If you ask cat owners what one thing they would wish for, most of them would wish that their feline buddies would live as long as they can. One of the painful moments in feline companionship is realizing that your cat is nearing the end of its life. Although cats do not have nine lives (sorry for the spoiler), they generally live longer than most pets. However, there are some breeds of cats that stand out when it comes to lifespan. You cannot be guaranteed that your cat will live to twenty years; neither can you be guaranteed that it will reincarnate. But choosing a cat that has a long lifespan offers some comfort that you will have your feline companion for a long while. In this blog article, we will find out the ten cat breeds with the longest lifespan. Excited? Good.
The Manx Cat
The Manx is a playful and intelligent cat. It is sometimes mischievous when it needs to be, to be able to entertain itself. Its most distinctive characteristic is the fact that it has no tail. This is as a result of a genetic mutation. This mutation also makes it prone to a spinal disorder called the Manx Syndrome. However, not all Manx cats are tailless. Manx kittens are usually classified by the length of tails they have. The Manx cat is sociable and loves adventure. It is also considered very loyal to its owner. In this regard, some people liken it to a dog. It loves games that involve interaction with its owner. Aside from the Manx syndrome, the Manx cat is also prone to bridging spondylosis and arthritis. Despite these diseases, the Manx cat is expected to live for about fourteen to sixteen years.
The Siamese Cat
The Siamese cat is originally from Thailand. That is the reason behind its name. Thailand was once known as Siam. A Siamese cat is sociable, very entertaining, and playful. It is also a very intelligent cat. This makes it easy to teach tricks to. It also loves puzzle games. It is very vocal and does not like being left by itself. Thus, it is not the breed of cat for everyone. It requires an owner who can spend enough time with it. This is because a Siamese cat can easily become depressed if it does not get the attention it needs. But if you are certain that the Siamese cat is your choice of a cat, then here is the good news. The Siamese cat can live for about sixteen to twenty years and sometimes, even more than that. Great, right?
The American Shorthair
The American Shorthair is gentle but playful. It is believed to have originated from Europe before arriving in North America. It is one of the most popular breeds of cat in America, not because of its name, but because of its easy-going nature. It is also a low-maintenance cat breed. It is, therefore, very easy to take care of. Its major characteristic is its striped pattern fur, which looks like tiger stripes. The fur of the American Shorthair comes in various colors. It is generally a very healthy cat that does not need constant attention. However, it requires its daily playtime to keep it happy. It is a sociable cat breed and adjusts very well to any family size. It is a sociable and friendly cat, and also very intelligent. It is a hardy breed of domestic cat. This is because it hardly has any common health issues. However, it is prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is a genetic weakness. This fact notwithstanding, expect the American Shorthair to stick around you for an average of fifteen years to twenty years. In some cases, the American Shorthair can live well beyond twenty-two years. Impressive, isn’t it?
The Russian Blue Cat Breed
The Russian Blue cat breed is one of the most popular among people who have a mild allergic reaction to cat hair. This is because the Russian Blue cat breed has low dander and oil production. This makes it less allergenic compared to other breeds of cat. Also, it has a silver-blue-looking coat of fur that does not shed often. This makes grooming this cat comparatively easy. Aside from that, it has features that are considered elegant. It has a slender body, which is supported by long limbs. This makes this cat a popular choice for a lot of television advertisements. The Russian Blue Cat is a gentle cat. It is also a bit shy, especially when it is around strangers. However, it can be very affectionate toward its owner. It is a very intelligent cat that loves puzzle games. It is also very easy to train. It has a dense coat, which is also short, typical of Russian cat breeds. It is usually prone to eye problems like cataracts, glaucoma, and other infections of the eye. It is also prone to retinal problems. Despite these health issues, the Russian Blue breed of cat can be expected to have an average lifespan of fifteen to twenty years, sometimes more than that.
The Bombay Cat
The Bombay cat breed is next on our list. This cat has a mysterious feel about it. This is mainly due to its distinctive black coat of fur with two large golden eyes, which offer a sharp contrast. Most people believe that the Bombay cat was bred with only one intention in mind – to make it look like a small-size black panther. If that is the case, then it has not disappointed. Do not be surprised, however, to find a kitten with a lighter color of fur among its offspring. The Bombay cat is an intelligent cat and also very sociable and bold. It is friendly to both familiar faces and strangers. It is playful and loves to be given attention. Because of its nature, it does not like to be left alone too often, as this could easily get it depressed. It can be very mischievous when seeking attention. It makes for a very good companion. However, the unfortunate thing is, Bombay cats are rare. You may have to be very patient if you want one to adopt The Bombay cat has a muzzle which is shorter than most cats. This can be the cause of some respiratory problems as well as very watery eyes. That notwithstanding, the Bombay cat is generally a very healthy breed of cat. It has an average lifespan of fifteen to twenty years.
The Sphynx Cat
The Sphynx cat breed makes our list as the only hairless cat breed. Beyond its alien-like appearance, this breed of cat is very affectionate and playful. Because it is hairless, it is the most popular choice of cat among people with allergies to the fur of cats. However, it is a high-maintenance cat when it comes to caring for it. Because it lacks the protection of a fur coat, it produces dander and oils. Part of its high maintenance requires that it is kept away from extreme weather conditions, as this poses a lot of health risks to it. It needs to be bathed often because of the excess oils its body produces. The Sphynx cat is also a lover of attention as it does not like to be left by itself. It is very sociable and loves to play. It adjusts easily to any size of family and loves to follow its owner around the house. Do not be surprised to come home to the sight of this cat waiting to greet you. However, the Sphynx cat is a relatively healthy breed of cat compared with other cat breeds. It has an average lifespan of fifteen to twenty years.
The Persian Cat Breed
The distinctive characteristics of the Persian breed of cat are its short muzzle, round face, and fluffy appearance. It is called by different names in different countries. It is sometimes known as the Persian Longhair. It is also known as the Iranian cat in the Middle East regions. Although the Persian cat has a calm and quiet personality, it loves attention and likes to cuddle. Also, it does not mind being a lap-cat once a while. It likes to play and follow its owner sometimes. The Persian cat is prone to certain health issues. These include corneal ulcers, diarrhea, and other stomach problems. It is strongly advised that every owner of a Persian cat should visit the vet regularly for periodic health examinations. The Persian cat is a high-maintenance cat, especially when it comes to grooming. Its fur requires brushing on a daily basis to prevent it from matting. It also sheds excessively, so you have to be sure to vacuum regularly to prevent your home from becoming messy with cat fur. The Persian cat is, therefore, not the cat to have around people with cat allergies. It has an average lifespan of fifteen to twenty years.
The Balinese Cat
The name of this cat breed is inspired by the graceful Balinese dancers. It does not mean that the Balinese cat can dance – at least, not as humans can. This long-hair breed of cat is similar to the Siamese cat when it comes to the length of its fur, although the Balinese has a longer coat of hair. It is likely that the Balinese cat originated as a long-haired mutation of its cousin, the Siamese cat. The Balinese cat is outgoing, sociable, friendly, bold, chatty, intelligent, affectionate, agile, and so much more. It is an excellent playmate for children and an ideal companion for older people. It usually has a mind of its own and has no problem chattering away its piece of mind to its owner, even if it has to follow its owner around the house. It loves to cuddle and share its owner’s bed and pillow. Although it loves attention, it does not mind being by itself if it has enough toys to distract it. It also does not mind sharing its space with other pets and can be a very good playmate with other animals. A healthy Balinese cat has an impressive lifespan of eighteen to twenty-two years.
The Ragdoll Cat
You may be forgiven if you have not heard of the Ragdoll cat, as it is a relatively new breed of cat. It dates back only to the 1960s. The Ragdoll is similar to the Persian cat, as both have long and silky fur. If you are wondering where its name comes from, it has to do with the way it becomes limp when it is picked up, just like a ragdoll. It is friendly, sociable, and sometimes playful. It does not shy away from strange faces, and it loves attention. It also has a laid back personality and does not being a couch-potato. It is not an active cat, and it prefers to be indoors relaxing. It is an ideal cat for people who love lap-cats. It is also one of the larger breeds of cats. When it comes to health, the Ragdoll is a healthy breed. However, it may have urinary problems. It is, therefore, important to give it enough water to keep it hydrated. The Ragdoll has an average lifespan of fifteen to nineteen years.
The Burmese Cat
The Burmese cat is the final entry onto our list. It also takes the number one spot when it comes to the lifespan of cats. The Burmese cat is sociable, playful, and loves to be active indoors, preferably exploring every corner of the house. Although it is generally a healthy cat, the Burmese cat may be prone to developing glaucoma. It may also be prone to cranial deformities from birth. It has an average lifespan of eighteen to twenty-five years. This is more than most cats. Impressive as this may sound, the official record for the oldest cat alive is a thirty-five years old Burmese cat.
To Summarize
It is important to note that the life expectancy for each breed is only for reference purposes. Any breed of cat can live as long as nature allows it to. The most important thing is to take very good care of your cat. It should be fed well with a balanced diet and given enough playtime. Regular visits to the vet are also very important. To keep your cat safe, it should be kept indoors as much as possible. Cats that live outdoors have a shorter average lifespan of two to five years. Cats that live indoors have an average lifespan of ten to fifteen years. If you want your cat to live long, take good care of it.
You may also like our ultimate breed guides on the Singapura Cat, Ragamuffin Cat, Highlander Cat and American Wirehair Cat.
Sources:
- Elle Di Jensen, Domestic Cat Species With the Longest Lifespan, The Nest
- Jennifer Coates, DVM, How Long Do Cats Live?, PetMD
