The Top 15 Playful Cat Breeds

While cats are often low-maintenance and don’t wait excitedly for their owners to return home like dogs, some playful and energetic ones don’t live up to the stereotype! Here we have compiled a list of some of the most playful cat breeds that can make enjoyable pets for those pet parents that desire to form a close bond with their fur child. So let’s get started!

Abyssinian

While Abyssinian cats closely resemble small African wildcats, they are domestic felines all the way! Weighing around 6-10 pounds, Abyssinian cats are alert, confident, and highly active. These athletic animals prefer to have all the attention to themselves and do well with owners that can spend a great deal of time interacting with them.

American Bobtail

American Bobtail cats are affectionate, and they are quite friendly towards strangers if socialized well. Their favorite hobbies include going for strolls with their owners, playing with shiny objects, and playing fetch. It is best to keep these playful creatures indoors to protect them from the dangers of the outdoor world.

Balinese

Balinese cats are loyal, intelligent, affectionate, demanding, and most importantly, outgoing! These fur babies are most content when they are loved by their human companions. Whether it’s an exciting game of fetch or some basic ball play, these kitties simply love to play!

Bengal

Bengal cats are intelligent, curious, and highly active. They constantly remain on the move, enjoy playing fetch, and love going for walks and climbing on things. The favorite hobby of this playful breed is bird-watching. This entertaining, happy breed is ideal for owners that are willing to give it all the attention it craves for!

Burmese

Burmese cats love people. These cats are entertaining, outgoing, and keen on showing off their athletic skills. They love to leap to the highest spot available and are willing playmates of kids. They may even submit to being all dolled up for some fun!

Cornish Rex

Cornish Rex cats love some exercise time! This breed is not only highly intelligent but it also loves to participate in every activity its owner is performing. The Cornish Rex is willing to do anything that can bring applause and attention. Therefore, if you are looking for a playful cat to adopt, the Cornish Rex might be just the right solution!

Devon Rex

Along with being highly intelligent, the Devon Rex breed is known to be extremely mischievous. These little troublemakers love to supervise their owners at all times. They can jump to great heights and love to learn tricks. The outgoing, playful nature of these fur babies make them the ideal choice for pet enthusiasts looking for an active cat breed.

Egyptian Mau

The Egyptian Mau, a strikingly spotted breed, has remarkable leaping abilities. These cats are athletic, and they love to climb and chase toys. They are observant and smart and quick learners. Whether it’s about finding their favorite treat or toy, an Egyptian Mau will know how to get around!

Japanese Bobtail

The Japanese Bobtail is known for its intelligence and active nature. It loves to play fetch, carry toys around and play with them, and even splash its paws in the water! Along with being extremely curious and loving to explore its surroundings, the Japanese Bobtail is talkative and communicates well with its human companions.

Korat

While Korat cats are intelligent, demanding, and love to move around, it is best to keep them indoors in order to keep them safe from external dangers. These curious creatures are less talkative but they know exactly how to express themselves both with body language and verbally.

Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is a friendly and sweet cat breed that has a curious nature. While these cats love their human partners, they aren’t very demanding of attention. Along with walking on a leash, these cats also love to play fetch. Give the Maine Coon some lap time and a ball to play with, and it will be good to go!

Manx

Manx cats are playful and gentle. They love to carry toys around and play fetch. This breed is not only highly active, but it is also smart and capable of learning some tricks. Manx cats are fond of human company and communicate with their owners in a sweet voice. While some cats remain attached to a single person, others become affectionate toward the entire family!

Munchkin

A Munchkin often moves at high speed as it is an energetic, extrovert breed that becomes friendly with all family members, including children and other fellow pets. Don’t doubt the short legs of this breed for a second, as they don’t stop it from jumping around the house and creating a mess!

Ocicat

The power, grace, beauty, and size of the Ocicat cats are almost irresistible! These fur babies are talkative, confident, and extremely active. They love to play games, including fetch and also love attention. They easily get along with strangers, children, and other fellow pets.

Selkirk Rex

These sociable and gentle cats love to cuddle and make a great choice for families with children, frequent guests, and other children. Selkirk Rex cats are affectionate and love their playtime!

Bottom Line

While not all cats are active beings at heart, some simply love to play! If you want a cuddle buddy, then these playful cats might not make the ideal pet for you. However, if you want a kitty that is energetic and active, and you are willing to offer it the playtime it needs, then you might find something worth your while in our aforementioned list of the most playful cat breeds!