Every pet owner has that one fear of losing their fur and feline babies. On average, they live around 8-10 years. These are the only time to make the best memories with your loved ones.
But there is some good news for the pet owners. Some cats live longer, with a minimum age of 15-20 years. These breeds tend to have the longest life span due to genetics, care, and the environment.
If you are trying to get yourself these fur babies, it might be better if you understand about these breeds. Without any further ado, let us dive into the cats that live the longest.
Which breed of cats that live the longest?
The pawparents have some good news: Many breeds of cats can live happily and healthily for more than two decades. These breeds, with proper diet and vet checkups, bring joy to your families for years to come. So, let us focus on the ten breeds of cats that live longest.
Munchkin
Life Expectancy: 12–15 years
Munchkins are one of the easily recognizable cats because of their short legs that give them a unique and cute appearance.
Moroever, their cute looks and playful personalities make them extra special. These breeds enjoy interactive play and are often curious. So you can guess these are one heck of the entertaining companions.
Besides, if you have children, their friendly nature makes them get along well with them. That is why they are among the favourite cats in families.
Ragdoll
Life Expectancy: 13–18 years
Now comes the large and adorable cats, known for their gentle temperament. When you carry them, they just become limp, which is why they are named ragdolls.
Likewise, cats thrive on human interaction. So you can find them following around the house.
Their striking blue eyes and semi-long fur add extra charm to their beauty. But it comes with the requirement of regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition as they are the cats that shed a bit.
Savannah
Life Expectancy: 12–20 years
Sometimes, the hybrid breed can be the one that lives the longest. It is where the savannah breed comes from, which is a cross of a domestic cat with a wild African cat.�
Meanwhile, they are known for their appealing appearance, which includes large ears and spotted coats inherited from their wild ancestors.
Do not be deceived by their looks. These breeds are adventurous and active. They enjoy games that can ignite their intelligence. They require plenty of stimulation and interaction, so they are best for pet owners who can provide an engaging environment.
Turkish Angora
Life Expectancy: 15–20 years
Similar to their fancy name, Turkish Angoras are known to be a lively breed. They have a beautiful, long, silky coat and striking blue, green, or amber eyes.�
In addition, they are playful and intelligent cats that enjoy climbing and exploring their surroundings. Their affectionate nature makes them your favorite furbaby. It can be said that their charming appearance and playful nature help you form strong bonds.�
But their long and silly fur requires regular grooming, so it is better to maintain the grooming routine.
American Shorthair
Life Expectancy: 15–20 years
American shorthairs are round-faced and muscular cats. Their adaptability and friendly demeanor make them popular among paw parents.�
Similarly, their different colours and patterns share a muscular build and round face. These cats are easygoing and get along well with children. But the best part is their calm nature allows them to thrive in various living situations.
Bombay
Life Expectancy: 9–15 years (some live longer)
The Bombay cats’ distinctive, beautiful black coat, which looks similar to miniature panthers, distinguishes them. They are also playful and have a loving personality.
They love spending time with you when you play with them or cuddle them on the couch. Their social nature makes them thrive in environments where they receive plenty of attention from their owners.�
Balinese
Life Expectancy: 18–22 years
In the Siamese breed, there are long-haired cats known for their striking looks and social nature, called Balinese cats. These are quite intelligent and enjoy interacting with their pet parents.
Due to their playful behaviour these cats are active and require mental stimulation. So, for families and individuals who want a new companion, these can be a perfect addition.
Burmese
Life Expectancy: 10–17 years (some live up to 25 years)
One of the cats that can live longest is the Burmese cat. Their playing nature helps them develop strong bonds with their owners. Moreover, their sociable nature makes them great companions as they need all your interaction and attention.
Meanwhile, their sleek coats and expressive eyes give them a beautiful look. Their charming personality endears them to many cat lovers.
Siamese
Life Expectancy: 15–20 years
When it comes to the cats that live longest, many pawparents might know about Siamese cats. Besides, their colourful appearance and vocal personalities make them distinct.
You might not have to worry about getting bored because they will be there to take all your attention. This is because they are highly sociable and playful.
Likewise, families can expect to have a close companionship with this breed due to their affectionate nature.
Russian Blue
Life Expectancy: 15–20 years
The blue-grey coat and bright green eyes are the distinct characteristics of the Russian blue cats.
At the same time, they are known for their gentle temperament. So it is obvious that you will find them affectionate towards their families.
The best part about this breed is its intelligence and playfulness. However, to keep them happy, you have to give them regular interaction and mental stimulation. Their calm demeanor makes them perfect for various living environments.
Do male or female cats live longer?
You know the fun fact: apart from the breed, the gender of the cat also determines who lives longer. There is much research that shows that female cats live longer than men.
On average, female cats can live about 12.5 years, while male cats live around 1.2 years. The difference in their lifespans is due to the health risks associated with the male cat, like territorial behaviour that causes fights. In addition, spayed cats live longer than their intact counterparts. At the same time, spayed females can outlive unspayed ones.
Summing Up
The cats that live longest depend on their genetics and breeds. Aside from that, regular vet checkups and proper diet also play important roles in their health.
Besides, you should maintain an active lifestyle for your fur baby through the active lifestyle by keeping them engaged in play activities and giving them mental stimulation. It is better to take care of your feline babies to ensure their health and happy, long lives.
FAQS
- Do indoor cats live longer?
Yes, indoor cats generally live longer than outdoor cats. Indoor cats are protected from various dangers, like predators and diseases. On average, indoor cats can live longer, around 13 to 20 years, while outdoor cats face many risks that can shorten their lives.
- At what age is a cat considered old?
Cats are considered “senior” or “old” around the age of 7. However, this can vary depending on the individual cat’s health and breed. As they reach 10 to 12 years, many cats will show signs of aging, such as decreased activity and changes in behaviour.
- What is the main cause of death in cats?
The leading causes of death in cats include trauma, renal disorders, and non-specific illnesses. Trauma accounts for about 12.2% of cat fatalities, while kidney disease is a close second at 12.1%.
- What is the average lifespan of domestic cats?
The average lifespan of domestic cats ranges from 13 to 20 years, with many studies suggesting a mean lifespan around 15 years. Factors such as breed, genetics, diet, and whether they are spayed can influence their longevity.
- Can a cat live 100 years?
While it is highly unlikely for a cat to live to 100 years, some exceptional cases have been reported with cats living beyond 30 years. The oldest recorded cat lived to be 38 years old. But such instances are extremely rare and not typical for the average domestic cat.
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