Winter does a certain something to all of us. The dark skies and cold, harsh weather keeps us couch-ridden and in our sweatpants for as many minutes of the day as we can get away with, and in turn, leaves us constantly longing for warm foods and drinks to consume. And it turns out, Montreal is one of the best places to go for the winter feasting of your dreams.

As the snowy season descends upon Montreal, it really starts to show its culinary colors. For anyone who loves to eat and wants to visit Montreal, winter is the time to go.

With generations of worldwide immigration bringing flavors from all over the world, Montreal cuisine holds a unique diversity. They’ve been praised for their exotic imported cuisines thanks to rich cultures that have relocated there with strong traditions, but they also have a knack for perfecting that common denominator food that frozen hands want to reach for in a hurry wherever they go to warm up inside and out: one chef, for example, explains that their fresh house bread is one of their most cherished dishes, served alongside melted butter that’s sizzling with a dash of whiskey.

In Montreal’s Little Italy, which celebrated 100 years of recognition this year, a restaurant pays homage to the cross of both the areas immigrant roots and indiginous roots with a famous ‘eel carbonara’ dish, which has been fished for millennia in the area.

Just nearby, an open-air market boasts large selections of local and imported cheeses, specialty Canadian maple products, both freshly hunted and grilled game and hunting equipment for those who want their own taste of the frontier, and the best spirits of the season – ready to fill those hands on the go who are always in need of a warm, filling pick-me-up.

Rich with the winter’s best agricultural crops, Montreal makes the most of its seasonal produce and makes little attempt to continue using materials that are difficult to get their hands on. As the people there say, there’s nothing green on the plate, because there’s nothing green outside. Not that anyone missed it when there’s mouth-watering poutine on every corner…

But the brilliance of the local cuisine truly lies in its diversity of cultures who all equally embrace the winter – bringing the best flavors celebrated around the world to menus designed specifically for those cold, trying months. With robust Arab, Chinese, Vietnamese, Haitian, European, and Latino communities – and, of course, boulangeries with freshly baked breads and pastries comparable only to France itself – survival never tasted so good.

There are plenty of cat breeds that are naturally friendly, and below, we will take a look at some of the top friendliest ones. If you’re a cat person but want one that loves to cuddle and play with you, continue reading and check out these breeds.

Many see its resemblance to the African wildcats. It is assumed that the cat was brought back from Abyssinia (Ethiopia) in the 1800s.

They do have the typical cat attitudes and may not be up for cuddling unless they want to play. The Abyssinian will definitely be up for playing any time you want, though.

These cats go all the way back to ancient Mesopotamia. This area would later become Persia, and in modern times, it is the country of Iran. They found their way to Europe in the 17th century and have since become one of the most beloved breeds.

The Persian cat is quiet and sweet. They love to cuddle up to you and spend time with you as you show them how much you love them. The cats are very territorial, though, and may not show the same love to others.

This is a mixed breed cat that is the result of a Persian and American shorthair mix. They bear a great resemblance to their Persian ancestors, but they have a shorter coat. All exotic shorthairs tend to be very affectionate.

On top of that, they are pretty laid back. This combined with their adorable face and large eyes has been known to make people fall in love with them rather quickly.

This breed is also a mixed one, hailing from the pairing of a sable Burmese and a black American shorthair. The Bombay first showed up in the ’50s and was officially recognized as a breed in the late ’70s.

The beautiful coat and large, expressive eyes are just the first things that you notice. Then, the kitty will show its true character as it jumps up and demands attention and cuddles. They love to get love and will probably knead and purr once you give them what they are asking for.

These giant cats originated as a mix between the local shorthair cats and the cats of the seafarers of the 1800s. The result of these two breeds getting together was large, sturdy cats with beautiful, long coats and tails that look like a raccoon.

This majestic looking cat is larger than the normal house cat, but that size is proportionate to the amount of love they want to get. Friendly and playful, the Maine coon plays well with other pets and humans, including children. They do require more grooming, but the love they give is well worth the extra work.

This breed was born in the ’60s. Though no one is certain, they are most likely the result of a breeding between a Persian female and a Birman male. This mixture produced a cat that has a relaxed attitude, and they like to floor like a ragdoll.

These cats are sometimes called “puppy cats.” This is because they are very lovable and playful. They love hanging out with their humans, and this includes walks on leashes and even playing fetch. Don’t worry about the family dog, either. They will love the dog just as much as you.

For decades, if you had a cat allergy but loved the little furballs, you were simply out of luck. Then, in the ’60s, someone bred a cat that was hairless – the Sphynx – and the allergy problem was solved. These cats are distinctive not only in their appearance but also in their personality.

This cat is friendly and loves attention. They love to curl up near you or in your lap and get tons of petting while they purr and knead.

This breed has a direct lineage to a barn cat from Scotland. The cat had folded ears and was bred to a British shorthair. Thus, the Scottish Fold was born. These cats are not only adorable but also playful and very intelligent.

Because of their intelligence, they love playing and need plenty of interactive toys. Along with this love for a challenging toy, they also love to give and get attention. In fact, because of its need for affection, it is one of the cat breeds that doesn’t do well with long periods of alone time.

In the ’50s, a Siamese cat was crossed with a Burmese cat, and what resulted was the Tonkinese. The mixture of the two breeds, of course, yielded a cat that inherited traits from both sides, and this includes friendliness and playfulness.

Tonkinese kitties are attention hogs and have a tendency to not leave you alone until they get the attention that they crave. This craving for attention extends to any human in the vicinity, as they are very social.

After what looked like a dark-colored Siamese was mated with a Seal Point Siamese in the ’30s, the Burmese breed came into being. Throughout the years, the breed has been bred to have a darker coat. The result was an athletic cat with a soft coat and a love of affection.

Burmese cats share the talkative nature of the Siamese but also retain a loving nature and friendliness. Even after your kitten has become a cat, they will still be playful.

This breed finds its origins in the beautiful Southeast Asian nation of Thailand, where it was once said that they were sacred to Buddhist temples. The breed found its way west in the late 1800s and has since become one of the most popular breeds, probably because they are beautiful and very friendly.

Siamese cats may be best known for their talkative nature, but this is just part of their communication system to let you know they are ready for some love. They bond with their humans very deeply but are still willing to get and share affection with others.

These cats have their origin back in the Russian islands of the Kuril archipelago near Japan. They are more known in Europe, but we have a feeling that once you find out how loving, friendly, and cute they are, they may become popular worldwide.

The cat is identified with a bobtail and an athletic frame. It is a hunter, so it loves to play. This breed is very good with both other pets and children, as well.

Though there is some controversy on the origins, most feel that the breed started in Russia and found its way into Europe aboard Russian vessels. The Russian Blue takes a little time to get warmed up to people and other pets.

However, once they do they become very playful and seek out tons of love. They are one of the breeds that attach themselves to one or two people and will not be overly friendly with strangers.

This breed is the long-haired counterpart to the Abyssinian cat that came into being in the ’60s. The gene for long hair was always there, but through breeding, people were able to get the gene to be more prominent.

If you are looking for that tried and true companion, then the Somali is a great choice. It is a friendly partner in crime and loves to play and cuddle up with you.

This may be one of the older breeds, as its origins date back to the 1700s on the Isle of Man in the UK. Another tailless breed, it is very friendly and has tons of energy.

It is one of those cats that demand to be in the limelight. They enjoy exploring and will even play fetch with you. It can be gentle, though, and a great cuddle buddy.

The name alone should be a sign of how cute and loving this cat is. The origins of this breed are unknown, but it is a cuddler that is very sociable. They love to sit in laps for hours and are intelligent enough to learn tricks.

These traits make them a great option for small children. This cat is so trusting and affectionate that they will let their humans hold them like a baby and may even be okay with dressing up.

This cat finds its roots in France, but the exact origins are a thing of mystery, as there are many different stories circulating. One thing that is not a mystery is their amicable and playful personality. They have big personalities and are quite demanding.

Even though they demand love, affection, and attention, they do not use their meows to get what they want (like the Siamese). Instead, they just nuzzle up when they want to hang out with their human.

The Japanese bobtail short-haired cat can trace its roots all the way back to 8th-century Japan. In the ’60s, they made their debut on the world stage when they were imported to America.

This cat breed is playful and energetic, which is loving and affectionate, too. This makes it a great choice for families, as it is not territorial and loves everyone who is willing to give it love.

The first big discovery of these kittens was in the ’80s in the US, but there are reports of short-legged cats dating back to the ’30s. These cats have short dachshund-like legs, which is why they got their name.

They love to give and get affection. Also, being full of energy, this breed is perfect for playing with little ones. The Munchkin cat is extra curious and loves to explore, too, but when they are done, they will curl up in your lap for hours.

The Cornish Rex is a breed that was created from a natural mutation, and it appeared in Cornwall in the 1950s. This cat is confident and almost has a regal air. Even though it looks regal, it is still very friendly, and it is very intelligent, as well.

This cat loves to be held and petted. It will even give kisses. Because of its very affectionate nature, it makes for an excellent emotional support pet.

In the 1980s, a cat showed up in California with curled ears, and when she had kittens, they also had the ear. This is the simple beginning of this breed. One of the defining features of the American Curl is the ears, but it also has a very personable temperament, too.

They tend to get along with everyone but attach themselves to an individual who they call their own. The cat loves to meet new people and is very playful.

The Bengal cat breed is a hybrid that is the result of mating a domestic cat with an Asian Leopard cat. As of now, they are only paired with other Bengal cats. They have a very distinct look, are very affectionate, and love meeting new people.

Craving attention constantly, they are definitely a great choice for someone who wants a cat that is always there for them. They love to explore and enjoy a good playdate.

This breed is the world’s smallest, and it finds its origins in the city of Singapore, where they are often called “drain cats”. The small size allowed them to sleep in drains, and that is how they got the name. The small stature also makes them very endearing as pets.

They are very happy and love to explore, as well as hang out with their humans. In fact, if there is a human nearby, they will definitely be around asking for a little love.

The climate of this breed’s homeland is what crafted the long, beautiful coat that it is recognized by. These cats have a long history and originated in Russia. The cat is one of the classic breeds and has tons of great traits.

It is very playful and commands a lot of attention. They always want to be interacting with their humans, or any human really. It also has a unique meow, which makes it even cuter.

This cat is beautiful and has a little bit of a wild cat-like look. It is not ferocious at all, though. In fact, the only thing this kitten will attack you for is cuddles and love. It is a mix of many breeds that all share a very sociable temperament.

The Ocicat loves to help and is much happier when it can be near a human or another friend. They will always be around and ready for a good hang out session.

This is another breed that owes its unique look to recessive genes, like the Corish Rex. The Devon Rex originates from Devon in the UK and was first reported in the 1960s. If you are looking for a loyal cat that will be your shadow throughout the day, then the Devon Rex might be a good option.

They are interested in everything you do, no matter how mundane you may think it is. This includes just sitting around, but when this happens, they will expect a little love, of course. They interact well with children, too.

This cat came about when breeders looked to create a Siamese cat that had different point colors. They bred a Siamese with a red American shorthand, and the Colorpoint shorthair was born. The result was a Siamese-looking cat with large ears, wide eyes, and an orangish tint.

They are very vocal like the Siamese, and they also have the personality, too. This means they are quite loving and intelligent.

This breed is the result of breeders trying to save certain breeds. In the 1940s and 1950s, to save the Siamese and several other types of cats, people began mixing them. The result is the Oriental shorthair.

Because of the mix of Siamese, Abyssinian, and many others, this breed retained many of the traits of each. Since most are among the list of friendliest and loyal cats, it is no wonder that this cat makes the list, too.

The history of this cat is not well-known, but many have reported its roots in Asia Minor in the lands that are now modern-day Turkey. This cat is a long-haired cat that is active and smart. They love to play.

That love for play doesn’t dwindle, no matter how old the cat gets. They can also be a little stubborn, but that is overshadowed by their ability to give out constant love.

The origin of this breed was questionable before they arrived in Norway. From that point, though, it is very clear that these large, beautiful felines adapted and hail from Norway. They were even said to have been on Viking ships to help with the mice problem.

They are large and have a ton of energy. These gentle giants love to give love, too, but it takes a little time for them to warm up to new people.

The Havana Brown finds its roots, like the Siamese and the Korat, in Thailand. They found their way west in the 1800s. This breed is rare but beautiful, and it is well worth the investment if you can find one.

Like puppies, they love to follow their humans around and are very sociable, accepting love from anyone willing to give it. Along with the sociable personality and affectionate traits, they are also very intelligent.

The Javanese is another result of an attempt to keep certain breeds alive. It is a long-haired version of the Colorpoint shorthair and, therefore, shares many of the same traits. They can be stubborn and very opinionated.

Even with that, they love to be near their humans and to play with them as much as possible. They also are just as comfortable being by themselves. This is a great option for those who travel for work or work long hours.

This breed was almost extinct after the wars, but thanks to a Russian Princess, they still exist today. The breed has been around for millennia, showing up in ancient paintings in Egypt that date back to 1550 BC.

They are a rare breed, so they are hard to find and may cost a pretty penny. However, if you are looking for a loyal cat that truly falls in love with their human, you may be willing to pay it. They are very loyal and don’t warm up to strangers. They are intelligent and have loveable personalities.

Most people think all cats hate water. That is not true, and if you get a Turkish Van cat, you will quickly realize this. The cat originates from the region of Turkey, around Lake Van, and has been a pet for centuries.

Turkish Vans love the water, and they are easily trained. This means you can train them to leash and even fetch. They are not overly affectionate, but they will always be around their human.

This breed is the result of breeding an Ocicat with a Bengal. The first Cheetoh was born in the early 2000s. They are very rare, but they are so cute and have retained traits from both of the parent breeds.

Along with being utterly adorable, they are also very social and love to hang out with their humans. They have a very laid-back temperament, which is perfect for families with kids. They love to cuddle and just be near their people.

The Korat breed comes from Thailand and was actually a prized gift for brides at their weddings. They would receive a pair for good fortune. Eventually, they found their way westward and have been capturing hearts ever since.

These cats are cousins to the Siamese cat and reflect many of the positive traits of that lineage. They are smart and friendly, love to trail after you, and wait eagerly to be inundated with love.

The origins of this breed are not well-known, but one thing that is known is that they have tons of energy. They can be wild at times, but they make an excellent companion, as they prefer to be near their humans than exploring the wild.

They are very loving, and their temperament allows them to be great choices for a child’s pet. When it comes to friendliness, they are not shy about their love. They are friendly to anyone who crosses their path.

The pixiebob is a mixed breed that originated in the US. It looks like a mix between a wild bobcat and a barn cat. The pixiebob has a lot of great traits that could make it the perfect pet.

It is smart enough to be easily trained to do things like play fetch. Plus, it is a very chatty cat that almost appears to answer you when you talk to it. Finally, it is very affectionate, too.

The Himalayan was born when a Persian and a Siamese were mixed in the 1950s. These cats live in the moment. They will be lying around relaxing one minute and jetting around the house the next.

Along with this split personality, they will also sit down and enjoy a good cuddle. They love to lie out next to their humans and just relax or even spend a good amount of time playing with interactive toys.

This cat breed finds its roots in the 1980s in upstate New York. Two long-haired barn cats bred and produced the first York Chocolate. These cats are shy at first, but once they warm up, they’re love monsters.

They are playful and highly intelligent. Even though they have a lot of energy, they are laid-back and easygoing. They can be calming and are always down for a little cuddle.

Another one of the newer breeds, this cat was first reported in the 1980s in Oregon. Its unique coat is something that takes getting used to, but they are so loving that you will soon stop trying to brush them out.

They are comedians and have very high intelligence. They are not always the most willing to cuddle up next to you, but when they do feel like it, you will know. Even though they may not be as affectionate, they are loyal and sociable.

The Nebelung is the long-haired version of the Russian Blue, and except for the fur, they have basically the same temperament as that breed. They take a little time to warm up to humans, but once they do, they will be your never-ending companion.

Cuddly and playful, these cats are excellent companions. They are intelligent and love to play with their humans, too. They do require a little extra grooming, so they are not a good pet for younger people.

The Sokoke cat comes from the forests of Kenya and found their way to Europe in the 1970s. Like a dog, this cat loves to go for walks, can be trained to do tricks, and loves to play fetch. They even greet you at the door like a dog.

If you have a large family and other pets, this won’t bother them at all. In fact, they feel like that just means more playmates and more love. They are very intuitive, as well, and will know when you have had a rough day and need a little extra love.

In the 1980s, a breeder wanted to give the people a miniature version of a tiger, so that is the origin of this highly affectionate playful breed. These domesticated sweethearts are friendly and very outgoing.

Along with that, they absolutely love to give love and will cuddle with their humans for hours. Plus, they are just adorable. From kitten to cat, these little tigers will keep a big smile on your face.

This breed is actually just the cat version of the lovable mutt. It is a mixed breed without a pedigree, but they have tons of love to give. They also tend to be incredibly intelligent. The mixture of whatever breed went into your moggy usually results in a friendly and fun kitten.

Some may think that a purebred is the way to go, but a “moggy” gives you the best traits of more than one breed, and this makes them ten times more lovable.