Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

17 Lazy Cat Breeds Who Love to Chill (With Info & Pictures)

Black cat lazy eyes

Watching a cat race around the house having a great time is fun, but it isn’t for everyone. Yes, there are cat lovers out there who prefer a cat that is more chill and relaxed. These cats, those that lay at your side and take their cues from you, are some of the easiest to bond to and are the most affectionate out there. If you’re looking for this type of cat, here’s a look at 17 lazy cat breeds you’ll fall in love with.

divider single cat paw oct 2024

The 17 Laziest Cat Breeds

1. Persian

grey-persian-cat-resting-indoor
Image Credit: Nida69, Shutterstock

Known as a laid-back and passive cat breed, Persians can be considered a bit lazy. This cat prefers to lounge around and be tranquil. While they are adaptable cats that can tolerate most environments, they aren’t fans of lots of noise and strangers running around. Instead of a lot of activity, these cats prefer just laying around.


2. Ragdoll

Ragdoll cat laying down in a pillow
Image credit: madeinitaly4k, Shutterstock

A Ragdoll is as easy-going as they come. These lazy cats don’t freak out when strangers are around and they are loving to their owners. However, they are also a bit large in size. You’ll most likely find your Ragdoll chilling around the house rather than finding things to get into or being active.


3. American Shorthair

Black Smoke American Shorthair cat
Image Credit: marumaru, Shutterstock

American Shorthairs are considered one of the friendliest cat breeds out there. Unfortunately, they are also a bit lazy. Thanks to this reason, they can easily struggle with obesity issues. If you have an American Shorthair, it’s best to push them into a bit of activity for weight control.


4. Maine Coon

tuxedo grey and white maine coon cat
Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock

The big, beautiful Maine Coon is easily one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. If you aren’t familiar with these lazy cats’ personalities, you may think they are intimidating the first time you encounter one. Perhaps it’s their large size or maybe their sweet disposition, but you’ll find Maine Coons enjoy laying around and doing their own thing most days.


5. Selkirk Rex

Selkirk rex cat
Image Credit: athree23, Pixabay

A relative of the Persian, the curly-haired Selkirk Rex is a docile cat that is easy to handle. These small cats aren’t very fearful of people or situations either. While they are a bit more active than their parent breed, the Persian, you’ll notice they easily fall into the category of being lazy cats.


6. Exotic Shorthair

Exotic-shorthair-cat-focusing-in-the-foreground
Image Credit: Wutlufaipy, Shutterstock

Another relative of the Persian, Exotic Shorthairs are round-faced, short-haired cuties that are extremely affectionate to their owners. These medium-sized cats are a bit fearful and may hide when hearing strange noises or new people stop by the house. Instead of tons of activity, these cats prefer to lounge with their owners and take life easy.


7. Siberian Forest Cat

Ginger Siberian cat walking in rural yard
Image Credit: fantom_rd, Shutterstock

The Siberian Forest Cat is a mellow, water-loving cat that is affectionate and unafraid. Perhaps it’s this lack of fear that makes these large cats more relaxed than most. You’ll often find them chilling by the sink to play with water or lounging around the house without a care in the world.


8. Tonkinese

chocolate Tonkinese cat
Image Credit: dezy, Shutterstock

The Tonkinese is a vocal cat that is bred from the Siamese and Burmese. This breed is more active than the other cats on this list, but they are far from being considered hyper. Instead, they enjoy spending their time with their owners. Sure, they’ll go on walks and learn tricks, but they enjoy a nice cuddle more.


9. Burmese

burmese cat in gray background
Image Credit: Seregraff, Shutterstock

The Burmese are a perfect example of a homebody. Yes, these cats are vocal and like to be in the middle of things taking place at home, but they’d still prefer your lap to anything else. These cats are very calm and keep things simple when it comes to existing in their homes.


10. Russian Blue

russian blue lying down
Image Credit: Pictureslovers, Shutterstock

Russian Blues are known for their unique and beautiful coats and for being a homebody. These lazy cats prefer routine and aren’t fans of new places. They prefer hanging out with their owners, perhaps getting a few cuddles or even watching some television.


11. Korat

Korat cat resting
Image Credit: Gino Santa Maria, Shutterstock

The Korat is a breed that is known for being a bit difficult in show rings. This is due to their dislike of new places and people. While they aren’t rude or aggressive, they are another example of the ultimate homebody that wants to be left alone. These cats do best with their families and a set routine where they can lounge around.


12. Scottish Fold

Scottish Fold Cat laying on a couch
Image Credit: Alexander Sobol, Shutterstock

Scottish Folds fear being alone and bond closely with their owners. This being said, that doesn’t mean they won’t ever be active. This lazy cat breed will play games with their owners and love to watch what’s happening around them from afar and on their hind legs. However, they can easily compete in a game of doing nothing with the other cats on this list.


13. Ragamuffin

tuxedo ragamuffin cat on the table
Image Credit: Kill_Baal, Shutterstock

Ragamuffins have a lot in common with Ragdolls. While they are a separate breed, the Ragamuffin also enjoys laying around the house taking it easy. You’ll find that these cats enjoy following their humans around. However, that doesn’t mean they are doing so for strenuous activities. They just want to know what you’re up to.


14. British Shorthair

fat Blue British Shorthair cat
Image Credit: truenos86, Shutterstock

British Shorthairs are aloof cats that put you in the mind of an aristocrat. Yes, they will occasionally show affection, but it’s usually on their terms. Other than that, they spend most of their time lounging around the house and judging what’s going on around them.


15. Birman

Birman cat kitten with beautiful blue eyes lying on the floor
Image Credit: Daydream Photographie, Shutterstock

Birmans are considered sacred cats. They also bond closely with one person in the household. A beautiful breed, they aren’t considered overly active and don’t mind spending their time with their owners on the sofa.


16. Chartreux

Chartreux lying on the floor
Image Credit: LucasBouillon, Pixabay

While they are very intelligent, the Chartreux isn’t a cat breed that can be described as overly active. Instead, they bond with one person and prefer observing things around the house from afar instead of being involved.


17. Himalayan

A Himalayan cat laying on a living room floor
Image Credit: MULTI ILHAM ANUGRIYA, Shutterstock

Last on our list is the moody Himalayan. Yes, these cats prefer to be inside the house where they can enjoy all that the indoors have to offer. A good day for these cats is spending time with their owners, being petted, groomed, and allowed to lay around.

divider cats oct 2024

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a lazy and chill cat that is easy to care for and laid back, one from this list would make your perfect sidekick. While some of these cats are more playful than others, you can’t call any of them hyper. Instead, they prefer to keep to themselves and bask in affection. Doesn’t that sound like the perfect cat to bring home?

Sources
 

Featured Image Credit: Sasquillian, Pixabay

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

10 Best Wet, Soft & Canned Kitten Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Providing proper nutrition during kittenhood is the best way to ensure you’re laying the foundation for your new pet’s optimal health and longevity....

Working at Home With a Cat: Olga’s Pressure for an Early Dinner

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga. Happy holidays, everyone! We are...

160+ Country Cat Names: Great Ideas for Your Western Cat

Do you and your furbaby prefer life away from the concrete jungle? Or perhaps you’ve always had a thing for old Western movies...

Can Cats Sense Evil in a Person? Can They Tell if Someone is Bad?

We cannot know if cats can sense evil in a person. After all, defining “evil” from a scientific perspective is impossible. Therefore, we...

More related

Are Cats Territorial About Their Litter Box? Our Vet Explains

If you know anything about caring for cats, you’ll know that toileting habits are a particularly important aspect of feline husbandry. Cats will...

Are String of Hearts Toxic to Cats? Vet-Reviewed Houseplants Examined

If you’re looking to add houseplants to your home, the potential options can be overwhelming. However, if your home already has a cat...

My Cat Is So Skinny I Can Feel Their Bones: Should I Worry? Vet-Reviewed Advice

Many of us are so used to seeing large and overweight cats that it can be surprising to see a cat that is...

What Can Kill a Cat? 16 At-Home Items Vets Tell Us To Watch Out For

Being a cat parent is a responsibility that should be taken seriously. Your cat needs water, food, frequent litter changes, grooming, playtime, and...

Keep reading

Why Do Mother Cats Attack Their Older Kittens? 4 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Queens occasionally reject kittens who appear to be ill or spend less time caring for weaker ones when they have particularly large litters and not enough milk to provide adequate nourishment for all their babies. Mother cats sometimes stop giving...

cat and kitten playing outdoors

10 Best Lickable Treats for Cats in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Cats can be picky eaters, leaving you frustrated about spending money on cat food that goes uneaten. If you’re looking for ways to get your cat to eat, providing lickable treats is an excellent way to entice your cat. Most...

woman feeding her cat with a treat

How To Keep Your Cat From Jumping After Surgery: 10 Vet-Approved Tips

There can be many reasons why your cat has undergone surgery, and we bet you’re just happy to have them home now. Regardless of the cause, your vet provided you with post-operative care instructions and may have asked that you...

cat lying on bed under the sheet

Can Cats Eat Pretzels? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Risks

Pretzels are baked snacks with a dusting of salt on top. They’re addictive to you, but can your cat enjoy them with you? No, your cat shouldn’t eat pretzels, as they’re not species-appropriate snacks. To find out more, we did...

Can Cats Eat Pretzels

Is Argan Oil Safe for Cats: Vet-Reviewed Health Concerns

Argan oil is often found in cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, and conditioners. It’s also commonly used as a carrier for essential oils. Some evidence suggests that it may benefit humans, including hydrating skin and hair, and even help reduce inflammation. The...

Catster_Is Argan Oil Safe for Cats

Do Cats Get Lonely Without Other Cats? Vet-Reviewed Feline Social Behavior

If you live in a home with multiple cats, you know that despite a few disputes, they can get along quite well and even seem to be best friends in many cases. If one were to die sooner than the...

sad lonely cat lying on bed

Why Does My Cat Chew on My Fingers? 8 Vet-Verified Reasons

Cats do weird things sometimes, and if your cat has ever tried to chew on your fingers, you might be wondering what on earth has gotten into them. Some cats might choose to chew plastic; for others, their owners’ fingers...

Gray Cat bitting hand

7 Best Cat Litter Subscriptions of 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks 

Next to cat food, kitty litter is one of the most important things that you need when you own a cat. Adding it to your shopping list is all well and good, but the boxes can be unwieldy and heavy,...

orange cat beside litter box