Cats are independent and courageous. They’ll spend hours snuggled up in your lap while you are lounging around on the couch. They will also spend hours outside playing and hunting small prey if you allow them to. Most cat breeds also tend to enjoy talking throughout the day and night, which can get a bit annoying, especially when you’re trying to get some shut-eye.
Luckily, you don’t have to succumb to midnight yowls and midday harassment from your cat. If you already own a cat that meows more than you’d like them to, you can train them to adopt quieter behavior. But don’t expect the process to be easy!
If you’re looking to adopt a new kitty, you can opt for a quiet cat breed. There are many “silent” cat breeds that would make a wonderful furry companion for your household. Check out our favorites below.
The 13 Quiet Cat Breeds
1. Birman
| Temperament: | Affectionate, social, gentle |
| Suitable for: | Anyone looking for a friendly feline |
| Lifespan: | 12 – 16 years |
Featuring a playful personality, the Birman loves company but tends to be a quiet cat breed when they know you’re busy or sleeping. They have luxuriously silky fur that doesn’t mat, and males can weigh up to 15 pounds, so these aren’t small cats.
These cats prefer not to be the only animal living in the house, so consider adopting a set of siblings.
2. Chartreux
| Temperament: | Loving, docile, friendly |
| Suitable for: | Singles, small and large families, seniors, and anyone looking for a quiet feline |
| Lifespan: | 12 – 16 years |
The Chartreux cat is typically a shade of beautiful blue and can weigh up to 15 pounds. They’re soft, gentle, and sweet. They love to cuddle, yet their powerful bodies make them ideal mousers. These cats tend to form close bonds with their human family members. Best of all, they’re known for being quiet cats.
3. Cornish Rex
| Temperament: | Affectionate, loyal, friendly, intelligent, quick learners, gets along well with other pets |
| Suitable for: | Active families and individuals looking for a low-shedding cat. |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 15 years |
These cats’ loving demeanor makes them popular among friends and family members. The Cornish Rex cat has super soft fur that’s enjoyable to stroke.
These are small, active cats that love to play with toys and interact with others. Luckily, they’re known for playing and interacting quietly making them a favorite on our list of the quietest cat breeds.
4. Havana Brown
| Temperament: | Alert, intelligent, friendly |
| Suitable for: | Attentive owners, families, households with other pets |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 15 years |
These brown cats are outgoing, playful, and funny. They particularly like moving toys, and they will never turn down the opportunity to enjoy catnip. When it comes time for bed, you can expect your Havana Brown cat to cuddle up by your feet for the night. They are also one of the cats that don’t meow at you every time they want attention or have a need.
5. LaPerm
| Temperament: | Loyal and loving, intelligent, easy to train, friendly, and gets along with other pets |
| Suitable for: | Active families, those looking for a loving and friendly cat, and those with other pets |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 15 years |
With wavy hair and a fun-loving persona, the LaPerm is a quiet cat. They’ll happily spend their days on your lap or snuggled up by your computer while you work. They only meow when something really important is happening or when they aren’t feeling well. Otherwise, they tend to prefer communicating through touch and play.
6. Ragdoll
| Temperament: | Affectionate, loyal, friendly, intelligent, quick learners, gets along well with other pets |
| Suitable for: | Active families and individuals looking for a low-shedding cat |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 15 years |
The plush hair of this cat breed is irresistible and easy to care for. They like to follow their family members around and sit in laps to show their affection. They’re smart and can even learn how to do tricks for you. They’ll do all of this quietly, with the occasional meow thrown in throughout the day for good measure.
7. Persian
| Temperament: | Calm, affectionate, laidback, playful, gentle, quiet |
| Suitable for: | Families or singles in a quiet household |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 13 years |
This is a quiet cat breed that’s typically docile and prefers snuggling up rather than playing. They’re quite independent, so they don’t need a lap to stay content. They’re perfectly happy to people-watch from their cat perch or from a bed on the floor. These cats do well with other animals, including mild-mannered doggies.
8. Singapura
| Temperament: | High energy, frisky, affectionate, fun, clingy, shy |
| Suitable for: | Families, seniors, singles |
| Lifespan: | 11 – 15 years |
Singapura cats are small and typically weigh less than 8 pounds when fully grown. Some people think that these quiet cats are pesky because they’re so curious and playful. They aren’t prone to lay around napping all day long, as most cat breeds do. Although they’re outgoing and social, they don’t like loud noises or too much hustle and bustle, and they tend to be quiet cats and stick to themselves.
9. Scottish Fold
| Temperament: | Friendly, social, and docile |
| Suitable for: | Families with children, families with dogs, apartment living |
| Lifespan: | 11 – 15 years |
Smart and curious, the Scottish Fold cat may have short or long hair, but either way, it’s smooth and silky. These cats vie for human attention and relish in pets and snuggles. They don’t like being left at home alone, so another cat or a cat-friendly dog should be there to keep them company. They also won’t wake you up with yowling in the middle of the night.
10. Siberian Cat
| Temperament: | Affectionate, intelligent, tough |
| Suitable for: | Active families looking for an affectionate and playful cat |
| Lifespan: | 11 – 18 years |
These gorgeous quiet cats feature soft, semi-long hair and fluffy tails. They love being around humans and will take well to strangers. Siberian cats enjoy being active and will even play a game of fetch when offered the opportunity. They like to climb, which can get them in trouble from time to time. But they’re also quiet animals that would rather purr than meow.
11. American Curl
| Temperament: | A people-loving cat that gets on well with children but may not like the company of other cats. |
| Suitable for: | Anyone looking for a warm and friendly indoor-only cat |
| Lifespan: | 12 – 16 years |
The American Curl cat is known for its distinctively curved ears and kitten-like personality that seems to last through adulthood. Alert and graceful, these cats can easily adjust to different situations as they arise, which makes them ideal for busy households that see a great deal of activity throughout the day.
They aren’t keen on using their voice to communicate, which means a nice and quiet house for you.
12. Bengal Cat
| Temperament: | Willful, wild, mischievous, and entertaining |
| Suitable for: | Small families with plenty of space, experienced cat owners looking for a challenge |
| Lifespan: | 12 – 16 years |
Although quiet in voice, the Bengal cat is curious and unpredictable. They don’t have a problem hopping in the shower with human family members, for example, and they’ll take every opportunity to paw at the fish tank. These cats can be trained to walk on a leash for some safe outdoor play, and they’ll happily snuggle up for a movie on a rainy Sunday afternoon.
13. Pixiebob
| Temperament: | Laidback, gentle, calm, intelligent |
| Suitable for: | All cat-loving families |
| Lifespan: | 11 – 15 years |
This quiet cat breed resembles the wild Coastal Red Bobcat that is typically found living in the Pacific Northwest, but luckily, they’re much smaller. These cats are easygoing and can get along well with kids and other animals alike.
This is another trainable breed that can high-five, fetch, walk on a leash, and sit and stay. They don’t talk much, but they communicate well with their body language.
Our Final Thoughts
We think all cats are awesome, whether they meow a lot or not. But we understand that not every household is right for the meowing cat. Every cat breed on our list does talk, but not often or incessantly. If you’re looking for a cool cat to spend your free time with and that will help fill your home with love and enjoyment, any one of the quiet cats on our list is worth your consideration.
Featured Image Credit: evrymmnt, Shutterstock
