The 9 Least Active Cat Breeds For First Time Owners

A lot of people think that cats just know how to sleep well. They could say they are lazy and lethargic. As cat lovers, we understand precisely. The breed of a cat significantly impacts the animal’s urge for or dislike of playful action. Around half of these traits are inherited, including activity level, shyness, hostility, and socialization with people. However, every cat is uniquely individual. Thus differences in energy levels do exist. 

Top 9 least active cat breeds for first time owners:

1. American Shorthair

The American Shorthair is a calm cat that is medium in size. This makes it an excellent pet for families with kids or other animals. They get along well with kids, other cats, and dog-friendly cats, but they don’t need to be constantly cared for. If your American Shorthair doesn’t want to cuddle or play with you, it can play with toys, look out the window, climb up and down a cat tree, or take a nap.

Unfortunately, this calm and quiet breed tends to gain too much weight, which is worse because they don’t do much. To stop obesity and the health problems that come with it, it’s essential to get them to do even small amounts of exercise.

2. Persian

People love and know the Persian cat for its sweet, gentle, and calmness. Even though Persian cats are friendly, they must be handled with care. This means young children shouldn’t play rough with or grab them. They get along great with kind and polite kids, but they would rather be petted and admired than do hard things. Persians also like spending time with other cats and calm dogs.

Persian cats cherish their owners, but they don’t worry about being left alone for short amounts of time if they are in their own houses, where they feel safe and secure. You need not be bothered about a Persian expressing his energy through destructive channels. These felines would rather lounge with their owners than leap on restricted surfaces or claw your furniture.

3. Exotic Shorthair

The exotic shorthair cat has been dubbed the “lazy” person’s Persian because it has the facial characteristics of the Persian cat but has a shorter coat that requires less care. Exotic shorthairs have minimal energy and activity requirements; hence, they happily play with toys for hours. Exotic shorthairs are the ideal pets for those who adore Persians but cannot dedicate themselves to high-maintenance grooming. These cats are also laid-back and low-energy, so they are comfortable cuddling and do not require constant attention or regular interaction.

4. Ragdoll

The ragdoll has a fun-loving nature and a friendly attitude to make friends with anyone. Prepare your lap for lengthy cuddling sessions in which your ragdoll will flop across your legs like a mop and seek passionate belly rubs. The ragdoll does not require much exercise or boisterous playtime, but cuddling is necessary. Ragdolls are slightly active, friendly cats. They enjoy playing with wands and other interactive cat toys regularly.

Ragdolls thrive on human companionship and are never separated from them. They are incredibly devoted and almost canine in temperament. Everyone gets along with them, even children and other animals. It is not rare for Ragdolls to have a favorite family member, even if they get along with everyone.

5. Maine Coon

Recognized to have a dog character, the bright, friendly, and kind Maine Coon cat is also intelligent and friendly. Relaxed and confident, Maine Coons take everything in stride and are excellent playmates for mild children. They comfortably cohabit with other household pets, including cats and cat-friendly canine breeds. The Maine Coon is vocal, but not excessively, communicating through various soft and beautiful meows, chirps, and trills. They are highly trainable and like picking up new tricks, reacting well to positive training techniques, and delectable treats.

Maine Coons are typically more active at night, mainly when they are kittens. Therefore, they should be in a setting that allows them to exert energy during the day and rest at night.

6. British Shorthair

The British shorthair cat is loving and gentle without being needy or clingy. This breed originated in the United Kingdom, evolved organically, and was the region’s first short-haired domestic cat. The British Shorthair is a fantastic family cat due to its easygoing temperament and compatibility with everyone, including children and other house pets. They are active without being hyperactive, prefer to be quiet, and can live in practically any size home, even apartments, without issue. Until adulthood, British shorthairs may continue to exhibit kitten-like liveliness and activity, but this breed is placid and well-behaved once completely mature.

7. Scottish Fold

The Scottish fold cat is a friendly, short-haired breed with an odd feature that earned its name: folded ears. The cat’s little ears bend forward and downward, giving it a distinct appearance resembling an owl. The characteristics can be traced back to a barn cat in Scotland with the mutant gene that served as the foundation for the breed. Sadly, the gene for folded ears is also linked to a severe skeletal condition.

This breed is well-known for its laid-back personality and general sociability. It usually gets along well with other cats and cat-friendly canines and adapts well to multi-pet households. Children of all ages will become quick friends with the Scottish Fold, whose loving demeanor is soothing and endearing to individuals of all ages. The Scottish Fold doesn’t require a lot of active play or challenging exercise to be happy. It does best in a home with a good mix of casual play and quiet time to cuddle.

8. Himalayan

Himalayan cats, also called “Himmies,” are a mix of Persian and Siamese cats that were first developed in the United States. Despite being bigger than most cats, the Himalayans are known as “gentle giants.”

They love being loved and cared for by their owners, have sweet, calm personalities, and love to play. Himalayan cats are calm and quiet, but that doesn’t mean they’re boring. These cats like to play with toys, but unlike some other breeds, they probably won’t go crazy and start climbing your curtains. They are intelligent and very in tune with their owners. They often greet them at the door when they come home after being away. Himalayan cats love to cuddle, be petted, and spend time with their families.

9. Selkirk Rex

The Selkirk Rex is a cat from the United States. It has a curly coat like the Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, and LaPerm. These cute little guys with curly hair are great examples of how to be patient and kind. Even though Selkirk rex is sometimes playful, they won’t keep you busy all the time. They also don’t need as lot of attention as other breeds that make more noise.

They have a calm personality and are friendly and affectionate. It gets along with most people. This cat is between medium and large, and it is amicable and easy to get along with. This makes it an ideal cat for families with children or other pets. The Selkirk is easygoing and friendly and doesn’t need much extra care (besides the occasional grooming session). It’s not very active, but it likes to hang out with kids, other cats, and dogs.

Overview of the 9 least active cat breeds 

Breeds	Height	Weight	Coat	Color	Personality	Lifespan
American Shorthair	12-15 inches	11-15 lbs	Short hair	Variety of colors	Gentle and easygoing	15-20 years
Persian	14-17 inches	7-12 lbs	Long all over the body, thick, and glossy	Variety of solid colors	Sweet and gentle	15-20 years
Exotic Shorthair	Up to 30 inches	Up to 15 lbs	Short	Variety of colors	Loyal, easygoing, and low-energy	Up to 15 years
Ragdoll	11-13 inches	10-20 lbs	Long and soft	White bodies pointed markings	Sweet, patient	13-18 years
Maine Coon	Up to 16 inches	9-17 lbs	Long and silky	White bodies pointed markings	Sweet, intelligent, gentle, and dog-like	13-18 years
British Shorthair	22-25 inches	7-17 lbs	Short and very dense	Variety of colors	Easy-going, and calm	12-16 years
Scottish Fold	Up to 30 inches	Up to 11 lbs	Short and long	Brown, gray, black, red, cream, and white	Affectionate and sociable but not demanding	Up to 14 years
Himalayan	12-16 inches	7-12 lbs	Long	White to cream	Sedate, affectionate, gentle, friendly, and intelligent	Up to 15 years
Selkirk Rex	Up to 30 inches	Up to 16 lbs	Short and long	Any genetically possible color or combination	Laid-back, friendly, affectionate	Up to 15 years

Conclusion

These cats are satisfied with spending most of their time in a state of relaxation. Their calm attitude makes them well-suited for an indoor lifestyle. However, the only thing you need to watch out for with the least active cats is weight gain. Obesity in cats can result in a variety of health problems.

Therefore, if you have a cat that does not feel the need to walk around much, you need to discover ways to guarantee they get daily exercise. Interactive toys and tunnels can promote exploration in cats. Surprisingly, several of the cats on our list choose to live at ground level and do not require tall furniture or cat towers to explore the area. Additionally, having a companion is a great way to keep cats active. If you decide to give your cat a treat, try using a treat ball, which has to work for it.

FAQs

Do cats get less active?

Between 7 and 10 years, your cat loses the desire to play and becomes less energetic. This is a frequent event, as your cat has adapted to its environment and routine.

What time are cats least active?

Cats are most active both in the morning and evening. Some cats are more energetic at night, but this does not make them nocturnal creatures.

Where are the least active cat breeds best suited?

• Families with kids who are very busy
• Small apartment renters
• People who are out of the house most of the day
• Seniors
• Those who like quiet and peace