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Best calm cat breeds

Each cat below made the list on a phrase from its own CFA profile: docile, sedate, even-tempered, mellow or devoted but not intrusive.

The Maine Coon is not on it, because CFA pairs its gentle nature with an active one. Its guide is at the foot of this page.

Calm cat breeds for quiet homes

Ragdoll
CFA lists the personality as docile, placid and affectionate. The cat enjoys play but does not insist on it. CFA calls aggression rare.
British Shorthair
A cat that supervises from across the room instead of landing in laps. It dislikes being carried and may withdraw when children get loud.
Persian
Persians keep their feet on the ground. CFA says they rarely climb drapes or raid counters. CFA also puts them among the easiest breeds to train, with many learning their names.
Birman
CFA calls the Birman very helpful and says it often joins household tasks. It is patient and tolerant but moderately active.
Exotic
Built in the 1950s from Persians crossed with American Shorthairs. CFA calls it devoted but not intrusive, with frequent purring and rare meowing.

Breed	Grooming	Full size	Health note
Ragdoll	Steel comb once or twice a week	Around age four, males 20 pounds or more	HCM found in the breed and tested for. Prone to obesity.
British Shorthair	Weekly comb or brush, plus claw clipping	About three years, males about 17 pounds	No breed-specific concerns listed. Many lines carry blood type B.
Persian	Steel or Teflon-coated comb to prevent mats	Weight not given	Polycystic kidney disease shortened lives in the early 2000s and is now controlled by testing.
Birman	Weekly combing	About three years	Breeders test for HCM.
Exotic	Weekly combing, heavy seasonal shedding	Weight not given	No specific condition listed. CFA stresses genetic screening.

The Maine Coon breed guide covers the gentle but active giant.