Which cat breeds live the longest – a question that probably interests many “cat owners”.
After all, we all want our feline friends to live forever.
And of course, cat lovers know how quickly our pets become more than just a pet.
Over time, an animal becomes an important part of your family. And it’s our natural desire for them to stay with us as long as possible.
Most domestic cats can live on average up to 15 years, but some cat breeds live longer.
For these breeds, it seems that the usual 9 lives aren’t necessary – some record-breaking cats have lived more than 30 years!
While it is impossible to predict exactly how long a cat will live, some animals are genetically predisposed to live more than 20 years if they are healthy and disease-free.
Proper nutrition, exercise, and regular vet checkups are all great ways to help a cat live a long and healthy life.
Longest Living Cat Breeds โ the Whole Article in One Video
Why Do Some Cats Live Longer Than Others?
It has been noted that some cats live longer than others depending on conditions: including diet, genetics, disease, and exercise.
However, some of the biggest factors may be:
- outdoor or indoor living;
- the cat belongs to a purebred or mixed breed.
There is a study conducted by the Royal Veterinary College that looked at over 4,000 randomly selected dead cats.
The result obtained was as follows:
- Purebred cats, on average, live less than crossbreds with an average life expectancy of 14 years.
- The most common causes of death were injuries from traffic accidents, fights with other animals, poisons, and parasites. This indicates that domestic cats tend to live longer.
Of course, such retrospective studies have obvious limitations, since the reliability of the causes of death cannot be confirmed 100%.
Genetics as a factor influencing the longevity of cats
Genetics is another important factor influencing the longevity of cats. After all, all animals experience biological aging.
As animals get older, their biological functions gradually decline. And until now, it has been difficult to determine how many years a particular animal can live.
However, a recent study published in Scientific Reports clarifies how DNA changes as an animal ages. It also found that these age-related changes vary greatly between animal species.
Although still to be studied regarding cats, this new DNA analysis mechanism may help us understand the deeper reasons for the longevity of some breeds.
If you need to compare cat age to human – welcome to our Cat to Human Age Calculator Online.
So, if you’re looking for a feline companion to share a few decades with you, consider one of these breeds today.
It’s time to find out if your cat is on our list of long-lasting breeds.
By the way, you can find pretty infographics at the end of the article!
1.American Shorthair
Average life span: 15-20 years.
First on the list of our longevity cats is the American Shorthair cat.
The American Shorthair cat is one of the most popular and frequent cats in the United States.
The breed was one of the first five breeds that were registered by The Cat Fanciers’ Association – CFA in 1906.
Originally known as the Domestic Shorthair, the breed was renamed the American Shorthair in 1966.
They owe their popularity to their playful, calm, and easy-going personality, making them an ideal choice for families.
They love to spend time with people, and they love to rest and sleep in the sun.
And even at a mature age, they are pretty active and playful.
In addition, they have a strongly developed hunter’s instinct, which probably also prolongs their life: from 15 to 20 years.
While these cats usually live up to 20 years, a black domestic shorthair cat named “Baby” lived an amazing 38 years!
2.Balinese
Average life span: 15-20 years.
It is a long-haired domestic cat breed with Siamese coloring and sapphire-blue eyes. The Cat Fanciers Federation (CFA) recognized the breed in 1961.
Balinese are similar in appearance to Siamese. Therefore, many assume that the origin of this breed came from the long-haired Siamese. Since the only significant difference between these breeds is the length of hair.
These beautiful blue-eyed members of the feline family are often described as friendly, affectionate, and a bit “chatty.”
According to one study, this breed is considered one of the most sociable with humans.
Balinese cats are as graceful and affectionate as they are regal in appearance. They are very intelligent and are a great addition to any family.
Balinese are active cats, and if no one is around to play with them or they are bored with their usual toys, they can be like a naughty child.
Among other things, this breed is often noted as hypoallergenic.
It is noted that they can easily live up to 22 years.
In conclusion, we refer to the Balinese cat as the breed that lives longer than others.
3.Bombay cat
Average life span: 12-16 years.
The Bombay cat is a type of short-haired cat bred from the breeding of Burmese and black American short-haired cats.
The result is a sleek, panther-like animal of the feline family, often called a “mini panther” or “black mamba”.
The breed was officially recognized and registered by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1970.
Bombay cats are curious and hardy.
They are fairly social cats that love to socialize with people. They are intelligent, affectionate, and playful animals.
Bombay cats like to be surrounded by family love, which should include lots of petting and obligatory petting ๐ฑ.
Bombay cats are very intelligent and it doesn’t take them long to learn a skill or learn a new routine.
Among other things, the Bombay cat is considered a rare breed.
The average life expectancy is about 20 years.
4.Burmese cat
Average life span: 18-25 years.
Another representative of long-lived cats is the Burmese cat.
Most modern Burmese are descendants of one cat named Wong Mau, who was brought from Burma to America in 1930.
These cats also have a Siamese ancestor, which may explain their tendency to live 18 to 25 years.
Interesting from Murmeo. One member of this breed (a cat named Kataleena Lady) from Australia lived for 27 years!
This breed has distinctive round golden eyes and compact muscular bodies, and they tend to be a medium-sized breed.
These cats are ideal pets for families because they love people and are great with children.
According to one of the big surveys, the Burmese cat is one of the most sociable with other cats.
5.Egyptian Mau
Average life span: 15-18 years.
The following breed on our longevity list is the Egyptian Mau.
The Egyptian Mau is a small to medium-sized short-haired cat. This is one of the few domestic cat breeds with natural spots.
Mau is considered a reasonably ancient breed – in the “Book of the Dead” Ra, the sun god, is depicted as a spotted, striped cat similar to the Egyptian Mau (1100 BC).
They are very affectionate, intelligent, and observant.
Egyptian Mau is great at climbing and jumping, but the most impressive thing about their athleticism is their running speed. They are one of the fastest domestic cat breeds, capable of speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour.
These cats are rare, hard to find, and have a 15-18 years lifespan.
6.Maine Coon
Average life span: 17-18 years.
It is a cat breed that is descended from the cats of Maine in the northeastern United States. The Maine Coon is an indigenous cat breed of North America.
Maine Coon is in the top 10 largest breeds: males weigh from 5.9 to 8.2 kg (neutered – up to 12 kg), and females from 3.6 to 5.4 kg (spayed – up to 7.5-8.5 kg).
They are strong and muscular cats. They are rather slow to become physically mature, reaching their full size only at 3-5 years of age.
Nevertheless, they are known as gentle giants. Maine Coons are generally loving and affectionate with their families, although they are wary and cautious of strangers.
Maine Coons often reach the age of 17-18 years or older.
Therefore they also receive an honorable place in the list of long-lived cats.
7.Manx cat
Average life span: 15-18 years.
It is a breed of cat that originated on the Isle of Man.
Historically, cats escaped with the Vikings and were native to the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea.
Their lack of a tail is the result of a mutation of a certain gene. It is this peculiarity that makes them unique and so cute.
The average life expectancy of these cats is between 15 and 18 years.
In reality, though, not all members of this breed are tailless. Manxes are medium-sized cats, usually broad and muscular.
8.Oriental Shorthair
Average life span: 15-18 years.
If you want a cat that can be leash-trained, this is the breed for you.
Oriental shorthair cats have one of the most varied colors of any breed. Their coat can have over 300 variations in color and pattern.
They are also one of the smartest breeds in the world, love human interaction and play, and are naturally quite curious and inquisitive cats. In addition, oriental shorthairs are considered the most sociable with other cats.
While there are no cats that are 100% hypoallergenic, oriental shorthairs, cause little or no allergic reactions in people with allergies.
Their active lifestyle may also be a key factor in the longevity of the oriental shorthair breed: 15 to 18 years.
Therefore, we also add them to our list of longevity cats.
9.Persian cat
Average life span: 15-20 years.
And so, the Persian cat is another representative of cats that are quite long-lived.
It is one of the oldest and most popular breeds in the world. The first documented ancestors of the Persians were brought to Italy from Iran (historically known as Persia) around 1620.
There are now about 100 varieties of these cats of various colors. There are black, white, gray, blue, red, cream, red, and purple cats.
They are characterized by their round face and short muzzle, silky long hair, and short legs.
These cats are known for their kitten-like behavior, but they are generally quite calm animals who like to curl up in their owner’s lap.
They are some of the most popular pedigreed cats in the U.S., and according to the Cat Fans Association (CFA), they were the fourth most registered breed in 2019.
The typical lifespan of a Persian is 15-20 years.
But since this breed is known to have a predisposition to some diseases, you should show them to the vet regularly to prolong their life.
Persian cats are cute, independent and prefer a quiet environment.
Jumping and climbing are not among their top ten favorite activities โ they’d rather pose for selfies or show off their “modeling” skills.
10.Ragdoll
Average life span: 15-20 years.
Ragdoll is a breed of large, semi-long-haired cats.
The breed was bred in the U.S. in the 1960s by Ann Baker, a breeder of Persian cats from California.
Cats were selected for their softest character, which resulted in them being able to completely relax in a human’s arms, which gave the breed its name.
Ragdolls are large and fairly muscular cats with beautiful coats. They are very friendly and intelligent. These cats can be taught to high-five, kiss, or wave goodbye with their paws.
They are friendly and sociable pets that make excellent pets and can live up to 25 years.
11.Russian Blue cat
Average life span: 15-20 years.
Meet another breed that can live longer than its other companions.
The origin of modern Russian Blue cats comes from Russia.
Europeans liked them for their excellent qualities as rat-catchers, for their unusual color and double, “plush” coat.
In 1893 English breeder Karen Cox brought from Arkhangelsk a pair of blue kittens, from which she began their selective breeding.
The quiet and reserved Russian Blue is an elegant and bright breed with long paws and a slender athletic body.
Their short and dense coat can range from light gray to dark gray. These cats are calm and laid-back, with an inquisitive and curious disposition.
They are known for their friendly nature and affection for their families.
Russian Bue cats are affectionate but not too obtrusive, they are playful but not too noisy. They get along easily with people and other pets.
A Russian Blue cat can live for 15-20 years if properly cared for.
12.Savannah cat
Average life span: 15-20 years.
The Savannah is a hybrid of the domestic cat and the African serval. This breed began breeding in the United States in 2001.
Breeders wanted to create a large-sized domestic cat with an exotic wild color. But at the same time, they wanted to preserve the compliant nature of the domestic cat, adapted to the comfort of the home.
Savannah cats are energetic, stubborn, and athletic. They are not the cat that sleeps all night on your lap. However, breeders point out that they get attached to their owners.
If you are keeping a savannah, you must have plenty of cat trees to climb on. Also, keep a small spring or container of water in which they can play.
Although savannahs are generally friendly and easygoing animals, at times they can be unpredictable, very active, and energetic.
These cats are known for their loyalty and will often follow their owners around the house like a dog.
With good care, savannah cats can live for 15-20 years.
Therefore, the savannah is also considered a cat that lives longer than other breeds.
13.Siamese cat
Average life span: 15-20 years.
The Siamese cat is one of the famous cat breeds of the Siamese-Oriental group.
This breed has a very distinctive appearance, distinctive features of which are a thin, long, trumpet-shaped flexible body and long wedge-shaped head.
It is believed that siamese cats are descended from the sacred temple cats in Siam, now called Thailand. They originated in the United States in 1878 when the American president received a siamese as a gift from the American consul in Bangkok.
Siamese cats are known for their striking blue eyes, large, wide ears, and short, beautiful hair with sharp color.
This breed is characterized by its social character and friendliness toward people.
It is noted that they are often tightly bound to one member of the family.
It is known that a siamese cat named Scooter lived exactly 30 years.
Usually, these cats live 15-20 years.
14.Sphynx cat
Average life span: 15-20 years.
In 1966, in Toronto, Canada, a domestic cat gave birth to a naked kitten.
This, as it turned out, was a natural mutation. The result was the Sphynx – as we know it now.
Canadian sphynxes are not completely naked; they have varying degrees of “baldness.” There can be a fine down that makes the cat resemble a peach to the touch. Individual short hairs are usually present on the nose, ears, and sometimes on the fingers and tail.
Sphynx cats are popular with owners who suffer from allergies.
These cats are very social and resemble dogs in temperament. They crave human attention and often follow their owners around the house and greet them when they return home.
Despite having several genetic health problems and the need for bare skin care, these cats often live 15-20 years.
So, too, this breed makes it onto our list of long-lived cat breeds.
15.Non-breed domestic cat
And of course, we have to mention in our list the common non-bred cat.
Naturally, there are very few reliable statistics on purebred cats, but we are sure that such cats can live quite long lives too.
Here are some examples:
- The legendary Creme Puff cat is considered to be the oldest cat that ever lived. She was owned by Jake Perry of Austin, Texas (August 3, 1967-August 6, 2005). She was 38 years old.
- A cat named Puss celebrated her 36th birthday (November 28, 1903 – November 29, 1939);
- Sarah is a New Zealand non-breed cat who has lived for 33.5 years (1982 – 2015).
Remember that no matter what breed or no breed at all, your pet will always remain your devoted friend.
Top 15 Breeds of Cats That Live Longer Than Others – Infographics
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Cats With Longest Lifespans – Summary
The breed is not everything when it comes to your pet’s longevity.
Indoor-only cats, on average, live longer than outdoor-only cats.
Indoor cats also tend to have better diets because their owners can monitor what they eat.
Taking care of your cat, getting regular checkups and vaccinations, and making sure diseases are treated just in the early stages can also make a big difference in your cat’s longevity.
So keep your pet indoors, take good care of it, and hopefully your cat will be with you for years to come.
Murmeo link to this article: https://murmeo.com/en/top-15-breeds-of-cats-that-live-longer-than-others
