Our pets are like family, and we want them to be around as long as possible. If you are looking for a feline companion who will live a long time, our Grass Valley vets are here to tell you what cat breeds live the longest from Siamese to Munchkins and more.
What Breed of Cat is Right For You?
When deciding on the best breed of house cat for you, there are a number of factors that you should consider, including:
- How much time will your cat spend alone?
- How much grooming are you willing to commit to?
- What kind of personality are you looking for in a cat?
Once you know the answer to those simple questions you can begin to narrow down your breed options and begin to single in on the perfect breeds to suit your lifestyle and personality. Keep in mind that the older a cat gets the more specialized their care may become. Your cat will eventually require geriatric care and potential dietary and lifestyle changes as they age.
What Breeds of Cat Live the Longest?
Cats tend to live a long time, the average indoor cat can live anywhere from 12-18 years while outdoor cats have a far shorter life span of approximately 2-5 years.
Every cat is different, their lifespan depends on a number of factors such as their lifestyle, and lifelong health but if you are looking to add a new cat to your home and want to find a breed that tends to live the longest, our Grass Valley vets have the answers.
Munchkin
Munchkin cats (also called “sausage cats”) are regular domestic cats that stand out because of their shortened legs, giving them a much smaller stature than other breeds. These shortened legs come from a naturally occurring mutation that can actually arise in any cat.
While extremely cute and sweet-looking, Munchkins are quick, intelligent, and love a good game of hide-and-seek with shiny objects. Munchkin cats can live to be 12-15 years old.
Siamese
As its name suggests, the Siamese cat originated from Thailand (formerly called Siam). Siamese cats live up to 15 years on average, some can reach 20 years old. People love Siamese cats because they are sociable, playful, and entertaining. It is possible to train Siamese cats due to their intelligent nature. They can be trained to walk on a harness and do many tricks.
Russian Blue
Russian blue cats have elegant features, long limbs, and slender bodies. Perhaps this explained why this breed appears a lot in TV adverts. Russian blue cats are a gentle cat breed that is easy to train. They are a bit shy around strangers but affectionate with their owners. They enjoy typical indoor life and can live long up to 10-20 years on average.
Sphynx
Despite having a slight alien appearance and lack of hair, Sphynx cats are quite popular and have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Because they are hairless, they are popular among cat lovers with allergies. The Sphynx cats crave attention and are highly sociable. They will greet you when you get home and follow you wherever you go.
Since the Sphynx cats are hairless, they must be protected against cold in winter and intense heat during summer.
Persian
This fluffy and adorable Persian cat has an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Though they look calm and quiet, they are actually friendly and love to cuddle up to their favorite people. Like other cat breeds, Persian cats are prone to illnesses like corneal ulcers, tummy problems, diarrhea and more, so if you own a Persian cat, make sure you bring it to your vet for regular checkups.
Another issue with the Persian cat is their grooming. You have to brush and comb their fur daily to prevent matting. Though their long fur looks lovely, it can make your house become messy if the Persian cat tends to shed excessively.
Balinese
The Balinese is similar to a Siamese cat, but different in terms of coat length. Balinese cats have a longer coat length compared with Siamese cats. Lots of adjectives can be used to describe Balinese cats: outgoing, affectionate, active, intelligent, agile, chatty, and so on. A healthy Balinese cat can reach the age of 18 to 22 years old.
Ragdoll
Ragdoll is a relatively new cat breed that can only be dated back to the early 1960s. Ragdoll cats have long silky fur similar to Persian cats. Just as its name suggests, Ragdoll cat is easy-going and can become limp when you pick it up, just like a ragdoll. Ragdoll is friendly, even with strangers. Also, he is laidback, gentle, and loves to lounge. It prefers indoor life and is not fond of climbing.
Despite its soft looking, it is actually a tough and healthy breed that can live up to 15-25 years.
Burmese
The official record of the oldest living cat holder is a 35-year-old Burmese cat. Of course, most Burmese cats don’t live that long. The average lifespan of Burmese cats is 18 to 25 years and that is certainly much longer than most cats. Burmese cats are energetic, playful and people-friendly. They adore children and are ideal to own as a family pet.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.