12 Best Cat Breeds for First-Time Owners (With Pictures)

If you’ve always wanted a cat but never had one, getting started can be intimidating! There are so many things to consider, including your cat’s breed. Not all breeds are ideal for first-time owners, and some are much more work than others.

You’ll also need to decide what kind of cat will suit your personality best. Do you want an energetic cat or a chill one? Would you rather your cat is on the clingy side or totally independent? These questions can help you decide what breed you prefer. Here are some of the best-suited cats for first-time owners.

The 12 Best Cat Breeds for First-Time Owners

1. Ragdoll

Ragdoll cats make excellent first-time cats because they’re basically big teddy bears. These cats have long, soft coats that are a joy to pet and just beautiful. They also tend to be relaxed and quiet, preferring to cuddle with you on the couch instead of tearing up and down the stairs. They do require brushing a few times a week to keep their long coats tangle-free.

2. Siamese

Siamese cats are among the more time-consuming cats on this list, but that doesn’t mean that they’re hard. These cats are smart, social and active. That means you’ll be spending a little more time playing and socializing, but their friendly dispositions make up for it. Many Siamese love to “chat” with their owners throughout the day as well.

3. Maine Coon

Maine Coon cats are gentle giants. This breed is known as the largest cat breed out there, and their shaggy, lion-like coat makes them stand out. They do need regular grooming to keep it clean. These cats are a little on the higher end when it comes to exercise needs, and you’ll need a solid scratcher to keep their giant claws busy. But they also are often big snugglers as well, and they love to be around their owners.

4. Norwegian Forest Cat

If you love the look of the Maine Coon but want a little less maintenance, the Norwegian Forest Cat is for you. These cats are a little more reserved and independent than Maine Coons, and although they’ll still enjoy being pet and brushed on occasion they also like plenty of alone time. They also require a little less grooming than most long haired cats. Norwegian Forest Cats can be more active or more sedentary, but they usually fall somewhere in the middle.

5. Russian Blue

Russian Blue cats are the perfect introvert’s cat. They’ll enjoy some attention, but they tend to be a little on the reserved side. They also are relatively quiet cats, only meowing when they need something. They are generally content to sit near you and purr when they’re feeling social and enjoy their alone time. These cats are also low maintenance, with low-shedding coats that don’t need regular brushing.

6. Abyssinian

Abyssinian cats are perfect for bustling homes. These cats love to be in the center of the action, meeting people, playing, and spending time. They aren’t lap cats by any stretch of the imagination, but they are social and friendly, and they often will follow their owners around “helping” with whatever is happening. They also can be great in households that already have dogs as long as they are introduced and socialized well.

7. American Shorthair

The American Shorthair is a breed that’s a happy medium between personality types. They’re bred to resemble the “average American house cat,” and their personality and energy levels back that up. American Shorthairs will have a range of personalities, but you’ll generally get a little bit of everything—some playtime and some quiet time, and affection without clinginess.

8. Exotic Shorthair

Exotic Shorthair cats are calm and placid pets that aren’t ruffled easily. They are affectionate and even cuddly, but they also enjoy their space sometimes and like peace and quiet. They also tend to be couch potatoes, spending most of their time resting instead of playing—although all cats should have some healthy exercise in their day! One thing to note is that the short noses of Exotic Shorthairs can lead to health problems. Because of that, we recommend getting a less “extreme” looking example of the breed so that they can enjoy many years of health.

9. British Shorthair

British Shorthair cats are another quiet, independent breed that will be happy to exist alongside you without taking up too much time and energy. They might enjoy sitting near you while you read a book or watch a movie, but they won’t follow you around or beg for attention. They’re happy to be home alone, so they’re perfect for homes where all the humans are gone for work during the day.

10. Birman

Birman cats have pointed fur patterns like a Siamese, but they don’t have the same extraverted and athletic nature. Instead, these cats tend to be sweet and quiet, snuggling up to their owners and spending lots of time with them, while being reserved around strangers. These cats are also rather quiet and soft spoken. They have medium-length coats that don’t require regular grooming.

11. Burmese

The Burmese cat is similar to the Siamese in temperament, although usually a little less active. Like the Siamese, these are chatty, vocal cats who love to be involved in whatever you’re doing. They sometimes get themselves into trouble, but their friendly, outgoing temperament makes up for it. Burmese cats do sometimes struggle with loneliness, so if you’re not home in the day, it might be best to adopt a pair together so they can keep each other company.

12. Persian

Persian cats are easily recognizable with their plush coats and short noses. Their popularity is for good reason—they tend to be calm, affectionate cats that love their owners and make great companions. These cats will often choose a favorite spot in the home and spend most of their time there. Persians do have some of the thickest, most mat-prone coats of any breed, so brushing will be a daily ritual if you decide to go to this breed. But if you have some time every day to groom your Persian, you’ll find that it’s an easygoing and friendly companion.

Final Thoughts

There’s not one right breed for every owner, but any of the cats on this list would make a good pet. The best way to pick a cat is to decide what your constraints are—when it comes to time investment and personality—and find a cat that will fit them. This will help you to find a cat that’s a great fit for you and your lifestyle.

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