6 Cats That Love To Play All Day (And 6 That Would Rather Curl Up In Their Bed)

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Mathew Abraham

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Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

A Siberian Cat
Vahab Ghadiri/Pexels

Cats are as diverse in personality as they are in appearance. While some thrive on constant movement, games, and interaction, others prefer a relaxed pace, spending their days curled up in cozy spots. Whether you’re looking for a high-energy playmate or a calm, loving companion, there’s a perfect feline match for every lifestyle. Here, we explore six playful breeds that bring endless energy into your home and six laid-back breeds that excel at the art of lounging. Read on to find out which cat suits your preferences and discover their unique traits that make them special.

1. Abyssinian: The Energetic Explorer

Abyssinian cat held by a person.
Mimzy/Pixabay

Abyssinians are renowned for their curious and energetic personalities. These agile cats love heights and often find joy scaling cat trees or furniture. Their intelligence shines during interactive play, whether it’s a game of fetch or solving a puzzle toy. Abyssinians are incredibly social and thrive in homes where they receive plenty of attention. If you work from home or spend a lot of time indoors, they’ll keep you entertained with their active antics and loving nature. Known as one of the oldest cat breeds, they’re a perfect match for those who appreciate a lively and engaging companion.

2. Siberian: Adventurous And Playful

Siberian Cat
Sunykiller/Pixabay

Siberians combine strength and grace with a playful personality. Despite their substantial size and luxurious triple coat, they are remarkably agile, excelling at climbing and leaping to high places. Siberians adore interactive games like chasing feather toys or exploring obstacle courses, making them a hit with children and other pets. Their friendly and adventurous nature ensures they blend seamlessly into family life. These cats thrive on attention and stimulation, so if you’re looking for a pet that can keep up with an active household, a Siberian is a perfect choice. 

3. Bengal: Wild Energy Meets Intelligence

Bengal cat drinking water through a straw
Helena Jankovičová Kováčová/Pexels

Bengals are famous for their wild looks and boundless energy. With a striking coat that resembles a leopard, these cats are as playful as they are beautiful. Bengals are highly intelligent and need constant mental and physical stimulation to stay content. They enjoy interactive toys, climbing, and even playing in water, making them unique among feline breeds. Their strong bond with their owners ensures they’re always ready for a game or adventure. Bengals are perfect for families who can dedicate time to engaging their sharp minds and active bodies. 

4. Manx: The Agile Tailless Wonder

Manx cat
Jill Schafer/Pixabay

The Manx is a tailless breed known for its dog-like qualities, including intelligence, playfulness, and high energy. These cats love to jump from surface to surface, often showcasing their agility and knack for capturing rodents. Despite their energetic and sometimes chaotic nature, Manx cats are highly trainable and can learn various tricks, making them both fun and engaging companions. They are easygoing, affectionate, and social, with a short or long coat that comes in various colors such as white, blue, black, red, cream, silver, and brown.

5. Maine Coon: The Gentle Giant

maine coon
VBlock/pixabay

Maine Coon, often called a gentle giant, is a large, affectionate cat breed known for its intelligence and playful nature. Despite their size, these cats are incredibly friendly and thrive on interactive play, making them ideal companions for games like puzzle toys or wand play, where they can display their agility and problem-solving abilities. Maine Coons are social and adaptable, fitting well into various household environments. Their loving and gentle demeanor makes them a favorite among families.

6. Sphynx: The Ultimate Entertainer

Sphynx cat walking on grass outdoors.
RAZI KV/Pexels

The Sphynx cat’s hairless appearance sets them apart, but it’s their playful and extroverted personality that truly stands out. These energetic cats love being the center of attention and thrive on interaction with humans and other pets. Whether it’s climbing, exploring, or engaging with toys, Sphynx cats are always ready for fun. They’re highly affectionate and bond closely with their families, often seeking out cuddles after a day of play. Sphynx cats require plenty of stimulation to keep their curious minds occupied, making them ideal for active households.

7. Birman: Your Loyal Nap Companion

sleepy birman
antranias-50356/pixabay

The Birman is a quiet and loyal breed known for its fluffy coat and bright blue eyes. These medium-sized cats are often called “Velcro cats” because they love being close to their owners. While they don’t seek high-energy play, they’ll happily curl up in your lap or beside you for hours. Birmans thrive in calm environments, making them perfect for quiet households. Just ensure they receive regular grooming to maintain their gorgeous coats. If you’re looking for a cat who doubles as a nap buddy, a Birman will be your ideal partner.

8. British Shorthair: Calm And Independent

White British Shorthair cat
Racool_studio/Pexels

The British Shorthair is the epitome of independence and calm. With their dense, plush coats and robust bodies, these cats enjoy lounging in the comfiest spots they can find. They prefer sitting beside you rather than on your lap, but their quiet companionship is comforting nonetheless. This breed is low maintenance and doesn’t require constant attention. However, you should monitor their weight, as their laid-back lifestyle can lead to obesity. Provide occasional playtime to keep them healthy, but rest assured they’ll spend most of their day contentedly snoozing.

9. Chartreux: The Quiet Observer

Elegant Chartreux cat with green eyes.
gabrielemartufi /pixabay

The Chartreux, a breed originating from France, is distinguished by its dense blue-gray fur and vibrant copper-colored eyes. These cats are independent enough to enjoy solo time but affectionate enough to greet you warmly when you return. Chartreux cats are low-energy and prefer lounging over chasing toys. While their history as mousers may hint at an active past, today’s Chartreux would much rather curl up in a sunny spot than hunt. If you want a cat who balances affection with independence, the Chartreux is a wonderful choice.

10. Himalayan: Sweet and Cozy

Himalayan cat
Claudia-schmalz/Pexels

Himalayans are a variation of the Persian breed, known for their luxurious coats and calm demeanor. They love being pampered and will happily spend hours lounging in a warm, cozy spot. These cats are gentle and enjoy the company of their owners, often curling up in laps or by their sides. While they’re social and friendly, they don’t require constant interaction, making them ideal for relaxed households. Frequent grooming is crucial to ensuring their long coats remain free of tangles. If you’re searching for a sweet, low-energy cat who loves to chill, the Himalayan is perfect for you.

11. Ragdoll: The Relaxed Companion

Close-up of a Ragdoll kitten with blue eyes.
XFanly/Pixabay

Ragdolls are large, affectionate cats that thrive on companionship. True to their name, they tend to go limp when held, making them one of the most relaxed breeds around. Ragdolls love lounging in their owner’s arms or beside them, making them excellent lap cats. Despite their size, they are gentle and adapt well to families with kids or other pets. While they enjoy occasional play, they’re happiest when they’re curled up and cozy. If you want a cat who is equal parts cuddly and calm, the Ragdoll is a fantastic choice.

12. Scottish Fold: A Lounger with a Friend

Scottish Fold cat being petted with food in the background.
XFanly/Pixabay

Scottish Folds are famous for their folded ears and sweet dispositions. These adaptable cats are happiest when they have a cozy spot to relax and a companion to share it with. They bond well with their families and enjoy lounging with their favorite humans. While they’re not overly active, they appreciate interactive toys to keep them engaged occasionally. Their calm and loving nature makes them perfect for quiet households. Whether it’s a sunlit corner or a fluffy bed, a Scottish Fold will always find the perfect spot to unwind and chill.

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