Pedigree cats are most affectionate, according to study

A survey has revealed that, despite their unusual appearance, the hairless Sphynx cat tops the polls when it comes to the friendliest and most affectionate breed of feline.

The study, published in the Journal of Veterinary Behaviour, revealed pedigree pets are the most amiable, with the Sphynx breed – which sells for around £800 – coming top of the list.

According to a survey for the study, pedigrees may be friendlier because breeders tend to leave kittens with their mothers for longer, during a crucial period in their development when they are still becoming used to humans.

The most unfriendly were crossbreed, non-pedigree felines – also known as domestic short-haired cats – despite the fact that they are Britain's most common variety.

Non-pedigrees were also found to be the most likely to ignore their owners, shy away from affection and flee from strangers.

The study involved 129 cats from 14 breeds, as well as crossbreeds. There was a mix of males and females, both neutered and not neutered, and aged from kittens to over 20 years old.

The owners were asked a mix of questions, including how their cat would react when they entered a room, how often it would rub up against them, whether it would appear to avoid them, and how it would behave around strangers and vets. Each cat was then ranked according to friendliness, based on the answers.