What Are the Cutest Cat & Kitten Breeds?

Maine Coon Kitten — Note: While the breeds in this collection tend to be cute, individual pets will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.

10 Cat Breeds

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Munchkin

Short on legs but big on personality, the Munchkin cat is friendly with a big heart. They are self-assured and outgoing and make devoted companion cats. They get along well with other cats, dogs, and people, and love to be playful, especially wrestling with other cats. Fast and slightly clumsy, taking corners like a toddler learning to walk, they often will sit up on their haunches like a prairie dog. Their only challenge is a vertical one; they can’t jump. Like your friend who just can’t quit estate sales, Munchkins are collectors, borrowing small shiny objects and stashing them away for rainy day play. 

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Maine Coon

These chatty companions are America’s second-most popular breed for a reason—they dole out love and affection in spades. Devoted to their families and incredibly intelligent, these cats are basically kittens in big catsuits. Gentle giants who are playful well into old age, Maine Coons are clever and form strong bonds with their households. Most want to be near you but not on your lap. Maine Coons are true family members and participate in all family routines, whether watching you channel surf from the comfort of the couch or following you from room to room. As befits a former seafarer, Maine Coons are fascinated by water, perhaps because their thick coats are water-repellent and won’t become annoyingly soaked as easily as a thinner coat would. Some will join their humans in the shower briefly, or at least walk around on the wet floor after you get out. They prefer to stand on the edge of the tub, however, and touch the water with a curious paw.

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British Shorthair

For classic cat antics, look to the British Shorthair cat. They’ll steal your jewelry, jump off your tables, and then come running to you for affection. They are attention hogs but aren’t constantly underfoot and often keep a low profile, playful but not excessively so. Quiet, even-tempered, and British in demeanor, they can be aloof with strangers. With owners, however, they are faithful and devoted companion cats, always seeking love and attention. The more you give to them, the more they give back. These confident and calm cats do have a mischievous streak, but for the most part, are happy just to be near their owners and observe whatever they are doing. They tend to love on an entire family, not just one person and can be more independent than other cat breeds despite loving the spotlight. British Blues are not vocal cats and squeak rather than meow. However, their purrs are some of the loudest, resembling motorboats. 

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Bengal

The Bengal is born an entertainer. Known for their bold personality and playfulness, they love to learn new things and can even be trained to perform tricks. Don’t let the wildcat appearance fool you—Bengals are friendly, full of life, and love people. They are clever, athletic, and curious, and make fantastic pets for experienced cat owners. 

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Siamese

Incredibly affectionate, intelligent, and opinionated, the Siamese is a friend to everyone. They can talk a mile a minute in their signature, low-pitched voice, making them known as the extroverts of the feline world. Siamese have a very dependent nature, often bonding very closely to one person, desiring to be around them constantly. If you go into the kitchen to cook, they will want to follow you and get in on the action!  Siamese cats are self-assured and highly active. They need daily playtime with their owners—or else they’ll find something to occupy their time. Siamese should not be left alone for long periods, as they need to be with people and can develop separation anxiety if not regularly around their owners, but they can be left for a few hours at a time. They require a lot of attention and affection but will give you back every ounce of love you give them. 

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Persian

Less life of the party and more stay-at-home and read, the Persian is a sweet, placid, and even-tempered cat. They enjoy regally lounging about, observing their owners, and getting in small bursts of energy through gentle games. They are intelligent but not as curious as some other cat breeds and are fiercely devoted to their humans, albeit selective in bestowing that honor on them. Trust and love must be earned, but once they are, they bond strongly. They crave attention and love being fussed over like a newborn baby but won’t beg for it like other breeds will. 

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Ragdoll

Ragdolls are docile, sweet, friendly, and renowned for being laid-back cats. They’re always happy to assume the role of your best friend: they want to spend time with you and assist you in your day-to-day activities and routines (though they prefer to watch instead of participate). Working from home that day? They’ll be right there with you curled up on your desk asking for love.  Ragdolls give what they receive. They are very in touch with their owner’s emotions and sense when you’ve had a hard day and will be the first to curl up in your lap to try to make it all better. They are infamous for being food-motivated but have soft, polite voices (even at dinnertime). Ragdolls are curious cats who are always along for the ride, preferring quality owner time over everything else. 

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Scottish Fold

Sweet, adaptable, friendly, and not too demanding of their owners, Scottish Fold cats make excellent pets. They have primary attachments to their chosen humans, although they do get along well with strangers and other humans. They love attention but on their own terms, and won’t seek it from owners incessantly. They’re devoted without being clingy and prefer to be near you rather than on top of you. They love string games and the thrill of the chase.  Their folder ears are expressive and will turn to listen to you, lay back in anger, or prick up when they hear food being dispensed. The fold will become less pronounced if the cat is sick or upset. 

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Birman

Loving, gentle, and supremely playful, Birman cats are faithful companion cats that love to shadow their owners. They adore being adored, perhaps thanks to a long history as a temple cat in Burma (Myanmar). Intelligent and people-oriented, they are curious around strangers. They are generally easy cats to care for.

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Russian Blue

Befitting their regal-looking coat, Russian Blues are genteel, quiet, and calm cats that love to be affectionate and playful with their families. You won’t have issues with Russian Blues batting things off your counter or getting up to classic cat behavior—they are generally well-mannered and trainable. A slight upturn at the corners of their mouths makes them look like they are smiling.  They will hide if a home gets too chaotic with visitors. They are somewhat active cats, preferring to pounce on toys and bat at sunbeams rather than get up to cat mischief. Able to entertain themselves and be left alone for periods, they prefer their humans to be home so they can follow them around.  Routine fuels them, especially when it comes to feeding time. 

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