If you love peace and quiet, certain cat breeds might be perfect for you. Cats are great for people who enjoy a slower pace of life or live in smaller homes. Some breeds are especially known for their calm nature. Here are ten cat breeds that are perfect for anyone who treasures calmness.
Key Takeaways
- Persian cats are very calm and love lounging around.
- Birman cats are serene and enjoy gentle snuggles.
- British Shorthairs are relaxed and love to cuddle.
- Ragdolls are known for their love of being held and cuddled.
- Exotic Shorthairs are quiet and enjoy playing easy games.
1. Persian
Persian cats are the epitome of feline beauty, often considered the royalty of the cat world. With their luxurious long coats and serene disposition, they are the perfect companions for those who treasure calmness. Their expressive faces and large, round eyes captivate all who meet them, making Persians a perennial favorite among cat lovers. While their plush coat requires regular grooming, many find the bonding experience, along with the breed’s affectionate loyalty, deeply rewarding.
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.
Persian cats, with their luxurious long coat and serene disposition, are prime examples of feline grace and tranquility. Known for their sweet, gentle natures, Persians are the quintessential lap cat, preferring quiet environments where they can reign as calm, dignified companions.
For more information on Persian cats, visit CatsLuvUs.
2. Birman
The Birman, with its striking blue eyes and soft, color-pointed coat, is a breed that exudes mystery and allure. This breed’s gentle demeanor and affectionate nature make them beloved companions in households around the globe. Birmans enjoy a serene environment where they can lavish affection on their humans with purrs and cuddles. Known for their distinctive white "gloves," Birmans carry an air of elegance wherever they go.
The Birman is semi-longhaired in pointed colors and can be easily identified by its four white paws and deep blue eyes. Often called the Sacred Cat of Burma, legendary tales suggest these cats lived with Kittah priests in temples in Burma. However, this connection cannot be confirmed through any written materials.
Named after “Birmanie,” the French form of Burma, they are thought to have originated from Northern Burma. The Birman has a medium-sized body with a wide face and distinguished nose. Their medium-long length coat has a silky texture.
The Birman’s temperament is described as being affectionate, gentle, and tolerant. They are an intelligent, loyal breed that thrives in a calm and loving environment. The Birman cat personality is incredibly charming. They’re gentle, loyal pets. These animals do have the curious, outgoing traits that are common in many cats, but they balance it with a calm demeanor that makes them perfect for those who treasure tranquility.
If you’re looking for a cat that will be your loyal companion without causing a ruckus, the Birman is a purr-fect choice.
For more information on the Birman and other cat breeds, check out CatsLuvUs.
3. British Shorthair
The British Shorthair, with its round face and plush coat, is the epitome of a teddy bear in the cat world. This breed is the perfect mix of calmness and affection, making it an ideal choice for those who want a low-key companion. British Shorthairs are known for their easy-going nature and can happily coexist with children and other pets. Their dense coat comes in a rainbow of colors, with the blue-gray variant being among the most iconic.
British Shorthairs are not terribly active, preferring to relax and observe all the action of the house. To prevent them 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.
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.
These stocky, plush cats are one of the oldest English breeds known for their hunting skill and strength. The British Shorthair is sometimes called the “British blue” due to their dense blue-gray coat, but their fur can come in almost any color and pattern.
The British Shorthair is a sweet-natured and easy-going breed. They are not very active and as such, are prone to obesity unless their diet is carefully monitored. A British Shorthair cat is easy to train, and while they do not enjoy being carried or picked up, they are fairly tolerant of children and other pets.
For more information on British Shorthairs, check out this site.
4. Ragdoll
The Ragdoll is a blue-eyed beauty with a silky, semi-longhaired coat that feels like a cloud. This breed is known for its docile and placid temperament. When you pick up a Ragdoll, they tend to go limp, just like a ragdoll—hence the name! These gentle giants are perfect for families who want a laid-back companion that loves cuddles and will often greet you at the door.
Despite their large size, Ragdolls have a kitten-like demeanor that lasts well into adulthood. They are affectionate, playful, and intelligent, making them a beloved breed among cat enthusiasts. Ragdolls come in all pointed colors, including solid, tabby, and tortie, with or without white markings. And let’s not forget those mesmerizing deep blue eyes!
Why Choose a Ragdoll?
- Affectionate Nature: Ragdolls love to be held and will often follow you around the house.
- Family-Friendly: They get along well with children and other pets.
- Low Maintenance: Their silky coat has minimal undercoat, making grooming easier.
Fun Facts About Ragdolls
- Ragdolls are often referred to as "puppy-like" because they love to follow their owners around.
- They are one of the most popular cat breeds, ranking No. 1 on the CFA’s list for four years in a row.
- Despite their calm nature, they are quite playful and enjoy interactive toys.
If you’re looking for a cat that combines beauty, brains, and a laid-back attitude, the Ragdoll is the purr-fect choice. For more information on this amazing breed, check out CatsLuvUs.
5. Exotic Shorthair
Meet the Exotic Shorthair, the teddy bear of cats! These squishy, soft, and cuddly felines are like their Persian cousins but with a shorter, thicker coat that doesn’t need as much grooming. Sometimes called the "lazy man’s Persian," the Exotic Shorthair is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance pet.
Exotic Shorthairs are calm, quiet, and gentle. They are very loving and affectionate, making them great companions. These cats enjoy the company of their owners and are happy to sit and rest on your lap. However, don’t let their laid-back nature fool you—they are also playful and curious. Daily play sessions are a must to keep them from becoming overweight.
If you’re looking for a cat that combines the best of both worlds—playfulness and calmness—the Exotic Shorthair is your go-to breed.
For more information on why cats make great pets, check out Cats Luv Us.
6. Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold is an adorable and low-maintenance addition to any home. Named for how its ears fold forward and lie atop the head, their stubby stature and calm personality make them unlikely to attempt any impressive leaps. Instead, their adaptable, tranquil demeanor makes them the perfect companions.
The Scottish Fold is instantly recognizable by their unique folded ears, giving them an owl-like appearance. This breed is as affectionate as they come, thriving on human interaction and fitting seamlessly into families with children or other pets. Their calm personality is complemented by a playful side, where they enjoy interactive toys and games. Scottish Folds are adaptable, happy in both bustling households and tranquil settings. Their rounded contours, from their eyes to their physique, add to their overall charm.
Known for its round head and large, round eyes, Scottish fold cats are best known for their folded ears, which point down toward the head like a fitted cap and contribute to their adorable, rounded face. The Scottish Fold has a short, dense coat and a medium-sized body. This breed has a loving nature with a quiet voice and relaxed personality that doesn’t require much fuss to be happy. They also don’t require extensive grooming or exercise and are loyal to their human companions.
Named after the “fold” in their ears, a Scottish Fold cat makes for a very loving companion. These popular pets get along well with other animals and are usually good-natured, easygoing and very affectionate. A Scottish Fold cat craves attention, loves being outdoors and can be quite stubborn.
7. Russian Blue
The Russian Blue is a vision of elegance with a striking blue-gray coat and mesmerizing green eyes. This breed is known for a shy but loving nature, often forming a deep bond with their family while remaining cautious around strangers. Russian Blues are highly intelligent and playful, enjoying interactive toys that challenge their agility and wit. Their plush double coat not only adds to their beauty but also requires minimal grooming.
Russian Blues are independent but also enjoy cuddles. They have a calm temperament and are quite reserved around strangers, but they love their owner, family members, and other pets. These intelligent, curious cats can be trained to perform many tricks and play with toys, much like a dog can.
The Russian Blue’s short, dense coat ranges in color from light silver to dark bluish-gray, making them one of the best cats colors in the world.
For more information on the Russian Blue and other cat breeds, visit CatsLuvUs.
8. Maine Coon
Meet the Maine Coon, the gentle giant of the cat world! With their majestic mane and impressive size, these cats are hard to miss. Despite their large stature, they are known for their gentle and good-natured demeanor. They combine rugged beauty with a friendly, playful nature, making them a favorite among cat lovers.
Maine Coons are sociable, intelligent, and have a dog-like loyalty to their human companions. They are known for their chirping trills and bushy tails, which they proudly carry like flags. These cats are adaptable to various environments, making them perfect for families or individuals who value a calm and loving pet.
One of the most endearing traits of the Maine Coon breed is their gentle and good-natured demeanor. Despite their imposing size, they are known for their sweet and affectionate nature. They 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.
Fun Facts About Maine Coons
- Alternative breed names include “Coon Cat,” “Maine Cat,” “Maine Shag,” “American Longhair,” and “The Gentle Giants.”
- They are easy to train and known to be very vocal.
- They come in long-haired and medium-haired coat length varieties.
If you’re looking for a cat that combines size, beauty, and a loving personality, the Maine Coon is the perfect choice. Their gentle nature and playful demeanor make them a joy to have around.
For more information on Maine Coons and other cat breeds, visit CatsLuvUs.
9. American Shorthair
The American Shorthair is a breed with a rich history, believed to have descended from European cats brought to North America by early settlers. These cats were the original working cats, tasked with controlling rodent populations on ships and farms. Talk about a pawsome job!
This breed is known for its low maintenance and easy-going nature. They are sociable, affectionate, and make great companions. Plus, their short hair means less grooming time and more playtime!
Characteristics
- Weight/Size: Medium-to-large
- Coat: Short, comes in many colors and patterns
- Temperament: Friendly, good-natured, and intelligent
Fun Fact
Did you know that American Shorthairs are often mistaken for their cousins, the American Wirehair? While they share some similarities, the American Shorthair has a smoother coat.
Why We Love Them
American Shorthairs are not just pretty faces; they are also incredibly smart and inquisitive. Their playful nature makes them great for families, and their affectionate temperament means they love spending time with their humans. If you’re looking for a cat that combines brains and beauty, the American Shorthair is a purrfect choice.
Owning an American Shorthair is like having a little piece of history in your home. These cats have been around for centuries, and their legacy as working cats is a testament to their resilience and adaptability.
For more tips on cat care, check out our cat boarding hotel.
10. Chartreux
The Chartreux, with its sturdy physique and ever-present smile, is a historic French breed known for its hunting skills and gentle nature. This breed’s thick, woolly coat is water-resistant and comes in various shades of blue-gray, complemented by striking orange or copper eyes. Chartreux cats are known for their calm and observant personalities, often content to watch over their domain with a serene presence. Despite their low-key reputation, they are playful and affectionate with their families, making them a perfect companion for those who treasure calmness.
Chartreux cats have a calm and composed temperament. They are very easy to handle and affectionate; you can even travel with them without much fuss. Their medium-short, dense coat is slightly woolly in texture and always solid blue (gray). Their eyes can range from gold to copper, but a deep orange color is the most prized.
The Chartreux is a sweet, quiet, and easy-going cat that will make a lovely companion.
This lovely cat with a blue coat is the epitome of the kitty that wants to cuddle all the time. This is a very devoted feline that loves to spend time with its humans. The Chartreux first came from Persia to France and then from France to the U.K. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) recognized it in 1987.
They rarely make noise or meow, and have a playful temperament, making them a great companion for children. Their facial features give the impression of a “smile,” adding to their charming appearance. If you’re looking for a cat that combines calmness with a touch of playfulness, the Chartreux is an excellent choice.
For more information on the Chartreux and other calm cat breeds, visit CatsLuvUs.
The Chartreux is a charming and friendly cat breed known for its beautiful blue-gray coat and bright orange eyes. These cats are not only stunning but also have a sweet and gentle personality, making them great companions. If you’re interested in learning more about the Chartreux or other cat breeds, visit our website today!
Conclusion
So, if you’re on the prowl for a feline friend who values peace and quiet as much as you do, these calm cat breeds are the purr-fect match. Whether you’re a fan of the majestic Persian or the cuddly Ragdoll, there’s a kitty out there that will fit your laid-back lifestyle. Remember, adopting a cat is not just about finding a pet; it’s about finding a companion who will share your love for tranquility. So, go ahead, take a paws and consider bringing one of these serene furballs into your home. You’ll be feline fine in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Persian cats so calm?
Persian cats are known for their laid-back and gentle nature. They love lounging around and enjoy quiet, peaceful environments.
Are Birman cats good with kids?
Yes, Birman cats are very gentle and affectionate. They are great with kids and enjoy being part of the family.
Do British Shorthairs need a lot of grooming?
No, British Shorthairs have short, dense fur that doesn’t require much grooming. Brushing them once a week is usually enough.
Why are Ragdolls called ‘puppy cats’?
Ragdolls are called ‘puppy cats’ because they love to follow their owners around and enjoy being held and cuddled, much like puppies.
Are Exotic Shorthairs high-maintenance pets?
No, Exotic Shorthairs are relatively low-maintenance. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, and they are generally easy-going.
Do Scottish Folds have any special care needs?
Scottish Folds are generally healthy but can have ear issues due to their folded ears. Regular check-ups with a vet can help keep them healthy.