Cats are nothing if not unique characters. But even though every cat has their own quirks and behaviors, different breeds have certain preferences and personalities. If you’re thinking about adding a cat to your family—and have an idea of the qualities you’re looking for—read on for some helpful recommendations.

Kid-friendly kitties
If you have kiddos in the house, you’ll ideally get a cat that’s laid back and playful, affectionate and patient. These breeds fit the bill.

Birman
American Curl
RagaMuffin
Ragdoll
Burmese
Maine Coon

Adventure seekers
Looking for a high-energy side kick? From road trips to leashed walks (and in some cases even swimming), these breeds are up for anything.

Turkish Van
Abyssinian and Somali
Bengal
Savannah
Singapura

 

Cuddle buddies
Is your lap in need of a warmer? These breeds are champion snugglers and love to be near their people.

Persian
Bombay
Ragdoll
Scottish Fold
Devon Rex

Conversation partners
Some cats have a lot to say. If you’re interested in a talkative cat, these vocal breeds will check that box.

Siamese and Oriental Shorthair
Japanese Bobtail
Balinese
Sphynx

Quiet companions
Is a quiet house more your speed? While not silent, the following breeds are unlikely to talk your ear off, communicating more through softer trills, chirps, and meows.

Ragdoll
Birman
Exotic Shorthair
Chartreux

Friendly but independent
Need your space? Some cats do, too. If you’re looking for a cat that enjoys their people but also appreciates alone time and can keep themselves entertained, these breeds may be for you.

Russian Blue
Norwegian Forest Cat
British Shorthair
American Wirehair

Good options for allergy sufferers
If you’re allergic to cats, but want a cat, you’ve probably googled hypoallergenic options. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation out there on this topic. In truth, there’s no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic cat. (You can learn more about how cat allergies work here). But there are still some breeds that may be better suited for allergy sufferers, including hairless breeds and rex breeds.

Sphynx
Peterbald
Donskoy
Devon Rex
Cornish Rex
Bonus breed: Siberians (some of which produce less of the protein that causes allergic reactions)

Smart and trainable

Don’t let their regal attitudes fool you. Plenty of cats are able (and eager!) to learn basic commands and tricks. In fact, training is a great way to strengthen the bond you have with your feline friend. If training your cat is something you’d like to pursue, give these intelligent breeds a look.

American Shorthair
Savannah
Bengal
Manx
Ocicat

 

Hopefully this gives you a good starting point for finding a cat breed that fits your home and life. But of course, there are many more breeds to explore. Before inviting a cat into your life, take some time to browse our breed library to learn about different breeds’ personalities and quirks so you can set both you and your cat up for a happy life together.