Calmest Cat Breeds for Laid-Back People: Discover the Top 9
Pedigreed cats come in a range of shapes, sizes, coat lengths, and colors, each with varying energy levels. While some breeds are high-energy, others are notably mellow and laid-back. Here are nine calm cat breeds recognized for their relaxed personalities.
Breed Characteristics
The calmest cat breeds vary in appearance and size. Some mellow breeds are large while others are medium-sized. Calm cats might be long-haired or short-haired, with a hefty build or more moderate body type. Temperament will vary among individual cats, but some breeds are consistently less active than others.
Even calm cats need daily playtime or exercise, such as chasing after toys, climbing, scratching, and exploring. Some very calm cats might even need prodding and creative ideas to encourage them to get enough activity and exercise, which is vital for good physical health and mental well-being. Schedule at least two 15-minute play sessions daily, and more is always better.
01 of 09
Birman
Medium-sized with a sturdy build, the Birman cat has long, silky hair. Birmans always have four white paws, blue eyes, and are color-pointed: the light-colored body has darker “points” of color on the face, ears, legs, and tail. Birmans are laid-back and loving, making them a great pet for quiet families. These cats get along well with gentle kids and other pets, even gentle dogs.
Breed Overview
02 of 09
British Shorthair
Medium to large in size, the British shorthair cat has a short, dense coat and a distinguishing rounded head and face reminiscent of a teddy bear. Loving and affectionate but never demanding or clingy, the British shorthair is a great addition to any family. This cat has a quiet, laid-back personality and tends to get along great with everyone, including kids and other pets.
Breed Overview
03 of 09
Chartreux
The Chartreux is a medium-sized cat with a medium-short double coat with a unique texture—it’s slightly woolly and breaks at the neck, chest, and flanks like sheep’s wool. The coat is always a solid blue-gray color, and the hair ends are tipped with silver, lending an iridescent sheen to the coat. Chartreux cats are exceptionally well-manned, gentle, quiet, and friendly, making them wonderful family pets.
Breed Overview
04 of 09
Exotic Shorthair
The exotic shorthair is closely related to the Persian cat, with the main difference being the exotic’s short, plush coat, which makes them look like cuddly little teddy bears. Because the exotic is so much easier to groom than the profusely coated Persian, some people call the breed the “lazy person’s Persian.” Exotic shorthairs share the Persian’s mellow personality and are laid-back, gentle, quiet, and loving.
Breed Overview
05 of 09
Himalayan
Also related to the Persian, the Himalayan has a similar long, flowing, voluminous coat, but it comes in pointed colors like a Siamese cat. The breed is recognized differently by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA). CFA considered the Himalayan to be a color division of the Persian breed; TICA considers the Himalayan a separate breed from the Persian. Affectionate, snuggly, and mellow, Himalayans love to relax and cuddle and live harmoniously with most people and pets.
Breed Overview
06 of 09
Maine Coon
Don’t let the Maine coon cat’s size fool you—these gentle giants with the long, flowing coats are very relaxed and mellow. Nothing ever seems to faze a Maine coon. They play wonderfully with respectful kids and coexist peacefully with other household pets, including other cats and gentle dogs. Curious and outgoing, Maine coons enjoy being in the middle of family life.
Breed Overview
07 of 09
Persian
The Persian cat is medium to large in size with a round, flat face and a long, flowing coat. The Persian is the most popular purebred cat breed in the United States, and their calm, affectionate, and gentle personality likely has a lot to do with that position. Even the Persian’s meow is soft and sweet. They love cuddles, pets, and enjoy lounging around the house watching the day-to-day activity of their family.
Breed Overview
08 of 09
Ragdoll
The ragdoll is one of the calmest and cuddliest cats around. In fact, the breed earned its name thanks to these cats’ endearing tendency of melting limply into your arms while you hold them. Ragdolls are known to be exceptional with gentle kids, and they get along well with other pets, too. The ragdoll is a friendly and affectionate cat, making them a wonderful family pet.
Breed Overview
09 of 09
Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk rex is on the larger side, with solid build and substantial muscle and boning. The Selkirk’s unique curly coat gives it a crinkly “bed head” appearance, but the coat, which may be long or short, is surprisingly soft and luxurious feeling. The Selkirk is extremely laid-back, affectionate, and tolerant. These friendly cats get along great all people, including respectful children, and live peacefully with other pets.
