A common argument against cats is that they are not affectionate. Of course, some feline species could not care less about their owners. However, there are many affectionate cat breeds that show great love and attention to their owners. For those who want a companion to hug day and night, here are ten affectionate cat breeds.

1.Birman Birman cats are extremely charming. Not only do they possess sharp blue eyes and smooth long fur, but they also exude an aura of elegance. Like the American Shorthair, these cats enjoy being around people and adapt well to any type of household. Burmese cats are friendly to everyone and everything, including other pets. They love to play with any companion, regardless of the breed. Overview Height: 8 to 10 inches Weight: 10 to 12 pounds Coat and Color: Long and silky coat in seal, blue, red, chocolate, cream, and tortie colors, including standard or lynx pattern points and deep blue eyes Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years

2. American Shorthair In the United States, when you say "house cat," you're likely referring to the American Shorthair cat. This breed is extremely common as a pet in North America, primarily because of their friendly temperament and the wide variety of coat colors they come in. American Shorthairs are highly adaptable, making them an ideal pet for households with growing children or for people who are often away from home. Unlike some other breeds, American Shorthairs enjoy attention and being held. They are affectionate pets that like to be the center of attention and can be very snuggly. When their owners are busy or unable to give them the attention they desire, American Shorthairs are content to lie in the sun and enjoy a relaxing nap. Their laid-back nature and adaptability make them a popular choice for many pet owners. Overview Height: 8 to 10 inches Weight: 6 to 15 pounds Coat and Color: Shorthaired coat with a wide variety of color possibilities, including white, black, cream, blue, brown, chinchilla, tortoiseshell, cameo, and many more Life Expectancy: 15 to 20 years

3. Tonkinese Breeders hope to develop a cat breed that is cute and affectionate, smarter than Siamese cats, and quieter in terms of vocalization. The Tonkinese cat is a crossbreed between Siamese and Burmese cats, combining the best of both. These cats are affectionately called "Tonks," and they have a deep affection for humans. They are known for being friendly, lively, and especially affectionate. They enjoy being the center of attention and will demand it. Overview Height: 7 to 10 inches Weight: 6 to 14 pounds Coat and Color: Coat can be seal, blue, lilac, and chocolate with points around the face, ears, paws, and tail Life Expectancy: 13 to 18 years

4. Bombay This breed is still relatively rare in North America, but has a loyal following. Bombay cat owners appreciate the breed for its adorable and people-oriented personality. Their smooth black coat and captivating copper-colored eyes also set them apart from other breeds. Once you encounter a clever, cute, and adorable Bombay cat, you'll be hooked. Overview Height: 9 to 13 inches Weight: 6 to 11 pounds Coat and Color: Short, sleek coat, usually solid black coat; large, copper eyes Life Expectancy: 15 to 20 years

5. Siamese If you decide to keep a Siamese cat, be prepared for long conversations with this yapping kitten. This cat is very sociable. Siamese cats have a distinctive mask-like appearance and striking blue eyes. Throughout history, their appearance and amiable personality have made them widely popular among cat lovers worldwide. Overview Height: Up to 14 inches Weight: 6 to 14 pounds Coat and Color: Short coat in seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac with blue eyes Life Expectancy: 8 to 12 years

6. Persian Persian cats are one of the most popular cat breeds in North America. They have luxurious long fur, making them visually stunning, and they possess a gentle and affectionate temperament. Persian cats are not particularly energetic; they enjoy lounging on the couch and find contentment in being gently petted and having their ears scratched by their owners. Overview Height: 14 to 18 inches Weight: 7 to 12 pounds Coat and Color: Long coat in solid (white, black, cream), tabby, calico, bi-color, silver and gold, shaded, and smoke Life Expectancy: 10 to 17 years

7. Maine Coon Maine Coon cats are native to the United States. Their history is shrouded in mystery; some believe their origins can be traced back to cats that traveled with Viking explorers. Others suggest that these large cats are a cross between cats and raccoons, though this is biologically impossible. These sociable cats are affectionate with people of all ages and enjoy participating in all family activities, whether lounging on the couch or sitting at the dinner table. Beyond their friendly personality, Maine Coons are also excellent hunters and very intelligent. Overview Height: Up to 16 inches Weight: 9 to 17 pounds Coat and Color: Long, double coat with more than 75 color combinations and green, gold, or copper eyes Life Expectancy: 9 to 15 years

8. Sphynx Sphynx cats, being hairless, often feel the cold and require heat sources to stay comfortable. These cats are intelligent and outgoing, enjoying interaction with humans and seeking out the warmth they provide. This clever symbiosis benefits both the cats and their owners, as the cats get what they need, and the owners get the pleasure of snuggling. Some people say owning a Sphynx cat is like having a living hot water bottle. They will snuggle with you under the covers at night and perch on your lap during the day. Overview Height: 8 to 10 inches Weight: 6 to 12 pounds Coat and Color: Hairless; colors include white, black, red, chocolate, lavender, tabby, tortoiseshell, calico, pointed, and mink Life Expectancy: 9 to 15 years

9. Scottish Fold This cat breed is emotionally rich, with its ears being its distinctive feature. The Scottish Fold cat appeared as a result of a natural random mutation — these cats evolved a gene that causes their ears to fold forward. Cat enthusiasts recognized the unique appearance of these cats, and breeders started breeding them specifically for their folded ears. However, their ears are not the only thing that makes them special. Scottish Fold cats are emotionally expressive, sociable, and do not like to be alone. So if you are often out of the house, this breed may not be suitable for you. But if you have free time, you might find that this breed suits you. Overview Weight: 5 to 11 pounds Height: 8 to 10 inches Coat and Color: Bred to have a white coat but can be seen in a variety of colors, commonly calico, tortoiseshell, and tabby patterns; can have short or relatively long hair Life Expectancy: 11 to 14 years

10. Ragdoll The Ragdoll cat is a deeply affectionate companion cat. If you're looking for a cute and relatively easy-to-care-for animal, the Ragdoll is an ideal choice. The Ragdoll cat will follow its owner from one room to another, eagerly greet the owner after a day out, and even play games like ball chasing. Ragdoll cats are friendly with children and other pets, making them excellent family pets. Overview Height: 11 to 13 inches Weight: 10 to 20 pounds Coat and Color: Medium-length, silky plush coat; light-colored body with a darker face, legs, tail, and ears; coat patterns include bi-color, van, mitted, and colorpoint; coat colors include seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, and cream; blue eyes Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years