Exotic Shorthair cat breed

15 Of The Best Cat Breeds for First Time Owners [With Videos]

Are you considering getting a cat for the first time? If so, you may be wondering which breed is the best for you. In this post we will show you 15 of the best cat breeds for first time owners.

There are many different breeds of cats, and each has its own unique personality and set of characteristics.

We'll talk about the personality traits of each breed, as well as their care requirements.

So whether you're looking for a playful kitten or a cuddly senior cat, we have you covered!

Let's jump right in to the best cat breeds for first time owners.

Here's a quick overview of the best cat breeds for first time owners.

1. Bengal
2. Cornish Rex
3. Sphynx
4. Abyssinian
5. Scottish Fold
6. Ragdoll
7. Siberian
8. Persian
9. Somali
10. Maine Coon
11. Birman
12. Exotic Shorthair
13. Siamese
14. Norwegian Forest Cat
15. Russian Blue

Let's take a look at each of the these breeds in more detail.

1. Bengal

bengal cat breed 1

Bengals are very smart, curious and energetic. They love to climb on things and play with toys.

Bengals require a lot of attention from their owners so it's important that you spend time with them every day.

Their coats come in many colors but most often brown or black stripes cover the body like tiger fur!

The reason they make such fantastic pets is their dog-like personality. They are extremely playful, love playing fetch, and even love playing in water.

So if you have young children, a Bengal may be the perfect breed for your family.

Click here to read our full Bengal cat breed guide.

Characteristics Of The Bengal


Affection Level:

High

Friendliness:

Medium

Kid-Friendly:

High

Pet-Friendly:

High

Exercise Needs:

High

Playfulness:

High

Energy Level:

High

Intelligence:

High

Tendency To Vocalize:

Medium

Amount of Shedding:

Medium

2. Cornish Rex

Cornish Rex cat breed

Cornish Rex are an ideal breed of cat for first time owners . They are small in size, have a short coat, and require very little grooming.

Their coats come in many colors but most often black, white, or cream.

They are an extremely active breed of cat and love to play games. Their playful nature stays with them even as adult cats.

This behavior means they are great around children, and other pets, providing the right circumstances.

Cornish Rex also love to be around people and will follow you around the house. So if you are looking for both a playful and affectionate cat, the Cornish Rex will make a great addition to your home.

Characteristics Of The Cornish Rex


Affection Level:

High

Friendliness:

High

Kid-Friendly:

High

Pet-Friendly:

High

Exercise Needs:

High

Playfulness:

High

Energy Level:

High

Intelligence:

High

Tendency To Vocalize:

Low-Medium

Amount of Shedding:

Low-Medium

3. Sphynx

Sphynx cat breed

Sphynx cats are a unique breed. They are bald or nearly bald cats, with only a very fine hair on their body and ears.

Sphynx cats have large ears and eyes which is why they look just like little kittens throughout their whole lives!

Their heads are shaped in the form of an equilateral triangle. Not having fur makes them great for people who suffer from allergies to cat hair!

The lack of fur also means the Sphynx needs to be bathed regularly, but don’t let that scare you off if you hate bathing your pets!

They actually enjoy being bathed and love when they get any sort of attention at all.

The advantage of this is that they do not shed, or do not require brushing.

So if you are looking for a lovable cat with a cheeky, mischievous, and playful personality, look no further than the Sphynx.

Characteristics Of The Sphynx


Affection Level:

High

Friendliness:

High

Kid-Friendly:

Medium

Pet-Friendly:

High

Exercise Needs:

Low

Playfulness:

High

Energy Level:

High

Intelligence:

High

Tendency To Vocalize:

High

Amount of Shedding:

Low

4. Abyssinian

Abyssinian cat breed

Another affectionate breed of cat that make a great pet for first time owners is the Abyssinian.

This breed is known for its intelligence and playful personality.

They also love to be around people and are very interactive, making them a perfect choice for those who want a cat that loves to cuddle up on the couch.

Abyssinians are also one of the few breeds that enjoy being groomed, so if you don’t mind spending a little time brushing your cat each day they will love you for it!

If you are looking for loyal cat with both an intelligent and playful nature, the Abyssinian is the perfect choice.

Characteristics Of The Abyssinian


Affection Level:

High

Friendliness:

Medium-High

Kid-Friendly:

Medium-High

Pet-Friendly:

Medium-High

Exercise Needs:

Medium

Playfulness:

High

Energy Level:

High

Intelligence:

High

Tendency To Vocalize:

Low

Amount of Shedding:

Medium

5. Scottish Fold

Scottish Fold cat breed

Scottish folds are a breed of cat that are known for their distinctive features. They have folded ears, a round head, and huge beautiful eyes.

This breed is known for its intelligence and playful personality who can also be very sensitive.

They also love to be around people and are very interactive, making them a perfect choice for those who want a cat that loves to cuddle up on the couch.

They are a great choice if you have children, and are probably the most affectionate cat breed on the list.

Characteristics Of The Scottish Fold


Affection Level:

High

Friendliness:

Medium

Kid-Friendly:

High

Pet-Friendly:

High

Exercise Needs:

Medium

Playfulness:

Medium

Energy Level:

Medium

Intelligence:

High

Tendency To Vocalize:

Low

Amount of Shedding:

Medium

6. Ragdoll

Ragdoll-cat-breed

One of the most affectionate and easy-going breeds of cat, the ragdoll is a perfect choice for first-time owners.

This breed of cat has an extremely gentle and loving personality, which makes them easy to get along with.

They are also very playful, loyal, and intelligent with an affectionate and laid-back temperament.

Ragdolls love attention from people and will follow you around the house like a puppy would do!

This can make life difficult if you’re trying to work at home or on your laptop since they want your full attention 100% of the time (but who doesn’t?).

The only downside here is that ragdolls don’t always do well when left alone for long periods of time without anyone in the home.

So if you have an extremely busy lifestyle or work long hours, the Ragdoll may not be the best breed.

Other than that, Ragdoll is the perfect breed for first time owners.

Characteristics Of The Ragdoll


Affection Level:

High

Friendliness:

High

Kid-Friendly:

Medium

Pet-Friendly:

High

Exercise Needs:

Medium

Playfulness:

Medium

Energy Level:

Medium

Intelligence:

High

Tendency To Vocalize:

Medium

Amount of Shedding:

Medium

7. Siberian

Siberian Cat breed

Siberians are an extremely beautiful breed of cat and make great pets for first time owners.

They have a large body with a medium to long triple coat to keep them warm which comes from their origin in Russia.

They are a very smart breed who love to interact with people and thrive from the attention they get from their owners.

As well as their intelligence, they are also very active with great athleticism who love to play, climb, and enjoy games like fetch and even play in water.

To top this off, they are also very loving and loyal cats, which really makes them an all-rounder with excellent qualities in all areas.

Characteristics Of The Siberian


Affection Level:

High

Friendliness:

High

Kid-Friendly:

High

Pet-Friendly:

High

Exercise Needs:

Medium

Playfulness:

High

Energy Level:

Medium

Intelligence:

High

Tendency To Vocalize:

Low

Amount of Shedding:

Medium

8. Persian

persian cat breed 1

Persians are a great breed for first time owners because of their laid-back and gentle nature.

Unlike some of the cats on this list, Persians are not very active ,and you'll find them just lounging around for a big percentage of the day.

Due to their looks, beautiful fur and gorgeous eyes, Persians are literally like living dolls.

They have beautiful long fluffy coats which bring out the best in them when well groomed, but it can be high maintenance and require brushing several times a week.

This is good to keep in mind as they will need that extra care to keep their coat healthy.

Persians are very affectionate cats who love nothing more than human company and attention from their owner(s).

Due to their laid-back nature, they can tolerate a lot of activity around them as long as it is not too loud. So if you have boisterous children, you may want to teach them from an early age how to treat and pet the cat correctly.

Click here to read our full Persian cat breed guide.

Characteristics Of The Persian


Affection Level:

High

Friendliness:

Medium

Kid-Friendly:

Low

Pet-Friendly:

Low

Exercise Needs:

Low

Playfulness:

Low

Energy Level:

Low

Intelligence:

Medium

Tendency To Vocalize:

Medium

Amount of Shedding:

High

9. Somali

Somali Cat breed

Although Somalis are very playful and active, they can be quite independent and are not as needy as some other breeds.

This means they can happily entertain themselves for hours on end, but do enjoy a good cuddle with their owner every now and then.

They also have very unique markings and are one of the more exotic looking cat breeds out there.

The Somali is an ideal choice for first time cat owners who want a high energy pet that doesn't require too much attention.

Just ensure that you have a large selection of cat toys and interactive toys to keep them entertained.

Characteristics Of The Somali


Affection Level:

High

Friendliness:

High

Kid-Friendly:

Medium

Pet-Friendly:

Medium

Exercise Needs:

High

Playfulness:

High

Energy Level:

High

Intelligence:

High

Tendency To Vocalize:

Low

Amount of Shedding:

Medium

10. Maine Coon

Maine Coon cat breed

The Maine Coon is a giant of a cat and can weigh up to 25 pounds.

This breed is known for its intelligence, calm temperament and playful nature. They make excellent pets for first time owners because they love being around people and are great with all members of the family.

Maine Coons are great with children and can adapt to many situations. They do well with other pets, especially the dog who they will form a close bond with.

They are also very easy going and tolerant of high levels of activity around them – perfect if you have boisterous kids.

Don't be put off by their size because the Maine Coon is very sweet in nature and are gentle giants.

Characteristics Of The Maine Coon


Affection Level:

Medium

Friendliness:

Medium

Kid-Friendly:

High

Pet-Friendly:

High

Exercise Needs:

High

Playfulness:

High

Energy Level:

High

Intelligence:

High

Tendency To Vocalize:

Medium

Amount of Shedding:

High

11. Birman

Birman cat breed

The Birman is a large cat with a semi-long coat that has beautiful markings. The Birmans eyes are the most striking feature, they have deep blue eyes and an inquisitive expression on their face.

They have very strong personalities and will let you know what they want from you – this makes them perfect for first time owners who don't yet understand how to read your cats body language or mind!

Birmans love being around people and form close bonds with their family members. They also get along well with kids as long as the child respects the boundaries of any animal in the home and doesn’t try to pull its tail or ears (or anything else!).

Although they love to curl up on your lap, they are also very very playful which makes them a good all-rounder for all family members.

Characteristics Of The Birman


Affection Level:

High

Friendliness:

High

Kid-Friendly:

High

Pet-Friendly:

High

Exercise Needs:

Medium-High

Playfulness:

High

Energy Level:

Medium

Intelligence:

High

Tendency To Vocalize:

Medium-High

Amount of Shedding:

Medium

12. Exotic Shorthair

Exotic Shorthair cat breed

The Exotic Shorthair is a cross between the Persian and American Shorthair, with an adorable flat face that makes them look permanently surprised.

Their personality traits are very similar to their Persian counterparts: they prefer to be indoors, enjoy being around people and will bond closely with you if given enough time.

As long as you give this breed lots of love and attention then it will return those feelings back tenfold!

They are great for children because they don't mind getting handled by little hands – just make sure your kids know how treat animals safely before letting them play together unsupervised (or supervise them!).

If you are looking for a loyal companion who are peaceful, playful, and look like a teddy bear, the Exotic Shorthair is the perfect choice.

Characteristics Of The Exotic Shorthair


Affection Level:

High

Friendliness:

High

Kid-Friendly:

High

Pet-Friendly:

High

Exercise Needs:

Low

Playfulness:

Medium

Energy Level:

Low

Intelligence:

Low

Tendency To Vocalize:

Low

Amount of Shedding:

Low-Medium

13. Siamese

Siamese cat breed

A vocal breed with beautiful blue eyes, the Siamese is a great choice for those who enjoy spending time with their cats.

If you are someone who prefers to keep your cat in one room while you are out at work, this breed would probably not be the best fit as they like to follow their owners around everywhere.

You can expect hours of entertainment from these talkative felines – just make sure that if you do want them to sleep at night then give them plenty of toys during the day so that when its bedtime there won't be any arguments!

One of the biggest advantages of this particular breed is that they are easy to groom.

So if you are looking for a breed of cat that doesn't leave excess hair all around your home, go with the Siamese.

Characteristics Of The Siamese


Affection Level:

High

Friendliness:

High

Kid-Friendly:

High

Pet-Friendly:

High

Exercise Needs:

High

Playfulness:

High

Energy Level:

High

Intelligence:

High

Tendency To Vocalize:

High

Amount of Shedding:

Low

14. Norwegian Forest Cat

Norwegian Forest Cat, 1 and a half years old, lying against white background

A large cat with a semi-ling coat, the Norwegian Forest Cat is perfect for those who want a feline friend that can keep up with their outdoor lifestyle.

This breed is known to be very friendly and intelligent, as well as good with kids – making it a great choice for families.

The Norwegian Forest Cat also enjoys playing games and being active, so if you’re looking for an energetic pet this one is definitely worth considering!

They are a very independent breed, so they make a great choice for first time owners that do not want to keep entertaining their cat on a regular basis.

Click here to read our full Norwegian Forest Cat guide.

Norwegian Forrest Norwegian Forrest Cat


Affection Level:

Medium

Friendliness:

High

Kid-Friendly:

High

Pet-Friendly:

High

Exercise Needs:

High

Playfulness:

High

Energy Level:

High

Intelligence:

High

Tendency To Vocalize:

High

Amount of Shedding:

High

15. Russian Blue

Russian Blue cat breed

Russian Blues are a very intelligent breed and enjoy being interacted with. They can be taught tricks, fetch (not easily though!) and will love playing games with you.

They are playful but also affectionate so they make great companions for the whole family. However, they do prefer to be around their family members rather than strangers so they’re not ideal if you have lots of visitors!

Overall, Russian Blues are quiet cats who don't meow much – perfect for first time owners who want a cat that doesn't make too much noise!

Characteristics Of The Rusian Blue


Affection Level:

High

Friendliness:

Medium

Kid-Friendly:

High

Pet-Friendly:

High

Exercise Needs:

Medium

Playfulness:

Medium

Energy Level:

Medium

Intelligence:

High

Tendency To Vocalize:

Low

Amount of Shedding:

Low

Common Questions And Answers

Are cats good for beginners?

Yes! Cats are great for beginners. They are a lot less maintenance than other pets, and don't require as much space or attention. However, you should always do your research before bringing a cat into your home. Some breeds are more needy and harder to look after than others.

What breed of cat is easiest to train?

Some breeds are easier to train than others. Some cats can be trained not to scratch furniture, for example, where other cats will still want to do so even if you train them. Here a few examples of the easiest breeds of cat to train:

  • Abyssinian
  • Bengal
  • Maine Coon
  • Ocicat
  • Pixiebob
  • Siamese
  • Turkish Van

Are boy or girl cats better?

It's often thought that female cats are demanding, and male cats have a more laid-back nature. Although this can be true in a some cases, it all comes down the cats individual personality, their life experience, and how they are raised.

Best cat breeds for cuddling

If you are looking for a cuddle buddy, here is a list of the best cat breeds for cuddling:

  • Maine Coon
  • Birman
  • Siamese
  • Russian Blue
  • Ragdoll
  • Persian

The Best Cat Breeds for First Time Owners Conclusion

If you are a first time cat owner, any of the breeds listed above would be a great choice for you.

Each of these cats is friendly, easy to care for, and has a personality that will make you fall in love with them.

Do your research before bringing home your new feline friend, and be sure to ask lots of questions at the shelter or breeder’s house so that you can find the perfect kitty for your family.

[ulp id='doIijblCSoFZsTn4']
Owner and author of Caredicat.
FREE Gift! Caredicat Cat Care Secrets Guide
Download Here
close-image