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Home > Cats > 11 Lazy Cat Breeds: Pictures, Facts, & History

11 Lazy Cat Breeds: Pictures, Facts, & History

ragdoll cat lying on the floor

Cat breeds come in all different shapes and sizes. Some cat breeds are extremely energetic, spending most of their time playing and running around. Others are on the lazier side and perfect for those who just want a cuddle buddy.

If you’re looking for a cuddly cat, this list is for you. We’re going to explore 11 of the most laid-back cat breeds for those who are looking to avoid having their feet attacked in the middle of the night.

While all cat breeds have a general exercise need, there is some individual variance. Therefore, some cats belonging to these breeds may be a bit hyperactive, and all kittens tend to be more active than adults.

Below, we’ll take a look at some of the less energetic cats around that work well for families looking for a cuddly, laid-back feline.

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The 11 Lazy Cat Breeds

1. British Shorthair

male lilac british shorthair cat outdoor
Image Credit: outdoor_Rutina, Shutterstock
Origin: United Kingdom
Lifespan: 14 to 20 years or more
Height: 12 to 14 inches

British Shorthair cat breed is known for their fluffy body and round face. As their name suggests, they are particularly popular in Britain, where they originated. They’re also extremely laid back and independent, making them a good choice for families that don’t have tons of time to dedicate to their felines.

These cats act a lot like how you might imagine the “stereotypical” cat to act. They tend to be very dignified while also being easygoing. They aren’t very active and prefer to observe their household instead of hiding under couches and attacking people’s feet.

Furthermore, British Shorthairs are often described as gentle, too, making them a good choice for children.


2. Ragdoll

seal point bicolor ragdoll cat breed
Image Credit: Antonia Aleksova, Shutterstock
Origin: United States
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Height: 9 to 11 inches

Ragdolls are known for being some of the most lovable cats in the world. If you want a feline that wants to cuddle with you constantly, a ragdoll is a solid option. These felines are also known for being very beautiful. They’re fluffy and have stunning blue eyes, which tend to attract lots of cat lovers.

When picked up, these cats go limp, which is how they got their name. This trait makes them very easy to cuddle, but it can also pose a problem for families with dogs or children. They can be a bit too easygoing for their own safety.

This breed thrives in human interaction and needs plenty of attention. Therefore, they aren’t a good idea for those who spend a lot of time away from home.


3. Persian

Persian cat
Image Credit: OksanaSusoeva, Shutterstock
Origin: Persia (modern-day Iran)
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Height: 10 to 15 inches

Persian cats are known for being exceptionally adorable and cuddly. They tend to be a bit aloof towards strangers, but they have a cuddly personality once they get to know you. They have long coats that are quite beautiful (but also require tons of grooming).

This breed isn’t very playful. They’re content to spend much of the day laying around and look forward to cuddling their family every evening. They’re easy cats to love. However, their grooming needs can be a bit much for some. They can easily become tangled if not brushed daily.


4. Scottish Fold

Black smoke Scottish fold cat
Image Credit: PavelKant, Shutterstock
Origin: Scotland
Lifespan: 11 to 15 years
Height: 8 to 10 inches

Scottish Fold is instantly recognizable due to their “folded” ears. This trait is caused by a genetic mutation that affects the cartilage in their ears, causing them to lie down. Beyond that, they are also known for their easygoing personalities.

They tend to be pretty friendly, falling in love with just about everyone. However, they tend to cuddle more than anything else. They’re probably one of the more active cats on this list. But they aren’t as nearly as active as a Bombay or other energetic breeds.


5. Burmese

Burmese Cat sitting on the floor
Image Credit: Ivanova N, Shutterstock
Origin: Southeast Asia, particularly in Burma (now Myanmar)
Lifespan: 18 to 25 years
Height: 9 to 13 inches

Burmese cats may look sleek and athletic, but they tend to spend a lot of time lying around. They’re affectionate and love to spend time with their people. They thrive on social interaction, so they do need quite a bit of cuddling from their humans daily.

These cats aren’t very inclined to run around the house or play. Instead, they’d much rather spend their time lounging indoors. Therefore, they’re a great option for those looking for a lovable cat breed.


6. Exotic Shorthair

tabby exotic shorthair cat
Image Credit: Oleksandr Volchanskyi, Shutterstock
Origin: United States
Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Height: 10 to 12 inches

Exotic Shorthairs are basically Persians without long coats. They’re a great option for those who are interested in a Persian but don’t want to spend tons of time brushing their cat daily.

This breed does have a soft, plushy coat that begs to be petted, but they don’t require nearly as much grooming as a Persian. They share the Persian’s temperament, so they tend to spend much of their time lying around. They prefer a tranquil life, which may not make them best for those with children.


7. Chartreux

Chartreux cat relaxing on a sofa
Image Credit: Katniss studio, Shutterstock
Origin: Believed to have originated in France in the 16th century
Lifespan: 11 to 15 years
Height: 9 to 11 inches

These felines are known for being quiet and reserved. They do not make a lot of noise and aren’t very needy toward their owners. Instead, they like to spend much of their time observing their household, which often involves hiding and climbing to get a better view.

They prefer a peaceful environment without much traffic, as they can get overwhelmed easily. Therefore, they aren’t the best option for big families or small children. The Chartreux does form strong bonds with its family, though. They may be “one-person cats”, bonding very closely with one or two people and ignoring everyone else.


8. Selkirk Rex

curly-haired selkirk rex cat
Image Credit: mdmmikle, Shutterstock
Origin: United States
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Height: 9 to 11 inches

Like other rex breeds, the Selkirk Rex has a unique curly coat that sets it apart from other cat breeds. They also have an outgoing personality that sets them apart from the more reserved felines on this list. They are friendly and enjoy the company of their family and even strangers.

They aren’t overly demanding like some other breeds, though. Most individuals won’t follow you around the house meowing, though you should still plan on spending plenty of time with them each day. For the most part, these cats are content to lay around and take life at a slower pace. They’re a good choice for those looking for an outgoing feline that isn’t hyperactive.


9. American Shorthair

american shorthair cat lying on a table outdoor
Image Credit: Thanakorn Kosalakorn, Shutterstock
Origin: United States
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Height: 8 to 10 inches

The American Shorthair is often considered the “default” breed in America. These cats developed naturally from the felines brought over by Europeans. Therefore, they’re very practically built and come in tons of different colors.

These cats are pretty easygoing and known for making great companions. They aren’t particularly energetic, though they may need more exercise than other breeds on this list. Generally speaking, they are more laid back than other felines out there, though.


10. Russian Blue

russian blue cat lying on a sweater
Image Credit: Nailia Schwarz, Shutterstock
Origin: Russia
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Height: 9 to 11 inches

Russian Blue is particularly known for their blue coat, which gave them their name. However, they are also exceptionally gentle and laid back. They don’t care about much and prefer to stick to themselves for much of the time. They also bond with their families, though, making them great laidback companions.

Initially, these cats can be shy around strangers. They warm up pretty fast if they’re patient, though. They can be playful, but they aren’t often very energetic. Therefore, they can be a good choice for those who prefer lazier felines.


11. Norwegian Forest Cat

shaded silver norwegian forest cat lying outdoor
Image Credit: jsmars, Shutterstock
Origin: Norway
Lifespan: 12 to 20 years
Height: 9 to 12 inches

Norwegian Forest Cats may be very large, but they are also pretty laid back—they’re surprisingly easygoing. This trait makes them less energetic, overall.

They aren’t very demanding, either, and this makes it much easier to care for them for the most part. They do appreciate attention, though. You should plan on spending quite a bit of time with them each day.

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Conclusion

These lazy cat breeds are a great choice for those looking for more laidback, cuddly cats. They range from very lazy, like the Persian, to just a little less energetic than average, like the Burmese. No matter what energy level you’re looking for, all of these cats are less energetic than your average feline.

Hopefully, one of these breeds stands out as a solid option for you and your family.


Featured Image Credit: Peredniankina, Shutterstock

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