10 Most Affectionate Cat Breeds for Pet Parents Who Need Love Too

By: Nico Avelle  | 
Persian cat
Persians are exceptionally affectionate and will gladly let you smother them with love. NattaPort / Shutterstock

Some cats just want to be near you — all the time. The most affectionate cat breeds are the ones that crave human interaction, love to curl up on laps, and form strong bonds with their families.

If you're looking for a feline friend who gives endless affection, these are the top contenders.

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1. Ragdoll

Ragdoll
Ragdoll cat. iBennn / Shutterstock

Ragdoll cats are known as classic lap cats. With their gentle nature and floppy, relaxed posture, they thrive on human companionship.

This affectionate cat breed is ideal for cat owners who want a quiet, loving companion that’s great with children and other pets.

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2. Siamese

Siamese cat
Siamese cat. Esin Deniz / Shutterstock

Siamese cats are vocal, social, and affectionate cats that demand attention. One of the most popular cat breeds with striking blue eyes, Siamese cats form strong bonds with their families and often follow their humans around the house.

Their dog-like loyalty makes them one of the most affectionate companions in the feline world.

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3. Burmese

Burmese cat
Burmese cat. Alina Lebed / Shutterstock

Burmese cats are sweet cats that thrive on constant companionship. Like Siamese cats — with which they share a lineage — Burmese cats are extremely social and love being around people.

These affectionate cats are playful and love a good petting session, making them great family pets.

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4. Sphynx

Sphynx cat
Sphynx cat. Alexander Piragis / Shutterstock

The Sphynx cat may lack fur, but it’s full of affection. Known for its hairless appearance and warm, suede-like skin, this affectionate cat loves to cuddle for both emotional and thermal warmth.

Sphynx cats are also known for their goofy personalities and love for attention from humans and other animals alike.

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5. Maine Coon

Maine Coon
Maine Coon cat. Pixel-Shot / Shutterstock

Often called gentle giants, Maine Coons are one of the friendliest cat breeds. These large, furry friends have an affectionate temperament and do well with other pets and children.

Maine Coons are playful companions who enjoy human interaction but don’t demand constant attention, making them a balanced choice.

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6. Scottish Fold

Scottish Fold
Scottish Fold cat. DAction Images / Shutterstock

With their folded ears and sweet expressions, Scottish Folds are among the most affectionate cat breeds. These cats are known for their quiet nature and deep loyalty to their owners.

They love being near their humans and often curl up for long, relaxing sessions on their owner's lap.

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7. Birman

Birman cat
Birman cat. Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock

Also called the Sacred Cat of Burma, Birman cats are affectionate companions with a calm, loving demeanor. They have a silky coat and deep blue eyes, often forming strong connections with family members.

Birmans are friendly with other pets and make excellent additions to multi-pet households.

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8. Tonkinese

Tonkinese cat
Tonkinese cat. Yehoshua Halevi / Shutterstock

A cross between the Siamese and Burmese, Tonkinese cats are known for their affectionate personality and playful spirit. They love interactive play and cuddle time equally, making them ideal for households looking for both energy and affection in a pet.

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9. Persian

Persian cat
Persian cat. Borkin Vadim / Shutterstock

Persian cats are sweet, quiet companions who adore attention in a calm environment. Though they require more grooming due to their long coats, their affectionate nature makes the effort worthwhile. Persian cats are loyal and thrive in homes with consistent routines.

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10. Devon Rex

Devon Rex
Devon Rex cat. KhJuliette / Shutterstock

Devon Rex cats are social cats with large ears and a playful personality. Often described as velcro cats, they stick close to their humans and enjoy interactive play, cuddling, and climbing around the house. Their affectionate nature and quirky looks make them a favorite among cat lovers.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.

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