These Lazy Cat Breeds Make Excellent Couch Potatoes

Which are the laziest cat breeds that really like to sleep?

Cats like to sleep — that’s nothing new. While humans feel great if they get eight hours of sleep, cats will often spend 16 to 18 hours every day sleeping. It doesn’t matter if they’re a housecat or a big cat; cats are genetically wired to get a lot of sleep. This goes back to their ancestors, who needed all their energy for stalking prey. These days, the only hunting your cat may be doing is capturing a catnip toy, but they still have to get their rest.

Some cats love to sleep more than anything. They sleep in and take frequent naps throughout the day. And while they take food and play breaks, they’re really just killing time before their next nap. This can be a good thing if you don’t have the energy for a super active cat.

So, if you’re someone who prefers a low-key, sleepy cat, these lazy cat breeds are for you.

American Shorthair

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Temperament: Loving, Loyal, Pleasant

Weight: 12+ pounds (male), 8-12 pounds (female)

Longevity: 15-20 years

Bottom Line: American Shorthair

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When it comes to energy, American shorthair cats are neither super high nor comatose low; they’re always set in neutral. They enjoy a little playtime, but they’d rather have a nap in a sunny post with a cool breeze tickling their toes instead.

They have a very docile and pleasant disposition and tend not to get too excited about anything. Why run around the house when you can have a good snooze instead?

Australian Mist

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Temperament: Outgoing, Playful, Affectionate

Weight: 8-15 pounds

Longevity: 15-18 years

Bottom Line: Australian Mist

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There’s no roughing in the Australian Outback for the Australian mist cat. They’d rather be indoors hanging with their humans and chilling out than hiking the open land. For them, a great afternoon is napping in a sunny spot, with soft music playing and having a good snack afterward.

Like many cats, Australian mist cats are livelier as kittens but calm down when they reach maturity. Snuggling and sleeping are underrated as far as this breed is concerned.

Birman

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Temperament: Playful, Sweet, Outgoing

Weight: 10-12 pounds

Longevity: 13-15 years

Bottom Line: Birman

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Don’t worry about having to keep your Birman cat constantly entertained, as they’re happy hanging out and getting some shut-eye. They’re down for being your constant companion if that’s what you need or being your snuggle buddy.

They’re quiet and loyal, and if you wouldn’t mind carrying them around for a bit, that would be great. Is wanting to be carried the ultimate sign of laziness? The Birman looks at it as a way for you to show them love.

British Shorthair

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Temperament: Faithful, Calm, Collected

Weight: 10-16 pounds (male), 8-11 pounds (female)

Longevity: 12-20 years

Bottom Line: British Shorthair

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If you look at a British shorthair cat, you may notice a resemblance to a favorite childhood toy — a teddy bear. It’s been said that this breed has a very zen-like disposition toward life and other living creatures. They’re not into zooming around the house, causing chaos and making a mess.

British shorthair cats aren’t lap cats, but they’ll sit next to you while they meditate, think their deep thoughts or catch a few zzzs.

Burmese

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Temperament: Outgoing, Curious, Playful

Weight: 8-12 pounds (male), 6-10 pounds (female)

Longevity: 10-16 years

Bottom Line: Burmese

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Burmese are much more active as kittens than as adult cats. They get more serene, mild and affectionate as they get older. They’ll pass on the high-energy activities and will instead have a short playtime and then observe the goings-on from a comfortable spot.

They tend to be heavier than they look, so rather than expend any unnecessary energy, they’re happy to spend time napping, dreaming and cuddling with their owners. “Can you pull down the shades? The sun’s getting in my eyes.”

Burmilla

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Temperament: Sweet, Attention-Seeking, Easygoing

Weight: 8-12 pounds

Longevity: 7-12 years

Bottom Line: Burmilla

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With a Burmilla cat, you can expect bursts of high energy interspersed with stretches of laziness. Burmillas love living indoors and see no reason to spend time running around a yard when they can stay warm and take multiple naps throughout the day.

They’re soft-spoken cats that make wonderful pets. However, they also tend to be clumsy, so for everybody’s sake, hide those treasured family heirlooms and anything breakable from these furry klutzes.

Chartreux

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Temperament: Charming, Clever, Self-Reliant

Weight: 6-12 pounds

Life expectancy: 12-15 years

Bottom Line: Chartreux

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Chartreux cats have a natural decorum and act with refinement and grace. They’re not the kind of cat who follows their owners around like a dog, but they do create a strong bond with them. They like attention, but they’ll decide when they want some petting or chin-scratching.

Chartreux cats enjoy spending time alone and being able to contemplate the mysteries of life. Their favorite kinds of sleeping spots are elevated places, so they can observe others quietly from above and sleep undisturbed.

Exotic Shorthair

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Temperament: Peaceful, Laidback, Agreeable

Weight: 7-14 pounds (male), 6-10 pounds (female)

Longevity: 12-14 years

Bottom Line: Exotic Shorthair

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Exotic shorthair cats are considered the Persian cat’s shorthaired, more mellow cousin. They’re super chill and much prefer a nap on a warm lap or a snooze on a cozy pile of blankets, over testing the limits of their physical abilities.

This isn’t to say that exotic shorthair cats are lazy bums. They do some moderate activity to expend some of their energy and then it’s back to a well-earned sleepytime.

Himalayan

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Temperament: Sweet-Tempered, Kind, Cautious

Weight: 9-14 pounds (male), 7-11 pounds (female)

Longevity: 8-11 years

Bottom Line: Himalayan

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Himalayan cats are one of the most affectionate and good-natured cat breeds, and the word “relaxed” always seems to be in their description. If given a choice between the great indoors and plenty of attention or a lot of high-energy play, well, you can guess what they’d choose.

Himalayans have a cozy appearance with a fluffy, soft coat that matches their desire for a comfortable lifestyle. They’re always on the lookout for a warm lap to curl up in and one yawn away from a cozy catnap.

Korat

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Temperament: Thoughtful, Laidback, Affectionate

Weight: 6-10 pounds

Longevity: 10-15 years

Bottom Line: Korat

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Korat cats are one of the most intelligent and laziest cat breeds. They originated in Thailand and are particularly remarkable for their fantastic memories. They’re able to find their way home from far distances, but to be honest, they’d rather stay home and nap than venture outside.

Loud noises startle them, so they don’t do well in loud, rowdy households. They don’t thrive if they have to be alone all the time either. Happiness is lap time with their favorite human.

Maine Coon

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Temperament: Loyal, Loving, Sociable

Weight: 6-18 pounds

Longevity: 10-13 years

Bottom Line: Maine Coon

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Maine Coon cats seem made to be cuddled and loved. These gentle giants may not be lap cats, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t affectionate or loving. If you’re taking a nap on the couch, your Maine Coon will join you, settling down and making a comfy spot for themselves next to you.

They adore warmth, coziness and everything perfect for napping. Maine Coons can be super social one minute and then off by themselves having some me-time.

British Domestic Shorthair (aka Moggy)

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Temperament: Friendly, Active, Playful

Weight: 7-9 pounds

Longevity: 15-20 years

Bottom Line: Moggy

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Moggy is a British slang word given to non-pedigree cats. There are many different types of Moggy cats in various colors, fur types and personalities, but they share a talent for napping.

Moggy cats are easy to take care of and don’t require much in the way of grooming. They’re all for staying indoors and letting other people deal with the fog, rain or excessive heat. Find them with their humans, snug as a bug and enjoying some time spent together.

Persian

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Temperament: Docile, Amiable, Quiet

Weight: Medium-sized

Life expectancy: 8-11 years

Bottom Line: Persian

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If you’re looking for a beautiful but low-energy cat, then a Persian is the one for you. These extra-furry cats enjoy being pampered, lounging and napping. They’re not going to make a run for it when the doors open.

And why should they? The outdoors don’t offer the guarantee of peaceful relaxation that inside does. They like to sleep on a windowsill or somewhere where they can look outside as they drift off into a well-deserved slumber.

Ragamuffin

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Temperament: Easygoing, Affectionate, Calm

Weight: 12-20 pounds (male), 8-15 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 15 years

Bottom Line: Ragamuffin

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Ragamuffin cats have a kind and loving personality, and their favorite place to sleep is in the arms of a loved one. They’re made for an indoor life where they don’t have to worry about any rude or unfriendly creatures or uncomfortable sleeping locations.

It’s not that they sleep 24/7. They take breaks from napping, play with a toy for a bit and then go and get a snack. They’re not lazy; they simply prefer a life full of comfort and multiple naps.

Russian Blue

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Temperament: Affectionate, Elegant, Intelligent

Weight: 7-12 pounds

Longevity: 15-20 years

Bottom Line: Russian Blue

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One of the many wonderful qualities Russian blue cats have is that they don’t have to be constantly entertained. They’re perfectly content to hang out in a quiet corner of the room, either observing life happening around them or tuning it out and dozing.

They’re not super active or lazy but, sometimes, will have a burst of energy, run around the room a couple of times and then go back to napping.

Scottish Fold

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Temperament: Social, Inventive, Smart

Weight: 9-13 pounds (male), 6-9 pounds (female)

Longevity: 11-15 years

Bottom Line: Scottish Fold

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Scottish fold cats have a relaxed mindset, are even-tempered and are very adaptable. They love their people but do well on their own. These cats fit the lazy dreamer label better than the energetic athlete, and they need their downtime to rest and regroup.

They love lounging in the sun, chillaxing, alone or with a friend or two. They’re often working on perfecting the art of napping. Scottish folds are OK with a scenery change; just make sure they have a cozy spot to sleep.

Selkirk Rex

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Temperament: Smart, Sociable, Versatile

Weight: 6-16 pounds

Life expectancy: 15-20 years

Bottom Line: Selkirk Rex

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Selkirk Rex cats strike the perfect balance — they create a strong bond with their owners and will follow them around, but they’re not overly demanding or needy. They will feel sad and abandoned if they’re left alone too much or not given the amount of attention they need.

They’re proudly lazy and have no qualms about taking many naps throughout the day. They feel better napping if they know someone is nearby.

Turkish Angora

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Temperament: Noble, Intelligent, Mischievous

Weight: 8-15 pounds

Longevity: 9-14 years

Bottom Line: Turkish Angora

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Turkish Angora cats love to play, and they love to sleep in equal parts. If they’re comfortable, they may resist getting up and getting some exercise. It’s up to their owner to give them a nudge, get them out of bed and move their body.

Turkish Angora cats like things to stay the same and get upset if their environment changes, so it’s best not to mess with their established sleeping spots or times. Sleep is their priority.