Looking to welcome one of the sleepiest cat breeds into your family? While some felines are known for their zany behavior that sees them bouncing off walls and zooming about all over the place, others prefer snoozing the day away or spending quiet time with their favorite humans.
If a relaxed, sweet-natured, and calm little kitty is what you’re after, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in this list. Don’t get us wrong, these felines will still want to spend some time each day playing with the best interactive cat toys, but for the most part, their idea of heaven is curling up in a warm and cozy spot where they can catch up on their beauty sleep.
While all cats require daily physical and mental stimulation to help them stay happy and healthy, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance fur friend who’ll be quite content to snooze for hours at a time, one of the breeds below may be just what you’re after.
1. Birman
Loving and gentle little fluff balls, the birman is an undemanding breed who enjoys human companionship. One of the most affectionate cat breeds, they’re calm and quiet felines who make wonderful lap cats. Although they have small bursts of energy and will delight in a play session or two throughout the day, on the whole these sweet and laid-back cats prefer sleeping or chilling out with their favorite people.
2. Himalayan
A cross between the Persian and the Siamese, the Himalayan has a docile and relaxed nature and is never happier than when they get to snooze the day away on a nice warm lap! Even-keeled cats, they have a beautiful temperament making them a wonderful choice for families, and while they are known for being lazy logs, they will still appreciate a game or two with the best cat toys when they’re not catching up on their beauty sleep. Quiet and happy to be left alone for a few hours each day, they’re an undemanding, happy-go-lucky breed.
3. Ragdoll
An affectionate, patient, and go-with-the-flow feline, the ragdoll is one of the most popular cat breeds in the world — and it’s not hard to see why. Gentle companions who get along beautifully with just about everyone, they’re calm, quiet, intelligent, and love being picked up and carted around the house, making them an ideal choice for families with children. Placid, loyal, and devoted, they crave attention but don’t demand it and are always up for a nap with their favorite humans.
4. British Shorthair
Known for their teddy bear good looks and butter-wouldn’t-melt expression, the British Shorthair is the ultimate easygoing and laid-back kitty. A great breed for families thanks to their gentle nature, they have bucketloads of character which makes them a joy to have in the home. Quiet cats who have short bursts of energy followed by long periods dozing somewhere comfortable, they enjoy the calm life and have a nice independent streak that means they’re happy being left alone for a few hours. While the British Shorthair would claim they’re just big-boned, they are prone to obesity, but thankfully healthy weight loss for cats is achievable with smaller portion sizes and regular play sessions.
5. Ragamuffin
Large, long-bodied, and with a coat that’s oh-so plush, the ragamuffin is a gentle giant with a huge heart. There’s nothing this friendly feline loves more than being held and stroked, which is why they’re a fantastic choice for families with young children. They are easygoing teddy bears who adore being in the company of their people and while they do have moments of being energetic and playful, on the whole, they tend to veer more towards the lazy end of the spectrum and enjoy sleeping on a comfy lap or curled up in their favorite cozy spot.
6. Persian
When it comes to the best cats for introverts, who better than a feline who will spend the bulk of their day asleep beside you? The Persian has got sleeping down to a fine art but when they are awake, these gentle and sweet cats enjoy being stroked or playing with their favorite toy. Although they enjoy the company of their humans, they’re also independent enough to be left alone throughout the day — besides, given that they have their eyes shut most of the time anyway, we’re not even sure they’ll notice you’re gone! Because of their quiet nature, Persians are best suited to calm living environments.
7. Chartreux
Pronounced shar-tru, this robust breed hails from France and has a calm and quiet demeanor. With sweet round faces and muscular bodies, the chartreux looks like a little potato on toothpicks, which is all part of their charm. While they can come across as independent and a little aloof, they are very fond of their humans and enjoy following them from room to room when they’re not catching up on their beauty sleep (which they spend a lot of time doing because maintaining one’s potato-like physique takes work). Undemanding and preferring to observe life from the sidelines, the Chartreux may come across as being quite serious but they also have a silly and goofy side that they like to indulge once in a while.
8. Selkirk rex
A curly-coated cutie with a cuddly, playful, and laid-back nature, the selkirk rex has a warm and loving disposition that makes them well suited to family life. Mellow and friendly, they get on well with everyone, including children and other pets, and while they have bursts of energy throughout the day, these tend to be short-lived with the selkirk rex spending most of their time snoozing in a quiet spot. Gentle and sociable, they tend to make great lap cats, so they’re ideal for anyone looking for an affectionate companion. Because they have big appetites and are prone to obesity, we recommend weighing out portions of the best cat food to ensure you’re not overfeeding them.
9. Russian Blue
Cool, calm, and collected, the striking Russian Blue is a sophisticated feline with a shy yet affectionate nature. They like peaceful and predictable homes where they can spend their days relaxing or quietly interacting with their favorite humans. Loyal and loving, they are good-natured cats who do best in homes with adults who can create a stable routine for them. While fairly independent, they’re also social and will be waiting at the door to greet you if you work away from home during the day. Due to their high intelligence levels, it’s worth learning how to teach a cat a trick as your Russian Blue is likely to pick it up quickly and it’s a great way to offer them some mental stimulation.
10. Exotic shorthair
A short-haired version of the Persian, the exotic shorthair is a wonderful choice if you want a cat with the same temperament as a Persian but with fewer grooming needs! Sweet, laidback, and easy going, they’re slightly more active than the Persian but still spend a great deal of time sleeping. Warm, loving and very easy to please, they’re affectionate, loyal and quiet cats with soft voices. It’s worth noting that the exotic shorthair is one of the cat breeds most likely to suffer from separation anxiety, so they’re best suited to homes where someone is around for most of the day.
11. Scottish Fold
A chubby and cuddly little ball of fluff with a heart of gold, the Scottish Fold are known for their hilarious sleeping positions including what’s known as the Buddha pose which sees them stretch their legs out in front of them and put their paws on their stomach. There are lots of surprising facts about Scottish Fold cats that have made them one of the world’s most endearing breeds but it’s perhaps their soft, sweet and docile natures that have made them particularly popular. While they enjoy playing and hunting, they tend to also spend a lot of time sleeping — either on their own or next to their favorite human.
12. Maine Coon
The gentle giant of the cat world, the large and rugged Maine Coon may look like an imposing presence but spend just a few minutes with them and you’ll soon see that they’re just big teddy bears at heart. One of the best cats for extroverts due to their social and playful nature, the Maine Coon is at their happiest when surrounded by their family. Natural-born swimmers, they enjoy spending time in the water, but once they’ve had their daily dose of activity, you’ll usually find them curled up fast asleep — often in the strangest of places!
13. American Shorthair
The companionable American Shorthair is one of the darlings of the cat world thanks to their beautiful temperament. Friendly and affectionate, they are known for being super sweet members of the family and while very easy going and docile, they’re curious enough to bring a daily dose of entertainment to the house. Personable, adaptable, patient, and tolerant, they do well in homes with young children and other pets and tend to have quiet and independent natures.
14. Siberian
Immensely loyal to their inner circle, the Siberian is calm yet playful and has a friendly and patient temperament. One of the best cat breeds for cold climates due to their fluffy, thick and well-insulated triple coat, the Siberian is bright, athletic and tends to get on extremely well with both two and four-legged members of the family. While they’re generally mellow and enjoy regular snooze sessions, they prefer not to be left alone so are best suited to homes where there’s someone around to keep them company.
15. Korat
Hailing from Thailand, the korat is a total homebody with a regal and robust build. Heart-shaped faces and smooth curves give this kitty its beautiful outward appearance, but it’s also just as gorgeous on the inside with an affectionate, loving and expressive nature. Known to like to help their owners with any jobs that need doing, don’t be surprised if you find your korat inside your toolbox while you’re doing DIY tasks around the home or hopping into cupboards while you try to clean them. When they’re not assisting you with chores, they’ll be happily curled up on your lap catching up on their beauty sleep.
16. British Longhair
Loving and loyal cats with placid and calm natures, the British Longhair are known for their laidback (and dare we say lazy?) attitude to life. While they can be playful, they’re significantly less active than other breeds and prefer to spend their days snoozing or sitting quietly with their favorite humans. They are very affectionate and adore children, but they don’t like being picked up, so if you want to pet them, it’s always best to do it with all four of their paws on the floor.
17. Burmilla
A sturdy and well-muscled cat with a family-oriented nature, the burmilla is a cross between the chinchilla Persian and the Burmese. Bold, affectionate, and sociable, they have the outgoing disposition of their Burmese cousins while also possessing the laid-back streak made famous by the Persians. Gentle and endlessly loyal and devoted to those they love, they can be demanding like the Burmese but possess the Persian’s placid and tolerant temperament. Gregarious and good-natured, when not zooming around after one of the best automated cat toys they’ll happily spend hours lounging on your lap.
18. Australian Mist
Lovingly known as the cat from down under, the Australian Mist is a cross between the Abyssinian, Burmese, and the domestic shorthair. Friendly, outgoing, affectionate, and adaptable, they’re quite happy to be picked up and handled and love snuggling on a nice warm lap. They crave human companionship and do well in homes where there are children around to play with. Quiet and intelligent cats, they’re very mellow and tolerant and while they crave human interaction and attention, they also need a lot of mental and physical stimulation in the form of cat trees and the best cat puzzle feeders to ensure they don’t become bored.
19. Turkish Angora
With a ballerina-like body and the softest, silkiest fur you’ve ever felt in your life, the Turkish Angora is revered in their homeland of Turkey. They are extroverted and clever cats who like to be glued to their humans 24/7, so if the idea of personal space appeals to you, don’t get a Turkish Angora! They like being involved in all aspects of family life and at the end of the day there’s nothing they love more than snuggling up under the covers with their people and getting plenty of shuteye. Spirited and highly social, they get on very well with other cats and dogs — as long as everybody understands that they’re in charge.
20. Chinchilla
A breed from the Persian family, the stunning chinchilla has a gorgeous silver coat and striking blue-green or green eyes. While they have the same long and thick fur that the Persian has, their faces aren’t as flat, which is what sets them apart. However, in terms of their nature, they’re very similar. A low-energy breed that likes to spend most of its time dozing, the chinchilla is calm and friendly but can be reserved around strangers. Because they tend to be lazy, encouraging them to exercise each day is important to keep them healthy. Thankfully, they’re very intelligent felines so brushing up on tricks to teach your cat is a great way of giving their brains and bodies a workout.
21. Burmese
While they definitely have a curious and active streak that sees this endearing kitty frequently getting into mischief, the Burmese is a sensitive soul who craves human companionship and will always want to be near you. Their puppy-like behavior makes them a joyous addition to the family and because they’re so cuddly and trusting, they adapt well to all family situations and environments. Loyal and devoted, when they’re not playing or getting themselves into yet another pickle, you’ll find them snuggling into their owner for a nap.
22. Tonkinese
The handsome tonkinese has an irresistible people-loving personality that charms the pants off of anyone who comes into contact with them. Always eager to be held, cuddled, talked to, played with, and just generally doted on, the tonkinese is a mix of the Siamese and Burmese breeds and has a sensitive, sweet, and affectionate nature. As you’d expect, they’re also highly curious and intelligent cats who love learning new tricks and having interactive toys to play with. They can be a little bossy at times with their desire to take charge of all aspects of family life but rest assured, their heart is always in the right place.
23. Sphynx
There’s nothing worse than entering a room and realizing you’ve forgotten to put your clothes on and yet the bold and brave sphynx isn’t about to let their lack of fur stop them from living life to the fullest. Known for their big personalities, the attention-seeking sphynx is a cat that will stop traffic — and not just because they like running around naked. Among the most loving and friendly of all cat breeds, the sphynx is energetic and playful but they also love curling up in a sunny spot for a warm nap or snuggling up with their favorite human on the couch. Rarely shy, they get on like a house on fire with people of all ages and stages and consider every stranger as a potential new friend.
24. Norwegian Forest cat
There are so many reasons to love Norwegian Forest cats — for starters, they make great family pets thanks to their gentle and loving nature. Friendly and calm, they adore human attention and affection but they’re not demanding of it, preferring to let their people come to them. Playful and sweet, they love to cuddle and although they’re active and like to hunt, using up a ton of energy means they’ll often recharge by finding a warm and cozy spot to curl up in and sleep.
25. Javanese
A mix of the Siamese, colorpoint shorthair, and the Balinese, the Javanese is a curious and loving cat that’s incredibly devoted to their people. If you’re looking for a kitty that will want to be involved in everything you do, then the Javanese is a breed well worth considering. A playful breed that adores being cuddled and petted, they form strong bonds with their humans and are relatively easy to train thanks to their high level of intelligence. And while they are active and agile, they’re quite happy to curl up on the couch for a long snooze session — as long as their favorite people are beside them.
26. Manx
With their dog-like devotion, tailless body and sweet disposition, the manx makes for a wonderful family companion. Easygoing, social, intelligent and playful, they possess an independent streak which means they’re quite happy to be left home alone during the day — but they’ll certainly greet you warmly upon your return! If you’ve ever wondered, ‘can cats play fetch?’, it’s well worth giving this game a go if you have a manx in the house as they tend to enjoy games and they’re also good at mastering commands.
27. Balinese
With a delightfully clownish nature, the comical and playful Balinese will ensure you always have a smile on your face. A long-haired version of the Siamese, the Balinese is an incredibly bright cat and an engaging conversationalist, so if you’re looking for one of the cat breeds with the biggest meows, this kitty definitely fits the bill! Stunning to look at and with a devoted and loving nature, the Balinese will happily follow you from room to room chatting away the whole time. However, while they are more active than many of the other breeds on this list, they love nothing more than curling up with their owners at the end of the day.
28. Cymric
A Canadian cat breed that’s very similar to the manx, the cymric is a calm, gentle, placid and sweet-natured breed who is incredibly devoted to their human family. Because they’re so loyal and people-oriented, they don’t like being left alone for long periods of time so they’re best suited to homes where someone can be with them all day. Intelligent cats with a streak of mischief, they’re known for playing tricks on their humans and tend to make everyone laugh with their clown-like antics. On the whole though, they’re a very mellow breed who tend to enjoy long naps interspersed with short play sessions.
29. Nebelung
Beautiful on the outside and just as beautiful on the inside, the nebelung is a loving and loyal cat who thrives on stability, predictability and routine. One of the rare cat breeds of this world, they are very subdued, docile, easygoing and gentle cats and pair particularly well with seniors looking for a calm and affectionate companion. Although they do enjoy the odd game of chase and retrieve, they are content to spend hours sleeping next to (or on!) their favorite human and because they’re quiet, they do best in homes without children. While they form strong bonds with their people, they’re also very independent and will be quite content to be left home alone to sleep while you go out for the day.
30. Minskin
Swift, agile, and as naked as a newborn babe, the minskin is the result of cross-breeding the munchkin and the Burmese with just a hint of sphynx and Devon Rex thrown in for good measure. Extremely rare, they weigh no more than four to nine pounds in adulthood meaning they stay looking like adorable kittens throughout their life. Known for their love of children, they are a wonderful choice for families and because they form such strong attachments to their humans, they’re most content when curled up on a family member's lap.
31. Minuet
Also sometimes known as the Napoleon, the minuet is a new breed and is a cross between the Persian and the munchkin. While they’re still relatively rare, they’re in hot demand thanks to their enthralling and charming nature. They manage to be both spirited while also being gentle and are known for being inquisitive and very people-oriented. Social and friendly with warm personalities, they have moments of being energetic (which they get from their munchkin side) as well as docile times when they just want to sleep (courtesy of their Persian side). If you’re in search of a cat that loves children and will enjoy snuggling with you, the minuet ticks both of those boxes.
32. Moggy
A moggy (also known as a house cat or domestic cat) is any cat that hasn’t been intentionally bred. While every cat has their own unique temperament, one thing every kitty has in common is their love of sleep and the moggy is no exception. Generally healthy and robust, these kitties are known for being friendly and many have turned being a couch potato into a full-time job!
