Did you know that indoor cats tend to live longer than outdoor cats? Yep, it’s true. Indoor cats can live as long as an average of 10 to 15 years, while outdoor cats have an average lifespan of two to five years.
Curious as to which cats live the longest? Continue reading to find out which cat breeds can give you companionship for many years to come.
10. Siamese
The Siamese cat originated from Thailand, formerly known as Siam. They are known for their light-colored bodies, dark extremities, and sleek, muscular appearance.
Despite being depicted as sinister in many films (particularly in cartoons), Siamese cats are actually very sweet, loving, playful, sociable and intelligent.
In fact, they’re so intelligent that you can train them. Siamese cats are also very vocal and don’t like being left alone.
Lifespan: 15 years. Some can live up to 20 years.
9. Balinese
If you notice, the Balinese cat looks a lot like a Siamese cat. Even its personality is much the same. And, there’s a good reason for that: the two cats are close cousins! The only difference between the two is that the Balinese cat has longer fur.
Balinese cats love speaking and interacting with humans. In fact, they can sense the mood of its owner. And, when the owner is feeling sad, Balinese cats will stay close to them and show them affection.
Additionally, Balinese cats are very energetic, independent and reserved. They also get along well with other animals.
You should know that these felines love to jump, climb and play, so much so that you will likely need to keep your valuables in a safe place– unless you don’t mind them getting broken.
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
8. Burmese
Often confused with Birman cats, Burmese cats are actually descendants of the Siamese cat. You will find that these felines are people-friendly, communicative and very emotional. They get along well with kids and other pets, making them a great addition to any family.
Some have been known to live well into their 30s. The oldest living Burmese cat on record lived to the ripe old age of 35.
FYI: Burmese cats are prone to gingivitis. Other diseases and deformities this breed is susceptible to include congenital peripheral vestibular disease, corneal dermoid and more.
Lifespan: 20 to 25 years.
7. Russian Blue
The Russian Blue cat is sweet-tempered, affectionate, loyal and very social; however, they also enjoy time alone and are shy around strangers. Russian Blue cats are perfect for families with kids because they require a lot of play time.
They are also the perfect pet for people with allergies because they produce lower levels of the glycoprotein Fel d 1 (a known allergen), and their coat does not shed much.
Russian Blue cats are very intelligent. As such, they require mental stimulation. Additionally, they have a strong hunting instinct.
Lifespan: 10 to 20 years
6. Persian
If you enjoy cuddling up with your pets, then a Persian cat is the perfect furry friend for you. They love cuddling up with their favorite people.
As such, these cats are extremely friendly. They are also quiet and enjoy calm, relaxing environments.
FUN FACT: Persian cats originated in Mesopotamia, which later became Persia and is now Iran.
Persian cats are known to have a predisposition to some illnesses, including respiratory difficulties, misaligned teeth, eye conditions (e.g., excessive watering and entropion), heat sensitivity and ringworm. Regular trips to the vet can help to extend their lifespan.
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years.
5. Manx
The Manx cat originated from the Isle of Man. They are known for being loyal and playful. They are also known for being tailless. According to MarthaStewart.com, “their lack of tail is the result of a gene mutation.”
A study conducted in 2013 found that one gene was shown to have four possible mutations that can lead to a tailless Manx. Meanwhile, other tailless cats carry different mutations responsible for the trait.
Lifespan: 15 to 18 years
4. Oriental Shorthair
The Oriental Shorthair is a crossbreed from Siamese cats. They are quite intelligent. “If you want a cat that you can leash train, the Oriental is well known for being able to learn how to be on a leash,” MarthaStewart.com wrote on its website.
The Oriental Shorthair is also great for people with allergies because it produces less of the Fel D1 protein that triggers cat allergies.
Oriental Shorthair cats are generally healthy, but they are predisposed to some health problems, including bladder stones, crossed eyes, dilated cardiomyopathy, liver amyloidosis and mast cell cancer.
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years.
3. Sphynx
Because the Sphynx is hairless, they are popular pets for those who are allergic to fur. However, it’s important to note that they will need to be bathed occasionally to keep their skin healthy since they are naturally hairless.
Sphynx cats are highly sociable and are known to crave attention. In fact, they are often referred to as a “Velcro kitty” because they follow their owners around everywhere. However, if you don’t mind having a cat that’s so clingy, Sphynx cats make excellent family pets.
Lifespan: 8 to 14 years.
2. Ragdoll
The Ragdoll is a relatively new cat breed developed in the 1960s by American breeder Ann Baker. According to MarthaStewart.com, the Ragdoll is “always sweet in appearance and temperament” and “makes a great family companion.”
Additionally, Ragdoll cats prefer being indoors and are surprisingly hardy and healthy.
FUN FACTS:
- The Ragdoll gets its name because it becomes limp and floppy like a rag doll when it is picked up.
- Baker bred a domestic longhaired white female with another long-haired cat to develop the Ragdoll breed.
Lifespan: 15 to 25 years.
1. American Shorthair
The American Shorthair is affectionate, active, and has a high prey drive. However, they are also adaptable, good-natured, and love attention. Just don’t give them too much attention as they are fairly independent and don’t like being carried.
FUN FACTS:
- This breed wasn’t called “American Shorthair” until 1966. It was given its name to distinguish it from other shorthairs.
- The American Shorthair resembles so many other domestic shorthairs that the only way to know yours is American is with certified breed papers.
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years.
Keep your cat healthy!
You can increase your cat’s longevity by feeding them a quality, well-balanced diet, scheduling regular veterinary checkups and making sure their teeth and gums stay healthy.
