If you love cats but prefer a quiet environment, you might be wondering if there are any cat breeds that don’t meow or meow very little. The answer is yes, there are some silent cat breeds that are known for their low vocalization and gentle purring. In this article, we will introduce you to nine of these quiet cat breeds and explain why they don’t meow as much as other cats.
The Natural Sound of Cats: Meowing
Meowing is the most common sound that cats make, and it is usually directed at humans rather than other cats. Cats meow for various reasons, such as to greet their owners, to ask for food, to express their feelings, to get attention, or to communicate their needs and wants. Meowing is also influenced by the cat’s personality, health, age, and breed. Some cats are naturally more talkative than others, and some breeds are known for their loud and frequent meowing, such as the Siamese, the Oriental, and the Burmese.
9 Silent Cat Breeds
However, not all cats are vocal, and some breeds are more silent than others. Here are nine cat breeds that don’t meow or meow very little:
1. Birman
The Birman is a playful and affectionate cat that loves company, but tends to be one of the quietest cat breeds. They have silky fur that doesn’t mat, and males can weigh up to 15 pounds. They prefer not to be the only animal in the house, and they will quietly cuddle with their owners or other pets. The Birman originated from Burma, where they were considered sacred and guarded by priests in temples. They have a distinctive feature of having white paws, which are said to symbolize purity.
2. Chartreux
The Chartreux is a blue-gray cat with a soft and gentle personality. They are loyal and intelligent, and they can weigh up to 15 pounds. They are not very vocal, and they will only meow softly when they need something. The Chartreux is one of the oldest cat breeds in Europe, dating back to the 16th century. They were named after the Carthusian monks, who allegedly bred them for their fur and companionship. They have a thick and water-resistant coat that protects them from cold weather.
3. Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex is a curly-haired cat with a slender and athletic body. They are active and playful, and they love to interact with their owners and other animals. They are not very noisy, and they will meow quietly or chirp when they are happy. The Cornish Rex is a relatively new cat breed, developed in the 1950s in Cornwall, England. They have a unique genetic mutation that causes their hair to curl, giving them a wavy and soft coat. They are very sensitive to temperature and need to be kept warm.
4. Havana Brown
The Havana Brown is a chocolate-brown cat with a friendly and outgoing temperament. They are curious and funny, and they enjoy playing with toys and catnip. They are not very loud, and they will meow softly or purr when they want attention. The Havana Brown is a rare cat breed, created in the 1950s in England by crossing Siamese and domestic black cats. They have a distinctive muzzle shape and green eyes that contrast with their brown coat. They are very affectionate and loyal to their owners.
5. LaPerm
The LaPerm is a wavy-haired cat with a fun-loving and sweet personality. They are affectionate and gentle, and they like to snuggle with their owners or by their computer. They are not very vocal, and they will meow softly or purr when they are content. The LaPerm is a natural cat breed, discovered in the 1980s in Oregon, USA. They have a spontaneous mutation that causes their hair to curl, giving them a perm-like appearance. They come in various colors and patterns, and they can be either long-haired or short-haired.
6. Ragdoll
The Ragdoll is a large and fluffy cat with a calm and docile demeanor. They are very loyal and loving, and they will follow their owners around the house. They are not very noisy, and they will meow softly or purr when they want to be petted. The Ragdoll is a modern cat breed, developed in the 1960s in California, USA. They have a semi-long coat that is silky and easy to groom, and they come in four patterns: bicolor, mitted, colorpoint, and lynx. They are named after their tendency to go limp when picked up.
7. Persian
The Persian is a long-haired cat with a round and flat face. They are elegant and graceful, and they can weigh up to 12 pounds. They are not very vocal, and they will meow softly or purr when they are happy. The Persian is one of the most popular and oldest cat breeds in the world, originating from Persia (now Iran) and Turkey. They have a luxurious and dense coat that requires regular grooming, and they come in various colors and patterns. They are very sweet and gentle, but they can be aloof and independent.
8. Singapura
The Singapura is a small and slender cat with a ticked coat and large ears. They are lively and smart, and they love to spend time with their owners and play with toys. They are not very loud, and they will meow softly or purr when they are excited. The Singapura is a rare cat breed, originating from the streets of Singapore. They have a beige or brown coat that resembles a cougar, and they have dark markings on their face, ears, and tail. They are very affectionate and playful, but they can be shy and timid.
9. Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold is a medium-sized cat with folded ears and a round face. They are sociable and adaptable, and they can get along with children and other pets. They are not very vocal, and they will meow softly or purr when they are relaxed. The Scottish Fold is a natural cat breed, discovered in the 1960s in Scotland. They have a genetic mutation that causes their ears to fold forward, giving them a cute and owl-like appearance. They come in various colors and patterns, and they can be either long-haired or short-haired.
The Reasons Why These Cats Don’t Meow
There are several possible reasons why these cat breeds don’t meow as much as other cats, such as:
- Genetic traits: Some cat breeds may have inherited genes that affect their vocal cords or their ability to produce sounds. For example, the Chartreux has a small larynx that limits its vocal range.
- Temperament: Some cat breeds may have a personality that makes them less likely to meow or more likely to express themselves in other ways. For example, the Birman is a quiet and gentle cat that prefers to show its affection through physical contact rather than vocalization.
- Breeding goals: Some cat breeds may have been selectively bred for certain characteristics that influence their vocalization. For example, the Persian was bred for its beauty and elegance, not for its voice.
- Training: Some cat breeds may have learned to meow less or more quietly due to their owners’ feedback or preferences. For example, the Ragdoll may have adapted to its owner’s lifestyle and learned to be quiet and respectful.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a cat that doesn’t meow or meow very little, you have many options to choose from. There are nine cat breeds that are known for their low vocalization and gentle purring, and they have different appearances, personalities, and needs. You can find the perfect silent cat breed for you and enjoy a quiet and peaceful companionship.
