Cats for Families with Active Children
Research has shown that children who grow up with pets tend to be more outgoing, have better communication and social skills, are more caring and empathetic towards people and animals, and are less likely to suffer from allergies. The following are five cat breeds that are known to interact well with children with active lifestyles.\
Just remember: Bringing a cat (or any pet) into the home is a big decision. Never choose a cat based on looks alone, and always meet the cat or kitten before deciding and ask the breeder or shelter worker lots of questions.
1. Siamese
There is a reason the Siamese is one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. It thrives on attention and loves to talk – fully capable of keeping up a conversation with your kids. The Siamese is no couch potato, either. It enjoys playing will very likely get your kids (and you) moving a lot more. In fact, you'll probably want to get familiar with some good cat games so that you can keep your Siamese from getting bored and fat (it likes to eat, too!).
2. Egyptian Mau
If you are looking for a breed that loves to play, the Egyptian Mau may be just the cat for you. Its connection to humans goes way back; there is evidence that they even worked side-by-side with human hunters as game retrievers. It still loves to hunt and retrieve, making the Egyptian Mau the perfect foil for a child who will enjoy hiding “prey” for the cat to sniff out, and playing fetch and retrieve.
3. Norwegian Forest Cat
As both an athlete and a cuddler, the Norwegian suits multiple needs. During the day, when homework and chores are the rule, the Norwegian tags along, making conversation or sitting quietly. In the evening, when relaxing and play is in order, the Norwegian amps it up with leaping, playing and finding new places to hide with its little companion people. The Norwegian Forest Cat is also affectionate and adaptable to new people and situations, so no need to worry about protecting it from being frightened.
4. Tonkinese
Social and highly affectionate, the Tonkinese is active without being hyperactive. Much loved for its clownish antics, this breed will dash through the house doing flips and somersaults, much to the amusement of its human companions. And as far as talking goes, the Tonkinese doesn’t just use words, it speaks in entire paragraphs, with pauses for emphasis included – and expects you to listen and respond. Keeping that in mind, the Tonkinese doesn’t like to be alone for long stretches, so you might want to have two if your family spends most of the day away.
5. Somali
If ever there was a cat breed that was said to love playing, this is surely the breed they were talking about. The Somali is so curious and playful that your kids will never tire of its company. If they are working on a school project in the kitchen, it will want to sit on the counter to watch them. Doing the dishes? Your Somali will be getting his paws in the water too. Life is a reason to leap for joy with the Somali, so it needs plenty of room to run and jump, and lots of safe places to explore. The insides of cupboards and dressers are among its favorites, and don’t be surprised if they figure out how to open the doors themselves. Somalis are especially dexterous with their paws.
