It’s a big deal to decide that you’re ready to welcome a cat into your home. But narrowing the field can be tricky, as the International Cat Association recognizes 73 cat breeds, giving you a lot to choose from. Because of that, though, it can feel overwhelming to try to figure out which one is right for you. The good news is that there’s a perfect cat out there for everyone who can be your loyal, loving companion. After all, some popular cat breeds stand out for their friendliness, other cat breeds tend to be laidback, some are low-maintenance, while other cats are good with dogs or good with kids, making them ideal choices for families. To help you narrow down you choices, we rounded up the top five cat breeds to have as pets.

While all cats have the potential to be wonderful pets with the right environment, care and TLC, some felines have a stronger reputation for being ideal pets than others. Factors like temperament, activity level, grooming needs and adaptability can play a big role in determining which cats make the best pets for people living alone, for families, first-time owners and busy households. So, which cat breeds are considered the best to have as pets? Ultimately, the right choice comes down to finding a breed that aligns with your lifestyle, living space and experience level as a pet parent.

To help narrow your search, we enisted a couple vets. If you’re curious which vet-recommended cat breeds tend to be the sweetest, easiest to care for and make the best for companions, keep reading. Below are some of the top cat breeds to have as pets, according to expert vets.

Related: 8 Cute and Silly Signs Your Cat Is Happy, According to a Vet

The Best Cat Breeds to Have as Pets

Are you unsure what the best cat breeds to have as pets are? Whether you’re a first-time cat owner or looking for a family-friendly cat, choosing the right pet cat ensures a happy, loyal relationship. From cute cat breeds to playful and affectionate felines, these are the top cat breeds ideal for bringing joy to any household.

Manx

When it comes to pet cats, the Manx is one you should consider if you want to become a pet parent. This medium-sized, sturdy cat breed is best known for being tailless, although not all Manx cats are born without tails. Despite their unique look, Manx cats are especially popular for their affectionate and people-oriented personalities, often preferring to stay close to their owners.

Manx are loyal and playful, and they tend to form tight bonds with their people, according to Abel Gonzalez, DVM, clinical director and veterinarian at Dutch. That means you’ll have a new playmate and cuddle buddy, all in one. “Grooming is easy with their short or semi-long coats,” Gonzalez says, making the Manx one of the best low-maintenance cat breeds and a great choice for first-time cat owners.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Even-tempered, affectionate, friendly

Ragdoll

The name of this breed seems random, but it’s based on a trait shared by many Ragdolls. “The name comes from a tendency to go limp in one’s arms, although this characteristic is not universal across the breed,” says Aimee Warner, DVM, resident veterinarian at Waggel.

Warner and veterinarian Gonzalez agree that Ragdolls are among the best cat breeds to have as pets, thanks to their people-oriented, loving nature. Gonzalez notes that this is another “low-maintenance” pet in the grooming department. Another key benefit? Warner points out that Ragdolls are “even-tempered,” which makes them a great choice for families, first-time cat owners, and a wide range of households. They are also said to be a cat breed that is basically a dog at heart.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Affectionate, relaxed, happy

Related: 10 Sweet & Funny Signs Your Cat Loves You, Says a Vet

Bombay

Don’t be fooled by the Bombay cat’s sleek, sophisticated appearance, this vet-recommended cat breed is one of the most affectionate cat breeds you can have as a pet. According to veterinarian Gonzalez, Bombays are laid-back, gentle cats that love snuggling or simply staying close by, making them one of the best cats for companionship. Impressively, Bombays are also intelligent enough to be trained to walk on a leash, a rare trait among pet cats.

Known for their highly social personalities, these cute cats thrive in homes with frequent visitors and enjoy being part of the action. They’re also one of the best low-maintenance cat breeds, requiring minimal grooming. In fact, just regular brushing is all you need to do to keep their short coat healthy and shiny, which is why they are thought of as one of the best easy-to-care-for cats you can have.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Affectionate, easy-going, lively

Maine Coon

Looking for another popular cat breed that makes a great pet? Meet the Maine Coon, one of the best cat breeds to have as pets, especially if you love big cats. As the largest domestic cat breed, Maine Coons can rival small dogs in size, with males reaching up to 25 pounds. Despite their impressive stature, this breed is friendly, gentle and highly social, according to veterinarian Gonzalez.

Maine Coons are also active, intelligent cats, making them a great fit for busy households and families. You can expect this loyal breed to follow you from room to room, though they may be less inclined to constant cuddling than some other affectionate cat breeds. One fun trait sets them apart from many other pet cats: unlike most felines, Maine Coons often love water and may even enjoy swimming.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Gentle, friendly, affectionate

Birman

Whether you’re searching for your first pet cat or looking for one of the top cat breeds to have as pets, the Birman is an excellent choice. Known for its gentle temperament and easygoing personality, this breed is easy to handle and affectionate, according to veterinarian Gonzalez.

He praises the Birman’s social nature, along with its tolerance for being held and cuddled, making it one of the best cat breeds for families and first-time owners. Birmans also are loyal, giving you a devoted companion from the start. Even better, this adaptable indoor cat breed fits comfortably into most households, including apartments and homes with children.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Gentle, affectionate, easy to handle

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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Jan 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the Cats section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.