While all cats are unique, some particular breeds are known to be highly active and others are just plain lazy! Most cats love darting around the house or yard, chasing and climbing on everything they can, but some breeds prefer to chill on the sofa or any other cozy spot that suits their fancy.
Most cats will sleep up to 16 hours a day and already have laziness perfected to an art form. Usually, though, this extended chill time is interspersed with bouts of playing, hunting, and climbing.
If you prefer a feline friend that won’t need you to play with them all day long, check out this list of the laziest cat breeds that we could find.
1. Birman
Also known as the “Sacred Cat of Burma,” the Birman is a long-haired domestic cat breed with a “pointed” color coat and characteristic contrasted “socks” on their paws. These cats are easy to care for, as unlike most other long-haired breeds, they have no undercoat and are far less prone to knotting or matting. They are a private breed that attaches themselves strongly to one person.
2. British Shorthair
The stocky British Shorthair is a medium-sized, muscular cat with a dense coat that protects them from the cold European climate. They are easy-going, placid cats that prefer their own company, although they do enjoy a play session on occasion. They are easy to care for with their short thick coat and independent nature.
3. Burmese
The Burmese are a stocky cat that has a muscular body with a short and glossy coat that is a breeze to groom. While young Burmese kittens are fairly active and playful, as the Burmese become older, they are far more placid and prefer to observe rather than take part in activities. They are known for not getting along well with other breeds but are usually fine with other Burmese cats.
4. Chartreux
With their sturdy, muscular bodies and thick, waterproof coats, these cats seem like they were made for loads of activity. This rare French breed is an exceptional ratter, but in general, these are quiet, observant cats that bond strongly with one owner. They are known for their intelligence and can be taught to retrieve small objects in the same way as dogs. These cats are also slow to mature and take around 2 years to reach full adulthood
5. Exotic Shorthair
Developed as a shorthaired version of a Persian cat, the Exotic Shorthair is similar to Persians in almost every other way, with their characteristically flat face and large round eyes. While they are known to be slightly livelier than Persians, these cats are still comparatively docile and even-tempered and show more affection than almost any other breed.
6. Himalayan
A long-haired domestic cat reminiscent of the Persian, Himalayans are sweet, gentle, and good-natured cats that prefer indoor life, making them ideal family companions in apartments. They love nothing more than the attention of their owners and adore regular petting and grooming. While these cats are generally highly social animals, they are known to be fairly moody at times.
7. Korat
Originating Phimai, Thailand, the Korat is a medium-sized cat with a striking blue-grey coat that appears to shimmer in changing light. They are highly intelligent cats with amazing memories and are easily able to find their way home from great distances. This also makes them highly devoted to their owners and wary of new faces. They are known in Thailand as the “good luck cat.”
8. Maine Coon
A giant among domestic cats, the Maine Coon is one of the oldest domestic breeds in the U.S., specifically to Maine, where they are the official state cat. These gentle giants are highly sociable when they feel so inclined, but they are also independent cats that do well when left on their own. While they are less likely to curl up on your lap that some other breeds on this list, they are gentle and sweet with other cats, dogs, and children.
9. Persian
The fluffy Persian is the stereotypical lap cat, making them one of the most popular domestic cat breeds in the U.S. They are quiet cats that adapt well to most environments but prefer an indoor life. They are affectionate, gentle, easy-going cats that may be among the easiest to look after and the epitome of a lazy cat breed.
10. Ragamuffin
Ragamuffins are well known for their friendly and easy-going temperaments and their thick, rabbit-like coats. Like their close cousins, the Ragdoll and Persian, these cats are one of the laziest breeds around and are well suited to indoor life. These cats are slow to mature and may take up to 5 years to reach full adulthood.
11. Ragdoll
The Ragdoll gets their name from the way that they go limp and relaxed when picked up. They have beautiful color-point coats and striking blue eyes and are well known for their placid and easy-going nature. These cats are so docile, it has led many to believe that they do not feel pain; however, this has been proven to be untrue. They are one of the most “dog-like” breeds due to their affectionate and placid nature.
12. Russian Blue
With their short, dense, and shimmering grey-blue coats, the Russian Blue is one of the most striking and recognizable cat breeds around. They are placid and tranquil cats known for their friendly nature and sensitivity. While they are typically reserved around strangers, they are known for their incredible memories and will remember faces many months between visits.
13. Scottish Fold
Most recognizable by the forward-folded ears caused by a unique genetic mutation, the Scottish fold is a placid and even-tempered breed that is highly adaptable to most environments and does extremely well as an indoor cat. They are known for becoming attached to their owner and as such, become depressed when left alone for long periods.
14. Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex is known for their luxurious and curly coat and laid-back, placid character. They are stocky cats with muscular bodies, pointy ears, and thick, plush, curly coats. They are highly loving and affectionate cats that attach strongly to their owners and can often be found following them around. That being said, they are not overly demanding or possessive.
15. Siberian
An ancient, centuries-old breed of domestic cat from Russia, the Siberian, or “Siberian Forest Cat,” is a strong, powerful, muscular cat known for their exceptional jumping abilities. They are highly affectionate cats but are not overly demanding or attention-seeking — they are more than happy to do their own thing too. A unique characteristic of the Siberian is their love for the water, and they may even decide to join you in your evening bath!
16. Tonkinese
Bred by combining a Siamese and a Burmese, the Tonkinese has a beautiful pointed-color coat that can be seen in a wide variety of colors. While these cats are generally vocal and social, they love to be on their own and are fine being left at home for long periods. That being said, they can grow bored easily and do enjoy a good play session occasionally.
Featured Image Credit: Ingus Kruklitis, Shutterstock
