Welcoming any new animal to your home is a big deal, but cats have unique needs that not everyone is aware of. While any feline has the potential to be the perfect cat, some breeds are better suited for people who have never had pets before. Though, figuring out which ones those are can be tricky. To help you narrow down your options, we rounded up the 6 best cat breeds for first-time pet owners, according to vets.

After all, cat breeds for beginners have a more laidback attitude, along with less intense grooming needs than their counterparts. They also may be less prone to certain health issues and require less frequent trips to the vet as a result. Because of that, if you’re a first-time cat owner, it’s a good idea to pick a breed that’s generally low-maintenance. And, because some cats are more guarded with their affection than others, friendliness is a good breed trait to seek out, too.

Of course, every cat is an individual and it’s possible to get a feline who strays from the breed standard. But bringing a cat breed that’s known to be beginner-friendly can make your transition to feline ownership a little more seamless. So, if you’ve ever wondered “What cats are good for first-time owners?” you’re in luck because below are the most common cat breeds veterinarians recommend to beginners, plus things to look out for with each. While no animal is perfect, choosing one of these sweet cats can make the experience of being a first-time cat parent a little easier.

Related: 5 Cat Breeds That Make the Best Family Pets, According to Vets

The Best Cat Breeds for Beginners

Deciding on what kind of pet you should go with can feel overwhelming, but some cats are especially affectionate, calm and sweet, making them perfect for first-time owners. Whether you’re looking for a kitten, a shelter cat, calm adult cats, or vet-approved breeds that are easy to care for, there’s a furry feline out there to match your lifestyle. These beginner-friendly cats are especially great because they thrive in apartments and family homes, as well as are great cats for people who live alone, making them ideal companions for anyone new to cat ownership.

American Shorthair

Talk about a cute cat! When it comes to the best cat breeds for beginners, the American Shorthair is one as they are known for its easy-going attitude, making it a good fit for practically any household. “This is a good breed for a first-time pet owner or busy households, as they are good with kids and other pets,” says Hilary Humm-Beatty, DVM, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance. “They are playful and affectionate, but are not hyperactive or overly needy.”

The American Shorthair is also flexible, with this breed being a good fit for apartment living or family homes. On the grooming front, Humm-Beatty points out that the American Shorthair has a short, dense coat that only needs brushing a few times a week. “The breed does not have any breed-specific health problems,” she adds.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Gentle, easy-going

Scottish Fold

The Scottish Fold is hard to resist with its sweet signature folded-over ears and they are also one of the best cat breeds for first-time owners if you want to add a cat to your family. But there’s much more to this cat than an adorable look. “The Scottish Fold can be a good choice for a first-time cat owner because they are calm and social, and get along well with other pets, including dogs,” Humm-Beatty says. “They are affectionate and bond well with their families.”

Just keep in mind if you’re going to be a cat parent to them, this popular cat breed really loves to be around people. “They are prone to separation anxiety, so they do not tolerate long periods of alone time,” Humm-Beatty says. “The Scottish Fold can be a great first-time cat choice for an owner who is aware of the long term commitment of potential medical issues and is not away from home for long periods of time.”

Breed Stats

• Personality: Loyal, playful

Related: 7 Signs Your Cat Considers You Their Hero, Says Vets

Ragdoll

The Ragdoll is another vet-approved cat breeds for first-time cat owners. They are not only easy-going cats, they are a large breed with a unique tendency to go limp when you pick it up. (Note: Not all Ragdolls will do this, so don’t be disappointed if yours doesn’t!) But this breed is also affectionate and people-oriented, making it a great companion for first-time cat owners, says Aimee Warner, DVM, resident veterinarian at Waggel.

If you’re familiar with dogs, you’ll really appreciate the Ragdoll. This popular cat breed has a dog-like habit of playing fetch, giving you both plenty of fun bonding time ahead. But while the Ragdoll enjoys being around humans, Warner says they’re not very demanding. Warner points out that they also tend to be even-tempered, so you don’t have to worry about any feline fits when things don’t go their way. Overall, Warner says they’re a common choice for new cat owners.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Affectionate, relaxed, happy

Maine Coon

If you have always dreamed of getting a big cat breed, the Maine Coon makes a great first pet. While they are the largest domestic cat breed, with some pets in this breed exceeding the size of small dogs, they are also very friendly cats and softies at heart. In fact, Abel Gonzalez, DVM, clinical director and veterinarian at Dutch, describes them as “gentle giants.”

Another reason why are considered one of the top cat breeds to have as pets? Maine Coons love to spend time with people, whether it’s their humans or visitors. They also tend to follow people around, similar to a dog. How cute is that?

Breed Stats

• Personality: Gentle, friendly, affectionate

British Shorthair

Like the American Shorthair, the British Shorthair is an excellent choice for first-time cat owners. Known for their laidback and easy-going nature, these cats adapt smoothly to nearly any household, making them a beginner-friendly breed.

The British shorthair has a chubby face and unique “blue” coat (that actually is a shade of gray), making for a sweet and gorgeous pet. The British Shorthair also tends to have a warmth and love of people that you won’t find in every breed. But while this cat has an affectionate nature, it also likes its solo time, allowing you both the space to decompress alone as needed.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Gentle, easy-going

Siamese

The Siamese cat may have a reputation in pop culture for being aloof or sly, but in reality, this beginner-friendly breed is highly social and people-oriented. Sleek and intelligent, Siamese cats love attention and thrive on interaction, making them perfect for first-time cat owners who want a playful, engaging companion.

Known for their loyalty and playful nature, Siamese cats provide fun and affectionate interactions daily. They’re also famously vocal, happy to “chat” with you about their needs or just to share their personality. Whether you’re new to cat ownership or a seasoned cat parent, the Siamese is a loving, smart, and interactive companion that’s sure to brighten your home.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Playful, social

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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Jan 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the Cats section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.