10 Best Cat Breeds for Kids Discover playful and gentle cats your kids will love. By Jackie Brown Updated on 06/12/25 Reviewed by Amy Fox, DVM Reviewed by Amy Fox, DVM Dr. Fox received her veterinary education at Cornell University and has 15-plus years of experience in the field. She has worked in emergency, shelter, medicine, surgery, and general medicine. Dr. Fox is passionate about client education and making sure pet parents have the most up-to-date, accurate, and accessible information to empower them as caregivers and companions. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Veterinary Review Board Credit: Getty Images/Westend61 Cats are known for being cautious and as a species, they can be somewhat aloof, so if you have children, you want to find the best cat breeds for kids. Some cats even hide under the bed at the first sign of a kid. Families with kids need a special kind of cat, one that not only tolerates the rambunctiousness of life with children, but actual enjoys interacting with little ones. Here are 10 of the best cat breeds for kids. Breed Characteristics When looking for a cat that will be good with kids, consider their size, personality, energy level, and friendliness. Very small cats are best for older children who can handle them gently. Larger breeds tend to be sturdier and might be better for younger kids, though children still need to be taught how to safely and kindly interact with cats. Active, playful breeds can be wonderful companions for kids, who can play with them and give them lots of attention. On the flip side, calm, laid-back breeds can also be a good fit as they might be less likely to be frightened by loud and active children. Cats that are affectionate and friendly can also be great friends to kids. Remember, even with the best cat breeds for kids, adults should always supervise cat-kid interactions, and kids should never be allowed to pull on a cat’s tail, chase the cat, or otherwise cause stress or harm. 01 of 10 Abyssinian Credit: Getty Images/anobis The shorthaired Abyssinian is a small cat that is extremely active, athletic and outgoing. These playful cats can be great playmates for conscientious kids who are taught how to interact with cats properly. Because the Abyssinian is small, this breed a better choice for older children who can be sure to handle the cat with care. This breed is friendly, affectionate, and fun to live with, making them a great breed for families and one of the best cat breeds for kids. Breed Overview HEIGHT: 8 to 10 inchesWEIGHT: Up to 12 poundsPERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Friendly, interactive, animated, active, playfulEnergy Level: HighCoat and Color: Short hair; solid or ticked; ruddy, red, blue, cinnamon, or fawnLIFE SPAN: 15 years 02 of 10 American Shorthair Credit: Getty Images/Kilito Chan American shorthairs are considered to be a great companion for families with children because of their gentle demeanor. Because of their history as mousers, they are playful and active cats but are also independent and don't need constant attention from their families. They will happily look out the window or play independently at times. Breed Overview HEIGHT: 8 to 10 inchesWEIGHT: 11 to 15 pounds (males); 6 to 12 pounds (females)PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Gentle, affectionate, playful, easygoing, curiousEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Short hair; many colors, including white, silver, black, cream, blue, brown, red; many patterns, including tabby, calico, tortoiseshell, bi-color, solidLIFE SPAN: 15 to 20 years 03 of 10 Bengal Credit: Getty Images/Svetlana Sultanaeva Like the Abyssinian, the Bengal is extremely active with loads of energy, so kids can have a great time engaging these cats in playtime and fun. Bengals are also very social and curious, so living with a bustling family with kids can provide lots of stimulation. Although this is another one of the best cat breeds for kids, bear in mind that some Bengals don’t enjoy being held, and they are not tolerant of rough handling, so kids must be taught how to play with a Bengal safely and how to treat them with respect. Breed Overview HEIGHT: 8 to 10 inchesWEIGHT: Up to 20 pounds but generally about 12 poundsPERSONALITY/Temperament: Affectionate, energetic, animatedEnergy Level: HighCoat and Color: Short or long hair; spotted or marbled brown tabby, seal sepia tabby, seal mink tabby, seal lynx point, black silver tabby, seal silver sepia tabby, seal silver mink tabby, seal silver lynx pointLIFE SPAN: 15 years 04 of 10 Birman Credit: Getty Images/Rodolfo Parulan Jr. The Birman cat is medium-sized and sturdily built with long, silky hair. This color-pointed breed consists of a light-colored body with darker “points” of color on the face, ears, legs, and tail. All Birman cats also have four white paws and blue eyes. Sweet and affectionate, the Birman cat is an easy-going breed that fits in well to almost any household and family. They are not too delicate for children to handle and are known for being patient and tolerant with kids who play with them gently and with respect. Breed Overview HEIGHT: 8 to 10 inchesWEIGHT: About 7 to 14 pounds; males slightly largerPERSONALITY/Temperament: Gentle, quiet, lovingEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Medium long to long hair; seal point, blue point, chocolate point, lilac point, tabby point, tortie point, red point, cream pointLIFE SPAN: 12 to 16 years Continue to 5 of 10 below 05 of 10 Burmese Credit: Getty Images/Sean Savery Photography The Burmese is a sturdy, medium-sized cat that is full of energy. Burmese love to play, and in fact, act very much like kittens well into adulthood. Kids can give the Burmese as much playtime as they could ever want, which will make this breed very happy indeed. They are not shy and enjoy a bustling household, so families with children are a good fit for the Burmese. They bond tightly with their human families and prefer not to be left alone for long periods of time. Breed Overview HEIGHT: 9 to 13 inchesWEIGHT: Up to 14 poundsPERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Friendly, affectionate, sociable with other animals, playfulEnergy Level: HighCoat and Color: Short hair; sable, champagne, platinum, blue, and variations of eachLIFE SPAN: 18 years 06 of 10 Devon Rex Credit: Getty Images/insonnia The Devon rex is rather small, so they might be better paired with older kids, but this breed is also extremely social, friendly and playful, so families with children might find a great fit with the Devon rex. This easygoing and fun-loving breed is a great match for kids who like playing and interacting with their feline friend. Kids will also probably enjoy the Devon rex’s unusual appearance. Breed Overview HEIGHT: 10 to 12 inchesWEIGHT: 6 to 9 poundsPERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Active, playful, socialEnergy Level: HighCoat and Color: Short hair; any color or patternLIFE SPAN: 9 to 15 years 07 of 10 Maine Coon Credit: Getty Images/Alexandra Jursova Maine coons are smart, friendly gentle giants, and one of the best cat breeds for kids. These steady, laid-back cats are great playmates for kids who treat them with kindness. They coexist peacefully with other household pets, including other cats and cat-friendly dogs. They are highly trainable, so kids can have fun teaching them all kinds of tricks using positive training methods and tasty treats. Breed Overview HEIGHT: 10 to 16 inchesWEIGHT: 9 to 18 pounds; 20+ pounds (males)PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Amiable, gentle, dog-likeEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Heavy, shaggy hair; solid, tabby, bi-color, parti-color, parti-color and white, shaded and smoke, and shaded/smoke and whiteLIFE Span: 12 to 15 years 08 of 10 Manx Credit: Getty Images/Svetlana Popova The Manx is a medium-sized cat that has either short or long hair and makes a great addition to any family with kids. The breed is robust, friendly, and active, and enjoys fun playtime with respectful children. The breed is sometimes described as dog-like, and some Manx even like to play fetch with their favorite toys. Breed Overview HEIGHT: 7 to 11 inchesWEIGHT: 8 to 12 poundsPERSONALITY/Temperament: Easygoing, affectionate, socialEnergy Level: HighCoat and Color: Short or long hair; white, blue, black, red, cream, silver, brown; solid, bicolor, tortoiseshell, tabby LIFE SPAN: 14 to 16 years Continue to 9 of 10 below 09 of 10 Persian Credit: Getty Images/Boy_Anupong The Persian is the most popular purebred cat breed in the United States. They are medium- to large-sized with a round, flat face shaped like a pansy and a profuse, long coat. This breed is exceedingly sweet and calm, which makes them great playmates for respectful kids who handle them gently. Persians are neither needy nor standoffish but provide a mix of gentle affection and relaxed independence. Breed Overview HEIGHT: 10 to 15 inchesWEIGHT: 7 to 12 poundsPERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Sweet, gentle, affectionateEnergy Level: LowCoat and Color: Long hair; blue, black, white, red, cream, chocolate, lilac, silver, golden; solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, bicolorLIFE Span: 15 to 20 years 10 of 10 Ragdoll Credit: Getty Images/Kenneth Chow Kids will absolutely adore the mellow and loving ragdoll, a breed named for their charming way of melting into your arms when you hold them. Gentle kids will find a fast friend in the oversized ragdoll. These cats might attend a doll’s tea party, allow themselves to be pushed in a baby stroller or participate in other games of make believe. Breed Overview HEIGHT: 9 to 11 inchesWEIGHT: Up to 20 poundsPERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Friendly, easygoing, cuddly, socialEnergy Level: Low to MediumCoat and Color: Long hair; chocolate, red, seal, blue, lilac, cream; colorpoint, bicolor, mitted, lynx point, tortie pointLIFE SPAN: 17 years Breeds to Avoid Cats that are shy, don’t like being handled much, or prefer a very quiet and calm environment are not going to be the best cat breeds for kids. Examples include the Russian blue, Turkish van, and Himalayan. However, keep in mind that every cat is an individual, so personalities can differ even among cats of the same breed. Also, the way your children interact with your cat can have a big effect on how well they get along and how well your cat tolerates your kids. Explore more: Cats Cat Breeds