Bringing a cat into your home is a happy occasion and an exciting experience, especially for families with children. The only problem is that not all cats are equally suited to homes with kids, as their temperament, energy levels, and personalities can vary greatly between breeds. There’s more to choosing a new cat than just grabbing some kitty litter.

If you’re considering adopting a cat for your family, it’s important to choose a breed that is sociable, tolerant, and playful. It’s about lifestyle compatibility and safety measures in one. After all, we want a safe and enjoyable environment for both your child and the cat.

So, what you need to do is find out as many facts about cats of different breeds and their nature as possible to find the perfect match. We’ll try to make it a bit easier on you in this simple guide!

What Makes a Cat Kid-Friendly?

Here’s what you need to consider first:

1. Sociability: A kid-friendly cat loves attention, enjoys being part of the family, and interacts positively with children. These cats tend to be affectionate and tolerant of the noise and excitement children often bring.
2. Playfulness: Active cats who love games and chase toys are usually the best fit for energetic kids who want to play and bond with them.
3. Patience: Some cats are more tolerant of rough play, handling noise, and the occasional overzealous petting. These cats tend to be calm and forgiving of the occasional mistake a child might make when interacting with them.
4. Size: A larger breed might seem more capable of tolerating the energetic and sometimes unpredictable behaviour of children. However, the size should always be paired with the breed’s gentle temperament.

With those qualities in mind, here are the top kid-friendly cat breeds that families should consider when welcoming a new feline friend into their home.

1. Ragdoll

Ragdolls are often considered one of the most kid-friendly cat breeds, known for their laid-back temperament and gentle nature. These cats are often described as “puppy-like” because they follow their owners around, enjoy being held, and tend to go limp when picked up – hence the name “Ragdoll.” Their calm and patient demeanour makes them excellent companions for children, especially for younger kids who may want to carry them around. Additionally, Ragdolls are not easily startled and are generally tolerant of loud or chaotic environments.

Why They’re Great for Kids:

• Very patient and tolerant.
• Enjoy being handled and cuddled.
• Easy-going and social, they don’t mind being around children.

2. Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is one of the largest domesticated cat breeds, but don't let their size fool you – these cats are incredibly gentle and friendly. Known for their intelligence and affectionate nature, Maine Coons often form strong bonds with their families, making them great for kids. They love interactive play and are usually very tolerant of children’s playful antics, making them an ideal choice for families with active children.

Why They’re Great for Kids:

• Playful and energetic, they love interactive play.
• Thanks to their size, they can handle rough play much better.
• Social and affectionate, they enjoy spending time with the family.

3. Siamese

Siamese cats are highly energetic, talkative, and social, making them a great choice for families with children who can provide them with attention and stimulation. These cats thrive on human interaction and enjoy being involved in family activities. While their energetic personality makes them perfect for kids who like to play, Siamese cats also have a reputation for being quite vocal, which adds to the fun for families who enjoy communication with their pets.

Why They’re Great for Kids:

• Extremely sociable and love being part of the action.
• Energetic and playful, perfect for active kids.
• Communicative and engaging, they often "talk" to their owners.

4. Burmese

The Burmese cat is affectionate, people-oriented, and thrives on human companionship. They are gentle and playful, making them a wonderful addition to homes with children. Burmese cats have a soft, calm demeanour and are less likely to get overwhelmed by noisy or boisterous environments, making them great for families with young kids.

Why They’re Great for Kids:

• Affectionate and love to be around their family.
• Gentle and tolerant of the chaos that often comes with kids.
• Very playful, which is great for interactive play.

5. Birman

Birman cats are known for their striking blue eyes and silky coats, but what really sets them apart is their affectionate and easy-going temperament. They tend to bond closely with their family members and are typically very patient with children. Birmans are calm but playful, making them an excellent choice for families looking for a relaxed cat who enjoys a little fun.

Why They’re Great for Kids:

• Calm, loving, and social.
• Great with children, including toddlers and older kids.
• Patient and tolerant, ideal for younger children.

6. Scottish Fold

Scottish Folds are best known for their unique, folded ears, but their sweet and patient nature is what makes them truly stand out as kid-friendly cats. These cats are generally calm and tolerant of children, even those who are a little more energetic. They enjoy cuddling and being part of family activities but are also content to quietly observe from a perch if the action gets too intense.

Why They’re Great for Kids:

• Sweet-natured and patient.
• Great for families with active kids who also respect the cat’s space.
• Tolerant of handling and enjoy gentle affection.

7. Abyssinian

The Abyssinian is one of the oldest known cat breeds and is well-known for its high energy and curiosity. These cats are very active and love to play, climb, and explore, which makes them perfect for families with children who enjoy interactive play. Abyssinians are intelligent and highly social, forming strong bonds with their families.

Why They’re Great for Kids:

• Energetic and curious, perfect for active kids.
• Very playful and enjoy engaging in activities.
• They love attention and will happily play with kids for hours.

8. British Shorthair

British Shorthairs are known for their easy-going and relaxed personalities. These cats tend to be more laid-back and enjoy being in a calm environment, making them great for families who want a more relaxed companion. They’re not overly demanding of attention, but they enjoy spending time with their human family members (including children).

Why They’re Great for Kids:

• Relaxed and easy-going, great for calmer homes.
• Tolerant of children and good with gentle handling.
• Enjoy companionship but don’t demand constant attention.

9. Exotic Shorthair

Exotic Shorthairs are a close cousin of the Persian breed but with shorter fur. They are known for their affectionate and easy-going nature. They enjoy being around children and are usually very patient with them. Like the British Shorthair, they are calm and prefer a quieter lifestyle, but they still love being involved in family activities.

Why They’re Great for Kids:

• Calm and affectionate, they love being around family members.
• Great for families with children who enjoy quiet companionship.
• Easy to care for due to their short coat.

10. Sphynx

The Sphynx is an unusual breed, known for its lack of fur, but what it lacks in coat, it makes up for in personality. These cats are incredibly social, affectionate, and love attention, making them excellent for families with children. Despite their appearance, Sphynx cats are very playful and enjoy being the centre of attention. They are also very tolerant of rough handling, making them a great fit for families with young, active kids.

Why They’re Great for Kids:

• Extremely social and affectionate, loves to be around people.
• Playful and energetic, perfect for interactive play with kids.
• Tolerant of rough play and loud environments.

What to Consider When Choosing a Cat for Kids

While these breeds are known for their kid-friendly nature, every cat is an individual. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a cat for your family:

•  Age of the Child: Younger children may require a cat that’s more patient and tolerant, while older children can handle more energetic and playful cats.
• Energy Levels: If your children are active and love to play, choose a cat breed that’s just as energetic.
• Allergies: If anyone in your family has allergies, you might want to look into hypoallergenic breeds such as the Siberian or Balinese.
• Space: Make sure you have enough space for your cat to roam, especially if you're choosing a larger or more active breed.

Tips for Introducing a Cat to Children

• Teach children to handle cats gently: Encourage children to be kind and respectful when interacting with their new pet.
• Supervise interactions: Always supervise initial interactions to make sure both the cat and the child are comfortable. 
• Create a safe space for the cat: Cats, even kid-friendly ones, may need a quiet space to retreat to when they need a break.