When it comes to finding the most relaxed cat breeds, there are a few that stand out from the rest. These cats have a calm demeanor, making them ideal for families, individuals, and homes with other pets. If you’re looking for a calm cat to curl up on your lap, you’re in the right place!
There’s something about the gentle nature of these cats that makes them perfect companions. They’re not just playful, but also deeply affectionate and content with a peaceful, low-stress environment. Imagine having a lap cat that loves to cuddle, a kitty that’s equally happy lounging around as it is spending quality time with its fur friends.
Some cats, like the Persian, are known for their luxurious, plush coat and tendency to enjoy lounging for hours. Others, like the Maine Coon, blend the calmness of a gentle dog with the playful curiosity of a cat. But regardless of breed, these cats are all perfect examples of what we would consider relaxed cats. Let’s take a deeper look at the breeds that make the list.
Most Relaxed Cat Breeds
1. American Shorthair
If you’re looking for a cat that’s relaxed, affectionate, and great with kids, the American Shorthair is a top choice. This breed is one of the most relaxed cat breeds, known for its laid-back temperament and ability to coexist peacefully with household pets. They love being part of family life and are great with small children and gentle dogs.
One of the best things about this short-haired cat breed is its low-maintenance coat. With a dense coat that requires minimal grooming, this breed is perfect for owners who want a relaxed and easy-to-care-for cat. Their coat color comes in a wide variety, including bi-color, parti-color, and blue cream, making them uniquely beautiful.
Despite their calm demeanor, these cats still enjoy playtime. They love cat toys, especially ones they can chase, bat around, or even learn to play fetch with. But after a fun session of playing, they’re happy to enjoy lounging in a sunny spot, showing off their lazy but loving side.
These cats are people-oriented and love to be in the same room as their owners. However, they’re not overly clingy, making them perfect for people who want a relaxed but independent cat. Whether you’re working from home or watching TV, your American Shorthair will be nearby, offering quiet companionship.
With a blue life expectancy of 15-20 years, this breed is a long-term companion. They are also low-key, meaning they don’t demand constant attention. They’re happy with a mix of play, cuddles, and alone time, making them ideal for busy families or single owners.
If you want a cat that’s charming, adaptable, and gentle, the American Shorthair is a fantastic choice. Their affectionate coat length, quiet nature, and gentle personality make them a wonderful addition to any home. Could this be the perfect cat for you?
2. American Wirehair
The American Wirehair is one of the most relaxed cat breeds, known for its distinctive coat and calm temperament. If you love a cat that’s rare, unique, and affectionate, this breed will steal your heart. Their coat feels like sheep’s wool, giving them a one-of-a-kind texture that sets them apart from other cat breeds.
Unlike some high-maintenance felines, the American Wirehair is a low-maintenance, easygoing cat. Their dog-like coat length doesn’t require much grooming, and their laid-back personality makes them a stress-free pet. They love to enjoy lounging around the house, always finding the best nap spots.
These cats are people-oriented but not overly demanding. They’ll happily coexist peacefully with other household pets and love being part of family life. If you have gentle dogs, small children, or other cats, the American Wirehair will fit right in, making them a superb companion.
Despite their calm demeanor, they are still playful and enjoy interactive cat toys. They love to play fetch and chase small objects, making them an entertaining yet relaxed kitty. Once they’re done playing, they’ll curl up next to you for a cozy nap.
This breed has a blue life expectancy of around 12-16 years, meaning they’ll be your fur friend for many years. They have a variety of coat colors, including bi-color and parti-color, making each one unique. Their Himalayan eye color can also vary, adding to their special charm.
If you want a low-key, affectionate, and easy-to-care-for cat, the American Wirehair is a great choice. Could this rare, curly-coated beauty be your next relaxed feline friend?
3. Birman
The Birman cat is often described as a teddy bear with fur—soft, cuddly, and irresistibly charming. If you want a relaxed, affectionate, and people-oriented cat, the Birman is a fantastic choice. They are one of the most relaxed cat breeds, known for their calm demeanor and love for cuddles.
Birman cats are famous for their pointed colors, which means their coat color is lighter on their body but darker on their face, paws, and tail. Their Himalayan eye color, often a deep blue, adds to their stunning appearance. They look elegant, but their playful and loving nature makes them the perfect family cat.
According to PetMD, they love family life and are great with small children, other pets, and even gentle dogs. Unlike some cats that prefer solitude, Birmans always want to be in the same room as their owners. They are incredibly people-oriented, meaning they thrive on companionship and affection.
Birmans are also known to play wonderfully with respectful kids. They enjoy cat toys, soft balls, and even playing fetch. They have a gentle, playful side but are never hyperactive, making them ideal for families who want a relaxed but fun pet.
Their plush coat requires regular brushing, but their affectionate coat length makes them easy to groom. Unlike some long-haired cats, their fur doesn’t mat easily, making them a great choice for owners who want a fluffy but low-maintenance pet.
With an odd-eyed life expectancy of 12-16 years, Birmans are long-term cuddle companions. They are the ultimate lap cats, happy to spend hours cuddling and purring on their owner’s lap. If you want a charming, affectionate, and relaxed feline, the Birman cat is perfect for you.
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4. Himalayan
Love Persian cats but want something a little more playful? Meet the Himalayan cat, a breed that combines the laid-back nature of a Persian with the social personality of a Siamese. They are one of the calmest cat breeds, known for their affectionate and easygoing personality.
Himalayans are lap cats through and through. They love cuddling, spending hours lounging next to their owners, and enjoying gentle pets. Their himalayan eye color, often a bright blue, gives them a striking and elegant look.
This breed has a dense coat, similar to the Persian, requiring regular grooming to keep it soft and tangle-free. Their coat length varies, but their flowing coat makes them one of the most luxurious-looking felines. They come in various pointed colors, such as blue, chocolate, and cream, giving them a unique and eye-catching appearance.
Despite their fluffy look, they have a calm demeanor and are low-key in nature. They are people-oriented but not overly demanding, making them a great choice for quieter households. They love to coexist peacefully with other cats, dogs, and respectful kids.
Their laid-back temperament means they prefer lounging over running, but they still enjoy playing with cat toys occasionally. They have a larger side, similar to Persians, but their love for relaxing and cuddling makes them the ultimate lap cat.
With an odd-eyed life expectancy of 12-17 years, the Himalayan is a superb companion for those looking for a gentle, affectionate, and relaxed cat. Could this fluffy cuddle bug be your perfect match?
5. Maine Coon
Meet the Maine Coon, a big cat breed that is so large and fluffy that people sometimes mistake them for small dogs. These gentle giants are one of the most relaxed cat breeds, known for their calm demeanor and friendly nature. Unlike some felines that prefer solitude, Maine Coons enjoy being around people and other pets, making them a perfect fit for family life.
Their immense ruff around the neck and their dense coat give them a majestic look, but don’t let their size fool you—they are laid-back and affectionate. They love cuddling but also have a playful side, often enjoying cat toys and even learning to play fetch. If you want a cat that’s both lazy and playful, this breed offers the best of both worlds.
One of the best things about a Maine Coon is its dog-like personality. These cats are people-oriented, meaning they’ll follow you from room to room, always curious about what you’re doing. They’re also highly intelligent and can be taught simple tricks, making them feel even more like a furry best friend.
Maine Coons are low-key and coexist peacefully with other pets, whether you have gentle dogs, other cats, or small children. They have a long blue life expectancy of around 12-15 years, and because of their calm temperament, they rarely show aggression. They’re perfect for households that want a loving and playful, yet relaxed, feline companion.
Their coat length requires regular grooming, but many owners love the bonding time that comes with brushing their flowing coat. They come in a variety of coat colors, from bi-color to parti-color, making each one unique. If you’re looking for a big, fluffy, affectionate fur friend, the Maine Coon is a top contender.
Despite their larger side, Maine Coons are gentle, quiet, and incredibly charming. They love to enjoy lounging in sunlit windows, watching birds outside, or curling up next to their favorite humans. If you want a cat that’s sweet, easygoing, and incredibly loving, the Maine Coon will steal your heart.
6. Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat is the ultimate mix of strength and sweetness. With their dog-like coat length and plush coat, they look like they belong in a mythical forest, but their calm demeanor makes them a wonderful household pet. They are low-maintenance and love to coexist peacefully with people and other animals.
This breed has a dense coat that protects them in cold climates, making them fluffy cuddle companions. While their coat length requires grooming, they don’t mat as easily as other long-haired breeds. Their stunning eye color, along with their bi-color and parti-color fur, makes them one of the most beautiful and elegant cat breeds.
Despite their wild look, they are quiet, affectionate, and playful, as highlighted by PDSA. Norwegian Forest Cats love to enjoy lounging near their owners, watching the world go by. They aren’t clingy but still people-oriented, meaning they’ll always want to be in the same room as you. If you want a relaxed yet independent cat, this breed is a great match.
They have a blue life expectancy of 14-16 years, making them a long-term companion. These cats play wonderfully with respectful kids and are known for their gentle nature. They’re also great with other pets, especially if introduced properly.
Their temperament is low-key but affectionate, and they love time prowling around the house, exploring new spaces at a relaxed pace. They are laid-back but still playful, often entertaining themselves with cat toys and cozy hiding spots.
Norwegian Forest Cats are sometimes compared to Maine Coons, but they tend to be more independent. However, they are still superb companions, perfect for families who want a loving but easygoing feline friend. If you love calm, majestic cats, the Norwegian Forest Cat is the breed for you.
7. Persian
The Persian cat is often called the “Lazy Man’s Persian” because they are one of the calmest cat breeds, preferring to enjoy lounging rather than running around like crazy. If you want a cat that is affectionate, elegant, and loves cuddles, the Persian is your perfect match.
With their dense coat, plush coat, and flowing fur, Persians are one of the most glamorous cat breeds. They require regular grooming, but their luxurious coat length makes them irresistible cuddle buddies. Their himalayan eye color can range from deep blue to green gold, adding to their mesmerizing beauty.
Persians are lap cats through and through. They love nothing more than curling up with their owners, making them the perfect choice for people who want a calm, affectionate, and low-key pet. They have a laid-back temperament, meaning they don’t mind spending hours just relaxing next to their favorite human.
As mentioned by RoyalCanin, they are great pets for those who live in quiet homes, as they prefer a peaceful environment. Persians coexist peacefully with other pets as long as they aren’t too playful. If you have small children, they are best suited for respectful kids who understand their need for gentle interaction.
Their coat color comes in a variety of shades, including blue cream, parti-color, and bi-color, making them visually stunning. Despite their fluffy appearance, Persians are low-energy and don’t require much exercise. However, they still love cat toys and can be playful when in the mood.
Persians have an odd-eyed life expectancy of 12-17 years, making them a long-term, superb companion. They are people-oriented, preferring to stay close to their owners rather than roam around. If you want a calm cat that’s loyal, loving, and incredibly charming, the Persian cat is the ultimate choice.
Unlike other breeds, Persians are not very vocal, making them perfect for those who prefer a quiet pet. Their temperament is unmatched, offering affection, companionship, and endless cuddles. If you dream of having a cat that adores being pampered, the Persian will be your best fur friend.
Conclusion
So, which of these most relaxed cat breeds is your favorite? Do you love the laid-back Persian, the playful yet calm Birman, or the gentle giant Maine Coon? Whatever your preference, these calm cats are perfect for those who want a cuddly, affectionate, and peaceful companion.
If you have small children or other pets, breeds like the Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, and American Shorthair are fantastic choices. If you prefer a lap cat, the Persian, Himalayan, or Birman will happily curl up next to you. And if you want a unique, quiet cat, the American Wirehair is a great option.
No matter which breed you choose, these fur friends will bring love, calmness, and joy into your home. Ready to welcome a relaxed, affectionate kitty into your life?
Start looking for your perfect calm cat companion today! Which one is your favorite?
