Although almost any cat can make a good companion for children if socialized at an early age, these breeds remain gentle and unperturbed, even in a boisterous household.

American bobtails are excellent companions for children and do not mind being carried around like a sack of potatoes. They interact well with people of all ages and serve a great purpose in the family home as a major source of entertainment, due to their clownlike personalities.

Photo (c) Chanan Photography/Richard Katris

Curls are very people-oriented, faithful, and affectionate soul mates who adjust remarkably fast to other pets, children, and new situations. People say they are very doglike in their attentiveness to their owners, following them around so as not to miss anything.

Photo (c) Chanan Photography/Richard Katris

Looking for a cat that will be a gentle companion, a playmate for your children, and a full-fledged member of the family? Look no further than the American shorthair. This breed is known for its longevity, robust health, good looks, quiet disposition, and amiability with children and dogs.

Photo (c) Chanan Photography/Richard Katris

Congenial and outgoing, Bombays make intelligent, affectionate companions, combining the easygoing temperament and robust nature of the American shorthair and the social, inquisitive, lap-loving character of the Burmese. They do well with children and will often act as a "greeter" with visitors.

Photo (c) Chanan Photography/Richard Katris

Burmese are extremely people-oriented. They are good with children, will tolerate the family dog, and if introduced to it at an early age as something pleasant, most will enjoy traveling in a car.

Photo (c) Chanan Photography/Richard Katris

Masters of the pounce, Japanese bobtails love to ride on shoulders and are good travelers. They don't panic at shows or strange hotel rooms, they adjust to dogs and other animals, and are especially good with children.

Photo (c) Chanan Photography/Richard Katris

Korats are gentle pets, moving softly and cautiously, disliking sudden, loud, or harsh noise. Though active in their play, they are very gentle with children.

Photo (c) Chanan Photography/Richard Katris

The Maine coon is well known for its loving nature, kindly disposition, and great intelligence. Maines are especially good with children and dogs, and have always been a popular and sought-after companion.

Photo (c) Chanan Photography/Richard Katris

Norwegians are among the most people-oriented cats. As with any other breed, however, a kitten handled and petted by many loving people from birth and exposed to children, cats, and dogs will be different from one born and raised in an isolated area with limited human contact.

Photo (c) Chanan Photography/Richard Katris

RagaMuffins are wonderful with children. Their calm and patient temperament lends itself to the boisterous, robust play of youngsters, and they can easily be found attending tea parties or taking rides in baby strollers.

Photo (c) Chanan Photography/Richard Katris

Despite their shy nature, Russians are devoted and quite affectionate toward their loved ones. Sensitive to the mood of the house, Russians will "clown" to quiet a crying baby or sit patting your face to chase away the blues. They get along well with children and other pets.

Photo (c) Chanan Photography/Richard Katris

Scottish folds adapt to almost any home situation and are as comfortable in a room full of noisy children and dogs as they are in a single person's dwelling. They don't usually panic at shows or in strange hotel rooms, and they adjust to other animals extremely well.

Photo (c) Chanan Photography/Richard Katris

Turks are not only intelligent, but also extremely adaptable, loving, and playful -- which makes them an excellent choice for families with young children. They readily accept dogs and other animals, but their assertive natures often make them the alpha pet in the household.

Photo (c) Chanan Photography/Richard Katris