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10 Calmest Cat Breeds: With Pictures & Facts

Written by: Chantelle Fowler

Last Updated on February 28, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

Striped cat in modern home

10 Calmest Cat Breeds: With Pictures & Facts

Some pet owners want their animals to have infinite energy. They want someone willing to play at any hour of the day. However, other pet owners prefer a more docile pet companion, one that isn’t demanding and one they can snuggle up with.

If you’re hunting for the best breed with the calmest and most docile personality, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to share with you ten of the calmest cat breeds that would make a perfect fit for your home.

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The 10 Calm Cat Breeds

1. Ragdolls

blue eyed ragdoll cat
Image Credit: tativophotos, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 12–17 years
Weight: 10–20 pounds
Personality Traits: Docile, intelligent, easy to live with

Ragdolls have truly earned their name as they’re a very gentle and laid-back breed that’ll happily flop into your arms like a ragdoll. They are very calm and docile but incredibly affectionate, too. Ragdolls love attention but won’t ever demand it. They make great lap cats as they love relaxing and have a relatively low activity level compared to other breeds. Ragdolls still enjoy playing and being a part of family activities, but they’d just as happily crawl into your lap and nap the night away.


2. Birmans

Birman cat on the floor
Image Credit: Daydream Photographie, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 12–16 years
Weight: 6–12 pounds
Personality Traits: Quiet, docile, intelligent

Birmans are a beautiful breed with a lush and silky coat. They’re incredibly affectionate towards their family members and get along swimmingly with other pets (so long as they are introduced properly). This breed is very adaptive, so they’re perfect for households with children who can understand boundaries and other animals. Birmans love to give and receive love and are incredibly intelligent. They will greet every guest that walks through your door with a soft voice and affection.


3. Persians

grey persian cat
Image Credit: BeautifulPicture, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Weight: 7–12 pounds
Personality Traits: Sweet, affectionate, relaxed

Persians are an old cat breed that originated in Persia (modern-day Iran). They have long silky fur and a lion-like ruff around their necks. This breed is cuddly and loves to snuggle up with its favorite humans for closeness. They do tend to pick one or two people in their household who they deem worthy of their affection. Persians prefer quiet and predictable environments. It’s unlikely that you’ll ever find a Persian getting himself into trouble on your countertops or that he will ever make his way on top of your fridge. All a Persian needs is love and affection from his humans, some laidback play time, and regular meals at a somewhat predictable time.


4. Himalayans

himalayan cat on the grass
Image Credit: Catursari, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 9–15 years
Weight: 7–12 pounds
Personality Traits: Sweet, quiet, easygoing

Himalayans and Persians are very similar and are, in fact, related. Himalayans are a type of Persian as the breed was born from breeding Persians with Siamese. They tend to share many of the same personality traits and physical features as their Persian ancestors. Himalayans tend to be a little on the smaller size but often have a longer coat. They don’t have a lot of activity requirements and are happy to bat at a feather wand here and there but won’t be into long play sessions. Himalayans are a very affectionate breed that will bond closely with its humans.


5. Maine Coons

Maine Coon cat sits on snowy frozen path
Image Credit: Konstantin Zaykov, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 9–15 years
Weight: 9–18 pounds
Personality Traits: Affable, playful, silly

Maine Coons are the gentle giant in the world of cats. Most weigh in between 9 to 18 pounds, but it’s not unusual for them to weigh as much as 25 pounds. This breed can certainly be playful, but they aren’t hyperactive like other breeds, making them a great pick for households looking for a calm cat breed. Maine Coons are pretty laid back and patient so they’re perfect for homes with children. They are very affectionate towards their owners and are not known at all to be aggressive. Though they’re quiet and peaceful cats, they can be outgoing and aren’t one to shy away from strangers.


6. Selkirk Rex

selkirk rex cat on brown background
Image Credit: mdmmikle, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Weight: 10–15 pounds
Personality Traits: Relaxed, cuddly, active

Selkirk Rex cats are easy to recognize, thanks to their curly coat and broad heads. They, like Himalayans, are part Persian and have inherited their quiet characteristics. This breed is very gentle, relaxed, and docile. They love to be held and cuddled and are great for families with children. Selkirk Rexes tend to be goofier and more playful than Persians but that’s not to say that they’re hyperactive. They are social creatures and thrive in households with more than one cat. Selkirk Rexes can be lap cats when they want to be and are a fun-loving and attention-seeking breed.


7. Siberian Forest Cats

Siberian Cat Outdoor
Image Credit: Sunykiller, Pixabay
Lifespan: 8–10 years
Weight: 12–15 pounds
Personality Traits: Affectionate, social, intelligent

Siberian Forest Cats are a large and heavy breed similar to Maine Coons. They’re very social with humans and other cats but are laidback and quiet, too. They aren’t afraid of strangers and won’t shy away from asking for a belly rub from someone they just met. This breed is known for its affectionate nature and high intelligence. Forest Cats can be playful, especially in their younger years, and mature at a slower pace than other breeds. Some don’t reach adulthood until they’re five years old, meaning they spend a lot of their lifetime in the kitten stage. Their youthful attitude doesn’t mean they’re high energy and hyperactive, though. Siberian Forest Cats are mellow, quiet, and very sweet-natured.


8. Russian Blues

russian blue cat siiting on rock
Image Credit: Review News, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 15–20 years
Weight: 7–12 pounds
Personality Traits: Shy, affectionate, loyal

Russian Blues are a sweet, loyal, and affectionate breed that bonds easily with their human family members. They are easygoing and get along great with other cats, children, and even other species. They are a great lap cat but they tend to be a little shy or withdrawn around strangers. They are happiest in their home with their favorite housemates in a predictable routine. Russian Blues tend to attach themselves to one of their owners in particular, but won’t shy away from being affectionate with other family members, too. This breed is very intelligent and does require mental and physical stimulation. Don’t confuse this with hyperactivity, however.


9. Ragamuffin

colorpoint ragamuffin cat
Image Credit: Scarlat Cristi Iulian, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 12–16 years
Weight: 10–20 pounds
Personality Traits: Loving, placid, agreeable

Ragamuffins are a big and beautiful breed known for their calm and sweet demeanor. They’re very affectionate and cuddly, which makes them a great pet for families with children. In fact, this breed is so easygoing that they don’t mind being picked up, carried around the house, being pushed in strollers, or attending tea parties with your children. They’re also happy to sit on your lap or be next to you all day. Ragamuffins can get along great with other cats and even dogs. They are playful but not hyperactive. They’ll want to play with a feather toy or ball, but you won’t find them climbing onto your fridge or to the top of your curtains.


10. Japanese Bobtail

Black and white japanese bobtail
Image Credit: dien, Shutterstock
Lifespan: 9–15 years
Weight: 6–10 pounds
Personality Traits: Sociable, intelligent, loving

Japanese Bobtails are a rare breed, but their sweet, calm, and loving nature made it impossible for us to not include them on this list. This breed is happy to play fetch for hours and thrive in environments where they’re around people. Japanese Bobtails are fairly easygoing, though they do prefer the company of other Bobtails versus the company of different cat breeds. They also get along with dogs, though they do assume that they’re in charge when in the presence of dogs. This breed loves attention from their humans and demands their owner’s attention. They love following their humans around the home and showing off their silly demeanor.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re hoping to welcome a cat with a calm attitude into your life, any of the ten above would make a perfect fit for your household. If you had your heart set on a particular breed that didn’t make our list, don’t let that deter you. Cats of any breed can be calm so be sure you’re adopting the one you feel is the best fit for your family.


Featured Image Credit: Paul Hanaoka, Unsplash

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