15 calm cat breeds: Personality, reactivity, playfulness

Whether you’re a future pet parent looking to adopt a cat, or a pet sitter preparing for an upcoming house sit, knowing which cat breeds are calm and friendly can make all the difference. While every cat has their own unique personality, these fifteen calm cat breeds are specifically loved for the peaceful energy they bring to a home.

What is the calmest type of cat?

The Ragdoll cat is often seen as the calmest cat breed. True to their name, they can go limp in your arms when you give them a big cuddle. And while Ragdoll kittens can be quite energetic, they typically grow into calm, affectionate, and gentle adult cats. 

What makes a cat breed calm?

Calm cat breeds have:

• Low reactivity to environmental stressors
• Gentle personalities
• A tendency to relax rather than seek high-intensity play

The influence of genetic history on cat temperament
Genetic history plays a big role here, as many of the calmest cat breeds were historically bred to be affectionate house cats. 

What is the best low-maintenance cat?

If you think the calmest and friendliest cat breeds are automatically the most low-maintenance ones, think again. Although all cats on this list are calm and most are quite independent, some breeds need extra care with grooming, cleaning, and weight management. If you’re looking for cat breeds that are low-maintenance overall, British Shorthairs, Russian Blues, and American Shorthairs might be the cat breeds for you.

What are loving and calm cat breeds?

Explore our guide to some of the calmest and friendliest cat breeds below. 

1. Ragdoll cat - the ultimate cuddly cat

Ragdolls are widely considered some of the calmest and friendliest cats. They usually get along with children and other pets, love a good cuddle on the couch, and will follow you around the house like a little shadow. 

• Average length: 17 to 21 inches
• Average weight: 10 to 20 pounds
• Coat length: Long-haired
• Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
• Personality: Loving, peaceful, devoted
• Suitable for: Families with gentle children and first-time pet parents

Fun fact about Ragdolls:

The name “Ragdoll” comes from the cat breed’s distinct tendency to go completely limp and relax all of their muscles when picked up or held.

2. Persian cat - the elegant lap cat

Persian cats are for you if you have a calm, peaceful home and would love an indoor cuddle buddy. They’re affectionate, quiet, and devoted, and are perfectly happy napping somewhere comfortable while you go about your day.

• Average length: 14 to 18 inches
• Average weight: 7 to 12 pounds
• Coat length: Long-haired
• Life expectancy: 15 to 20 years
• Personality: Gentle, serene, independent
• Suitable for: Quiet, predictable households or homes without children

Fun fact about Persians:

Persian cats were the ultimate muses of historical royalty; they were deeply adored by Queen Victoria, who owned several Persians during her reign.

3. British Shorthair cat - the independent one 

If you’re looking for companionship without being overly demanding, you should consider a British Shorthair. Although they love affection, you’ll find that your British Shorthair might prefer sitting next to you on the couch instead of on your lap.

• Average length: 22 to 24 inches
• Average weight: 7 to 17 pounds
• Coat length: Short-haired
• Life expectancy: 12 to 20 years
• Personality: Patient, calm, easygoing
• Suitable for: Busy working professionals, families with calm children, and households with other pets

Fun fact about British Shorthairs:

The famous, smiling Cheshire Cat from Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland was directly inspired by the round face and sweet look of the British Shorthair.

4. Maine Coon cat - the gentle giant

Affectionately known as the “gentle giants” of the cat world, Maine Coons are large and intelligent cats with an incredibly calm and sweet nature. They love playtime, and you might even be able to teach them a trick or two. High five, anyone?

• Average length: 30 to 40 inches (the longest of all domestic cat breeds!)
• Average weight: 10 to 25 pounds
• Life expectancy: 10 to 15 years
• Coat length: Long-haired
• Personality: Sociable, intelligent, playful
• Suitable for: Active families, large households, and homes with friendly dogs

Fun fact about Maine Coons:

Maine Coons have furry paws that act like built-in snowshoes, which historically helped them walk through heavy New England winters.

5. Exotic Shorthair cat - the loving lap cat

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of being a pet parent to an Exotic Shorthair, you know they are calm, sweet, and loving cats. They’re ideal for people who spend a lot of time at home, as they are affectionate indoor cats who love company.

• Average length: 12 to 15 inches
• Average weight: 7 to 12 pounds
• Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
• Coat length: Short-haired
• Personality: Peaceful, loyal, affectionate
• Suitable for: Apartment living, seniors, or remote workers

Fun fact about Exotic Shorthairs:

The iconic cartoon cat Garfield was drawn to perfectly mimic the body and expressive face of an Exotic Shorthair.

6. Birman cat - the sacred sweetheart

Birman cats are gentle, loving cats who love human connection. Once you get a Birman cat, chances are they will be loyal to you forever. They have a sweet, cuddly personality, and gorgeous blue eyes you can easily get lost in.

• Average length: 15 to 18 inches
• Average weight: 6 to 12 pounds
• Life expectancy: 12 to 16 years
• Coat length: Long-haired
• Personality: Loving, calm, gentle
• Suitable for: Peaceful households, remote workers, and families

Fun fact about Birmans:

Every purebred Birman cat is born completely white; they only start developing their signature darker face, ears, tail, and legs after a few weeks.

7. Russian Blue cat - the quiet observer

The Russian Blue is a no-brainer on this list of the calmest cat breeds. You might find them to be shy at first, but as soon as you win their love, your Russian Blue cat will be deeply devoted and loyal to you - without being too demanding.

• Average length: 15 to 18 inches
• Average weight: 7 to 12 pounds
• Life expectancy: 15 to 20 years
• Coat length: Short-haired
• Personality: Devoted, calm, laid-back
• Suitable for: Quiet homes, single pet parents, or couples

Fun fact about Russian Blues:

Russian Blues have a distinct facial structure that curves slightly upward at the corners of the mouth, making them look as if they’re constantly smiling.

8. Scottish Fold cat - the loving homebody

You’ll recognize a Scottish Fold by their folded ears, but it’s their sweet, calm personality that makes them an all-time favorite among families. They love being around humans and are perfectly happy curling up next to you while you work or watch TV.

• Average length: 14 to 16 inches
• Average weight: 6 to 13 pounds
• Life expectancy: 11 to 15 years
• Coat length: Short-haired or long-haired
• Personality: Sweet, loving, curious
• Suitable for: Families with calm children and homes with multiple pets

Fun fact about Scottish Folds:

Scottish Folds can sit as humans do. This pose is also known as the "Buddha sit", and yes - this is adorable and quirky and worth a little YouTube search.

9. Selkirk Rex cat - the social butterfly 

Selkirk Rex cats are known for being laid-back and getting along with everyone they meet; children, visitors, dogs… Selkirk Rex cats are calm, sociable, and love a good snuggle. Preferably in a warm lap.

• Average length: 9 to 11 inches
• Average weight: 6 to 16 pounds
• Life expectancy: 10 to 15 years
• Coat length: Short-haired or long-haired
• Personality: Patient, cuddly, tolerant
• Suitable for: Families with active kids and first-time pet parents

Fun fact about Selkirk Rex cats:

The Selkirk Rex is the only cat breed named after an actual person. The breeder, Jeri Newman, named the cat breed after her stepfather.

10. Ragamuffin cat - the big-hearted cuddler

Ragamuffins are famously affectionate. They will greet you at the door and follow you around the house - just to be involved in whatever you’re doing. They’re calm but playful, and generally unfazed by changes in their routine or environment.

• Average length: 12 to 15 inches
• Average weight: 10 to 20 pounds
• Life expectancy: 12 to 18 years
• Coat length: Long-haired
• Personality: Trusting, sweet, adaptable
• Suitable for: Apartment living or big families with kids and dogs

Fun fact about Ragamuffins:

Most Ragamuffin cats are fascinated by running water. So don’t be surprised if you spot them sitting on the edge of the bathtub or by a trickling faucet.

11. Chartreux cat - the quiet lover

The Chartreux is an ancient French breed known as the “strong, silent type”. They may be quiet and independent, but they’re fiercely loyal to their humans and secretly love hanging out with them.

• Average length: 15 to 18 inches
• Average weight: 6 to 14 pounds
• Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
• Coat length: Short-haired
• Personality: Calm, loyal, observant
• Suitable for: Single pet parents, calm households, or remote workers

Fun fact about Chartreux cats:

Legend has it that Chartreux cats lived with Carthusian monks in medieval monasteries, selectively bred to be silent so they wouldn't disturb deep meditation or prayer.

12. Korat cat - the smart supervisor

The Korat is a stunning cat breed from Thailand that craves a peaceful home above all else. Although they’re smart and playful, they’re also naturally gentle and calm. And their happy place is being curled up in their parent’s lap.

• Average length: 10 to 12 inches
• Average weight: 6 to 10 pounds
• Life expectancy: 15 to 19 years
• Coat length: Short-haired
• Personality: Sensitive, intelligent, protective
• Suitable for: Quiet homes, retirees, or calm families

Fun fact about Korats:

In Thailand, Korat cats are considered symbols of good luck, and are traditionally given to brides to bring a long and happy marriage.

13. American Shorthair cat - the ultimate family cat

American Shorthairs make a perfect family cat, as they’re usually undisturbed by the hustle and bustle of everyday family life. They strike the perfect balance between being independent and enjoying family attention.

• Average length: 12 to 15 inches
• Average weight: 6 to 15 pounds
• Life expectancy: 15 to 20 years
• Coat length: Short-haired
• Personality: Easy-going, affectionate, adaptable
• Suitable for: Active families, first-time pet parents, and homes with multiple pets

Fun fact about American Shorthairs:

Ancestors of today’s American Shorthair traveled across the Atlantic Ocean on the historic Mayflower to help protect food supplies from mice.

14. Himalayan cat - the gentle snuggler

Himalayans love being the center of attention, but in their own quiet, loving way. They’re generally calm and quiet, but they also have a playful, kitten-like side to them that sometimes comes out to play. Bring out the feather wand!

• Average length: 17 to 19 inches
• Average weight: 7 to 12 pounds
• Life expectancy: 9 to 15 years
• Coat length: Long-haired
• Personality: Devoted, sweet, adaptable
• Suitable for: Quiet apartments and homes with calm owners

Fun fact about Himalayans:

Don’t be fooled by the name - Himalayan cats don’t originate from the Himalayas. They were developed in the United States during the 1930s.

15. Burmese cat - the devoted one

While Burmese cats are slightly more social and playful than some lap cats on this list, they have still earned a spot due to their gentle, affectionate nature. They are widely known as a friendly cat breed that loves attention and cuddles.

• Average length: 15 to 18 inches
• Average weight: 8 to 15 pounds
• Life expectancy: 10 to 16 years
• Coat length: Short-haired
• Personality: People-oriented, sweet, trusting
• Suitable for: Families, remote workers, or homes with multiple pets

Fun fact about Burmese cats:

Burmese cats are sometimes lovingly called "bricks wrapped in silk" because of their elegant appearance but surprisingly heavy, muscular build.

Get the best care for your calm cat

If you’re thinking about adopting a calm cat breed, it’s important to consider care, too. Although they may not be very demanding, your cat still needs daily attention, care, and exercise. Keeping their routines steady is key to a happy cat. So, when it comes down to you going on vacation, it’s important to find them a like-minded sitter who’ll love and care for them like you do. Click the button below to find out more.

Useful resources

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