5 of the calmest cat breeds for quiet cat owners

If you’re thinking of getting your first cat, you may already know exactly the kind of feline friend you’d like. If you’re not sure, there are a few questions you might ask yourself. They will help you figure out what breed of cat matches your preferences.

One very important thing you need to consider is how laid back you’d like your new furry friend to be. If you have a lot of free time, you might want one that is high energy and wants to play all the time.

But, if you like a quiet environment, calm cat breeds might be better for you. Here are 5 of the mellowest cat breeds:

Ragdoll Cats 

These affectionate cats get their name because they go limp when picked up. People know Ragdoll cats for their calm and gentle nature. They have an age expectancy between 12 to 17 years. These furry friends are fairly large sometimes reaching up to 20 pounds. Keep that in mind when it’s time to pick a litter box. They are known for their beautiful blue eyes and luxurious coats. They come in various colours and patterns.

Ragdolls are laid-back cats. They go along with whatever you have in mind. If you like to cozy up on the couch with a book, this docile cat breed will gladly curl up on your lap and nap while you read. If you have a busy home with young family members, the ragdoll will be in heaven while they’re the center of attention. If you already have other pets at home, it shouldn’t be hard for your ragdoll to get along with them.

Grooming needs:  Once a day

Feed them: Highest quality food you can afford

Health issues:  Heart and kidney disease, weight control

See the vet: Twice a year

British Shorthair

These great companions are the inspiration for the popular character in Alice in Wonderland. They come in various colours. But they’re mostly known for their short hair which is a thick blue-grey coat and their copper eyes. This quiet breed grows to be between 7 to 18 pounds and has a life expectancy of 14 to 18 years.

British shorthair cats are known to be intelligent, and loyal companions, and make great family pets. Although they enjoy being around their favorite human, they’re not really lap cats. They would rather sit next to you than on you. They also don’t necessarily enjoy being held so keep that in mind if you prefer a cuddlier cat. They are ok with kids so long as the kids are taught how to play with their fur siblings.

Grooming needs:  Once a week

Feed them: Mix of wet and dry food

Health issues:  Generally healthy though can be prone to heart disease and hip dysplasia

See the vet: At your vet’s suggestion

Persian Cats – The Flat Nose Cat

The most recognizable feature of Persians is their flat nose. I’ll speak more about this shortly, but I’d like to say that the flatter the nose, the more health issues your fur baby will have. They are medium-sized cats and can weigh up to 12 pounds. They can live up to 20 years. These long-haired cats come in every single colour and pattern. Their eyes also come in a variety of colours. To me, they look like grumpy old men with very big moustaches. Although I’m on the fence about whether you should dress up your cat, Persians would look great in plaid and a monocle.

This breed of cat makes a great addition to any type of family. Persians show up on any list of friendliest cat breeds. They want to form strong bonds with their owner so lots of play time is perfect for them. But everyone needs some alone time now and then. Persian cats are no different. If they go off somewhere in another room, let them enjoy their time. They will soon come back to you for more cuddles. For those of you living in smaller spaces, these cats do well in apartments. These four-legged friends are definitely more indoor cat breeds. 

Grooming needs:  At least once a day

Feed them: Persian cat-specific food

Health issues:  Respiratory issues related to their flat nose, dental and kidney issues

See the vet: Twice a year

Check out this article I wrote on how and what to feed your Persian fur baby.

The Exotic Shorthair

It should not be very surprising to know that the parent breeds of the exotic shorthair are the American Shorthair and Persian cats.  Breeders also mixed them with Russian Blue cats and Burmese cats to get different fur.  This medium-sized feline doesn’t weigh much more than 12 to 13 pounds whether male or female.  They lived to be at least 15 years.  They have short legs ending in a large paw.  Their silky coat is usually the same colors as Persian cats. They have round faces and their large eyes come in beautiful colors such as:

• Orange
• Copper
• Blue
• Hazelnut brown
• Green eyes

Like the Persian cat, this furry friend is often included among the friendliest cat breeds.  Their affectionate nature is apparent from a young age.  Pet parents who enjoy plenty of quiet time will find these pedigreed cats to be the perfect companion.  Although just as lovable and cuddly, they are a low maintenance version of Persians.  Although they are still playful, they enjoy a lot of sleep time.  Finally, this type of furry friend does get along well with other cats though maybe not as much with a Maine Coon than with a British shorthair cat because of those cat’s personality compared to Exotics

Grooming needs:  Occasional combing is good

Feed them: Kittens should eat kitten-specific food.  Be careful not to overfeed them.

Health issues:  Similar to Persian cats related to their flat nose

See the vet: At least once a year

Give your kitten one of the highest quality food Royal Canin Kitten wet food

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Birman Cats

Commonly known as the Scared cat of Burma, this breed is the oldest cat breeds. This feline friend is a mix of two of the most popular cat breeds; the Persian and Siamese cats.  They usually look like long-haired Siamese with their dark face and white paws.  Their silky fur will usually have point colors.  Most people prefer the tortie and tabby though.  This blue-eyed cutie is medium in size and will weigh around that 12-pound range. 

Birman cats are a delight to all cat lovers as they are very affectionate and have a gentle disposition.  This breed of cat is pretty quiet.  They are not very vocal and are an excellent choice for quieter pet owners. 

Grooming needs:  High maintenance.  Need to be brush a lot.

Feed them: Tends to have weight management issues.  Keep a close eye on portions

Health issues:  Mouth and heart disease as well as kidney issues

See the vet: Once a year though twice might help prevent severe health issues

So, if you want a super relaxed furry friend, the Ragdoll breed, British Shorthair, Persian cat, Exotic Shorthair and Birman cats are great options. Like humans, all cats have different temperaments, regardless of their breed. The best way to find a cat that matches what you want is to spend a bit of time with them before adopting. Good luck with your search for a new friend. I hope this article helped you narrow down what you think would be a great fit for you and your family.