10 Best Cat Breeds for First-Time Owners (With Pictures)
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Getting your first cat can be exciting and overwhelming. Whether you are getting a cat for the first time or choosing a new family friend, the big decision can leave first-time owners feeling lost. Cats are sweet, curious, and loving, and if you’re planning on bringing one into your family or your home, you’re in for a real treat.
Much like people, each cat is unique and brings their own personality and quirks into your family. Your household, your personality, your lifestyle, and many other factors contribute to determining which type of furry feline is your ideal match. It can be challenging to determine which one is right for you. What is the cat’s grooming needs? Its activity levels? What about the cat’s adaptability, curiosity, degree of affection, appearance?
We’ve got some of the best cat breeds for first-time owners to make your new journey a bit less stressful. This includes cats that are easy to maintain and care for and cats that do well with multiple people and other pets in the house. We’ve researched the best cat breeds for first-timers and separated the easier kitties from their pickier counterparts. Check it out below!
The 10 Best Cat Breeds for First-Time Owners Are:
1. Ragdoll
| Lifespan: | 12 – 15 years |
| Length: | 17 – 21 inches |
| Height: | 9 – 11 inches |
| Weight: | 10 – 20 pounds |
The Ragdoll was bred to be affectionate, easy-going, and low maintenance. While the Ragdoll is a large cat breed, they are known to be the perfect mixture of calm, relaxed, and cuddly. They are one of the best cats for families due to their gentle and docile nature while playing. Ragdolls are also great cats for a busy lifestyle.
Ragdolls are so easy-going they even get their name from how they tend to go limp and floppy in your arms when you lift them up! They’re friendly and gentle, but you’ll have to brush them to maintain that beautiful coat. The Ragdoll is a best-buddy kind of kitty!
2. Maine Coon
| Lifespan: | 9 – 15 years |
| Length: | 12 – 18 inches |
| Height: | 10 – 16 inches |
| Weight: | 9 – 20 pounds |
Maine Coon cats are perfect for people who like dogs but want a cat! Their personalities are as big as they are. Main Coons are sweet, curious, and gentle. They are sweet and affectionate and love simply being in the same room or near their humans. They’re known to follow their owners around the home!
These cats are by far the largest cat breed.. However, their huge hearts make them all the more loveable. Main Coons have gentle souls and would much rather hang out with you and follow you around to see what’s going on. These friendly giants are known for their playful and intelligent characteristics. If you are used to having a dog in your family, this is the perfect feline alternative.
3. Siamese
| Lifespan: | 15 – 20 years |
| Length: | 11 – 14 inches |
| Height: | 8 – 10 inches |
| Weight: | 6 – 12 pounds |
If you’re after a chatty companion who will chime in on any discussion with an adorable series of meows and chirps, a Siamese is the perfect friend for you. The Siamese cat always has something to say. You can expect an opinion, sass, or even loving compliments out of this chatty kitty no matter the current situation. Siamese cats have an unforgettable voice that they aren’t afraid to use. They are extremely loving but persistent and stubborn. If they want cuddles and affection, trust us, you’ll know.
Siamese cats are strikingly beautiful with their expressive blue eyes and soft, cream-colored coats. They have shorter hair, so they are easy to groom. These persistent cuddle bugs will leave no stone unturned in their quest for snuggles.
4. Russian Blue
| Lifespan: | 10 – 16 years |
| Length: | 15 – 18 inches |
| Height: | 8 – 10 inches |
| Weight: | 10 – 14 pounds |
These sweet-tempered and loyal felines bond very closely with their chosen humans. They might be a little shy around strangers, but their devotion and affection are unmatched. Russian Blues are also very aware of their owners’ moods! They will never hesitate to provide comfort when you’re feeling down.
The Russian Blue is one of the smartest cat breeds. People often say the Russian Blue can sense what they think before they’ve even spoken the words! Once they have decided you are their person, you will have an unbreakable bond with these playful empaths. They are moderately active and enjoy resting and cuddling just as much as a good and hard playtime session.
5. American Shorthair
| Lifespan: | 12 – 17 years |
| Length: | 12 – 17 inches |
| Height: | 10 – 14 inches |
| Weight: | 8 – 15 pounds |
Although these kitties are only medium-sized, American Shorthair cats are very thick-boned, muscled, and generally quite heavy. If you’re looking for a powerful companion cat that is as happy with regular cuddles as with independence, the American Shorthair is perfect for you.
You won’t have to babysit your kitty but be sure to give them affection because these beauties can be incredibly affectionate and often form strong bonds with their families. American Shorthairs are easy-going, family-loving cats. They’re great lifelong companions and playmates for families with children!
These loving companions do not require an insane amount of affection or attention from their families. They are often content with a cat tree, some toys, and a nice place to play. American Shorthairs can keep themselves entertained for hours.
6. Sphynx Cat
| Lifespan: | 13 – 14 years |
| Length: | 10 – 15 inches |
| Height: | 8 – 10 inches |
| Weight: | 8 – 16 pounds |
If you’re allergic to cats, the Sphynx could be the solution to all your problems. If pet dander is a concern for you or your family in your household, the nearly hairless Sphynx is a great option. These regal and distinctive-looking felines are charming companions and cuddly social butterflies. Sphynx cats are energetic, acrobatic, playful, and have an unexpected sense of humor and huge personality.
The extra wrinkles in their skin, especially on their head, add extra depth to the expressions on their faces. Their eyes are so engaging and wide that it’s almost impossible not to lose yourself staring into this affectionate playmate’s face. Sphynx cats are known for their clumsiness and energy. Expect lots of spunk and playful troublemaking from this one-of-a-kind kitty!
7. Scottish Fold
| Lifespan: | 13 – 15 years |
| Length: | 14 – 16 inches |
| Height: | 8 – 10 inches |
| Weight: | 6 – 13 pounds |
Scottish Folds get their name from the unique folded-over appearance of their ears. These felines have rounded heads and such expressive eyes that they are impossible to resist when demanding cuddles. Scottish Folds are known to be sensitive, active, and very expressive little lovebugs.
They aren’t very vocal, but they crave human attention. Scottish Folds might be one of the most affectionate breeds on the list! They are equally happy in a small apartment with one owner as they are in a big house full of kids. Scottish folds love spending time inside with their owners, and they love cuddles even more. They’ll chirp to get your attention to maximize their cuddle time.
Scottish Folds can be incredibly smart and curious. They will investigate your house and learn new tricks to keep you on your toes. These friendly felines make some of the best companions.
8. Abyssinian
| Lifespan: | 9 – 13 years |
| Length: | 12 – 16 inches |
| Height: | 8 – 10 inches |
| Weight: | 8 – 12 pounds |
Are you looking for an outgoing, energetic, and friendly cat? The Abyssinian is loveable, intelligent, loyal, and devoted. Abyssinians make the perfect sidekicks! These loving felines are another breed that loves showing affection to their humans.
These kitties insist on getting involved in all the action taking place in your house.
They will follow you around endlessly due to their curiosity. The Abyssinian’s loyalty and intelligence is unmatched!
9. Bengal
| Lifespan: | 10 – 15 years |
| Length: | 16 – 22 inches |
| Height: | 14 – 18 inches |
| Weight: | 12 – 22 pounds |
Bengal cats are as beautiful as they are active. As one of the only domestic cat breeds still heavily mixed with wild genes, Bengals have distinctive coloring and are commonly called ‘house tiger’ cats. Bengals are extremely confident and devoted to their families.
They’ll be happy to greet your guests without fear, especially if those guests give them a chance to play. Bengals can keep you busy with their athletic nature and inherent curiosity. They have a strong need to play and learn new tricks. Bengals are clever and curious cats who will demand your attention,and the playful kitties even love water.
If you end up owning a Bengal, don’t be surprised when you find it jumping into the shower with you or playing with the water coming from your faucet as you brush your teeth.
10. Birman
| Lifespan: | 12 – 16 years |
| Length: | 15 – 18 inches |
| Height: | 8 – 11 inches |
| Weight: | 6 – 14 pounds |
Birman cats, relatives to Burmese cats, have striking features that contrast their calm personalities. also known. They have a special patterned coat that leaves their paws white while their legs can be different shades of brown. These sweet kitties always look like they are wearing little socks! Birmans are sweet and affectionate and often very quiet. Most Birmans communicate through soft chirps rather than yowling vocals.
These soft-spoken and calm felines love to relax and are incredibly patient when it comes to their humans. They will often bask in the presence of their families and soak up every ounce of affection.. You might even find them trying their hardest to help with your household tasks!
Birmans aren’t very active. They are more likely to curl up in your lap and binge-watch your favorite Netflix shows with you than they are to run laps.
Adopt Don’t Shop
Even though it can be tempting to find a breeder for one of these amazing cats, remember that shelters exist. Not only will you be giving a furball a forever home and saving it from possible euthanasia, but you could also b find your lifelong best friend.
Conclusion
There are so many felines to choose from, so how do you choose? From hairless Sphynx cats to fluffy Maine Coons, the range of cats is as wide and varied as their individual personalities. The ideal pet for you will depend on your current needs and living situation, but you have several excellent options. You can adopt a sensitive snuggle bug or an outgoing, water-loving adventurer, but you’re bound to find your perfect companion kitty.
See Also:
- 11 Great Indoor Cat Breeds (With Pictures)
- 10 Common First-Time Cat Owner Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Featured Image Credit: Diachenko, Shutterstock
