12 Great Cat Breeds for Emotional Support (With Info & Pictures)

You don’t have to be alone in grief or solely rely on medication when you can get a cat to help with your mental health. An emotional support feline can lift your spirits and brighten up your life.

But before you start looking for one, consider which breed would be best to have by your side; some make better emotional support animals (ESAs) than others. Finding one that matches your personality will help you get the most out of your helper.

The 12 Greatest Cat Breeds for Emotional Support

1. Persian Cat

Persian kitties are all about sharing love and affection with anyone who deserves it. These cats have been a classic ESA, and there’s a good reason for that.

First, these cats never get over-excited but instead prefer a calm life in small spaces. This quality makes them your best bet if you live in a small apartment. Plus, Persians do not crave strenuous activities or too much running and would instead want you to pamper them.

Although they appear shy at first glance, Persian cats can drop their shyness and reserved nature as soon as they get to know you. You can get all the affection and love you need from this breed, especially since they are content to cuddle and soak up all the physical contact you can offer.

Even though they require a bit of maintenance to avoid mats and tangles, most owners are quick to admit that they’re worth it.

If you have questions about grooming and care for your future cat, we recommend speaking to a veterinarian.

2. American Shorthair

Even though these cats are not clingy, they have no problem cuddling and listening to your concerns (in exchange for pettings, of course).

The American Shorthair is a versatile breed, ready and willing to live anywhere. Plus, these felines are good with kids and are suitable for children who need extra love and emotional care.

This breed is a plus because they don’t require much grooming, thanks to their short, dense coat. You’ll get along with them if you have other household pets or want a playful, furry explorer and hunter.

If they’re not exploring, hunting, or climbing, an American Shorthair will be just as happy taking a nap on your lap without being all over your face. Also, you don’t have to worry if you leave this cat alone for the day. They will still thrive without destroying your home.

3. Bengal

You would never call a Bengal cat delicate. They are one of the most athletic, intelligent, independent, and active breeds out there. They possess a somewhat wild appearance and will always coax you into playing fetch with them.

Despite being a large breed, the Bengal is not as cuddly as some other ESAs on this list and may not want you to hug them at all times. But this doesn’t mean these cats don’t demand attention. They are naturally curious and playful explorers that’ll love going out for walks with you.

4. Siamese

The Siamese cat is full of personality, and you’ll love them for it. Most people refer to these felines as “the dogs of the cat world” because of their canine-like characteristics. While they possess all the qualities that make cats great, they tend to be extremely loyal and loving.

Siamese cats are perfect ESAs for support and comfort; they also wouldn’t mind playing fetch games or going out for walks on a leash as they are incredibly playful and adventurous.

In fact, you’ll excuse these kitties for being too playful, vocal, demanding, and whimsical at times because they are also affectionate and make great companions. However, since they are social creatures, these kitties require companionship and maximum attention in return, as they hate being alone for long.

If you can’t promise to be available throughout the day, get them a family dog or another Siamese cat for company.

5. American Bobtail

The American Bobtail is a recently discovered breed and most notable for doing everything on their terms. They can drown you with love and provide you with a warm and soft shoulder to cry on when in distress if only because they also want affection. But once they have had enough, that’s it, and it doesn’t matter if you want a bit more.

However, these breeds love games like fetch or hide and seek and often initiate them with their owners. When they are not hunting and stalking their toys, they are a quiet breed and would love to go out for a walk with you.

Don’t expect a conversationalist, though. Bobtails aren’t so vocal. But they can still love you with great devotion if you understand their hot and cold affection phases and are okay with giving each other a little space.

6. Ragdoll

If you need emotional support and require a large breed with wholesome affection and love, find a Ragdoll. Cats of this breed are not just some of the largest kitties to ever exist, but they’re also loving, mild-mannered, and friendly.

People often refer to Ragdolls as “puppy dogs” because of their canine-like personalities. They are remarkably tolerant with kids and trainable and can learn tricks like rolling over and playing fetch, just like dogs.

Easy-going and loving, Ragdolls are your go-to cats if you need a shoulder. They love snuggling, being picked up, and cuddling, and they always maintain good behavior around kids and guests.

However, they never know when to turn their affectionate off, so don’t be surprised if they’ll always seek your companionship and follow you around the house when demanding more love.

7. Maine Coon

Be forewarned, the Maine Coon is of the largest domestic cat breeds. They are big, fluffy, and often comparable to medium-sized dogs. Maine Coons are just about the best stress-relievers known to humankind, mainly because they enjoy socializing, are trainable, and quickly bond with strangers and children.

Most impressively, though, Maine Coons are furry and intelligent enough to read their owner’s moods. This makes them the best to hold and keep close, enabling them to cure just about any mental problem (as long as you occasionally offer them a treat or two).

However, you may need extra time for daily grooming because their copious fur requires regular maintenance. Despite this, the pleasure of hugging and snuggling will pay off for any off-moods.

8. Manx

If you’ve ever seen a gentle cat without a tail but with a playful disposition, it must have been a Manx. A lack of a tail may make this cat breed unable to fully express emotions, but they love playing fetch and are vocal, which means they can hold a conversation in their sweet and unique kitty voice.

Although these cats are eager to please and can be loyal, Manx cat breeds love to play favorites. They often choose a single family member to shower with their full attention, making the others feel left out. Just ensure you are the one they lavish all their attention on, and you’ll have all the mental care you need.

9. Russian Blue

Russian Blues are empathetic and quiet breeds that know what it feels like to be overwhelmed. These cats are suitable for introverts because they are less demanding and not the “all-in-your-face” kind of ESAs.

Although they prefer to keep to themselves most of the time, you can count on them whenever you need them the most. The kitties are delightfully affectionate and great athletes with remarkable climbing skills, and they offer good company.

Just remember that these felines love routine and hate crowds and unknown guests, meaning they are likely to get attached to one person only (it should be you).

10. Abyssinian

Abyssinians are sociable cats just like American Shorthairs and are among the oldest breeds in existence. These cats are the best companions you can get because they are so dependent on love and affection that you may find yourself offering care and concern instead.

These cat breeds are usually too attached to their humans and will be thrilled to always keep you around them. They require plenty of attention and lots of activity, and they’ll always let you know that.

So, if you desire to feel wanted and appreciated, an Abyssinian will make you feel like you are their whole world—which you are!

11. Exotic Shorthair

This breed must be the most huggable, so don’t be shocked if you find yourself almost squeezing them like a stuffed animal. Exotic Shorthairs have big eyes and flat faces and are just as adorable as their Persian cat cousins.

Many owners say that these cat breeds thrive on human affection, are co-dependent, possess a consistent demeanor, and hate loneliness. This won’t be an issue if you want a friend by your side all day without finding them over-bearing.

12. Sphynx

Some people may suggest that these cats are the least beautiful in the cat world, but that doesn’t speak for their gentle souls. Sphynxes are hairless, with a suede-like coat. Unfortunately, a lack of fur makes these kitties have a low body temperature.

These felines will love you and want to be around you all the time because you are warm, but you can still consider it as affection. Sphynx cats are most likely to follow you loyally wherever you go, and you should not be surprised if they climb up and snuggle with you if you break down and cry.

Your house will never lack love and affection with a Sphynx in it—if you are willing to share your warmth.

Summary

If you ever find yourself in need of a friend and emotional support, the cat breeds in this list can come through for you in so many more ways than you might have thought. Perhaps the only thing that you can offer in return is plenty of petting, treats, and love.

Of course, you shouldn’t choose a cat over getting professional care, but coming back home to a snuggly cat can help hasten your mental wellness.

• See also: Types of Therapy Animals

Featured Image Credit: Cat Box, Shutterstock