5 Cat Breeds First-Time Owners Wished They’d Known About

Choosing your very first cat can feel overwhelming, but certain breeds stand out as particularly wise choices for beginners.

Ideal starter cats tend to be affectionate, sociable, forgiving, and easy to care for, traits that lead to smooth bonding and stress-free pet ownership.

Here’s a practical guide to five cat breeds frequently recommended for novices:

• Maine Coon
• Ragdoll
• Ragamuffin
• Scottish Fold
• American Shorthair

Each of these cat breeds is known not only for its unique look but also for being gentle, adaptable, and beginner-friendly companions.

1. Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is a gentle giant celebrated for its loving personality and resilience. This breed’s even-tempered nature and sturdy health make it an excellent match for novice owners.

These are large cats, with males weighing between 18-22 lbs (8.2-10 kg) and females between 12-15 lbs (5.4-6.8 kg).

The Maine Coon cat features a long, bushy tail, tufted ears, and a silky double coat in nearly all color variations.

Maine Coons are friendly, social, and affectionate toward people and other pets alike. They’re also intelligent and trainable – many can learn fetch or leash-walking!

Maine Coons love people, so they are not likely to be aggressive or territorial, unless threatened or attacked. They get along well with children and other cats.

These giant cats like to be near their people, but will not demand to be picked up or cuddled if you are busy. Instead, they prefer to hang out nearby, resting or playing while you work.

Maine Coons are incredibly playful and energetic cats, so they do need more exercise than other breeds. They need plenty of space, as well as a large cat tree or shelves, so they can climb and jump up high.

However, their grooming needs are higher due to their long fur, which can be prone to matting.

2. Ragdoll

The Ragdoll is a very similar breed to the Ragamuffin, with just a few differences in appearance and temperament. Like Ragamuffins, they are famed for their docile, affectionate nature.

Named for their tendency to go limp when held, they’re large cats (typically 10-20 lbs, or 4.5-9 kg), with plush, silky color-pointed coats and striking blue eyes.

These cats crave human interaction, enjoy being held, and bond quickly with their families.

Their relaxed demeanor, limited prey drive, and minimal grooming requirements (thanks to their silky but manageable fur) make them a particularly welcoming choice for first-time owners.

These cats will gladly spend all day in your lap, but their social nature means they can become lonely and depressed if they are left alone for too long.

Ragdolls do best in a household where they can receive lots of attention, and they may need another cat as a companion if they become lonely.

3. Ragamuffin

Similar to Ragdolls, Ragamuffins are calm, sweet-natured cats with soft, semi-long fur and large, expressive eyes. Their coats come in various colors and patterns.

While slightly smaller than Maine Coons, they still carry an imposing 8-15 lb (3.6-6.8 kg) frame.

Ragamuffins are incredibly relaxed and adaptable, which makes them great for homes with children or other pets. Their combination of calm demeanor and easy care makes them an excellent option for first-time cat owners.

Their long, silky fur needs to be groomed at least once or twice a week, but it is shorter and less prone to tangles than other longhaired cats like Maine Coons or Ragdolls.

While they do enjoy batting toys around or chasing after feather toys, they are not very energetic cats and therefore do not need a lot of exercise or playtime.

They can be a bit clingy at times, particularly if their owners are away often. Thus, they are best suited to families that spend plenty of time at home, where they can get all of the attention they need!

4. Scottish Fold

Scottish Folds are instantly recognizable for their sweet, folded ears and round faces.

They are medium-sized cats (typically 8-13 lbs or 3.6-6 kg) with plush, dense coats in many colors and patterns.

Known for their quiet, affectionate, and gentle disposition, Scottish Folds make easy-going housemates since they’re not overly demanding, enjoy indoor life, and tend to be calm even during busy household activity.

Scottish Folds are intelligent and calm. They are moderately active, so they only need about thirty minutes of playtime a day. Most of the time, they prefer to just hang out on their owner’s lap or take a nap near their favorite human.

Their soft, short coat is easy to brush, though you do need to check their ears more often for dirt and buildup, particularly if they are tightly folded.

However, the Scottish Fold does need a lot of attention, so it needs an owner who spends plenty of time at home. They cannot be left alone for long periods.

5. American Shorthair

The American Shorthair is a solid, adaptable breed with a dense, low-maintenance short coat, typically in classic tabby or silver patterns. They are generally healthy.

They usually range from 8 to 12 lbs (3.6-5.4 kg), making them medium-sized cats.

While American Shorthairs are loving, affectionate cats, they are more independent than breeds like Ragdolls or Scottish Folds, and they are more tolerant of being left alone for a little while.

The American Shorthair’s short coat is easy to care for. They only need to be brushed about once a week, except during shedding season, when they may need to be brushed two or three times a week

They will happily spend time cuddling with you on the couch, but they also do not mind spending time alone to play or rest, so you do not have to worry about them being clingy.

This breed was originally developed for hunting mice and other pests, so they are playful, active, and very intelligent.

American Shorthairs are very easygoing. They are not sensitive to change or louder households with children. They also get along great with kids, as well as other pets.