Independent cat breeds are perfect if you're looking to strike a balance between a kitty who wants to spend time with you and one that's happy to head off and do their own thing.
These breeds are known for enjoying human companionship but being equally comfortable and content spending periods of time alone, so if you want a feline friend who can respect your personal space while still being happy to see you, the cats on this list are well worth considering.
It's worth bearing in mind that independent doesn't mean these cats wish to be the sort of roommate you only see at meal times. While they're not demanding, these cats still require a play session or two each day with the best cat toys and plenty of love and affection.
However, if you work full-time out of the house or have a busy family schedule, here are a bunch of independent cat breeds who won't mind being left alone for several hours at a time...
20 independent cat breeds
1. British Shorthair
If you're looking for a non-demanding, laid-back, lovable fur friend, the British Shorthair is hard to beat. Sweet-natured and people-oriented, yet not at all clingy, they delight in spending time with their family but are also more than happy to do their own thing when their humans are too busy to amuse them.
Instantly recognisable thanks to their round faces and chubby cheeks, their teddy-bear good looks are all part of their charm. This quiet cat breed only meows when they have something they really want you to know they're placid, calm, friendly, and get along well with just about anyone – including other pets.
2. Russian Blue
A gentle and sweet cat who adores their humans, the Russian Blue is kind-hearted and is always keen to greet its favorite people at the door when they return home. The sort of feline who will grace you with their presence on their own terms, they enjoy a mix of time together and time apart to do as they please.
Sensitive cats who thrive on predictability, stability, and routine, the Russian Blue likes quiet and calm homes, so they're not the best choice if you have young children. They can also be aloof around strangers, but they are very affectionate in their own way with those they love.
3. Norwegian Forest Cat
Norwegian Forest Cats are a striking breed with thick, dense fur that keeps them warm in even the coldest of climates. Mild-mannered and patient, they're gentle cats who enjoy being part of the family. A friend to all, the Wegie (as they're affectionately known) is sociable while still retaining a strong streak of independence.
Loyal and devoted, they're intelligent and playful cats with great hunting skills — so be sure to invest in some of the best interactive cat toys, as they love chasing mouse toys and feather teaser wands! The Wegie is a heavy seasonal shedder, and their long coat requires a good weekly brush, but other than that, they're low-maintenance and lovable cats.
4. Maine Coon
Gentle giants who can reach heights of 18 inches and weigh up to 25 pounds, the Maine Coon is a favorite amongst families thanks to their patient and affectionate nature. Great with children, they love to play and are very mellow. While they have bursts of energy, they're happy to spend a good chunk of their day snoozing and don't require constant attention.
Content to be on their own, but equally happy when their humans return, the Maine Coon is a natural born swimmer who enjoys being in the water. Quiet cats who chirp when they're trying to communicate something, this breed enjoys the company of other pets and are easy to train.
5. Scottish Fold
While not in any way clingy, Scottish Fold cats are definitely an affectionate breed who enjoy cuddling with their owner and curling up on their lap. A stocky breed with round faces and folded ears, they're sweet and gentle cats who are very adaptable and tend to thrive in most living situations and environments.
Docile and loving, they're at ease around children and other pets and make faithful companions. Calm, inquisitive, and moderately active, they tend to follow their humans from room to room but aren't bothered if left to their own devices for periods of time.
6. American Wirehair
Known for their wiry, dense coat and easygoing temperament, the American Wirehair is a medium-sized cat with a muscular body. Good-natured and adaptable, they're equally happy living in a quiet home with seniors or a bustling family setting with children around.
Tolerant and calm, the American Wirehair has strong hunting instincts, so something to bear in mind if you plan to let them outside! Playful well into old age, they enjoy the company of their humans but retain their independence.
7. Persian
Mellow and calm with stunningly beautiful coats, Persian cats are one of the best cats for introverts, thanks to their quiet nature and their desire to get as much beauty sleep as they possibly can each day. Laidback, undemanding, and relaxed, they form deep bonds with their humans and are ideal if you're after a low-energy lap cat.
Persians have soft and sweet meows, but you won't hear them speak all that often as they tend to only use their voices when they really need to. They enjoy play sessions, but they don't like fast-paced ones, preferring a chilled-out pace that fits with their temperament. Just be mindful that their coats do require daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles, which your Persian will enjoy as they love a good grooming session.
8. Manx
Originating on the Isle of Man, there's more to the manx than its lack of a tail. These gregarious, playful, and intelligent cats are super dog-like in their behavior, so if you've ever wondered if cats can cats play fetch, it's a definite yes if you have a manx in your family.
Natural-born hunters, these cats love to play and will enjoy having a few of the best automated cat toys to run around after. Laid back and devoted to their humans, the manx gets along well with children and other pets. While they are very social, affectionate, and loyal, they still have a strong independent streak and don't mind being left alone.
9. American Shorthair
If you're after a self-sufficient yet loving cat with an even temperament, it's hard to look past the American Shorthair. A stocky breed that comes in a wide range of coat colors and patterns, this independent kitty will happily amuse themselves with their favorite toy (or an outdoor adventure if they're allowed to leave the house) until you return.
Easygoing and gentle, the American Shorthair is a great choice for new or experienced pet parents, and they get on famously with children, other felines, and cat-friendly dogs. Natural mousers, they enjoy climbing, so investing in the best cat tree is sure to win you some serious brownie points!
10. Himalayan
Part of the Persian group, the Himalayan is one of the oldest cat breeds around, and while their coats require a fair amount of maintenance to keep them looking their best, their delightful nature will make all that brushing well and truly worth it.
Docile, sweet, and loving, these affectionate cats are fairly lazy and enjoy snoozing the day away. But every now and again, they'll get a burst of energy and enjoy running around after a cat toy, so having a few of these on hand for when the mood strikes them will ensure they get the exercise they need to stay healthy. Easygoing cats with soft voices, the Himalayan does best in quiet and calm environments as they're not fond of noise or chaos.
11. Japanese Bobtail
One of the best cat breeds for dog owners, the sociable and agreeable Japanese Bobtail has a short pom-pom tail and comes in a range of different colors and patterns. Active, intelligent, and affectionate, they're energetic and make great playmates for children.
While they will settle in for a short cuddle on your lap, these cats are far too busy, curious, and adventurous to stay sitting still for too long. Charming, loving, and outgoing, the Japanese Bobtail has an independent streak and can always find plenty to amuse itself with.
12. Bengal
Bengal cats are a large and muscular breed with eye-catching leopard print spots adorning their coat. Confident, lively, and super inquisitive, they have a real thirst for adventure, so if hiking with cats is something you've always wanted to do, the Bengal could well be the feline friend for you!
Because they're so active and intelligent, Bengals need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to ensure they stay happy and healthy. However, that doesn't mean you have to amuse them 24/7 – this breed is quite content to entertain themselves as long as they have plenty of toys and puzzles to keep them occupied.
13. Abyssinian
Energetic and agile with a playful yet quiet nature, Abyssinian cats like to keep both their brains and their bodies busy, so investing in a cat puzzle feeder can be a great way to give them a daily workout.
They're loyal and loving cats, but because they're so independent, they don't like being handled – although that doesn't mean they won't surprise you by jumping up onto your lap from time to time. Engaging companions for people of all ages, Abyssinians prefer to be in the presence of their humans, but they won't hold it against you if they're left to their own devices.
14. Ocicat
The ocicat has one of those coats that will stop you in your tracks with exotic-looking spots that make them appear as though they've just wandered out of the jungle. But beneath their wild-looking appearance, the ocicat is a confident and outgoing cat who's deeply devoted to their humans.
Bright cats who will happily learn to play fetch and walk on a leash, they enjoy interactive play sessions and are very adaptable and affectionate. Friendly to everyone, including strangers, the ocicat will be quite happy to go off exploring or engage in solo play when their humans aren't around.
15. Ragdoll
Fluffy and laid-back little love muffins, ragdoll cats are incredibly affectionate and deeply devoted to their humans. If you've always wanted a lap cat or a kitty that adores cuddles, this is most definitely the breed for you!
Popular with families because of how placid and patient they are with children, ragdolls are gentle cats who are highly attuned to their families' needs and adapt easily to most environments. They adore being with their favorite people when they're home, but they're also independent enough to happily fly solo when they find themselves in an empty house or with owners who are too busy to entertain them.
16. Turkish Van
One of those cat breeds that prefer being outdoors, the Turkish Van is nicknamed the swimming cat because they absolutely adore the water. Mischievous and clever with a good dose of independence, this ancient breed is known for being active, loyal, and loving.
Agile climbers and jumpers, the Turkish Van is never happier than when they're running about and playing. Although they enjoy being with their people, they're not ones for being picked up or cuddled, and while they get on well with other pets, it's based on the understanding that they respect the fact that the Turkish Van is the boss of the household!
17. Birman
Beloved the world over thanks to their beautiful blue eyes, luxurious coats, and sweet and affectionate personality, Birman cats are a joy to have in the home. Delightfully gentle, patient, and tolerant, they're a fantastic choice for families with young children but make equally wonderful companions for people of all ages and stages.
Sociable and people-oriented, they're intelligent cats who respond well to training. Moderately active, they enjoy a play session or two during the day, but they're fairly low energy overall. Lovers of attention, they're devoted to their humans and enjoy being involved in household activities. While they prefer having their owners nearby, they're independent enough to do their own thing if you're at work or too busy to play.
18. Exotic shorthair
If you've ever wanted a Persian but can't quite cope with the thought of daily grooming sessions, then the exotic shorthair is well worth considering. This breed has the same look as the Persian but without the high-maintenance coat — and their temperament is almost identical as well.
Calm, sweet-natured, and gentle, the exotic shorthair is an undemanding kitty who gets along well with children and other pets. Highly affectionate, they're quiet cats with soft voices, and although they enjoy a daily play session, they're otherwise very low energy. Although they love attention, they're happy to wait their turn and won't be at all phased if they're left to their own devices.
19. Korat
One of the oldest cat breeds in the world, the striking silver-tipped blue-grey korat is a medium-sized kitty with a heart-shaped face and a robust build. Known as the 'good luck cat' in their native Thailand, korats are loyal, trusting, and energetic, and they'll quickly capture your heart with their loving and playful nature.
While many would struggle when it comes to how to teach a cat a trick, korat owners are fortunate because this breed is super bright and loves to learn. They crave stimulation, so interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and games are all great for keeping them entertained. Korats form very strong bonds with their owners, but they're independent enough to be quite content in their own company for several hours at a time.
20. Turkish Angora
The Turkish Angora is a beautiful sight to behold with its graceful ballerina-type body and gorgeous silky soft fur. An ancient breed with a curious nature, they're busy cats who are always on the go. More fond of being up high than they are of being on the ground, Turkish Angoras benefit from cat trees and kitty-friendly shelving that they can climb.
While the Turkish Angora adores being with their people and loves chatting away, they have a strong independent side and can be left alone all day without any issues – however, expect them to greet you at the door when you get home with plenty of conversation! They are loving cats that are tolerant of being handled and make wonderful companions for children.
Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis de Leaver.
Recent updates
This feature was last updated in April 2025 by Kathryn Williams.
