In light of Valentine’s Day, and in honor of my cat Phoebe currently curled up on my feet as I am writing this article, I thought it was only appropriate to discuss a few of the most affectionate cat breeds if you’re looking for love this month. It’s never too late to fill your cup with a new furry feline friend this February. Below are five of the sweetest cat breeds you’ll ever meet.
Ragdoll
At the top of the list, ragdoll cats are notorious for being affectionate and relaxed when handled, hence the name “ragdoll.” Although their fur is longer, their lack of a thick undercoat makes them much less prone to shedding, unlike their other long-haired counterparts. With striking blue eyes, ragdolls prefer snuggling to playtime and are excellent low-energy pets for the elderly. They are considered to be one of the largest cat breeds and only require moderate playtime.
Maine Coon
My favorite cat breed from having experienced the benefits firsthand, Maine Coons are commonly referred to as “gentle giants” with males weighing up to 20 pounds and females being more on the petite side. With shaggy coats and tufted ears, their appearance can sometimes resemble a bobcat, with their slick fur containing water resistant qualities for surviving cold winters in the snow. They are described as “dog-like” and affectionate to which I can attest. My cat Phoebe seems to have Maine Coon characteristics and is always finding a reason to snuggle up alongside me. Her purrs are loud and strong but help reduce my anxiety. Although her fur is prone to matting and regular brushing is recommended, her warmth is worth the mild shedding.
Sphynx
Contrary to their eccentric appearance, what sphynx lack in fur, they make up for in personality. With their skin having a leather-like feel, sphynx often follow their owners around and need abundant mental stimulation through play to remain occupied. Why so furless? Apparently, their bald nature is caused by a genetic mutation; however, this does not stop sphynx-lovers from adopting this highly sought-after cat breed. Perfect for pet owners who don’t want to vacuum fur off of furniture, sphynx have very little fur to shed but may require bathing to combat oils that build up on their skin.
Siamese
Considered to be chatty in the cat world, Siamese cats have distinct markings with striking blue eyes, a short coat and dark color patterns on their feet, face, tail, legs and other parts of their body. Siamese cats are interactive and vocal, so ignoring one would be nearly impossible. Their tendency to be talkative is an asset to the elderly community, as quirky cat personalities help foster deep bonds between the cat and owner.
Burmese
Similar to the short-haired Siamese, Burmese cats are vocal, enjoy spending time outside and need more exercise than their ragdoll or Maine Coon counterparts. With a lean physique, Burmese cats give off a bonier appearance but make up for it with their lack of body fat and loyalty. If you stumble upon a Burmese cat available for adoption, keep in mind that this breed is more prone than others to conditions such as familial episodic hypokalemic polymyopathy and primary glaucoma. The good news? Burmese cats are typically friendly to all members of the family, including dogs.
