--- title: "Cat breeds for first-time owners: our top 20 | Pedibase" description: "Cat breeds for first-time owners: our top 20, based on scores from our breed listings (temperament, size, average price) and verified breeders." canonical_url: "https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed-rankings/best-for-first-time-owners" meta: "og:description": "Cat breeds for first-time owners: our top 20, based on scores from our breed listings (temperament, size, average price) and verified breeders." "og:image": "https://www.pedibase.com/og.png" "og:image:alt": "Dog and cat breeders near you" "og:image:height": "630" "og:image:width": "1200" "og:title": "Cat breeds for first-time owners: our top 20" "twitter:description": "Cat breeds for first-time owners: our top 20, based on scores from our breed listings (temperament, size, average price) and verified breeders." "twitter:image": "https://www.pedibase.com/og.png" "twitter:title": "Cat breeds for first-time owners: our top 20" --- > Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt) Top 20 # Cat breeds for first-time owners Some breeds are more forgiving of first-time cat owners. These breeds are often recommended for beginners: read about training, temperament and price before choosing a breeder. 1. 1 [![Birman](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/5733/2609850377_6bfd25e934_b.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/birman) ## [Birman](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/birman) An elegant, affectionate and calm cat, recognizable by its blue eyes and its white gloves. First-time owners: 5/5Medium France [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/birman) [ 259 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-birman) 2. 2 [![Ragdoll](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4532/pexels-photo-37252511.jpeg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/ragdoll) ## [Ragdoll](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/ragdoll) Large, gentle and placid cat, the Ragdoll is a very affectionate indoor companion and remarkably adaptable. First-time owners: 5/5Large United States [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/ragdoll) [ 189 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-ragdoll) 3. 3 [![British Shorthair](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4548/pexels-photo-17089872.jpeg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/british-shorthair) ## [British Shorthair](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/british-shorthair) A round, calm and affectionate cat, as reassuring as it is elegant. First-time owners: 5/5Medium United Kingdom [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/british-shorthair) [ 185 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-british-shorthair) 4. 4 [![British Longhair](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4593/british_longhair_-_blue_bicolor.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/british-longhair) ## [British Longhair](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/british-longhair) A calm, round little cat, close to its family without being intrusive. First-time owners: 5/5Medium United Kingdom [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/british-longhair) [ 84 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-british-longhair) 5. 5 [![Scottish Straight](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/10346/scottish-straight-1.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/scottish-straight) ## [Scottish Straight](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/scottish-straight) The round-faced cat of the Scottish Fold, with straight ears and preserved health. First-time owners: 5/5Medium Scotland [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/scottish-straight) [ 29 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-scottish-straight) 6. 6 [![European Shorthair](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/7548/europeen-7.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/european-shorthair) ## [European Shorthair](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/european-shorthair) A balanced, hardy and affectionate cat, as comfortable in an apartment as in the garden. First-time owners: 5/5Medium Europe [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/european-shorthair) [ 3 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-european-shorthair) 7. 7 [![Toyger](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/9043/toyger-6.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/toyger) ## [Toyger](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/toyger) A cat with a mini-tiger look, sociable, playful and very close to its family. First-time owners: 5/5Medium United States [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/toyger) [ 3 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-toyger) 8. 8 [![Bombay](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4594/bombay_katzen_of_blue_sinfonie.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/bombay) ## [Bombay](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/bombay) An affectionate, calm miniature panther perfectly suited to indoor living. First-time owners: 5/5Medium United States [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/bombay) [ 2 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-bombay) 9. 9 [![Singapura](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/6730/singapura_cat.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/singapura) ## [Singapura](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/singapura) Small, rare and affectionate cat, the Singapura charms with its gentleness and expressive gaze. First-time owners: 5/5Small Singapore [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/singapura) [ 2 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-singapura) 10. 10 [![German Rex](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4878/german_rex_emil.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/german-rex) ## [German Rex](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/german-rex) An expressive, playful and sociable cat with a naturally wavy short coat. First-time owners: 5/5Medium Germany [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/german-rex) 11. 11 [![Tiffany](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/7174/tiffany-1.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/tiffany) ## [Tiffany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/tiffany) A rare, gentle and elegant cat with a silky coat. First-time owners: 5/5Medium England [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/tiffany) 12. 12 [![Maine Coon](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4487/pexels-photo-32126006.jpeg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/maine-coon) ## [Maine Coon](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/maine-coon) Large cat with a tender heart, the Maine Coon charms with its gentleness, sociability and majestic appearance. First-time owners: 4/5Large United States [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/maine-coon) [ 926 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-maine-coon) 13. 13 [![Persian](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4514/chat_persan_beige.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/persian) ## [Persian](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/persian) The Persian is a calm and very affectionate cat, appreciated for its majestic appearance and its gentleness in everyday life. First-time owners: 4/5Medium Iran [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/persian) [ 198 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-persian) 14. 14 [![Siberian](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/9539/siberien.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/siberian) ## [Siberian](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/siberian) A large Russian cat with a sumptuous coat, gentle, calm and remarkably robust. First-time owners: 4/5Large Russia [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/siberian) [ 138 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-siberian) 15. 15 [![Norwegian Forest Cat](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/8007/norvegien-2.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/norwegian-forest-cat) ## [Norwegian Forest Cat](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/norwegian-forest-cat) A large rustic and gentle cat, built for the cold but very close to its family. First-time owners: 4/5Large Norway [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/norwegian-forest-cat) [ 121 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-norwegian-forest-cat) 16. 16 [![Chartreux](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/7467/chartreux-1.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/chartreux) ## [Chartreux](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/chartreux) A French blue cat, calm, robust and endearing, without being intrusive. First-time owners: 4/5Medium France [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/chartreux) [ 83 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-chartreux) 17. 17 [![Exotic](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/7562/exotic-1.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/exotic) ## [Exotic](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/exotic) A calm, affectionate and round cat, close to the Persian but easier to live with on a daily basis. First-time owners: 4/5Medium United States [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/exotic) [ 49 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-exotic) 18. 18 [![Scottish Fold](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/6579/pexels-photo-36063193.jpeg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/scottish-fold) ## [Scottish Fold](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/scottish-fold) A tender and peaceful cat, famous for its delicately folded ears. First-time owners: 4/5Medium Scotland [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/scottish-fold) [ 33 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-scottish-fold) 19. 19 [![Highland Straight](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/9332/highland-straight-1788360993029.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/highland-straight) ## [Highland Straight](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/highland-straight) The straight-eared brother of the Highland Fold: same gentleness, without the folded-ear gene. First-time owners: 4/5Medium United Kingdom / United States [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/highland-straight) [ 21 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-highland-straight) 20. 20 [![Selkirk Rex](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/6721/selkirk_rex_longhair_finticat_cat_show_helsinki_2013-11-23.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/selkirk-rex) ## [Selkirk Rex](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/selkirk-rex) A curly-haired, affectionate and calm cat that deeply loves family life. First-time owners: 4/5Medium United States [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/selkirk-rex) [ 17 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-selkirk-rex) This ranking is based on scores from 1 to 5 assigned to each cat breed in our listings. In a tie, breeds with more breeders in France rank higher. ## Other cat breed rankings - [Cat breeds suited to apartment living](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed-rankings/best-for-apartments) - [Cat breeds for families with children](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed-rankings/best-with-children) - [Most affectionate cat breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed-rankings/most-affectionate) - [Cat breeds that get along with other pets](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed-rankings/best-with-other-pets) - [Easy-to-train cat breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed-rankings/easiest-to-train) - [Calm, low-energy cat breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed-rankings/calmest) - [Cat breeds that shed less](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed-rankings/that-shed-the-least) - [Low-maintenance cat breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed-rankings/easiest-to-groom) - [Most intelligent cat breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed-rankings/most-intelligent) - [Hardiest cat breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed-rankings/healthiest) - [Cat breeds that need little exercise](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed-rankings/that-need-little-exercise) - [So-called hypoallergenic cat breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed-rankings/hypoallergenic) - [Small cat breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed-rankings/smallest) - [More affordable cat breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed-rankings/cheapest) [All cat breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breeds) [Breed comparison](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-cat-breeds) [Which cat should you choose?](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-cat) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#website","@type":"WebSite","description":"Find dog and cat breeders near you. 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