The friendliest cat breeds are frequently the most sought after when looking for a feline companion. Many scientists believe that domestication has made cats more friendly and comfortable with people.
Thirteen genes in domestic cats were visibly adapted compared to their wildcat sisters, revealing how they had become more amiable and tamed, according to a study published in 2014.
However, understanding which cats are the friendliest can be tricky, and finding a more friendly cat may signify that your feline seeks a little too much attention from you.
So, which cat breeds are considered to be friendly, and why?
The experts at Newsweek were consulted to find out which cats are the friendliest and how to handle a cat who has grown overly clingy.
Is There a Cat Breed That Is More Friendly?
A majority of veterinarians surveyed on the subject agreed that selecting a small number of “friendly” cat breeds is much more difficult. Some people even claim it’s impossible to tell one friendly dog from another when looking at them side by side.
Cats, unlike dogs, are bred primarily for their physical characteristics rather than their personalities, which accounts for this phenomenon.
Scientists figure out if cats are smarter than dogs by comparing how old they are in cat years to how old they would be in human years.
According to Newsweek’s interview with JustAnswer’s Veterinary Expert, Dr. Jo Myers: “Cat “breeds” aren’t quite as distinct as we think they are when it comes to dog breeds. After all, it’s legitimate to ask whether cats are indeed domesticated at this point in time.”
Dr. Myers explained that the majority of cats are “furry little obligate carnivores and predators” and not related to or descended from any type of purebred cat.
Thus, she believes that no one type of cat is friendlier than the others.
Dr. Mikel Maria Delgado, a cat behaviour expert at Rover, echoed this sentiment, telling Newsweek that the best method to determine which breeds are the friendliest is to meet them in person and get a sense of their unique character.
She replied: “In the past several years, there has been some evidence that purebred dog owners perceive certain breed differences, but the studies have often been inconclusive and have not always clearly focused on “friendliness.” More research is needed to establish a direct link between cat breeds and personality traits.”
The best way to determine whether or not you’ll get along with a cat before purchasing or adopting one is to see the animal in person and see if you click with them.
According to Dr. Woodnutt, Newsweek: “There is no such thing as a typical cat. Cats can be anything from extremely affectionate to standoffish. The way a cat is raised can also have a significant impact on its sociability.”
To paraphrase the breeder, “A kitten born to a wild mother and trapped at a young age will naturally be far nicer than one born to a healthy breeding environment and handled often.”
The Most Loving Cat Breeds
Dr. Joanna Woodnutt and Dr. Emily Wilson of Fuzzy – The Pet Parent Company, however, say that certain breeds seem to fare better with human connection in general.
According to her, some of the nicer breeds of cats include Siamese, Ragdoll, and Persian cats. Dr. Wilson also included the Maine Coon and Sphynx breeds as ones with which he agreed.
Compared to Ragdoll cats, Siamese cats can be fairly talkative, meowing and making eye contact with their owners.
According to Dr. Wilson, “Maine Coons are huge cats with pleasant sweet personalities that flourish in houses where children are present…
“In addition to their unusual appearance, a sphynx cat’s loving, yet funny demeanor makes them an excellent choice for a family pet. As a rule, they prefer to be the center of attention in the family and participate in everyday activities.”
How to Handle Obsessive Cats
While having cats that get along well with people is a benefit, a pet owner may find that their cat’s craving for attention sometimes becomes too much. This is especially true with young children or other animals in the house.
You should not give your cat food or attention if they are behaving badly, according to Dr. Delgado. You should also make sure that your cat understands that they haven’t taught you how to behave.
Routines, she opined, are essential for keeping cats calm, saying: “A consistent feeding, attention, and care schedule can also help “needy” cats (such as cleaning the litter box daily). There are several veterinary behaviorists and other behavior experts who can help you with cat training and behavioral issues!”
As Dr. Myers pointed out, paying attention to your cat’s wants could be an indication of a more serious health issue that needs to be addressed. Cats may moan and groan in pain-stricken humans because to conditions including hyperthyroidism, arthritis, or dental problems.
She said: “It’s critical to address any underlying medical issues that may be causing an increase in attention-seeking behaviors, as is the case with many unpleasant pet habits.
“Medical conditions like high blood pressure might contribute to aggressive attention-seeking. Cats should be examined extensively by a veterinarian as the initial step.”
As with the other doctors, Dr. Wilson and the others advocated for keeping cats’ neediness at bay by encouraging them to engage in activities such as scratching and puzzles.
Their mental and physical well-being can be improved due to regular outdoor exposure.
She stated: “Catios can be a safe approach for pet owners to let their cats explore the outdoors in a safe environment.
“Cats can benefit from increased environmental enrichment while their owners and families are away, but it’s also critical to schedule time each day to brush, pet, or otherwise interact with your cat. Cats and their owners will benefit from participating in these activities.”
