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

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

By Christian Adams
Share
siberian cat sitting on the jute wicker rug

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 playing and hunting small prey if you allow them to. Most cat breeds also tend to enjoy talking throughout the day and night, which can get a bit annoying, especially when you’re trying to get some shut-eye.

Luckily, you don’t have to succumb to midnight yowls and midday harassment from your cat. If you already own a cat that meows more than you’d like them to, you can train them to adopt quieter behavior. But don’t expect the process to be easy!

If you’re looking to adopt a new kitty, you can opt for a quiet cat breed. There are many “silent" cat breeds that would make a wonderful furry companion for your household. Check out our favorites below.

divider 3 paws

The 13 Quiet Cat Breeds

1. Birman

Cute Birman Cat
Image Credit: Borkin Vadim, Shutterstock

Breed Overview

Temperament:

Affectionate, social, gentle

Suitable for:

Anyone looking for a friendly feline

Lifespan:

12 – 16 years

Featuring a playful personality, the Birman loves company but tends to be a quiet cat breed when they know you’re busy or sleeping. They have luxuriously silky fur that doesn’t mat, and males can weigh up to 15 pounds, so these aren’t small cats.

These cats prefer not to be the only animal living in the house, so consider adopting a set of siblings.


2. Chartreux

Chartreux Cat on the floor
Image Credit: Michael Hahn, Shutterstock

Breed Overview

Temperament:

Loving, docile, friendly

Suitable for:

Singles, small and large families, seniors, and anyone looking for a quiet feline

Lifespan:

12 – 16 years

The Chartreux cat is typically a shade of beautiful blue and can weigh up to 15 pounds. They’re soft, gentle, and sweet. They love to cuddle, yet their powerful bodies make them ideal mousers. These cats tend to form close bonds with their human family members. Best of all, they’re known for being quiet cats.


3. Cornish Rex

Cornish Rex kitten
Image Credit: Elena Loginova, Shutterstock

Breed Overview

Temperament:

Affectionate, loyal, friendly, intelligent, quick learners, gets along well with other pets

Suitable for:

Active families and individuals looking for a low-shedding cat.

Lifespan:

10 – 15 years

These cats' loving demeanor makes them popular among friends and family members. The Cornish Rex cat has super soft fur that’s enjoyable to stroke.

These are small, active cats that love to play with toys and interact with others. Luckily, they’re known for playing and interacting quietly making them a favorite on our list of the quietest cat breeds.


4. Havana Brown

Havana Brown cat
Image Credit: slowmotiongli, Shutterstock

Breed Overview

Temperament:

Alert, intelligent, friendly

Suitable for:

Attentive owners, families, households with other pets

Lifespan:

10 – 15 years

These brown cats are outgoing, playful, and funny. They particularly like moving toys, and they will never turn down the opportunity to enjoy catnip. When it comes time for bed, you can expect your Havana Brown cat to cuddle up by your feet for the night. They are also one of the cats that don’t meow at you every time they want attention or have a need.


5. LaPerm

Fawn LaPerm
Image Credit: Linn Currie, Shutterstock.jpg

Breed Overview

Temperament:

Loyal and loving, intelligent, easy to train, friendly, and gets along with other pets

Suitable for:

Active families, those looking for a loving and friendly cat, and those with other pets

Lifespan:

10 – 15 years

With wavy hair and a fun-loving persona, the LaPerm is a quiet cat. They’ll happily spend their days on your lap or snuggled up by your computer while you work. They only meow when something really important is happening or when they aren’t feeling well. Otherwise, they tend to prefer communicating through touch and play.


6. Ragdoll

ragdoll cat on bed
Image Credit: choosangyeon, Shutterstock

Breed Overview

Temperament:

Affectionate, loyal, friendly, intelligent, quick learners, gets along well with other pets

Suitable for:

Active families and individuals looking for a low-shedding cat

Lifespan:

10 – 15 years

The plush hair of this cat breed is irresistible and easy to care for. They like to follow their family members around and sit in laps to show their affection. They’re smart and can even learn how to do tricks for you. They’ll do all of this quietly, with the occasional meow thrown in throughout the day for good measure.


7. Persian

ginger persian cat lying on the floor
Image Credit: CKYN stock photo, Shutterstock

Breed Overview

Temperament:

Calm, affectionate, laidback, playful, gentle, quiet

Suitable for:

Families or singles in a quiet household

Lifespan:

10 – 13 years

This is a quiet cat breed that’s typically docile and prefers snuggling up rather than playing. They’re quite independent, so they don’t need a lap to stay content. They’re perfectly happy to people-watch from their cat perch or from a bed on the floor. These cats do well with other animals, including mild-mannered doggies.


8. Singapura

Singapuras
Image Credit: jojosmb, Shutterstock

Breed Overview

Temperament:

High energy, frisky, affectionate, fun, clingy, shy

Suitable for:

Families, seniors, singles

Lifespan:

11 – 15 years

Singapura cats are small and typically weigh less than 8 pounds when fully grown. Some people think that these quiet cats are pesky because they’re so curious and playful. They aren’t prone to lay around napping all day long, as most cat breeds do. Although they’re outgoing and social, they don’t like loud noises or too much hustle and bustle, and they tend to be quiet cats and stick to themselves.


9. Scottish Fold

Scottish Fold Cat
Image Credit: Psihopat, Wikimedia Commons

Breed Overview

Temperament:

Friendly, social, and docile

Suitable for:

Families with children, families with dogs, apartment living

Lifespan:

11 – 15 years

Smart and curious, the Scottish Fold cat may have short or long hair, but either way, it’s smooth and silky. These cats vie for human attention and relish in pets and snuggles. They don’t like being left at home alone, so another cat or a cat-friendly dog should be there to keep them company. They also won’t wake you up with yowling in the middle of the night.


10. Siberian Cat

Siberian domestic cat sitting in snow during wintertime
Image Credit: Dmitry Naumov, Shutterstock

Breed Overview

Temperament:

Affectionate, intelligent, tough

Suitable for:

Active families looking for an affectionate and playful cat

Lifespan:

11 – 18 years

These gorgeous quiet cats feature soft, semi-long hair and fluffy tails. They love being around humans and will take well to strangers. Siberian cats enjoy being active and will even play a game of fetch when offered the opportunity. They like to climb, which can get them in trouble from time to time. But they’re also quiet animals that would rather purr than meow.


11. American Curl

American curl cat Silver tabby color
Image Credit:Nitiphonphat,Shutterstock

Breed Overview

Temperament:

A people-loving cat that gets on well with children but may not like the company of other cats.

Suitable for:

Anyone looking for a warm and friendly indoor-only cat

Lifespan:

12 – 16 years

The American Curl cat is known for its distinctively curved ears and kitten-like personality that seems to last through adulthood. Alert and graceful, these cats can easily adjust to different situations as they arise, which makes them ideal for busy households that see a great deal of activity throughout the day.

They aren’t keen on using their voice to communicate, which means a nice and quiet house for you.


12. Bengal Cat

Bengal cat like a leopard sneaks Indoor
Image Credit: Alexander_Evgenyevich,Shutterstock

Breed Overview

Temperament:

Willful, wild, mischievous, and entertaining

Suitable for:

Small families with plenty of space, experienced cat owners looking for a challenge

Lifespan:

12 – 16 years

Although quiet in voice, the Bengal cat is curious and unpredictable. They don’t have a problem hopping in the shower with human family members, for example, and they’ll take every opportunity to paw at the fish tank. These cats can be trained to walk on a leash for some safe outdoor play, and they’ll happily snuggle up for a movie on a rainy Sunday afternoon.


13. Pixiebob

Pixie-Bob Cat sitting in a white background
Image Credit: Nynke van Holten, Shutterstock

Breed Overview

Temperament:

Laidback, gentle, calm, intelligent

Suitable for:

All cat-loving families

Lifespan:

11 – 15 years

This quiet cat breed resembles the wild Coastal Red Bobcat that is typically found living in the Pacific Northwest, but luckily, they’re much smaller. These cats are easygoing and can get along well with kids and other animals alike.

This is another trainable breed that can high-five, fetch, walk on a leash, and sit and stay. They don’t talk much, but they communicate well with their body language.

divider 1 paws

Our Final Thoughts

We think all cats are awesome, whether they meow a lot or not. But we understand that not every household is right for the meowing cat. Every cat breed on our list does talk, but not often or incessantly. If you’re looking for a cool cat to spend your free time with and that will help fill your home with love and enjoyment, any one of the quiet cats on our list is worth your consideration.

Sources

Featured Image Credit: evrymmnt, Shutterstock

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.)

Christian Adams
Authored by

Christian Adams

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.

20 Silent Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

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 ·
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 Most Vocal Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

10 Most Vocal Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

A dog’s bark may be louder than a cat’s meow, but our kitty friends can still muster up some serious sounds if they want to. Ask anyone who’s tried to lock the…

Elizabeth Gray
By Elizabeth Gray ·
17 Lazy Cat Breeds Who Love to Chill (With Info & Pictures)

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

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 c…

Melissa Gunter
By Melissa Gunter ·

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)

11 Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds for People With Allergies (With Info & Pictures)

Cats are extraordinary companions that give us love, cuddles, and often more than a few laughs. No wonder they're one of the most popular pets on the planet. W…

Christian Adams
By Christian Adams ·
11 Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds for People With Allergies (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 Cool Cat Breeds: Top Choices for Your Home (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

14 Asian Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Some of the most popular cat breeds in the world are originally from Asia, including well–known ones such as Persian and Siamese cats and relatively rare kitti…

Lorre Luther
By Lorre Luther ·
14 Asian Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

18 Small Cat Breeds That Stay Small & Kitten-Like (With Info & Pictures)

Many people love the charm and playfulness of kittens. However, their size and personality change significantly as kittens grow into adulthood. So, if you’re l…

Ed Malaker
By Ed Malaker ·
18 Small Cat Breeds That Stay Small & Kitten-Like (With Info & Pictures)

15 Cat Breeds Similar to Maine Coon (With Info & Pictures)

Maine Coons are the largest breed of domestic cats and are instantly recognizable due to their distinctive appearance and playful nature. These big cats can en…

Christian Adams
By Christian Adams ·
15 Cat Breeds Similar to Maine Coon (With Info & Pictures)

Australia's 15 Most Popular Cat Breeds in 2026 (With Info & Pictures)

Are you looking for a new kitty? There are so many cat breeds available that it can be daunting. One way to start your search is with Australia's most popular…

Krysha Thayer
By Krysha Thayer ·
Australia's 15 Most Popular Cat Breeds in 2026 (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