Kids and cats go together like peanut butter and jelly. A feline good friend can be a cute snuggler, an excellent secret keeper, and– most notably to moms and dads– a reasonably low-maintenance addition to the family that teaches kids perseverance and duty.
When selecting which breed to bring house, though, households must evaluate their lifestyle and practices, says Teresa Keiger, an all-breed judge with The Cat Fanciers’ Association and the company’s Creative Director. She recommends parents think about the following concerns when choosing the very best cat for kids:
Do your children know the significance of being gentle and considerate?
Are they accountable adequate to remember to keep doors closed?
How energetic is your family?
” Think about the age and activity level, and that will determine whether you need to think of a feline that can handle that activity level, or one that is a little bit more sedate,” Kieger states.
If you’re looking to bring a brand-new animal into your family, keep reading to find out about a few of the very best cats for kids.
American Shorthair
The type tops the list of the best felines for kids– and they’re one of the most popular choices. Reward: With roots as working felines, American shorthairs are skilled at catching rodents, so they’ll pull their own weight in the household.
Birman
The Cat Fanciers’ Association explains the birman cat as “magical, magical, and captivating.” These felines, with their striking blue eyes and sweet faces, are known for being relaxed, mild, caring, and curious, making them a few of the best felines for kids. Birmans are as sociable as they come, and are likely to follow relative around your house, playing and even “assisting” with tasks– anything to be a part of the action.
Ragdoll
These felines, who tend to be fairly large and have brilliant blue eyes, are loved for their practices of collapsing into the arms of the person holding them, just like a ragdoll. Smart and lively, ragdoll cats are content to curl up at your side at night or discover a brand-new technique or two by day.
Maine Coon
These gentle giants can weigh approximately 20 pounds, but they’re cherished for their playful, kitten-like personalities, no matter their age. Originally a working breed from Maine, you’ll know Maine coons by their sturdy looks and independent yet caring attitudes. Because they’re friendly toward everyone, Maine coon felines make exceptional additions to households and are even popular as therapy felines.
Abyssinian
Active, intelligent, loyal, and people-oriented, Abyssinian felines are terrific fits for families with older kids (they might opt to bolt far from toddlers and infants). They’re master manipulators when it pertains to humans, and they’ll likely have you and your family wrapped around their little fingers, er, paws. As much as Abyssinians like to be around people, though, they’re not lap cats as much as outdoors observers.
Manx
Playful and dedicated, the Manx, who came from on the Isle of Man, is another among the best breeds for kids. With the stock of working cats, these medium-sized, rounded felines– who are frequently tail-less– are active, however not excessively so. Their effective hind legs help them introduce to excellent heights as they zip around your house, earning the type its “dog-like” credibility through the cats’ playfulness and loyalty.
European Burmese
Courageous European Burmese felines remain lively and friendly well into their senior years. These felines enjoy being around their human beings, and they tend to follow family members– consisting of kids and even canines– all over they go. Rumor has it that when you own among these elegant, low-maintenance cats, you’ll wish to stick to the breed permanently!
Himalayan
A cross between the Siamese and Persian, the Himalayan is known to have the very best attributes of both breeds. These cats are sweet and spirited by nature and are no complete strangers to warm laps. With their entrancing looks (round faces, blue eyes, pouty mouths, and snub noses) and wonderful personalities, Himalayans are a regular family pick.