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.

Cat Breeds

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

By Melissa Gunter
Share
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

The Catster Newsletter

Expert cat care, straight to your inbox

News, insights, and useful advice, delivered to you.

No spam — unsubscribe anytime.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

Click a star to rate. You can leave written feedback afterwards. (We read all feedback.)

Melissa Gunter
Authored by

Melissa Gunter

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.

15 Calmest Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

15 Calmest Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Determining the calmest cat breeds is challenging. Individual felines vary in their temperament, and external factors also play a role in shaping an animal’s p…

Chris Dinesen Rogers
By Chris Dinesen Rogers ·
10 Popular Cat Breed Personalities Revealed (According to Research)

10 Popular Cat Breed Personalities Revealed (According to Research)

Have you ever wondered whether your cat’s personality is typical for their breed? There is a wealth of cat breeds in the world, and although each cat is an ind…

Misty Layne
By Misty Layne ·
13 Quiet Cat Breeds That Don’t Meow a Lot (With Info & Pictures)

13 Quiet Cat Breeds That Don’t Meow a Lot (With Info & Pictures)

Cats are independent and courageous. They’ll spend hours snuggled up in your lap while you are lounging around on the couch. They will also spend hours outside…

Christian Adams
By Christian Adams ·
20 Cool Cat Breeds: Top Choices for Your Home (With Info & Pictures)

20 Cool Cat Breeds: Top Choices for Your Home (With Info & Pictures)

Selecting the ideal feline for your home can be an agonizing process with so many exceptional breeds available. All cats are unique and wonderful, but which on…

Christian Adams
By Christian Adams ·

20 Silent Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Some cats are louder than others, so while you might be a bona fide cat lover, it’s okay to not be keen on midnight wake-up calls from your feline friend. Cats…

Emma Stenhouse
By Emma Stenhouse ·
20 Silent Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

17 Most Beautiful Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Cats are chock full of physical characteristics that make them downright adorable, from their sweet little faces to their long, expressive tails. While every c…

Chantelle Fowler
By Chantelle Fowler ·
17 Most Beautiful Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

15 Most Affectionate Cat Breeds That Love Cuddles (With Info & Pictures)

Roughly 46.5 million American households know the unique pleasures of having at least one cat in their homes. Felines often get a bad rap for not being friendl…

Chris Dinesen Rogers
By Chris Dinesen Rogers ·
15 Most Affectionate Cat Breeds That Love Cuddles (With Info & Pictures)

24 Medium-Sized Cat Breeds: Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

Every single cat out there is a keeper. However, while some folks pick the largest breeds to scare away local mice, others go for smaller kitties to get a cute…

Catster Editorial Team
By Catster Editorial Team ·
24 Medium-Sized Cat Breeds: Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

10 Top Healthiest Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Both pedigree and non-pedigree cats can suffer from hereditary health issues, although these are more commonly described in pedigree cats due to selective bree…

Christian Adams
By Christian Adams ·
10 Top Healthiest Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

17 Friendliest Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

We’ve all heard horror stories of people who bring cats into their homes that simply want nothing to do with them. You try to convince the cat to play with you…

Melissa Gunter
By Melissa Gunter ·
17 Friendliest Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

6 Flat-Faced Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Flat-faced or brachycephalic cat breeds are, as their name indicates, characterized by flat faces and short snouts, similar to Bulldog and Pug dog breeds. Unfo…

Christian Adams
By Christian Adams ·
6 Flat-Faced Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

12 Longest Living Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Cats are intelligent, resourceful, and graceful. They typically live longer than dogs, and you need to be prepared to be a cat’s caregiver for longer than you…

Gregory Iacono
By Gregory Iacono ·
12 Longest Living Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert cat care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on feline behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.

You may opt-out at any time. View our Privacy Policy for more information.

The Catster site on a phone