10 Affectionate Cat Breeds Who Love to Snuggle

Cat snuggles are one of the best things in the world. But not all cats are interested in cuddling. Many cats are independent creatures who prefer to get scratches and pets on their own terms. 

So, the highlight of any day as a cat parent is when you’re sitting on the couch, minding your own business (maybe binging Beef) and your cat suddenly decides to deign you with their presence. They hop up and slowly do a few circles and settle into your lap. You know you can’t move or you’ll ruin this special snuggle moment, so you’re stuck on your couch for at least the next hour. 

If you want your life to include a lot more snuggle-traps like this, we’ve got you covered with a round-up of the most affectionate cat breeds below. 

Why are some cats more affectionate than others?

Differences in cat affection stem from factors such as sex, genetics, and individual personality. But out of all of the factors, early socialization matters the most. A kitten who has had positive socialization experiences with different people and animals is more likely to be cuddly than one with negative experiences. For example, an older adult cat who was feral might value their independence and be less affectionate with people because that was not a behavior they grew up learning.

Sex

Although research isn’t definitive, one 2015 study found male cats to be a bit more friendly than female cats, but there haven’t been many studies done about the topic.

Pregnancy 

Female cats tend to be way more lovey-dovey when they’re in the first few weeks of pregnancy because of their hormone levels. But please keep in mind that even though they’re in snuggle mode, cat parents should avoid picking them up, because it could affect their pregnancy. 

Spaying and neutering

Cats who are not spayed or neutered tend to roam more — you can’t cuddle with someone who isn’t home. Many cats, especially male cats, tend to become more affectionate after being neutered.

What is the most lovable cat breed?

There are so many loveable cat breeds, but if we were to pick one, we would say the Domestic Shorthair. Domestic Shorthairs make up a whopping 95 percent of the cat population, and these cats are generally very affectionate. These are the kitties you often find at a rescue or a shelter — they’re so loving and grateful toward their families for saving them from that life and providing them with a warm, safe home with plenty of food and affection. 

Most affectionate cat breeds

Pansfun Images / Stocksy/

1. Ragdoll

The Ragdoll breed was created specifically to be an affectionate, loving cat. They are called Ragdolls because of their tendency to go limp in their people’s arms or across their laps. The Ragdoll’s favorite activity is snuggling their people (for ideally multiple hours a day). This easygoing kitty is a great pick for families with young children, cat parents with multiple pets, for seniors who want a slightly calmer cat, and people who want a cuddler. Ragdolls still require some playtime, and their coats should be brushed weekly. Despite having a long coat, Ragdolls don’t shed a ton. 

Weight: 8 to 20 pounds

Height: 9 to 11 inches

nadia_if / Shutterstock/

2. Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is a large cuddle bug. They’re the largest breed of domestic cat, but they’ve got a whole lot of love to give along with it. This breed can be described as almost dog-like in its level of love for their cat parents and playfulness — they’ll follow you and your family around the house like a furry shadow. 

They’re often described as gentle, which means they get along with well-behaved young children and other pets. These cats also love the water, so be prepared to designate your bathtub for some kitty laps and bathtime. This breed boasts a very thick coat of fur that’ll require regular brushing and monthly bathing. 

Weight: 8 to 18 pounds 

Height: 10 to 16 inches

Tatiana Timofeeva / Stocksy/

3. American Shorthair

The American Shorthair is the best of both worlds for people who want a snuggle buddy who is also not too clingy.  This breed likes to come and get their attention on their terms but is also perfectly happy with being left alone occasionally to pursue their own activities (i.e., bird-watching and observing everyone from a perch). They are as innocent and nice as they look (though all cats have their naughty streaks), so they do generally get along with younger children and other pets if properly introduced. The American Shorthair does have a short fur coat, as the name implies, but it is thick, so it does need to be brushed weekly. 

Weight: 6 to 15 pounds 

Height: 8 to 10 inches 

ArtHouse Studio / Pexels/

4. Sphynx

The Sphynx may not have any fur, but that certainly doesn’t hold this kitty back socially. Outgoing, loving, and friendly, the Sphynx cat likely won’t hide when strangers come into the house, instead they will saunter out and give them a pur-filled greeting. The Sphynx doesn’t like to be alone for long periods of time — they’d rather be playing or snuggling with their families (including other pets). Although you might think a hairless cat’s grooming routine is low-maintenance, they actually require weekly baths to remove the oil build-up on their skin to keep it healthy (and oil off your fabric furniture). 

Weight: 6 to 12 pounds 

Height: 8 to 10 inches 

Laura Stolfi / Stocksy/

5. Siamese

The Siamese is famous for their stunningly bright light blue eyes. This affectionate and loving kitty will use those eyes to persuade their people to give them everything they want and when that doesn’t work, they will meow. The Siamese are outgoing conversationalists, so cat parents should expect at least several conversations with their cats per day. Unlike many cats, they have no qualms about being held and are frequent cuddlers. When they’re not snuggling or playing (they need plenty of playtime to remain mentally stimulated), they’re likely to be within arm’s reach, watching their people go about their day. Siamese cats are gentle and can thrive in families with other pets and well-behaved children. 

Weight: 6 to 14 pounds

Height: 8 to 10 inches

Cara Dolan / Stocksy/

6. Persian

The Persian cat’s squished face might make them look like they are a little grumpy or stand-offish, but don’t let this deceive you. Persians have a sweet disposition that makes them easy to love. Get ready to spend a lot of time petting them and cuddling. The Persian is generally a laid-back breed that is just happy to go with the flow (especially if the flow involves napping), so they are great choices for quieter households, apartment dwellers, seniors, and parents with teenagers. Although their personality and daily routine might be low-maintenance, their grooming routine is not. Their long fur requires daily brushing and frequent baths (if they start getting baths as kittens, they should tolerate it better). 

Weight: 7 to 13 pounds 

Height: 10 to 15 inches 

Viktor Sergeevich / Shutterstock/

7. Bombay

If you have a Bombay, might wonder if you are living with a mini-black panther (though we can assure you that they are domestic). The Bombay is queen (or king) of whatever space they live in, and they demand attention, which mostly consists of pets and snuggle sessions. This cat is outgoing, friendly, and almost dog-like in their love of being near their families. They are very playful, so it’s ideal that they end up in a household that’s up for it. Bombays would benefit from having a few perches and a cat tree where they can show off their climbing skills. Thankfully, their black fur coats only require a weekly brushing. 

Weight: 8 to 15 pounds 

Height: 9 to 13 inches

Pierre Aden / Shutterstock/

8. Birman

This breed was originally known as the Sacred Cat of Burma, so these loveable cats have been on a pedestal for quite some time. Birmans look like a mix of a Siamese and a Persian — they have bright blue eyes, soft cream-colored fur, and welcoming, open faces. The Birman can play favorites in a household and stick to that person like glue, but they are usually friendly toward everyone, including strangers. Much like a dog, they see every person as an opportunity for more affection. They can become unhappy and destructive if left home alone too often, so they’re ideal pets for homebodies. Birman’s coats require a little less maintenance than other long-haired cats because they lack an undercoat, but they will require regular brushing to prevent knots and snarls. 

Weight: 10 to 12 pounds 

Height: 8 to 10 inches

jusvic / shutterstock/

9. Ragamuffin

I’m sorry, but you will not find a cuter cat breed name than Ragamuffins. This sweet long-haired kitty is decidedly not muffin-sized, though. They can get pretty big — having a Ragamuffin crawl onto your lap is like snuggling with a small dog (which, of course, is not a bad thing!) Ragamuffins are mellow, making them great pets for families with children, other pets, and seniors. They are the definition of a lap cat and will stick to their people like Velcro. Ragamuffins don’t handle loneliness well, so cat parents should be home often. Their coats require a bit of care, shed frequently, and should be brushed and combed multiple times a week. 

Weight: 10 to 20 pounds 

Height: 10 to 15 inches

Rowena Naylor / Stocksy/

10. Burmese

The Burmese is one of the most dog-like cat breeds out there. They will fetch balls, hair ties — pretty much anything you throw for them — and can even learn how to play games, like fetch. The Burmese cat breed just wants to play all of the time and be with their people. This kitty would do best in households with other cats, with cat parents who can commit to spending a lot of quality time with their Burmese and families with older children. The Burmese breed boasts a shorthair coat that only requires brushing occasionally, though they do shed after winter. 

Weight: 8 to 15 pounds 

Height: 9 to 13 inches 

How to pick a cuddly kitten

Once you’re in front of a bunch of adorable kittens at a rescue or shelter, it can be hard to determine which one you should bring home because they’re all so darn cute. Kittens who approach you confidently are likely to be on the snuggly side.

The kitty who is hiding in the corner might still be cuddly, but it will take them a long time (maybe even forever) to warm up. A confident kitten feels safer and more comfortable with people and that behavior will likely translate to their forever-home lives. 

Commonly asked questions

Are kittens more affectionate than cats?

No, kittens aren’t always more affectionate than adult cats. It all hinges on the individuals. Some kittens may cling to their new person because they are anxious and get comfort from people for safety.  But, other kittens can be easily spooked and may not want anything to do with their new people. Likewise, some adult cats can be very affectionate. Others, such as adult cats who spent most of their lives feral, might not seek out human affection.