Adopting a cat can be a happy experience for the whole family to share. But before you commit to providing a feline with a forever home, you need to make sure they are the right fit for your lifestyle. Researching gentle cat breeds and looking for the right personality traits can help you seek your perfect pet.
Continue reading to explore how to choose the perfect pet for you. From researching the best breed to selecting the right personality to match your family, this article offers insight into some of the most gentle species of the cat world and how to choose the right one for your forever home.
How Do I Choose A Gentle Cat?
If you want a gentle cat, then look at the breeds which are most well known for being friendly and calm. For example, the Maine Coon is known as the “gentle giant” of the cat world and is mainly well known for its soft nature. And the Ragdoll is a remarkably docile breed that rarely misbehaves or makes a fuss.
Once you’ve made a list of breeds, spend time researching the individual traits of those cats. While every feline is an individual, some personality traits are breed-specific; this research will help you identify some common ones. The Cat Fanciers’ Association or the Cat Breed Directory are great places to start.
If you’re looking for a calm and tranquil feline, it may be best to avoid exotic breeds, especially if this is your first pet or you have young children.
Cats such as the Bengal and Savannah can make beautiful pets for the right owner, but their wild genes mean they’re more likely to enjoy hunting outside and climbing up trees than gently resting in your lap for a cuddle.
How Do I Look For The Right Personality Traits In A Cat?
If you want to choose a gentle cat, look for one that displays a calm personality. A cat that seems anxious or skittish when it approaches you is more likely to be playful, energetic, and a little boisterous.
Once you’ve given the kitty some time to get used to you, try picking them up to see how they react. Take into account that many cats will be shy the first time they meet you, but a cat that allows you to pick it up with minimal fuss is likely to be reasonably gentle as it grows older.
Adult cats are more docile than their younger counterparts, so you’re more likely to get a gentle cat if you adopt an older cat. Animal shelters can be an excellent place to start, as many people are looking for a playful and active pet, so you might find some lovely gentle cats available for adoption.
Which Are The Friendliest Cat Breeds?
While dogs have a reputation for being “man’s best friend,” cats are often viewed as aloof and nonchalant. But in 2019, scientists conducted a study. Where they discovered that cats bond with their humans just as strongly as dogs (and even babies!)
That being said, some cats don’t express that love in the same way as others. If you’re looking for a gentle cat with a friendly personality, check out some of the breeds below.
Birman
The lovable Birman is an exceptionally gentle cat who loves to be among other people and animals. They are great at socializing and thrive on attention. Despite this, they are quiet animals who communicate in gentle chirps.
In addition, the Birman is an excellent choice for families as they are exceptionally patient with younger children.
Exotic Shorthair
This breed shares many of its personality traits with the Birman. They are friendly and adapt to pretty much any family environment. Plus, they are loyal and easygoing companions who love to spend time with their humans.
Maine Coon
These gentle giants are affectionate toward people, children, and other pets. They are happy to snuggle up on your lap and will display affection with soft chirps and trills. Many people call the Maine Coon, “the dog of the cat world” thanks to its gentle nature and loyalty.
Persian
Thanks to their adorable faces and gentle personalities, Persians are one of the most popular breeds among cat lovers. This breed loves a set routine and will behave well in most circumstances. They can be playful but aren’t known for getting into trouble too often.
Persian cats prefer to live in calm, quiet environments and will happily snuggle up on your lap for a cuddle. They are not as chatty as other cat breeds and often communicate in soft chirps.
Ragdoll
Even the name shows how gentle this breed of cat is. The Ragdoll is so-called, thanks to its docile nature and ability to go limp when held by its owner. The floppy ball of fluff makes a great lap pet who gets on well with families, including children or seniors.
While a Ragdoll does enjoy playing a game or two with its owners, they aren’t overly active and will happily curl up next to you for a chilled-out evening.
Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold makes the perfect family companion thanks to its sweet, loving, and adaptable nature. This breed likes to have company for the majority of the time, but they are not demanding in any way.
With quiet temperaments and laid-back personalities, these adorable kitties are happiest when they are snuggled up beside you or resting on your lap.
Siamese
Siamese cats love nothing more than spending time with their humans. They are an extremely loyal and affectionate breed who will get along well with all members of your household. The Siamese also pairs well with another cat of the same breed, who can keep it company any time you’re away from home.
What Should I Do Before I Adopt A Cat?
It’s one thing to choose a breed that is likely to be a gentle cat, but it’s another thing to determine the personality of the individual feline that you are looking to adopt. There are several inquiries you can make to get a better picture of the temperament of your cat.
If you’re purchasing from a breeder – particularly if you are purchasing a pedigree – they should be able to give you a little history of the cat’s background. This information will probably be unknown if you’re adopting a stray or mixed breed, but it’s always worth asking.
Good questions to ask include:
- Does this cat enjoy human company?
- Will they get along with children?
- How are they around other pets?
- Do they display skittish behavior?
Even if they have no background information, the person who has looked after your cat for the first part of its life should have some insight into its personality.
If you see a cat you like, ask to spend some time alone with it to get first-hand experience of its temperament. But bear in mind that adoption can be scary for cats, and they may demonstrate different behavior than they would once they settle into your home.
Trust your gut feeling. Once you spend time with a cat, you should get a sense of whether or not they’ll be a good fit for your home.
Final Thoughts
When choosing the right cat for your family, there are many factors you need to consider. Not only do you want the right personality, but you need to consider the maintenance of the cat, how much playtime it enjoys, and whether your environment can meet its needs.
If you’re looking for a gentle cat, there are many different breeds to explore. But remember that each cat has its own personality, and there will be differences in temperament between cats of the same breed. If you’re looking to adopt a cat, spend time with it first to ensure it’s the right fit for your family.
Related Articles