5 Low-Activity Cat Breeds for People Who Love Chill Kitties

Cats are great pets and come in all shapes, shades, sizes, and purrsonality types! Some kitties might be more active and keen hunters, while others may prefer to laze around (preferably on top of their favourite human). Bringing a new fur friend into your family is a big decision. It’s important that your feline fits in well with your lifestyle and personality too. So, if you think a low-activity cat breed works best for you, you’ve come to the right place! Below, Cat in a Flat shows you five low-activity cat breeds for people who love chill kitties. 

1. Persians: The most chilled out lap cats

Persian cats are famously relaxed felines and know how to stay chill! Your Persian is more likely to prefer a nice nap and a cuddle to running and climbing. This low-activity cat breed won’t need a lot of play time and isn’t likely to scratch your furniture or knock things off tables to release pent-up energy! 

Paw Parent Tip: Although Persians are happy to spend their time relaxing on the sofa instead of playing, they still need quite a lot of care. Their long fur means you need to prioritize daily grooming to keep their coats healthy and mat-free. You’ll also need to clean their eyes regularly, as this breed is prone to tearing. And, since this is a low-activity cat breed, it’s important to feed your furry friend a high-quality, balanced diet so they don’t become overweight. 

2. Why are British Shorthairs a low-activity cat breed? 

Why are British Shorthairs a low-activity cat breed? While British Shorthairs can be playful and lively as kittens, they become more sedentary as they age. Even as an adult, your British Shorthair may enjoy some playtime each day, but rarely is it high-energy or too wild. These felines are undemanding, which means they’ll happily keep themselves entertained whenever you’re away. But, when you’re at home, your British Shorthair will certainly want to chill in the same room you’re in! Not only does this make them purrfect for apartment living, but easy to look after too. 

3. The Ragdoll: Gentlest of cats

The Ragdoll is without a doubt one of the most docile, low-activity cat breeds out there. In fact, the name ‘ragdoll’ comes from the way these kitties will go limp when picked up. Ragdolls are friendly and affectionate, which means they’re expert cuddlers!  Your kitty will most likely follow you around (yes, even to the bathroom) and fall asleep in your lap every chance they get. Even better, this feline breed is perfect for homes with children and other pets as they are very tolerant and gentle. 

Paw Parent Tip: Similar to the Persian, you will need to prioritize grooming to keep your long-haired Ragdoll happy and healthy. It’s also recommended that you always keep your Ragdoll indoors. Because of their laid-back nature, these fur friends may not always sense danger and can be more prone to accidents and injuries.

4. Is the Exotic Shorthair a low-activity cat breed? 

Is the Exotic Shorthair a low-activity cat breed? While these fur friends tend to be slightly more active than their long-haired Persian cousins, they are still very docile and chill kitties! In fact, the Exotic Shorthair is sometimes called the ‘Persian without the pretensions’ because they’re less aloof. These are gentle and cuddly kitties who don’t need to run and jump a lot—another low-activity cat breed that’s great for apartment living! 

5. The elegant and aristocratic Russian Blue

These felines’ green eyes, elegant coats, and imperial manner certainly give them an aristocratic vibe. In fact, Russian Blues were once highly prized by czars and other Russian royalty! But this wonderful breed doesn’t require an entire palace to be happy. All your Russian Blue needs are plenty of great napping and hiding spots as well as perches from where they can quietly observe their kingdom! 

Paw Parent Tip: Russian Blues tend to by shyer than other cat breeds. It can take these kitties some time to warm up to people. However, once they do, you’ll have a life-long devoted fur friend. Just be patient with your Russian Blue and always give them space to retreat if they feel nervous or anxious. 

How do you recognise a calm cat?

How can I recognise a calm cat? If you have the option, it’s always better to adopt from a shelter instead of purchasing a specific breed. However, how can you tell if a cat at a shelter is low-activity or not? Age plays a huge factor in every feline’s activity levels. The older a kitty is, the more sedentary and chill they’re likely to be. Older cats are usually calmer and need less exercise. You can’t go wrong giving an elder cat a cozy and quiet furever home! 

Keep in mind that every kitty will have a unique personality, regardless of breed. There are many felines without a specific breed who are just as calm and relaxed as a Ragdoll or Russian Blue. A great aspect of older cats is that their personalities are already set, so it’s much easier to tell if Mr Whiskers is a chill kitty or not. Employees at a shelter will also be familiar with each fur friend’s personality and can help you find a great fit. You won’t regret giving an older cat from a shelter a chance—they will thank you with lots of love and affection. 

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Cat care for any type of cat

Going away and leaving your fur friend at home is never easy. Boarding at a cattery can be upsetting for both calm and social kitties. Cats love routine, so it’s always best to get at-home care so they can stay in a familiar environment. Our amazing cat sitters know how to look after all types of kitties—regardless of whether you have a low-activity cat who just wants to chill on the sofa, or a feline that needs lots of daily exercise and attention. 

Your pet sitter can tailor their care to suit your furry friend’s unique temperament and needs. If you have a chill kitty that’s content on their own, you can hire a sitter to pop in once a day to provide care. And if you have a more active feline, you can hire a sitter for multi-day visits or overnight stays too! No matter what type of cat you have, your feline will thank you for booking them five-star care in the comfort of home while you’re away.