Top 10 Cat Breeds for Fun-Loving Families

Searching for a kitty companion that’ll never let you experience a dull day?

Contrary to the belief that cats are aloof and unaffectionate, many feline friends love to frolic around, brimming with energy, and chasing just about anything that moves. They might even playfully tag along as you go about your daily chores.

There’s a range of cat breeds designed for those who live an energetic lifestyle, like Abyssinians and Burmese. You’ll find though, that any cat can transform into a playful partner once you bond with them. We’ve got insights from two veterenarians to enlighten you about 10 breeds of lively, fun-loving cats.

01 Siamese

Imagine your best buddy who sticks with you through thick and thin, day and night. That’s your Siamese cat! Siamese cats are bold, full of vitality, curious, and always ready to explore with you. As Grant Little, DVM, an expert veterinarian on JustAnswer says, “These medium-sized attention-seekers love to follow their humans around.” They also love to climb – cat trees, tall structures, and anything that offers them freedom and room to move. Keeping them amused with interactive puzzles and teaser toys will definitely make you their favorite human.

02 Japanese Bobtail

Japanese bobtails are sociable butterflies that thrive in the company of other people, cats, and dogs. While they may not be as energetic, they still enjoy a good game, fetching objects, and learning new tricks. They might snuggle up on your lap for a quick nap, for the most part, they prefer to be active during most of the day.

03 Abyssinian

If playfulness was a competition, Abyssinians would be the champions! They adore climbing furniture, cat trees, playing with wands, and feather toys. They prefer their humans around, making them ideal for those working from home or staying in.

04 Manx

If you’re imagining a cat with dog-like qualities, the Manx is your best bet. This tailless breed is clever, bubbly, and love to play. They leap from surface to surface and enjoy capturing rodents, making them a lively addition to your day. Even though they are full of energy, Manx cats can be trained and can learn many different tricks.

05 Siberian

Being one of the smartest breeds, Siberian cats are also incredibly playful. They mingle well with adults, kids, and other pets and love to play with toys. They have a passion for climbing and exploring new places, making every corner of your house their playground.

06 Burmese

The Spruce / Kristie Lee

Medium-sized Burmese cats are a playful breed that crave companionship and enjoy engaging with people and other cats. Known for their dog-like antics and gentle voices, these energetic cats love to jump and climb, so they would appreciate cat trees and window sills in the house.

07 Cornish Rex

This sleek, long-legged breed enjoys playing with the family and other pets in the house. The social butterflies are generally active within the family unit. They love a variety of toys, including faux mice, treat puzzles and feather toys. Occasionally they might surprise you with cool tricks they’ve learned.

08 Birman

Birmans are curious and playful, perfect for pet owners who love a companion by their side. “They prefer short activity bursts followed by plenty of cuddle time with their owners,” says Kristi Crow, DVM, a vet from Indianapolis. They are great with children who know how to engage them in a fun and loving way.

09 Sphynx

While the Sphynx cat breed is famous for their hairless exterior and peach fuzz coat, they equally famous for their playful nature. Known for their goofy antics, they enjoy playing with other cats, dogs, and humans. “They are extroverts and love to be the center of attention,” says Crow. Sphynx cats can keep themselves occupied when you’re not around but they also love it when you shower them with attention.

10 Turkish Angora

Turkish Angora cats are quite high-energy compared to other breeds, meaning they are always ready for playtime with their humans. They love access to multi-level cat trees and shelves to get a bird’s-eye view of their kingdom. Plus, they enjoy playing with kids and other cats.