Best Cat Breeds for Beginners Guide

As a beginner, you are encouraged to find a cat breed that is docile. Cats can get very aggressive when coupled with other animals and also strange people. Ensure that you get a cat that has a good temperament for a seamless experience.

We all know that dogs are a man’s best friend, and they get very emotionally invested in their owners. This is not always the case with cats. Cats have the tendency to be somewhat unpredictable and non-chalant.

What you may not know is that cats are largely misunderstood. They have as much capacity to express affection as dogs do, and some breeds actually thrive on human attention and affection. Studies have shown that some cat species have evolved over time to be able to mimic the cry of a human baby so as to get more attention from humans.

There are many breeds out there, and they have varying physical characteristics and temperaments. There are cats that have long fur, others have short coats and some breeds have no fur at all. Others are overly energetic and playful while others prefer to be calm and curl up on your lap. There are also massive cats, and there are also very small cats. Your choice of cat is entirely dependent of your personal preferences.

So what are the best can breeds for first time cat owners? This article will look into cat breeds that are ideal for beginners. We will look into cats with different temperaments and physical characteristics to help you make your choice. You are welcome to come along!

Best Cat Breeds for Beginners

Cat Breed	Physical characteristics	Temperament	See Here
Maine Coon cat	Largest domestic cat breed Semi-long to long fur	Social Playful	See Here
Somali cat	Average size Mane-like fur around the neck	Energetic Playful Social	See Here
Bengal cat	Large size Tiger & leopard-like markings Short fur	Docile Dog tolerant	See Here
Persian cat	Short, stubby faces Long fur	Social,friendly Docile when older	See Here
Ragdoll cat	Larger than most cat breeds Semi-long fur	Highly affectionate Social	See Here

The Best Cat Breeds for first time owners review

Maine Coon Cat – Ideal for people who prefer large cats

This cat is a beautiful breed that gets quite large. It is, however, referred to as a gently giant.

Main characteristics

• They are large
• Semi-long to long fur
• Social
• Playful
• Affectionate

If you find large cats beautiful, this one here might just be the one for you. They are known to be the largest cat breed in the world. They can grow to an average size of 30 – 40 inches and weigh from 9 – 18 pounds. These cats have an average lifespan of 9 – 15 years.

The Maine Coon cat is native to the United States, Maine to be specific. This cat naturally has semi-long to long fur, but it is quite easy to groom. The fur does not tangle a lot and they enjoy being brushed and combed.

If you have other pets, you do not need to worry. They are quite tolerant to other home animals such as dogs, and they interact quite well with them. These cats are also highly tolerant to children, and they do not show any form of aggressive behavior towards them.

They are also highly intelligent, but they are apprehensive about strangers.

Pros

• They are highly affectionate
• They are intelligent
• They are easy to clean
• They are pet friendly
• They love kids

Cons

• They shed quite some
• They do not fancy strangers

Verdict

This gentle giant is quite beautiful. It is an affectionate animal that will warm up to you and your other pets, including dogs. If you have kids, they will also enjoy interacting with this cat.

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Somali Cat – Ideal for people who like playful and energetic cats

This cat is one of the most beautiful breeds. It has striking features and a unique mane-like coat of fur around the neck.

Main features

• Average size
• Mane-like fur around neck
• Playful
• Energetic
• Highly affectionate

These cats are beautiful felines that have inquisitive eyes, beautiful coats and medium length fur. The Somali cats are quite energetic. They love to climb and jump and getting them toys would be a good idea. They have no problem being around other pets and children and they fit in seamlessly in homes with many people. They are incredibly affectionate, especially with family. They also warm up easily to strangers.

These cats shed quite a bit but they are easy to groom. These cats need care as far as health goes since they are susceptible to many diseases such as eye and kidney condition. Most of the diseases that affect these cats are hereditary. They have a lifespan of around 11 to 16 years.

Pros

• They are affectionate
• They are pet friendly
• They are kid friendly
• They are easy to groom

Cons

• They are susceptible to hereditary diseases
• They shed a lot

Verdict

This cat’s unique coat and beautiful eyes will have you almost drooling. This at is ideal for people who love to play with their pets and who also have other pets at home. The Somali cat fits right in in both small and large family settings.

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Bengal cat – Ideal for people who like short fur and athletic cats

This cat looks something like a crossbreed between a leopard and a tiger. It is a strong and agile animal.

Main features

• Above average size
• Short fur
• Playful and energetic
• Highly affectionate
• Athletic
• Pet and child friendly

Having a Bengal cat at home is much like having a miniature leopard with you, only that it is rally friendly. They have a coat pattern that closely resembles that of a leopard, especially around the flanks. Its chest and front legs have stripes, just like those of a tiger.

It is an incredibly energetic and agile cat. It loves to jump and play, and it is quite affectionate, especially with family members. It also has no qualms being around other pets, and it enjoys playing with children as well.

This cat has a short thick coat. It sheds very little when compared to other long fur breeds. This makes grooming it quite easy. It can stay healthy for a long time, but they also need constant are since they are prone to hereditary complications in the heart, nerves and bones.

This cat can weigh up to 15 pounds and live between 10 to 16 years.

Pros

• It is strong and agile
• It is a friendly and affectionate cat
• It is pet friendly
• It is child friendly
• It does not shed a lot

Cons

• It is prone to hereditary diseases as it ages

Verdict

If you want to have a small leopard with you in the house, this cat here is for you. It is agile and playful, but is also very affectionate and does not mind cuddling.

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Persian cat – Ideal for people who love very furry cats

This cat looks something like a ball of cotton candy, especially when curled up. It is quite friendly and calm.

Main features

• Smaller than most cat breeds
• Long fur
• Calm and quiet
• Not pet friendly
• May not be as affectionate as other breeds

You will agree with me that there are people who like cats, but from a distance. If you are a person that would like to have a cat that is quiet and calm, the Persian cat may be an ideal fit for you. This is a breed that prefers its own company, and if you have other cat breeds or animals such as dogs, this cat may not like it much.

They are not as affectionate as mot cat breeds, and they are even more apprehensive when there are strangers around. However, for people who like cats that are docile and friendly towards their owners. Their ideal form of bonding involves sitting on your lap as you brush through its fur.

It is an ideal cat for a home with no other pets. Older persons like this cat since they make great companions as you relax on the couch. This cat may weigh up to 12 pounds and live up to 15 years. They are highly susceptible to health problems, including respiratory conditions due to their short noses.

Pros

• It is a calm cat
• It loves to be groomed
• It is a beautiful cat

Cons

• It has little tolerance to other pets
• It sheds a lot
• Prone to hereditary diseases

Verdict

This cool, calm and collected feline will have you thinking it has its finances figured out. If you prefer a quiet animal that likes to bond on your lap, this one is for you.

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Ragdoll Cat – Ideal for large and furry cat lovers

This cat breed is large, furry and friendly. It checks all the boxes for an ideal cat for a beginner.

Main Features

• One of the larger cat breeds
• Has long and thick fur
• Friendly
• Playful
• Pet friendly
• Child friendly

A large furry cat always gives off a vibe of majesty and beauty, and the Ragdoll cat is both these things and then some. It has the ability to weigh up to 20 pounds and it grows to a length of 21 inches. Many people actually confuse it with the Maine Coon cat, but the main difference is that the Maine Coon is twice the size of the Ragdoll , and the latter has a predominantly light coat shade.

This cat is friendly and playful, and it has no problem being around other pets. It is great with children as well, and it develops affection with family members as well. This cat is quite furry which makes it beautiful. But this makes it shed a lot, and you may have to from it constantly, even twice or thrice a day. This may sound like a lot of work, but it is an opportunity for you to bond with your cat often.

It is prone to heart disease, but it can live up to 17 years.

Pros

• It is playful
• It is pet friendly
• It is highly affectionate
• It is child friendly

Cons

• It sheds a lot and needs lots of grooming

Verdict

This beauty will be a great addition to your family. It is a social cat that fits right at home with other pets and people.

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Finding the right cat – What should you know?

Here is what to consider;

Temperament – Get a cat that fits your personality. Getting a playful cat when you generally like to chill out would be an overwhelming experience.

Grooming – This has a lot to do with the cat’s fur. Long fur cats may need a lot more grooming than their short coat counterparts. If you find constant grooming tedious, get a cat with short fur.

General health – Some cat species have a tendency to fall sick easily. It would be advisable to get a cat that is genetically wired to be hardy.

Size – Some cat species such as the Maine Coon cat grow to almost gargantuan sizes. If you do not fancy large cats and are getting a kitten, find out how big it grows. You may end up with a much bigger cat than you bargained for.

Final Verdict

Cats have the ability to make great companions and having one around could make you feel less lonely. A well tended cat reciprocates with affection. When getting a cat for the first time, ensure that it fits your personality. Get to understand the cat’s grooming needs, the diseases it is prone to and how it would generally interact with other pets. Find the right tools for grooming your cat too. It is a great way to massage and groom your cat.