5 Most Gentle Cat Breeds That Make The Perfect Best Friend For Your Child

3. Himalayan

Best suited for quiet households, the Himalayan can be your introvert kid’s best friend. This is a man-made breed of cat, developed from a mix of Persian and Siamese. Therefore, the cat carries several trait of both breeds, such as being calm, sociable, intelligent, and patient those who are familiar.

Unfortunately, if you have a house full of boisterous kids and loud pets, the Himalayan may not fit in very well. But your sweet-tempered child will find the best companion in them. It loves lounging on your lap, getting back rubs, and even playing house with your little one!

Weighing about 7-12 pounds, the Himalayan requires regular baths and combing to prevent matting of the hair. You should also clean the corners of its eyes daily to prevent under-eye stains and also brush it’s teeth for dental health.

4. American Shorthair

Named the seventh most popular cat breed in the USA, the American Shorthair makes the perfect choice for family homes with kids. They are smart and sensitive cats that are vigilant of their surroundings. American Shorthairs are also athletic and may even be willing to learn a trick or two.

They can sometimes see small birds and other animals as prey, as is their nature, but introducing them at an early age can prevent conflict. Otherwise, they get along well with other pets, even dogs that don’t pick trouble with them.

Weighing about 7-12 pounds, even kids find them easy to handle. They require occasional grooming. Their teeth needs to be brushed often, which will prevent obesity and periodontal disease. They like to stay indoors, so keep their litter box clean!

5. Ocicat

Created as a cross between Siamese, Abyssinian, and the American Shorthair, the Ociacat is an outgoing, playful, and mild-mannered breed. It’s name and appearance may point to a wild animal, but it has no native DNA in its gene pool. This makes it ideal for households with young children.

The ociacat is another “dog in a cat’s body” kinda breed. Just like a dog, it can be trained to fetch and listen to command. It even loves going on walks with a leash! Ociacats are also very affectionate, which means they require more attention from their owners.

Weighing anywhere from 6-15 pounds, this domestic cat needs occasional grooming, especially brushing the teeth and weekly ear checks. Give them a good wipe if they seem dirty and maintain a clean litter box.