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Cat Breeds that Live the Longest

Our pets are family, so of course, we want them to be around as long as possible. In this post, our Statesboro vets discuss some breeds of cats that tend to live the longest.

Cat Breeds That Live the Longest

Cats have a long life expectancy; the average indoor cat can live for 12-18 years, whereas outdoor cats have a much shorter life expectancy of 2-5 years.

Every cat is unique, and their lifespan is determined by a variety of factors such as their lifestyle and long-term health, but if you are looking to add a new cat to your home and want to know which breeds tend to live the longest, our Statesboro vets can help.

Manx

The Manx cat is typically tailless, which serves as its most distinguishing feature among other cats. People believed that the lack of a tail was a naturally occurring mutation of the breed's spine. Not all Manx cats, however, are born without a tail.

Manx cats are smart and get along well with other animals. They are frequently described as behaving like dogs due to their sense of loyalty to their owners and their love of interactive play. More importantly, they can live for much longer than 15 years.

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 lots of tricks.  

Oriental Shorthair

Oriental shorthair is a crossbreed using Siamese as the base. Oriental shorthair cats’ appearances are unique and their coats come in 300 colors and patterns. Since they are a cross-breed of Siamese cats, they share the same wonderful personalities as the Siamese: smart, curious, and loving. These cats have a long life expectancy of over 15 years.

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. 

Bombay

Bombay cats have beautiful jet-black coats that give them a mysterious appearance. Although the black coat gene is dominant, a sable-colored kitten may occasionally be born. Bombay cats enjoy interacting with people, whether they are children or strangers. Bombay cats are generally intelligent, playful, and attention-seeking. Bombay cats have a maximum lifespan of 20 years. Without a doubt, Bombay cats make excellent family pets, but they are quite rare and may be difficult to find for adoption.

Sphynx

Despite their slightly alien appearance and lack of hair, Sphynx cats are quite popular and live for 15 to 20 years on average. They are popular among allergy-prone cat owners because they are hairless. Sphynx cats are extremely sociable and crave attention. They will welcome you home and follow you wherever you go. Because Sphynx cats lack hair, they must be protected from cold in the winter and intense heat in the summer.

Persian

The average lifespan of this fluffy and adorable Persian cat is 15 to 20 years. They appear calm and quiet, but they are actually friendly and enjoy cuddling with their favorite people. Persian cats, like other cat breeds, are prone to illnesses such as corneal ulcers, tummy problems, diarrhea, and more, so if you own one, make sure to take it to your veterinarian for regular checkups. Grooming is another issue with Persian cats. To prevent matting, you must brush and comb their fur on a daily basis. Though their long fur is beautiful, if the Persian cat sheds excessively, it can make your house a mess.

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

Ragdolls are a relatively new cat breed, dating back to the early 1960s. Ragdoll cats, like Persian cats, have long, silky fur. A Ragdoll cat, as the name implies, is easygoing and, like a ragdoll, can become limp when picked up. Ragdolls are friendly to strangers. He is also easygoing, gentle, and enjoys lounging. It prefers to stay indoors and dislikes climbing. Despite its soft appearance, it is a tough and healthy breed that can live for 15-25 years.

Burmese

A 35-year-old Burmese cat holds the official record for the oldest living cat. Of course, the majority of Burmese cats do not live that long. Burmese cats have an average lifespan of 18 to 25 years, which is significantly longer than that of most cats. Burmese and Birman cats are frequently confused. Burmese cats are medium-sized cats, whereas Birman cats are large and stocky. Another noticeable difference is that Burmese cats have short coats, whereas Birman cats have silky medium-length fur. Burmese cats are energetic, playful, and social. They adore children and make excellent family pets.

Savannah Cat

The Savannah cat—part African serval and part domestic cat—is recommended only for experienced owners. Despite not being fully domesticated, Savannah cats can be friendly with people. But they tend to have unpredictable, active, and bold temperaments. The hybrid breed is generally healthy and has an estimated average lifespan of 12 to 20 years.

Egyptian Mau

Named for its presence in ancient Egyptian art, the Egyptian Mau is a beautiful cat with a characteristically spotted coat. These cats are generally comfortable with people, making themselves an integral part of the family and expecting to be treated as such. While some are prone to heart disease, the breed's average lifespan is 12 to 15 years.

American Shorthair

Because of its playful and easy going temperament, the American shorthair—the pedigreed version of the domestic shorthair—is popular with families with children. These cats are usually good at entertaining themselves and do not require a lot of attention. They do, however, value interactive play and socialization. Most are generally healthy, but they are susceptible to heart disease. The breed has a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years.

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.

Is your long-lived but still adorable cat in need of a checkup? Contact our Statesboro vets who can help you choose your new furry friend!

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