Top 10 Most Energetic Cat Breeds

It's too bad that cats have a stereotype of being cold, indifferent, and lazy. That's not true! Many cat breeds love to run, jump, and play. Some even enjoy playing fetch and going for walks!

If you have an active lifestyle and are looking for the purr-fect companion, then this list is for you. Please note that this is NOT a measure of how "good a pet" these breeds are. Both athletic and more laid-back cats can make great pets.

While activity level is important when picking out your new friend, you should also consider factors such as grooming requirements, how vocal the breed is, and their level of independence.

For my original rankings, I will only consider cats that are among the CFA's (Cat Fanciers' Association) 41 championship breeds. Therefore, exotic hybrids (Savannah, Bengal, Chausie), which are not fully domesticated, dwarf breeds (Munchkin, Skookum, Napoleon, etc.), and other lesser-known breeds (Arabian Mau, Mekong Bobtail, German Rex, among others) will not be listed.

Lastly, keep in mind that "tabby" refers to a coat pattern, not a breed.

The Top Ten

Abyssinian

The Abyssinian is a breed of domestic short-haired cat with a distinctive "ticked" tabby coat, in which individual hairs are banded with different colors. It is thought to have originated in Southeast Asia. The breed is known for its energetic personality, intelligence, and curiosity.

This elegant cat breed is easily recognizable by its long legs, large ears, and distinctive ticked coat. Abyssinians are very playful, athletic, and have a short attention span. Owners of the Aby describe their companions as busy. They always seem to be on a mission, whether it's sprinting laps around your house, scaling the bookshelf, or pouncing out at you from inside a tunnel.
Abyssinians can be trained to play fetch, and some even like water.

I have a cat who is part Abyssinian, and he is always on the go.
Somali

A breed of domestic cat that originated from the longhaired variant of the Abyssinian, the Somali is characterized by its bushy tail and tufted ears. Known for its playful and intelligent nature, this breed has a medium-length, ticked coat and enjoys interactive play. The Somali is also appreciated for... read more

This long-haired cousin of the Abyssinian is perfect for anyone who wants a cat with a high activity level but also wants to spend some time grooming. The Somali, with its vibrant coat and plumed tail, is said to look like a fox!
The Somali, like its Abyssinian relatives, is extremely smart and has been known to open cabinets and doors. While this may sound annoying to you, it also means that they can be easily trained to play fetch or run an agility course. At a recent cat show, I even saw one Somali being walked around on a leash!
Cornish Rex

A Cornish Rex is a breed of domestic cat that's characterized by a coat made only of fine down hair. Unlike most cats, which have guard hairs, awn hairs, and down, the Cornish Rex lacks the first two and has only the soft undercoat. This gives them a unique, suede-like texture that's pleasant to touch... read more

These curly-coated cats act like kittens their whole lives! Despite their slender appearance, these cats are extremely muscular and athletic. They love to play fetch! The Cornish Rex loves people and is perfect for a family who wants an active cat that will be right in the middle of the action.
Devon Rex

The Devon Rex is a breed of intelligent, short-haired cat that emerged in England during the 1960s. They have slender bodies, wavy coats, and large ears. Devon Rex cats are playful and affectionate, making them a favorite among families.

Although they share a similarly curly coat, the pixie-like Devon is an entirely separate breed from the Cornish Rex. The Devon Rex is always full of mischief, which has earned it its name, "monkey in a cat suit."
These cats love playing interactive games with their humans, including fetch and hide-and-seek. The Devon Rex isn't active all the time. They take it slow from time to time by perching on the shoulder of their favorite human.
Burmese

The Burmese is a breed of domestic cat that originated in Burma and is known for its muscular build and sleek, short coat. It is commonly sable in color and is noted for its affectionate, people-oriented nature. This sociable temperament has made it a popular companion cat around the world.

These muscular cats with one of the softest coats around are like "bricks wrapped in silk." Confident, spirited, and fearless, Burmese cats never fail to amaze their humans with their ability to jump like a pro.
Burmese love interacting with their humans and will readily engage you in a game of fetch. Unlike some of the other athletic breeds, Burmese are very affectionate and will always be ready for a cuddle.
Tonkinese

Tonkinese are a domestic cat breed produced by crossbreeding the Siamese and Burmese. They share many of their parents' distinctively lively, playful personality traits and are similarly distinguished by a pointed coat pattern in a variety of colors. Known for being affectionate and social, Tonkinese... read more

Originally a mix between the Siamese and Burmese cats, the Tonks, as they're lovingly called, inherited the voice of the Siamese and the playfulness of the Burmese. These cats love to play fetch, hide-and-seek, and tag. They're superstar climbers, so your Tonk (and your curtains) would greatly appreciate cat trees and scratching posts.
Similarly to the Burmese, Tonks will enjoy some lap time to break up their workout. Tonks are highly in tune with their humans' emotions, which is why they are also highly sought after as therapy cats. Tonks get along with everyone, from small children to other pets.

Tonkinese cats are so cute and energetic. They love playing and they are super intelligent.
American Bobtail

Developed in the United States, the American Bobtail is a cat breed known for its short, "bobbed" tail, which is caused by a natural genetic mutation. The breed has a wild appearance but is recognized for its friendly and intelligent personality. It is often described as playful and affectionate, making... read more

While many of the cats at the recent show ignored the toys when placed on the judging table, the American Bobtail stole the show by leaping and batting at the toy. When the judging was finished, it sealed the deal by giving the judge a high-five! No wonder she was chosen as best in show.
Whether strutting its stuff in the show ring or in your home, the American Bobtail is a great companion. American Bobtails are sturdy, muscular cats. Combined with their short to semi-long-haired coat and bobbed tail, these cats look almost like a lynx!
American Bobtails can play for hours on end, whether their game of choice is fetch, hide-and-seek, or taking a swim. They have powerful hind legs, enabling them to leap to amazing heights (teaser toy, watch out). As a large breed (a healthy male cat can weigh around 20 pounds), American Bobtails are slow to mature. If you want a playful cat, the American Bobtail's being a kitten for several years is an added bonus.
Egyptian Mau

Egyptian Maus are a small- to medium-sized, short-haired cat breed, known for being one of the only naturally spotted breeds of domestic cat. Alongside the Bahraini Dilmun cat, they stand out for their distinct coat pattern. They have a muscular build, a sleek coat, and expressive green eyes, and are... read more

While these cats are not hyper and active all the time, the Egyptian Mau is an incredible athlete. The Egyptian Mau is more than just muscle. They are incredibly beautiful, as the only naturally spotted breed of cat.
Egyptian Maus have a cheetah-like build, enabling them to run over 30 miles an hour, making them the fastest domestic cat. They can jump, too! With powerful hind legs allowing them to leap over 6 feet from a standstill, there is no perch in your house that the Egyptian Mau will leave unexplored.
Egyptian Maus love interacting with their humans, especially with their favorite humans. Playing with a teaser toy helps Egyptian Maus to fulfill their daily quota for exercise, interaction with you, and sharpening their excellent hunting skills.
Bengal

The Bengal is a domestic cat breed developed in the United States during the 1960s to resemble exotic jungle cats like leopards and ocelots. Early breeders crossed Asian leopard cats with domestic shorthairs, later refining the breed for temperament and health. Bengals are known for their distinctive... read more

Although I didn't personally add Bengal to this list, it is fitting that someone has, because on April 30, 2016, Bengals were added to CFA's miscellaneous class. The Bengal was originally developed in the sixties when Jean Mill bred a domestic cat to the Asian Leopard Cat. While the Asian Leopard Cat is a shy, timid creature, the Bengal is bold and outgoing.
Those wild roots make the Bengal an extremely athletic and energetic breed, and they stay this way their whole life. Bengals love to play and learn tricks, and their love for water means they'll even follow you into the shower. Most Bengals considered "domestic enough" to be pets are four generations removed from the wild (F4). However, please keep in mind before inviting a Bengal into your home that this does not compare to the thousands of years of domestication of the standard house cat.
Balinese

The Balinese is a long-haired breed of domestic cat with Siamese-style point coloration and sapphire-blue eyes. They're intelligent, affectionate, and vocal, much like the Siamese. Despite their refined appearance, Balinese cats are playful and enjoy activity.

Essentially a long-haired Siamese, the Balinese is named for the graceful dancers from the island of Bali. These cats are just as athletic as they are graceful, and would enjoy many of the same games as their Siamese cousins. They are also just as smart as the Siamese. In fact, they're considered the most intelligent of the long-haired breeds.

The Newcomers

?
American Shorthair

The American Shorthair is a breed of domestic cat believed to be descended from European cats brought to North America by early settlers. These cats were used to protect cargo from mice and rats aboard ships. Known for their calm temperament and adaptability, American Shorthairs come in a wide variety... read more

My cousin's cat is black and white and an American shorthair is she gives me playful bites
?
Siberian

The Siberian is a landrace variety of domestic cat that has lived in Russia for centuries and was standardized as a formal breed in the late 1980s. Recognized by registries such as TICA and FIFe, Siberians are medium to large in size with a thick triple coat and tufted paws. They are often described... read more

The Contenders

Japanese Bobtail

The Japanese Bobtail is a domestic cat breed that originated in Japan and is recognized for its distinctive, short tail that resembles a pom-pom. This breed is known for its energetic, playful nature and affectionate behavior. Japanese Bobtails frequently appear in Japanese folklore and are often depicted... read more

Say hello to the feline agility master! Japanese Bobtails can be easily trained to run courses that include stairs, hurdles, and weave poles. They are a perfect pick for anyone who wants to teach their cat tricks, including walking on a leash!
Singapura

The Singapura is one of the smallest breeds of cats, noted for its large eyes and ears, a sepia-toned ticked coat, and a blunt tail. The breed originated from Singapore and is known for its playful and affectionate temperament. It has been recognized by major cat registries such as CFA and TICA.

With adult females weighing in at as little as 4 pounds, the Singapura is the tiniest of all cat breeds. They don't let their size limit them. They can run and jump with the best of them.
Puras, as they're affectionately called, love their humans and are known as "pesky little people cats." Puras keep their kitten-like playfulness and curiosity their whole lives. They love being in the middle of the action and will follow you everywhere and help you with your household chores.
Siamese

The Siamese cat is one of the first distinctly recognized breeds of Asian cats. It is derived from the traditional Siamese, or Wichian Mat, landrace, one of several varieties of cats native to Thailand. The Siamese became one of the most popular breeds in Europe and North America during the 20th century... read more

The Siamese is one of the most recognizable cat breeds due to their unique appearance, which includes their long, svelte body, wedge-shaped head, deep blue eyes, and dramatic color points. Nicknamed Meezers, these aristocratic cats are mostly known for how vocal they are.
Meezers have more than a beautiful singing voice. They are also active and love jumping.

Siamese cats are definitely NOT lazy! They're the most energetic by far of all cat breeds. My three Siamese cats were always very energetic and totally adorable.
Oriental Shorthair

The Oriental Shorthair is a breed of domestic cat closely related to the Siamese. It retains the modern Siamese head and body type and appears in a wide variety of coat colors and patterns. These cats are intelligent, social, and often very vocal. They're known for forming strong bonds with their owners... read more

Orientals are like the Siamese in designer jeans. Originally bred as an experiment in color, Orientals come in over 600 color and pattern combinations. Orientals are playful, intelligent, and vocal, just like their Siamese cousins.
Colorpoint Shorthair

A variety of domestic cat similar to the Siamese, the Colorpoint Shorthair is distinguished by its pointed coloration on the ears, face, paws, and tail. This breed is vocal and social, often forming strong bonds with its human caregivers. It is also known for its intelligence and energetic personality... read more

Also cousins of the Siamese, these cats love working out! Playing fetch with you is a great way for them to keep in shape and show off their intelligence.
Ocicat

The Ocicat is an all-domestic breed of cat that resembles a wild cat but has no wild DNA in its gene pool. It was developed in the 1960s through selective breeding of Siamese, Abyssinian, and American Shorthair cats. The breed is known for its spotted coat, muscular build, and sociable personality.

When breeders bred an Abyssinian to a Siamese, in the hopes of producing an Abyssinian-pointed Siamese, they were shocked when a spotted kitten was the result! This new breed was called Ocicat, because it resembles the wild ocelot.
American Shorthairs were later added to the Ocicat lines, which gave them their muscular build. Ocicats are said to have inherited the American Shorthair's affectionate nature as well as the crazy antics of the Abyssinian and Siamese cats. Ocicats are active cats and love climbing! They are also bonded to their humans and follow them around like dogs.
Norwegian Forest Cat

While touring Norway with my family as a child, something I remember most is the Norwegian Forest Cat who lived at our hotel and who, every morning, would wander into the dining room in the hopes of snagging some tasty human food.
This is a very old breed in Norway, although they are still fairly new and quite rare in the US. Norwegian Forest Cats are moderately active. They will tear around the house during playtime and then restore their energy with a long nap.
Turkish Van
Russian Blue

The Russian Blue is a domestic cat breed known for its short, dense coat ranging from shimmering silver to deep slate grey. Originating in Russia, the breed was refined in Britain and Scandinavia in the early 20th century. Russian Blues are noted for their gentle, reserved temperament and intelligence,... read more
Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is one of the largest domesticated cat breeds. It is known for its long, thick fur, tufted ears, and sociable personality. This breed is often referred to as the gentle giant of the cat world due to its size and temperament.