Not all cats are comfortable living alongside dogs—but some breeds thrive in multiple pet households, forming strong bonds and adapting to canine companions with ease. These dog-friendly cats are often social, confident, and highly adaptable, able to coexist peacefully while enjoying playtime, shared spaces, and household routines.
Many cat breeds are known for their patient and gentle nature, making them ideal for homes with dogs. Their friendly disposition, intelligence, and playful personalities help them engage with canine companions without conflict.
Choosing a dog-friendly cat breed is not just about temperament—it’s also about energy levels, curiosity, and social adaptability. Here, we’ll explore the best cat breeds that are most likely to thrive in homes with dogs, highlighting their traits, personalities, and tips for creating a harmonious, multi-species household.
For families, couples, or individuals looking to blend cats and dogs successfully, these affectionate cats offer the perfect balance of companionship, resilience, and compatibility.
Cat Breeds Good for Small Families
1. Ragdoll
Meet the Ragdoll—the ultimate lap-loving, door-greeting, cuddle machine of the cat world. This striking blue-eyed breed actually earned its name because, much like a floppy rag doll, it loves to relax completely when picked up, stretching out like it just won the lottery of comfort.
And yes, kids absolutely adore them. Ragdoll cats are the quintessential gentle giants of the feline universe. They’re affectionate without being clingy, making them perfect for families with younger children who want a soft, snuggly companion without the risk of the cat suddenly deciding it’s auditioning for a ninja movie.
According to Petplan, Ragdolls are excellent for busy households. They can handle a bit of everyday noise, love to play (think supervised games of “chase the shoelace”), and will happily curl up on your lap at the end of a long day.
Just remember, their love comes with a simple request: respect their space, and these feline friends will love your family like you’re royalty.
In short, a Ragdoll in your home is like having a furry, four-legged best friend who’s part snuggle buddy, part adorable goofball, and 100% family-friendly.
2. Maine Coon
Say hello to the Maine Coon, affectionately nicknamed the “gentle giant” of the cat world—and for good reason. These majestic furballs are big, lovable, and come with a coat so plush you’ll find yourself tempted to pet them endlessly (warning: brushing them is a full-time hobby).
Despite their regal size, Maine Coons are an incredibly kind and playful breed. They’re like the friendly neighborhood bodyguard who just happens to love belly rubs and hide-and-seek sessions.
Outgoing yet independent, they adore people—especially children—and aren’t the slightest bit intimidated by little hands exploring their fluffy empire.
Yes, their luxurious fur does mean a bit of high-maintenance grooming, but the payoff is worth it: a Maine Coon will charm your family members with gentle head-butts, soft purrs, and enough personality to fill an entire living room.
Think of them as the furry equivalent of a big, cuddly teddy bear who just happens to enjoy chasing your socks.
3. British Shorthair
Meet the British Shorthair—the calm, patient, and quietly dignified cat that seems to have earned a PhD in “I can handle anything a toddler throws at me.” Unlike some sensitive breeds that bolt at the slightest poke or overly enthusiastic hug, the British Shorthair takes it all in stride.
Overenthusiastic petting? No problem. Curious little hands? Totally fine. They’re the zen masters of the feline world. Friendly, loyal, and adaptable, these cats thrive in the lively chaos of a family home.
They aren’t the “follow you from room to room” type, but their quiet presence brings a comforting balance—perfect for families who want a loving companion without constant demands for attention.
While they may not be Olympic-level jumpers or chase-after-every-toy kind of cats, they show their affection in subtler ways: a gentle head nudge, a soft purr while you read, or curling up nearby when the household finally settles down.
Another bonus? Their short, dense coat makes grooming easy—no hours of brushing required, just the occasional stroke to keep that plush, teddy-bear-like fur looking perfect.
And though they’re not huge fans of being carried around like a baby doll, they are incredibly tolerant and will happily coexist with children and other pets, making them a true family-friendly companion.
In short, the British Shorthair is the ideal mix of calm, loyalty, and understated charm—a furry friend who may not be the life of the party but will quietly steal everyone’s heart with patience, affection, and just a hint of aristocratic sass.
4. Siamese
Forget everything your kids might have learned about scheming Siamese cats from Disney’s 101 Dalmatians. Sure, Siamese cats are clever and a little mischievous, but don’t let that fool you—they’re also incredibly sweet, playful, and full of personality.
According to Purina, Siamese cats are the extroverts of the feline world. They’re smart, affectionate, and delightfully opinionated—basically the kind of cat who will happily “help” you with your homework while insisting you do it their way.
They often form strong bonds with one person, but don’t worry, the rest of the family won’t feel left out—they just might get plenty of commentary from your chatty, low-pitched ‘meezer’ voice! Highly intelligent and athletic, Siamese cats love to entertain themselves and your family.
Expect acrobatic leaps, daring zoomies, and the occasional puzzle-solving antics that will keep everyone on their toes. But here’s the catch—they need mental stimulation and lots of interaction. Think of them as a furry little personal trainer for your hands, your brain, and your laughter muscles.
Just be ready: a Siamese in your home means your family will never be short of entertainment—or “meows of wisdom.”
5. Burmese
Say hello to the Burmese—a social butterfly of the cat world who genuinely loves people, attention, and being part of the family chaos. If you’ve ever wanted a cat who’s enthusiastic, playful, and maybe even willing to play fetch like a dog, this is your breed.
Burmese cats thrive in busy households. They’re affectionate, patient with kids, and perfectly happy to follow the family around from room to room—or curl up on your lap when it’s time to relax.
Their playful cat energy makes them excellent companions for children, and their friendly nature means they get along well with siblings, guests, and even other pets. One of the biggest perks? Burmese cats are delightfully low-maintenance when it comes to grooming.
That means you can spend more time playing with them (or your kids) and less time untangling mats or brushing fur from every surface in the house.
With a Burmese around, your kids won’t just have a pet—they’ll have a loyal, playful, and loving companion who makes every day a little brighter.
6. Scottish Fold
Meet the Scottish Fold—the cat with the famously adorable folded ears and an equally charming personality.
Known for their docile, sweet nature, Scottish Folds are a hit with families for a reason: they’re gentle, affectionate, and happy to coexist with children, other cats, and even canine companions. Just be aware—like humans, every Scottish Fold has its own personality, so proper socialization is key to a harmonious household.
These cats thrive in all kinds of homes, from spacious houses to cozy apartments, and they’re surprisingly adaptable.
Scottish Folds are happy to lounge quietly nearby while your kids play, join in gentle games, or simply curl up on a lap for some quality cuddle time. Their calm demeanor means they aren’t demanding, but their loving nature ensures they’re always part of the family action.
Think of them as the perfect mix of “aww” and “awwesome”—cute enough to make everyone coo, yet calm and affectionate enough to be a steady, loving presence in your household, as PetMD noted.
With a Scottish Fold around, you get a furry companion who’s as patient as they are charming, and who makes sharing your home with kids and other pets feel effortless.
7. Birman
Meet the Birman cat—the quintessential lap cat with a heart as soft as its luxurious coat. Calm, loving, and endlessly affectionate, Birmans are the kind of companions who will happily follow you around the house, “helping” with whatever you’re doing (or at least supervising your attempts at chores).
This gentle breed is especially great with children. They’ll play and interact when invited, but these cats tend to favor the laidback life—lounging, snuggling, and generally exuding a relaxed, serene vibe that can bring a sense of calm to a busy household.
Their sociable nature means they adapt easily to most families, getting along well with kids, adults, and even other household pets.
In short, a Birman is like the perfect mix of a soft teddy bear and a charming little helper—always present, always affectionate, and always ready to curl up beside you at the end of the day.
With a Birman in your home, you get a patient, loving companion who blends effortlessly into family life, making cuddles, calm moments, and gentle playtime a daily delight.
8. American Shorthair
If there’s a champion of laidback cats charm, it’s the American Shorthair. These easygoing kitties are perfectly happy entertaining themselves, curling up for a nap, or joining in the family fun—kids included.
They’re the kind of cat that can lounge like a tiny feline monarch one minute and chase a stray ribbon across the living room the next, all without a hint of fussiness. Unlike some more “selective” breeds, American Shorthairs aren’t the type to play favorites.
They spread the love around the whole family, making sure everyone—from toddler to teen to grandparent—gets their fair share of purrs, head nudges, and playful antics. They’re friendly, adaptable, and downright charming, which makes them a perfect fit for families who want a cat that’s affectionate but not demanding.
And here’s a little secret: if you’ve got a stash of their favorite treats, you can win over their hearts in seconds. They’ll happily follow you around, perform a few “tricks” for goodies, and remind you daily that they are, indeed, the most adorable member of the household.
Low-maintenance, sociable, and endlessly lovable, American Shorthairs are the kind of cat that brings calm, joy, and a little playful mischief to a busy family life. Think of them as the ultimate all-rounder—your furry, four-legged partner in parenting, playtime, and snuggles.
9. Tonkinese
Meet the Tonkinese—the social butterfly of the cat world with a heart full of curiosity and a personality that practically oozes charm. These cats are affectionate, playful, and incredibly people-oriented, which makes them a perfect fit for a busy household with kids.
They’re like the little extroverts of the feline world, always ready to join in a game, explore new corners of the house, or supervise homework with a keen, watchful eye. Tonkinese cats are intelligent and highly interactive, meaning they love toys, puzzles, and any activity that gets their agile minds and bodies moving.
They’re also vocal, but in the sweetest way—their soft, melodic chatter is like having a tiny, furry conversationalist around at all times. Despite their playful energy, Tonkinese cats are adaptable and affectionate lap companions when it’s time to relax.
They love being part of family life and will happily bond with every member of the household, making sure no one feels left out. In short, a Tonkinese is like the perfect mix of energy and cuddle—always up for fun, full of love, and guaranteed to keep kids (and adults) entertained while still snuggling up when the action winds down.
With a Tonkinese in your home, you get a lively, affectionate, and endlessly charming companion who’s as happy zooming across the living room as curling up for a cozy family movie night.
Conclusion
Cat breeds for families include Manx kittens, Exotic Shorthair, and long-haired breeds with short coats, offering affectionate, cuddly companions that crave companionship and provide human companionship. Kid-friendly and fun-loving, these ideal companions suit active households and active families, yet some laid-back cats are perfect for older kids or a young family seeking a dog-like, squeaky mews cat. Among other breeds and other animals, these cats continue the legacy of ancient Egypt, blending charm, loyalty, and playful energy for the perfect family pet.
