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Many of us identify as cat people because they tend to be calmer and quieter than dogs. But of course it’s not that simple. Cats embody the hygge lifestyle better than anyone. They value comfort above all else, find pleasure in the simple things, and enjoy quiet days with the ones they love. We can learn a lot from them about how to be cozy.
Cats are also perfect for people who enjoy slower lifestyles or live in smaller spaces. According to Dr. Nicole Savageau of The Vets, “Elderly individuals or people with limited mobility might also prefer calm cat breeds as they require less interaction and stimulation.” Some cat breeds are particularly famous for their mellow personalities. If you’re looking to add a calm and quiet pet to your family, get to know these 11 sweet breeds.
The Birman has a quiet and gentle nature. Anastasiya Tsiasemnikava / Shutterstock.com
The Birman is semi-longhaired in pointed colors and can be easily identified by its four white paws and deep blue eyes. The Birman is frequently called the Sacred Cat of Burma because of legendary tales of these cats living with Kittah priests in temples in Burma. However, the tie cannot be confirmed through any written materials.
True or not, it’s easy to picture the calm and peaceful Birman quietly meditating alongside priests in a sacred temple. These cats are just as serene at home, offering you plenty of gentle snuggles and zen-like purrs that will envelop you in a cloud of calm as you stroke their silky-soft fur.
The British Shorthair loves to relax and cuddle. Gutzemberg / Shutterstock.com
One of the oldest cat breeds, the British Shorthair, was exhibited at the first cat shows in London in the 1800s. Their short, plush coat is very dense and firm. It comes in many colors and patterns, although blue-gray British Shorthairs are popular. With its round face and cheeks, the charming British Shorthair almost looks like it’s smiling.
The British Shorthair is not terribly active, preferring to relax and observe all the action of the house. To prevent a sedentary cat from packing on the pounds, it’s important to encourage them to exercise by initiating several play sessions every day using fun toys like teaser wands. Although they don’t always prefer to lie in your lap, British Shorthairs enjoy positioning themselves close by when you put your feet up.
Chartreaux cats are quietly affectionate. Peredniankina / Shutterstock.com
Like the British Shorthair, the Chartreux cat has been around for a long time. Written mentions of Chartreux cats appear in French texts dating back to the 1500s. Their medium-short, dense coat is slightly wooly in texture and always solid blue (gray). Their eyes can range from gold to copper, but a deep orange color is the most prized.
These cats are natural hunters, but in between bouts of dispatching rodents, Chartreux are very calm. You’re unlikely to find a Chartreux darting around the house or getting into mischief, but they do like to climb and perch up high. Affectionate with their human family but also content to hang out alone, the Chartreux is a low-maintenance companion.
The Exotic Shorthair is calm and loving. Pixel-Shot / Shutterstock.com
The Exotic is essentially a shorthaired Persian. Sometimes called the Exotic Shorthair or even the lazy man’s Persian (owing to its much lower-maintenance coat), this breed is similar to the Persian in almost every way other than the length of coat, which in the Exotic is dense, plush, and short.
Like their placid cousin, the Persian, Exotics are calm, quiet, gentle, and undemanding. They are very loving, affectionate, and cuddly. Encourage enough exercise with daily play sessions to ensure your Exotic does not become overweight.
Like its cousins, the Persian and the Exotic Shorthair, the Himalayan is very laid-back. Cicafotos / Shutterstock.com
Depending on the breed registry, the Himalayan is either a distinct breed or a pointed color variation of the Persian. The International Cat Association considers the Himalayan a separate breed, and the Cat Fanciers’ Association categorizes it as a color division of the Persian.
Essentially a Persian of another color, the Himalayan has the same serene and gentle personality as the Persian. The Himalayan is usually a bit more talkative—a trait inherited from the Siamese in the breed’s background. Play with this sedentary cat regularly to ensure they get enough daily activity and exercise.
Maine Coons have mastered the art of hanging out. photosbelkina / Shutterstock.com
The Maine Coon evolved naturally in Maine, developing a long, thick, weather-proof coat to protect them in the harsh Northeastern climate. It’s one of the largest cat breeds, with some male Maine Coon cats weighing more than 20 pounds.
At first glance, the massive Maine Coon might look intense, but this breed is incredibly laidback, a trait that has earned the breed the moniker of Gentle Giant. Charming and friendly, Maine Coons know how to go with the flow. More active than some of the calm cat breeds on this list, Maine Coons might enjoy some exploration and play, followed by some low-key hanging out.
The Persian is content to relax most of the day. Linn Currie / Shutterstock.com
No one knows just how old the Persian cat breed is, but longhaired cats resembling Persians are depicted in hieroglyphics dating as far back as 1684 B.C. We’re also not sure exactly where the breed originated, though it was named for its supposed birthplace of Persia (modern-day Iran). The hallmark of the Persian cat is its extremely long, dense, flowing coat and flat, round, pansy-shaped face.
The Persian is arguably the calmest cat breed out there. They are content to lounge (preferably on a pile of silk pillows or soft blankets) and watch life unfold around them. They are wonderful lap cats and incredibly loving and quiet. Make sure to get them off the couch a few times a day for some vigorous play.
Ragdolls love to cuddle and be held. Maciej Matlak / Shutterstock.com
The Ragdoll is a beautiful breed with a large, muscular body. They have a silky soft, semi-longhaired coat with minimal undercoat. Ragdolls come in all pointed colors (solid, tabby, and tortie), with or without white markings. All Ragdolls have deep blue eyes.
The Ragdoll is one of the calmest cat breeds and they love to be held. In fact, the Ragdoll breed earned its name from the way this cat naturally relaxes into your arms, almost going limp like a Ragdoll. Quietly affectionate and easy-going, the Ragdoll loves to play with adults and kids alike.
The RagaMuffin is cuddly, calm feline teddy bear. Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock.com
The RagaMuffin is a newer cat breed developed in California in the 1990s. They are fairly large, big boned, and have medium-long, soft, dense, silky coats. The breed comes in any color or pattern other than pointed colors.
The serene RagaMuffin loves warming your lap and snuggling on the couch, but they are also up for playtime with their favorite humans or feline friends. They enjoy being held and, like the Ragdoll cat, often melt into your arms. RagaMuffins are exceptionally loving and affectionate.
Russian Blue cats are independent but also enjoy cuddles. Kazuma Take / Shutterstock.com
The Russian Blue is an established breed that was one of those shown at the very first cat shows in England in the 1880s. The breed is known for their short, silvery blue-gray coat, which is soft, silky, dense, and plush. Other breed hallmarks include emerald green eyes and upturned corners of the mouth, which make the Russian Blue look as if it’s smiling.
The Russian Blue is quiet and easy-going. These cats don’t mind spending some time alone but are all too happy to climb into your lap for some snuggles when you return home. Russian Blue cats adore their human families but might be aloof with strangers.
Selkirk Rex are very laid-back, just like their distant cousins, the Persian and British Shorthair. Peredniankina / Shutterstock.com
The Selkirk Rex’s unique, curly coat makes this breed look like it’s having a permanent bad hair day. In fact, the coat is very soft and doesn’t need a ton of brushing (too much brushing will loosen the curls). The coat may be short or long and comes in a rainbow of colors and patterns.
The Selkirk Rex was developed using a curly-haired kitten born into a litter of ferals, as well as the Persian and British Shorthair—two breeds known for their calm temperaments. It’s not surprising that Selkirk Rex are super relaxed and cuddly. The Selkirk is also known for its patient and loving nature.
If you own a calm cat breed, make sure these laid-back cats get enough exercise. They might not naturally engage in enough physical activity, so it’s up to you to encourage them to move their bodies.
“It’s important for calm cats to get enough exercise because it helps maintain their physical health, prevents obesity, reduces stress and anxiety, stimulates their minds, and prevents behavioral issues such as boredom-induced destructive behavior,” Dr. Savageau said. “Encourage calm cats to get enough exercise through interactive play sessions, using toys like feather wands or laser pointers, providing scratching posts or climbing structures, and creating stimulating environments with hiding spots or puzzle feeders.”
