When trying to choose a cat to serve as your emotional support animal or emotional service animal (ESA) you may have asked yourself, “what cat breed is the best for me”? Nothing’s more important than having a cat that loves you. So, we at Emotional Pet Support have decided to spend some time looking into this to help you make that choice for yourself!
1. American Shorthair
The American Shorthair cat is known as “America’s breed”. The first cats of this type were brought over from Europe by the early settlers. Today, the American Shorthair is a family favorite. It consistently ranks as one of the 10 most popular cat breeds. The breed is known to have a very even temperament with a good disposition and above average intelligence. Another testament to its calm nature is the shorthair’s ability to get along with other pets and its gentle nature around children. A shorthair is considered an ideal pet for a working family with children. The American Shorthair is the classic emotional support cat breed for being an ESA.
2. Siamese
Siamese cats are known to have their own diverse personalities. They can be very vocal and demanding. However, Siamese cats can be extremely loyal and have a tendency to be more close to one or two of their family members. They are active and playful cats and sometimes called the “dogs of the cat world” since they have been known to be taken on walks and be taught games like fetch, which makes them a great support animal. They also always rank in the top 10 for most affectionate of all cat breeds.
3. Maine Coon
Maine Coon cats are one of the largest of all cat breeds and originated in North America. These cats have long been an American favorite and are now becoming one of the most famous cat breeds in the United States, especially in the northern states due to the colder climate. These cats are also very active, intelligent and trainable. They make good long time family companions and they have the ability to develop a good understanding with their owners. They are very affectionate with children and also with other pets.
4. Ragdolls
Ragdolls are extremely mild-mannered and friendly, and often seek out human companionship, such as following people around the house, sleeping with or laying on their owners. This breed is particularly good with children and other pets and is easily trained to learn the same tricks as dogs, such as playing fetch, rolling over and begging. Easygoing and loving, ragdoll cats get their name from their tendency to relax and go limp in one’s arms when picked up. One of the largest breeds of cats, ragdolls are also one of the most affectionate, often referred to as “puppy cats” because of their dog-like personality. Ragdolls were discovered in the 1960s.
5. American Bobtail
This is a recently discovered breed and was made official breeds in 2002. These cats have made their position as loyal and companion cats which make great family pets. They are affectionate and active cats with tails almost half in length as compared to other cat breeds. They are not vocal and are very much independent cats. They usually are the top 5 in the most affectionate cats.
6. Persian
The beautiful Persian has always been a classic favorite for many and there’s a good reason why! Persians are gentle, quiet and expressive. Plus, they have such unique and cute faces! Their lush coat requires a good deal of grooming, but owners are quick to point out that it’s a worthy sacrifice.
7. Bengal
Athletic, intelligent, active and independent. These are just some of the words commonly used to describe the Bengal! It’s not as cuddly as many of the other cats on our list, but it still demands attention, even to go for walks on a leash with their owners!
8. Manx
Best known for not having a tail, the smart Manx has a gentle, playful disposition. In other words, they’re happy to play fetch or carry on a conversation in their cute and special cat voice. Some Manx cats will lavish all of their affection on a single member of the family, while others like to spread the love.
9. Russian Blue
The Russian Blue is quiet, intelligent and easy to love — all traits that cat lovers adore greatly. Although they’re less demanding than many other felines, the Russian Blue is delightfully affectionate toward family members.
10. Sphynx
The sphynx sports a suede-like coat which is its most unmistakable feature, yet it’s also curious, smart and somewhat of a clown who demands attention for their antics. In fact, they love attention so much that you may want to consider getting another fellow Sphynx to keep your current one company!
So, What’s the best breed for you?
Ultimately, we cannot make that decision for you. We can only go as far as picking some of the best and most reliable cat breeds available. However, based on our top 10 breeds of cats, you just may be able to decide which one suits you.
Comments
My name is Sylvia Osorio Segal., I am passionate about cats , so I am looking for a Bengal cat as my emotional pet support. Please send me price, and lace where I could find, also weight, how tall they grow and how many years can they live.
I have a siamese manx, also known as an Ohywee Bob. She is the sweetest thing and loves people a lot. She is the best of both the siamese and manx worlds. Highly recommend getting one, they can be perfect family pets. They can adapt to other pets but usually prefer being an only cat with no other pets. Overall they are intelligent, sweet, playful cats who although are needy, are perfect for families and are very good for anxiety.
My Abyssinian has been my emotional support since we first looked into each other’s eyes around ten years ago. I am currently working with her so that she does better in public places, traveling in vehicles and walking on a harness and lead. I’m hoping to register her and be able to take her to work with me to my new job if I have a hard time with my major depression there.
ESA do not require being registered, you just need a doctors letter for housing issues and/or flying exceptions
Hey so, I need an emotional support animal and I’ve decided that a cat would work best but the problem is, I have a (stubborn) husky. Are there any cat breeds that are active but also get along with dogs?
Hi Eli,
We are unsure of that. Some cats within the same breed may respond differently to dogs than others.
Maine coon!
Yeah! Maine Coon and Norwegian Forrest Cat! Or Ragdolls and Bengals! Two of these four cat breeds will be my pets in the future!❤️
I have an albino Blue Russian. He is deaf so would need to be close to his owner or indoors at all times. He is extremely affectionate and loving and is good around children. He is very intelligent. All white with blue eyes. He is large and very strong.
Are you looking to place him?
I have depression and anxiety and some anger problem what cat be go for me I live in a one bedroom apartment thanks
I have a pretty or should I said purrfect little siamese tabby and he really does help
I have a Bengal that has been there for me i have Ptsd.My question is can you register another cat for my son.He has Tourette Syndrome,Adhd,severe OCD and anxiety due to his condition.We adopted a short hair black cat this cat picks up on my son emotionally he runs to him when he is upset he sits on the floor with my son while he play’s.He sleeps with him as well
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What cat breed would be best for me? I am diagnosed with “major depression, severe anxiety, and ptsd.” I live in a small 1 bdrm condo with my husband. Our 2 young grandchildren visit occasionally.
Hello, Ragdoll cats are ideal for people who live in small apartments or homes as they are not supposed to go outside.
I personally have a ragdoll cat and I have never met a cat that is more affectionate and loving than he is, which are common traits in Ragdolls 🙂 hope this helps.
Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular post! It’s the little changes
that make the most significant changes. Thanks for sharing!
When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added
I get several emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
Thanks a lot!
Hey! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout
out and say I really enjoy reading through your blog posts.
Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same topics?
Thank you so much!
Greetings! I know this is somewhat off topic but
I was wondering if you knew where I could find a captcha plugin for my comment form?
I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having difficulty finding one?
Thanks a lot!
I would like to get a cat. I have few ptsd. Looking for cat likes water ,sit in my lap and affeciate. No clue what cat breed would be the best,
Any kitty will be ok with water if you get it very young and bath it say once a week and make it a fun thing. My kitties are fine with water
I often get sad or depressed I was thinking
About a kitten that I could raise but I wasn’t sure what breed but I need a cat that will snuggle and show love and compassion my friend has a Maine coon and she is very sweet and cuddly but every cats different correct ?
I have Autism, so I was wanting to know what would be a good type of cat to have as an ESA
Hi Cory,
Many dog breeds are great choices for ESAs! It simply depends upon whichever dog you’re most comfortable with.
Can a Siberian Cat be a ESA? Also can I have my cat be a ESA and a therapy cat as well or it has to be one or the other?