The best cats for seniors are breeds we highly recommend if you’re after a loyal and loving feline friend to keep you company. Unlike dogs, cats don’t require daily walks, extensive training, or rough play sessions, making them the ideal choice if you have limited mobility or are simply looking for a low-maintenance pet.
While you’ll still want to invest in a few of the best interactive cat toys for your kitty to play with when they have a burst of energy, these breeds also enjoy plenty of quiet time and are well suited to senior living.
Cats provide us with a range of physical and mental health benefits, including relieving stress, reducing blood pressure, and helping us to manage the loneliness and isolation we can sometimes feel as we get older.
There are so many reasons to adopt a cat, but choosing the right breed for your lifestyle is really important. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the best cats for seniors — from gentle giants who will feel like a second shadow to quiet kitties who just want to snooze the day away, you’re sure to find the purr-fect cat for you.
1. Ragdoll
Cute, cuddly and oh-so-sweet, the ragdoll is an ideal choice for seniors thanks to its gentle and loving nature. One of the most affectionate cat breeds, the ragdoll is laid-back, friendly, and adores curling up for a snooze on a nice warm lap. It also has a silky smooth coat which many find therapeutic to stroke and because this kitty is so docile, placid, and attached to its owner, it makes for a wonderful companion.
2. Birman
An interesting fact about the birman cat is that they are delightfully low-maintenance, gentle, and quiet while still being highly social. With their bewitching blue eyes and irresistibly fluffy coat, they’re a striking breed who enjoy a session or two with the best cat toys but who most of the time are content to follow their human from room to room.
They take a keen interest in everything their owner does and will use soft chirps and meows to communicate with them. Never hyper or demanding, their easy-going and loyal nature makes them a joy to have around.
3. American shorthair
Known for their robust health, the American shorthair is a brilliant choice for seniors as their long lifespan means most reach a ripe old age of between 15 and 20 years — ideal if you’re wanting years of companionship and love.
They’re an affectionate and cuddly breed with a friendly nature. A fun fact about American shorthair cats is that they’re very adaptable, patient, and tolerant, which is great if you have grandchildren who visit regularly!
4. Persian
One of our favorite low energy cat breeds, the Persian tends to live for around 17 years and if they have their way, most of that time will be spent curled up fast asleep on your lap!
A calm kitty who is never happier than when lounging around with their human all day, Persians form very strong bonds with their owners and have a charming temperament, which are just a few reasons to love Persian cats. Just bear in mind that they do have long coats, so they require daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles from forming.
5. Snowshoe
A cross between the siamese and the American shorthair, the striking snowshoe is an outstanding choice if you’re looking for a devoted companion. Deeply social, they’re one of the cat breeds most likely to suffer from separation anxiety, which is why they’re such a perfect fit for seniors who are mostly housebound or those who are less active and prefer to spend most of the day at home. Vocal cats, they’re fantastic company for those who live alone, and they’re very intelligent so they’ll be happy to learn a new trick or two.
6. Russian blue
If you’re looking for a quiet but loving kitty, the Russian blue is well worth considering. These cats aren’t clingy or demanding but they still like to be close to their owner. They thrive in calm homes with low activity and enjoy a slow pace of life. Shy with those they don’t know but very affectionate with those they’re close to, the Russian blue is a loyal and good-natured breed with enough of an independent streak that you can easily leave them home alone for a few hours at a time.
7. British shorthair
A mellow cat who’s easy to take care of, the British shorthair is one of the world’s most beloved breeds thanks to their plush teddy bear good looks and gentle nature. A fun fact about British shorthairs is that they have bucketloads of personality, but they’re not boisterous and are independent enough to be content in their own company.
That being said, they’re very affectionate and have short bursts of energy where they’ll enjoy zooming around the house in hot pursuit of one of the best automated cat toys. Most of the time though, they’re happy dozing somewhere cozy and comfortable.
8. American wirehair
The American wirehair is an excellent choice for seniors due to their adaptable and flexible nature which will see them thrive in almost any living environment. Although they love spending time with their humans, they’re independent and will happily amuse themselves when you’re too busy to entertain them. Relaxed and patient, they’ll get on well with any children who visit and they love to bird watch, so a window perch will be much appreciated by this breed.
9. Scottish fold
Impossible to miss thanks to their distinctive folded ears, one of the surprising facts about Scottish fold cats is they’re actually born with straight ears that fold to varying degrees during the first three to four weeks of their life. That quirk aside, this breed is incredibly sweet and gentle. They’re also champion nappers, which is why they’re so often recommended to seniors in search of a cuddly and loving companion. Calm yet social, they get on well with other cats and communicate quietly.
10. Burmilla
A cross between the Burmese and the chinchilla Persian, the burmilla is known for its striking silver coat and charming personality. Playful (but not overly active) they’re a little more extroverted than the Persian, so they’re ideal if you want your kitty to come with a dash more spunk. Inquisitive and easy-going, they crave attention and their mischievous nature means they make for fabulous entertainers!
11. Maine coon
They may be one of the biggest breeds in the world, but don’t let that put you off — the Maine coon is one gentle giant. One of the best cats for extroverts, this mammoth love muffin is playful, outgoing, and never happier than when they’re with their humans. Affectionate, friendly, and a natural-born swimmer, these sweet-natured and loyal cats make incredibly comforting companions.
12. American curl
Known for their uniquely curled ears, the adorable American curl has an infectious personality that you’ll be hard-pressed not to fall in love with. A playful and people-oriented breed, they want to be involved in all aspects of your life, so if you’re looking for a true friend for life, this kitty is well worth considering.
It’s worth noting that the American curl is definitely the early bird of the cat world and will gently but persistently tap you with their paw and shower you with sweet head bumps to let you know that it’s time to get the day underway.
13. Chartreux
Looking for a kitty who’s the epitome of the strong, silent type? Look no further than the Chartreux. An affectionate breed, this kitty certainly bonds deeply with their owners but they rarely meow which makes them a good choice for those looking for a quiet life.
Mild-mannered yet playful, they enjoy steady and calm environments. Dependable, devoted, and able to be left alone all day, the Chartreux is a low-chaos, undemanding, and thoughtful feline who enjoys sleeping peacefully in its owner's presence.
14. Australian mist
Hailing from the land down under, the Australian mist is one of the best cat breeds for hot climates, so if you live in a warm place most of the year, this spotted kitty is a great choice. Charming and personable, they have an amiable temperament and are playful yet laid-back. Easy to train, they’re fairly low-maintenance, requiring just a weekly brush to keep their coat in tip-top condition.
15. Himalayan
The sweet and gentle nature of the Himalayan makes them one of our top picks for seniors in search of a feline friend. They adore giving and receiving attention and affection and while they have bursts of playfulness, they’re on the whole very sedate.
Friendly and intelligent, they’re a cross between the Persian and the siamese, so they do require regular daily grooming to keep their fur from becoming matted and tangled. However, because they love being handled and cuddled, you’ll find brushing them to be a walk in the park.
16. Ragamuffin
A big kitty with an even bigger heart, the ragamuffin loves being held and stroked, so they’re a breed worth considering if you’re after a lap cat who will enjoy being cuddled.
They have endless amounts of patience, so they’re a brilliant breed to have in homes where young children are frequent visitors. Known as the teddy bears of the cat world, these easy-going and laid-back cats have an undemanding nature that makes them the perfect match for seniors.
17. Exotic shorthair
If you’ve always wanted a Persian but can’t face all that daily grooming, the exotic shorthair is the breed for you. A soft and sweet-natured kitty whose fur requires no more than a weekly brush, this breed is loyal, easy to please, and mellow.
While by no means one of the top high energy cat breeds, they still enjoy short sessions chasing a ball or stuffed mouse around the house so they’ll definitely appreciate having a few toys to play with.
18. Peterbald
A hairless cat breed of Russian origin, the loving and social peterbald is one unique-looking kitty! Deeply loyal, this cat forms very strong bonds with their humans and they love the company of other pets, so if you have another feline in your family or a respectful dog, you’ll find they likely become firm friends.
Energetic and inquisitive, they’re ideal for seniors looking for a playful and vocal companion who will happily curl up in your lap at the end of the day.
19. Manx
A placid cat who never seems to get upset about anything, the Manx is probably best known for its lack of tail but what you may not know is that they also have an affectionate personality and bond deeply with their chosen humans.
Hardy and robust cats, they have clown-like personalities which means they’re brilliant for keeping a smile on your dial. Highly intelligent, we recommend investing in one of the best cat puzzle feeders to provide them with a daily dose of mental enrichment.
20. Turkish angora
A stunning cat with fabulously soft and silky fur, the Turkish angora is an elegant breed with a graceful demeanor. Interactive and vocal cats with social and affectionate natures, the Turkish angora is a loving and devoted breed who, with the right care, will often live to around 18 years of age.
While friendly towards visitors, this breed loves their own human best, although they do enjoy the company of other cats and dogs, so they’re a good choice for homes with other pets around.
21. Selkirk Rex
A curly-haired cutie with an affectionate personality, the selkirk rex is often referred to as a cat in sheep’s clothing and their calm and laid-back temperament makes them a joy to have in the home.
They’re gentle cats that enjoy sitting close to their favorite human and while they’re not demanding in the slightest, they do require company, so if you’re out for long portions of the day, you’ll want to adopt a more independent breed. However, if you’re mostly at home and are looking for a quiet companion to keep you company, the selkirk rex is a winning choice.
22. Siberian
The Siberian is a fantastic feline friend if you’re after an active breed that enjoys climbing, jumping, and exploring their environment. There are lots of great games to play with cats and if you have a Siberian in your home, they’ll certainly appreciate a few rounds of hide-and-seek or time spent doing an interactive puzzle. Loyal to their inner circle, this feline loves being in the company of others and while playful, they’re also calm, quiet, and very affectionate.
23. Khao manee
With a name that means ‘white gem’, the khao manee is a rare cat breed that originally hails from Thailand. A petite kitty with silky fur and a friendly and outgoing nature, the khao manee is completely devoted to their humans and will happily lap up all the attention and affection you care to send in its direction. Curious with a dash of mischief, this breed is super talkative and has a bold and confident nature that makes them charming companions.
24. Havana brown
We know, with Havana in the name, you’d think this cat hailed from Cuba and yet just to throw us a curveball, they actually originated in England! A striking kitty with a sleek and shiny coat, the Havana Brown is exotic to look at and has a charming personality that’s sure to win you over.
These cats like to be close to their people and enjoy being stroked, cuddled, and brushed. When not soaking up all the affection that comes their way, they enjoy spirited play sessions and because they’re so intelligent, the answer to can you train a cat is a big yes with this breed.
25. American bobtail
American bobtails bond deeply with their humans and they don’t like being left alone, which is why these cuddly and affectionate cats are such a good choice for seniors. While they may have a wild appearance, they’re very loving and have easy-going and clown-like natures that make these spirit-lifting kitties one of the best emotional support animal breeds. Friendly and always eager to greet visitors, they’re very people-oriented but are also quiet and non-demanding.
26. Munchkin
While they love to play, the munchkin's short legs mean they can’t climb or jump up onto high surfaces, so they’re a great choice for seniors who don’t want to have to rescue their feline friend from all sorts of difficult-to-reach locations.
Good with children and other pets, the munchkin is curious and fun-loving as well as sociable and highly intelligent. They adore cuddles and spending time with their humans and they’re also known to be hilarious hoarders, so if you notice items going missing, there’s a good chance your magpie-like munchkin has hidden them away somewhere!
27. LaPerm
The curly-haired LaPerm is a charming kitty with a gentle personality who is never happier than when snuggled up on their human’s lap. They have a loud purr and will often nuzzle into you and touch your face with their paw as a way of expressing their love.
Sweet cats who thrive on physical contact, the LaPerm is super intelligent, so if you’ve always wanted to learn how to teach a cat a trick, this is a kitty who will be all-too happy to be your student.
28. Burmese
There are so many reasons to love Burmese cats, with the fact that they’re super chatty and affectionate being two of our favorites! The ultimate velcro cat, this friendly and devoted kitty craves company and loves following its human from room to room.
A well-behaved cat with just a hint of attitude, they need a lot of physical and mental stimulation to ensure they stay happy and healthy. However, if you’re able to provide them with that, this cuddly, trusting and sociable breed will reward you by being the most loyal and loving of companions.
29. Bombay
The Bombay reminds us of a tiny panther and their curious and active nature means they’re always on the prowl. But while they may look like a wild cat in miniature form, they’re real teddy bears at heart and have a fun-loving, cuddly and mischievous spirit that makes them wonderful family members.
Because they love being around their people, be prepared to always have them underfoot or curled up on your lap. Oh, and if you have grandchildren, they are exceptionally great with kids, and will love playing and interacting with them.
30. Minuet
A hybrid mix of the Persian and munchkin cat breeds, the minuet (also known as the Napoleon) is a new breed with a body that looks a lot like the cat version of a dachshund.
Charming and affectionate cats, they have the sweet and gentle nature of a Persian coupled with the active and curious nature of the munchkin. Friendly and loving, they form deep bonds with their humans and have a reputation for being glued to their laps!
31. Tonkinese
If you’re an active individual who’d love an active cat by your side, the tonkinese may well be your new forever friend. These cats are intelligent and high-energy, meaning they need lots of physical and mental stimulation throughout the day to keep them fit and well.
They crave attention and affection and do best in environments where there’s someone at home for most of the day to keep them company. They get on beautifully with strangers and children, so they won’t mind frequent visitors, and while they are active, they’re also wonderful lap cats who adore being stroked while they snooze.
32. Balinese
If the siamese has always felt a bit too demanding and full on for you but you’d still like a social, energetic, and devoted kitty, the Balinese is a great compromise. This breed loves being involved in all of the household activities and will quickly become your second shadow.
They enjoy playing but they’re also big cuddlers and enjoy snuggling up with their favorite humans. If you tend to pop out frequently during the day, it’s worth noting that the Balinese will benefit from having another pet around to keep them company as they’re prone to getting into mischief if boredom sets in.
