those owners who realize that despite its “doll” character, the pet is not a toy. Many people have the mistaken impression that feeding and a tray are enough to keep a cat, and when the pet gets tired, it can be “put on a shelf.” Ragdolls have a delicate mental structure, and they suffer in silence, so think carefully about your options before getting a kitten.
