Cat’s are one of the best pets for a family because they are self-sustaining and affectionate enough to please everyone in the family. They create strong bonds with family members, and certain cat breeds love to jump on your lap after a hard day’s work. Cats are easier to care for than dogs and can remain independent for the majority of the day without suffering from separation anxiety. Adopting a cat will be one of the best decisions that your family makes!
I am a huge advocate for rescuing animals, and if you have been following my blog for any length in time, you might have noticed! I love Coco, my beautiful Snowshoe Siamese cat. We adopted him from a local shelter when he was 8 weeks old. Coincidentally, Snowshoe Siamese cats are #1 on the list below!
Why are Cats Good for Your Family?
- Emotional and physical boost: Did you know that petting a cat for just 10 minutes a day significantly reduces cortisol, which is a major stress hormone? Reducing stress and anxiety over time has significant emotional and physical benefits for a person, including living a longer and happier life. Cats are affectionate creatures that will make you feel wanted but are independent enough that they can care for themselves.
- Teaches responsibility: Having a cat teaches your children to be responsible. Children are fully capable of scooping cat food, cleaning the cat litter, or filling a cat bowl with water. Sharing family responsibilities sets children up for success in the future by teaching them responsibility. Taking care of a cat also teaches a child to be compassionate and care for others.
- Family bonding time: Cat’s typically get along well with smaller children and create a lot of family memories. You’ll have lots of memories in your family room watching your children have a blast playing with the cat and feeding them catnip. You’ll remember the moments when you witnessed your cat run around the family room like a maniac. These are the moments in life you will never forget.
- Cat’s make you laugh: Have you ever seen a funny cat video (or ten)? They flood the internet. Cat’s do weird things all the time that are guaranteed to make your family laugh. Whether it’s seeing your cat get scared by a cucumber, fall asleep in an awkward position, or follow a laser pointer around the room, they will definitely keep things interesting.
Best Family Cat Breeds:
Handsome Coco
1. Snowshoe Siamese Cats: We might be a bit biased because of Coco, but Snowshoe Siamese cats are easily one of the best family cat breeds. Snowshoe Siamese cat breeds have an extremely playful personality and will do anything to get your attention. Also, this cat breed is very similar to dogs because they like to be near you and are always curious as to what you are doing. Don’t mistake the Snowshoe Siamese cat as being needy because they are incredibly well-natured pets and get along great with children and other cats.
Fun fact, Snowshoe Siamese cats are typically born with lighter coats and develop darker colored features during their first couple years of life. Just like Coco!
Image by Anna Sulencka on Pixabay
2. Maine Coon Cats: Maine Coon cats are one of the most popular cat breeds in the world and for good reasons. The Maine Coon cat has a typical tabby cat personality, which means they are highly social, quick learners, and extremely playful. They are enormous creatures with males weighing up to 18lbs! In addition, they are gorgeous cats, often having multi-color brown coats and bushy tails. They also make one of the best family cat breeds because they are not only protective and kind but also naturally gentle, trainable, and quite sturdy.
Fun fact, Maine Coon cats are native to the state of Maine and are domesticated from semi-wild cats and raccoons. The raccoon genetics gives them the beautiful multi-color coat.
Image by thabisfotowelt on Pixabay
3. Norwegian Forest Cats: Norwegian Forest Cats are great for families because they are full of energy. These big fluffy cats are natural athletes that are highly energetic, but sweet in nature and willing to cuddle with you on the couch. Often called gentle giants, the Norwegian Forest Cat loves playing with toys and will entertain your children with hours. There will never be a dull moment if you decide to adopt a Norwegian Forest Cat.
Fun fact, Norwegian Forest Cats were thought to be used by the Vikings to catch mice on their ships when they sailed. Additionally, these cats originated from Norway and are currently the country’s national cat.
4. Ragdoll Cats: Ragdoll cats are a great family cat breed because their smaller size allows them to match well with children. These small cats, often referred to as “lap cats,” are considered very easygoing and mild-mannered. The Ragdoll cat enjoys being picked up and carried around but is also okay with lounging by themselves on their cat bed. This cat breed does have lower energy than Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats. Still, they are loyal felines that will get along with any family.
Fun fact, Ragdoll cats all have one common trait: stunning blue eyes. However, they come in all different colors ranging from brown to cream. They can also come in many different patterns from tabby to tortoiseshell.
5. Burmese Cats: Burmese cats are great medium-sized cats for a family. Is your family looking for a playful cat that loves to snuggle and also fetch? If you answered yes, then a Burmese cat might be the right choice for your family. Burmese cats are shorter-haired and dark-colored cats that tend to get lighter as they age. They are curious cats that easily adapt to change, which makes them great for any family.
Fun fact, a cat called Wong Mau immigrated from Burma to the United States in 1930 and bred with a Siamese cat to create the Burmese cat breed.
Why should Your Family Adopt a Cat?
The main reason for adopting cats is because there are hundreds of cats in shelters and humane societies near you. According to the ASPCA, it is estimated that 3.2 million cats enter the shelter each year!
If you are patient enough or search for breed-specific rescue centers, you will be able to find the breed of your choice! Use the websites Petfinder or Adopt-a-Pet to begin your search. Both allow you to find available animals in your area.
And once you’ve adopted your kitty, here’s a great article all about naming for your cat: 130 Furbulous Cat Names as Unique as Your New Kitty. Don’t pass this article up – it’s sure to inspire!
Conclusion for Best Family Cat Breeds
Cats make great family pets because they are relatively easy to take care of and affectionate creatures. The best family cat breeds to consider are Snowshoe Siamese, Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest, Ragdoll, and Burmese cats. Let us know your favorite family cat breeds in the comments!
Author Bio
Garrett Yamasaki is an avid animal lover and takes care of two family pets: an adopted cat and a Goldendoodle dog. In his free time, he volunteers for the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters pets prior to them getting adopted and helps train the animals. Garrett enjoys writing about pets, which is why he started We Love Doodles and Miauland.
Related Posts from Toot Sweet 4 Two’s Archives:
A Boy Named Coco
5 Ways to Unplug Your Family Room and Spend Quality Time Together
Spending Quality Family Time in the Kitchen
I have owned a Russian Blue mix female ever since she was 8 months old. She is now 14. I have never met a sweeter cat than her. I think all of the breeds above are wonderful family cats, but I also love Siberians, Russian Blues, Ragamuffins, and Sphinxes as family cats.