For many beginners eager to raise cats, choosing a suitable and easy-to-raise cat breed is the first step to start the "cat servant" life. Easy-to-raise cats usually mean they have gentle personalities, strong adaptability, are not prone to illness, and their daily care is relatively simple. If you are planning to welcome a furry family member, then understanding which cats are more suitable for beginners is particularly important. Below are some cat breeds widely regarded as easier to raise, hoping to help you find your desired "master."

The most suitable cat breeds for home raising often have gentle personalities, are not extremely "socially anxious" or "socially aggressive," and have good physical constitution. Some domestic and international cat owners and pet organizations have recommended cat breeds suitable for beginners. Although rankings may differ slightly, the following cat breeds frequently appear on the list.

Recommendations for the Easiest Cat Breeds to Raise

Raising a cat is like finding a life partner; the best is when the personalities match well and get along effortlessly. The following cat breeds generally have nice temperaments and are friendly to novice cat owners.

1. Chinese Rural Cat: The Eternal “YYDS”

When it comes to the easiest cats to raise in China, it must be our Chinese Rural Cats! They have undergone thousands of years of natural selection, possessing strong genes and impressive constitution, not prone to illness, and not very picky eaters—one could say they can survive on whatever food is given. Rural cats have diverse personalities; some are clingy little rascals, others are independent cool fellows, but overall, they are smart, highly adaptable, and come with a "mouse-catching skill" buff (although most house cats nowadays don’t need to catch mice, this shows they are quite clever). Moreover, adopting instead of buying gives a lovely rural cat a home, so why not? Rural cats also have high aesthetics, with various coat patterns, so there is always one that can capture your heart!

2. British Shorthair: The Walking “Blue Chub” and “Golden Ingots”

The British Shorthair, known as British Shorthair in short, has captured countless hearts with its round face, chubby body, and steady personality. Especially the blue-gray color (commonly called “Blue Cat”) and golden shaded or silver shaded coats are the “top stars” in the cat world. British Shorthairs have gentle temperaments, are not noisy, fairly independent, and even if you are a working person who needs to be away during the day, they can entertain themselves at home quite well. They adapt well to their environment, rarely lose their temper, and seldom meow, making them very suitable companion cats for families. Though their fur is dense, it is relatively short and easy to groom daily. However, be careful with their diet as they are famously "prone to obesity," and it’s easy for them to become a плюшка (a little bread in Russian, used here to describe chubbiness)!

3. American Shorthair: The Lively “Little Sweetheart”

The American Shorthair, abbreviated as AmSh, is another breed very suitable for beginners. They are sturdy, have good constitution, aren’t easily sick, and have a relatively long lifespan to accompany you through many years. AmSh has a gentle and friendly temperament, is smart and lively, enjoys human interaction, and is patient with children, making them ideal for families with kids or other pets. They are very curious and playful, so it’s best to provide some toys and cat trees to expend their abundant energy. Their fur is also short and relatively easy to care for.

4. Ragdoll: The Gentle “Fairy Cat” and “Little Puppy”

The name Ragdoll itself sounds dreamy; they are stunningly beautiful with deep blue eyes and soft, flowing long fur, making them the “fairy” of the cat world. More importantly, Ragdolls have super good temperaments: gentle, clingy, good-natured, very friendly, and love being held, often going limp like a ragdoll when picked up. They are highly dependent on their owners and enjoy staying close, leading some to say they have a “dog-like personality.” Ragdolls tolerate pain well and are relatively tolerant of children’s rough play. However, as long-haired cats, Ragdolls require regular grooming to prevent matting and hairball issues. Also, purebred Ragdolls tend to be expensive, so prepare a sufficient budget.

5. Siamese: The Walking “Chatterbox” and “Little Dog”

Siamese cats have distinctive appearances, resembling a “miner” (because their face, ears, paws, and tail have darker coloring). They are intelligent, quick learners, extremely loyal and dependent on their owners, and some describe them as dog-like in their desire to follow their humans. Siamese cats are very expressive and are true “chatterboxes,” often using various vocalizations to communicate with their owners. If you like chatting with your cat, Siamese is definitely the choice for you. Their fur is short and smooth, requiring no complicated grooming. However, Siamese require a lot of attention from their owners; if neglected for a long time, they may feel lonely or even depressed, so they need owners who can spend ample time with them.

6. Exotic Shorthair (Garfield Cat): The Quiet “Little Sweet Bean”

Exotic Shorthair, known as Garfield Cats, have Persian lineage but short fur, combining the Persian’s charming round face and build with the American Shorthair’s short hair traits. Garfields have gentle, quiet, affectionate personalities, are not noisy, and prefer to quietly stay beside their owners. Their exercise needs are low, making them very suitable for owners who enjoy a peaceful life and apartment living. Despite their short fur, their facial structure requires regular cleaning of eyes and nose.

7. Scottish Fold: The Cute “Little Elf”

Scottish Fold cats are famous for their distinctive folded ears, looking like a cute little elf. They usually have gentle, friendly, and intelligent personalities, enjoy playing with people but can entertain themselves as well. Foldeds tend to be clingy and like following their owners around the house. However, note that the ear folding is caused by a genetic mutation and may be accompanied by genetic bone disorders, so caution and thorough health checks are essential when choosing this breed.

Besides these breeds, cats like Maine Coons (gentle giants, large but good-natured) and Russian Blues (quiet, independent “nobles”) are also considered relatively easy to raise. Of course, every cat has its own personality; breed is only a reference, and the postnatal care and companionship greatly influence the cat’s temperament.

Tips for New Cat Owners: Besides Breed, These Are Also Important!

Choosing an easy breed is just the first step; raising a cat well requires patience and responsibility.

• Adopt or Buy? If conditions allow, consider visiting local animal shelters. Many abandoned cats are very well-behaved and cute, and giving them a home is a very loving act. Sheltered cats are usually spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and their personalities are known, and staff can offer advice.
• Kittens or Adult Cats? Kittens are lively and adorable but require more time and effort to teach and care for. Adult cats generally have more stable personalities and many good habits already formed, which may be easier for beginners.
• Do Your Homework! Before deciding to raise a cat, fully understand the characteristics, care needs, and potential health issues of your chosen breed. A cat’s diet, living environment, daily care (such as fur grooming, nail clipping, ear cleaning, brushing teeth) require preparation.
• Prepare a Sufficient Budget. Raising a cat involves more than the purchase price; daily expenses such as cat food, litter, snacks, toys, vaccines, deworming, check-ups, and possible medical costs are significant. Financial readiness is vital.
• Give Your Cat Enough Companionship and Love. Whatever breed you choose, cats need your companionship and care. Spend time playing and interacting with them to build a deep bond.

In summary, the key to choosing the easiest cats to raise is finding one that matches your lifestyle and personality. Spend time learning about different breeds or interact with cats at shelters, and you will surely find the perfect "fur child" for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Which cat sheds the least?
  A: No cat is completely non-shedding, but some breeds shed less, such as the Sphynx (hairless cat) because they have almost no fur. Additionally, some short-haired cats shed less than long-haired cats or are easier to clean up after.
• Q: Which cats are the most clingy?
  A: Ragdolls, Siamese, and Maine Coons are generally considered more affectionate. However, individual differences are big; some rural cats can also be very clingy.
• Q: What do I need to prepare to raise a cat?
  A: Basic cat supplies include cat food, food and water bowls, litter box, cat litter, scratching board, cat bed, toys, cat carrier (for outings), and grooming tools like brushes and nail clippers. Of course, also prepare plenty of love and patience!
• Q: Are orange cats easy to raise?
  A: Orange cats usually refer to Chinese rural cats with orange patterns. As mentioned before, rural cats typically have good constitutions, strong adaptability, and many orange cats are gentle and affectionate. However, orange cats are known for gaining weight easily, so control their diet!