Family-Friendly Cat Breeds: Explore 20 Options for Your Household
The Cornish Rex, a highly active and playful cat, retains kitten-like energy well into its senior years and thrives in homes where someone can be with it all day. The Norwegian Forest cat, on the other hand, is a large and robust breed that enjoys being able to explore in the great outdoors.
The Exotic shorthair is a gentle, calm, and friendly cat, adapting well to most living situations. The Balinese, a long-haired variety of the Siamese, is svelte and elegant with a razor-sharp mind and shares the same playful and full-of-life nature as the Cornish Rex.
The British Shorthair is reserved and quiet, adapting well to bustling homes, making it a family-friendly cat. The Devon Rex is a delightfully silly companion for children, active and outgoing with a charming personality.
The Siberian Forest cat is a striking kitty with a prominent neck ruff, bushy tail, and semi-long and thick coat. This breed is both playful and gentle, making them ideal companions for children. The Himalayan is a sweet and playful cat, soaking up as much attention and affection as it can get and does well in bustling, multi-pet households.
For families looking for interactive cat toys that combine safety, engagement, and durability while stimulating a cat's natural play instincts, several options stand out. SmartyKat's Electronic Concealed Motion Cat Toy has spinning arms with tails that move unpredictably at customizable speeds, engaging cats in chasing and pouncing. It is quiet, safe (tested to child safety standards), and suitable for one or two cats to play with simultaneously.
PETS KNOW BEST's Pop N Play Interactive Cat Motion Toy is another motorized option that moves to mentally and physically stimulate cats without manual involvement. This "peek-a-boo" style toy offers good engagement for kids to watch and enjoy alongside their pets.
Hepper Catnip Mice Toy Set, while not motorized, stimulates cats through natural hunting behaviors with plush mice made with safe, natural materials and filled with premium catnip. Their simplicity makes them great for families and kids to participate in gentle play.
P.L.A.Y. Cat Tunnels and Plush Toys include interactive, crinkly, catnip-filled plush toys and tunnels with features like hidden mouse toys and soft interiors. They encourage active play and safe hiding for cats, accommodating a child's enjoyment watching or joining in the play.
In summary, SmartyKat’s electronic toy and Pop N Play’s motorized peek-a-boo toy are excellent interactive options safe for children, offering autonomous play for cats. Complementing these with sturdy plush catnip toys and tunnels can enrich the experience for both cats and children.
The Scottish Fold is a friendly and affectionate cat with an owl-like appearance and trademark folded ears. This even-tempered, sweet cat does not scratch or bite and is highly adaptable, doing well in most environments. Outgoing around those they know well, exotic shorthairs can be initially wary of strangers and may need time to warm up to new people.
The Ragamuffin is a people-loving and affectionate cat, ideal for families with children. Ragamuffins are trusting, get along well with other animals, and are non-confrontational. They are docile and happy to please, with moments of playfulness throughout the day. While they may look regal in appearance, they're actually quite clownish in nature, and they love to play, which probably explains why they get on so well with children. Loyal and loving, when they've burnt off their energy chasing their favorite toys, they'll be more than happy to snuggle up on your lap for a nice, long cuddle.
An extroverted breed who never fails to entertain, the Devon Rex is a cheeky little monkey who your children will absolutely adore. Sociable and playful, Wegies are very friendly cats who enjoy the company of their human family and other pets. While they have low-maintenance personalities, their coats do require daily grooming to prevent tangles from forming. They have a long and thick coat, and because it's water-repellent, this breed has a natural love of swimming. They are moderately active and not overly energetic, making them a good choice for homes with young children.
Highly active, both in mind and in body, they require a lot of mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy, which means they're often best suited to older children who can keep up with them. British Shorthairs prefer to supervise family life from a distance rather than getting in the way. The Cornish Rex likes to scale furniture to get to high places, so having cat-friendly shelving is a must. However, they may not defend themselves if attacked outside, so it is advised to keep them as indoor cats or to keep an eye on them. Cat puzzle feeders can be a great way to give their brains a good workout, and rest assured, once they've burnt off their energy, they'll be keen to curl up on your lap and have a cuddle. They value their independence and are not bothered by being left alone, but will greet their owners enthusiastically upon return.
Scottish Folds are even-tempered, sweet cats and are not ones for scratching or biting. They are highly adaptable and do well in most environments, enjoying playing games and interacting with their people. Outgoing around those they know well, exotic shorthairs can be initially wary of strangers and may need time to warm up to new people.
References:
- SmartyKat Electronic Concealed Motion Cat Toy
- Hepper Catnip Mice Toy Set
- P.L.A.Y. Cat Tunnels and Plush Toys
- PETS KNOW BEST Pop N Play Interactive Cat Motion Toy
- The Exotic shorthair, despite its outward wariness towards strangers, is a gentle and friendly cat, adapting well to most living situations.
- The British Shorthair, known for its reserved and quiet nature, thrives in bustling homes and makes a family-friendly cat due to its adaptability.
- The Himalayan cat, a sweet and playful pet, does well in multi-pet households and soaks up as much attention and affection as it can get.
- For active cats needing mental and physical stimulation, toys like SmartyKat’s Electronic Concealed Motion Cat Toy and PETS KNOW BEST’s Pop N Play Interactive Cat Motion Toy are excellent interactive options.
- In addition to motorized toys, sturdy plush catnip toys and tunnels from brands like Hepper Catnip Mice Toy Set and P.L.A.Y. Cat Tunnels and Plush Toys can enrich the play experience for both cats and children.
- The Scottish Fold, with its owl-like appearance and friendly demeanor, is not one for scratching or biting, and is highly adaptable, doing well in most environments.
