Although many cats can live anywhere between 10 and 15 years, some breeds of cats do live longer than others. Here, our Concord vets list some breeds of cats that tend to live longer so you can choose a feline companion who will stay for many years to come.
Which Cat Breeds Live the Longest?
It is quite difficult to estimate a cat's lifespan as there are many factors to consider. The process of Nature vs. Nurture is a big determining factor that can affect certain breeds differently. Underlying conditions and unexpected illness can of course alter a cat's longevity, which is why getting your older cat regular preventative geriatric care is so important.
Assuming that the cat you might want to adopt will live a long and healthy life, our Concord vets share 5 of the best cat breeds that tend to live longer.
Siamese
As its name would suggest, the Siamese cat, formerly known as Siam, originated from Thailand. Siamese cats have become a popular breed of choice for pets because they are quite sociable, playful, and entertaining. It is possible to train Siamese cats due to their intelligent nature. They can even be trained to walk on a harness and perform tricks.
Siamese cats tend to live up to 15 years on average, but it is not unheard of for them to live to be 20 years old.
Munchkin
Munchkin cats are a relatively new breed known for their dwarfism. The energetic, fun-loving Munchkin is well-known for its speed despite having noticeably short legs. These cats can be born with one of 3 different leg lengths known as standard length (the tallest, which are still noticeably short legs at around 3 inches long), super short (second tallest), and the shortest length known as "rug huggers".
This breed will usually live up to 15 years old.
Balinese
Some believe the Balinese cat is a descendant of the Siamese cat. The Balinese have physical traits similar to the Siamese breed, but differ when it comes to their luxurious fur. Balinese cats have a longer and more dense coat compared to Siamese cats.
Balinese cats are fun cats to have as pets as they are typically outgoing, affectionate, active, intelligent, and "chatty" - they love to let you know where they are with a loud meow!
A healthy Balinese cat can live between 18 and 22 years old.
Ragdoll
The Ragdoll cat is another newer breed whose existence can only be dated back to the1960s.
A Ragdoll cat has long silky fur similar to a Persian cat. True to its name, the Ragdoll cat is laid-back and easy-going and can become limp when you pick it up, just like a ragdoll. Ragdoll cats are very outgoing and kind, even with strangers. They are also gentle and love to just lounge around the house.
Despite their soft look, these cats are quite the tough and healthy breed that can live from 15 to 25 years!
Burmese
Burmese cats are a medium size breed and have lovely short coats. They are very energetic and very playful cats, tending to be friendly around their owners as well as strangers. These fuzzy companions love children and make for an ideal breed for a family pet.
There is known world record of a Burmese cat who lived to be 35 years old. Most Burmese cats don't live to be this long of course, but they do have an impressive lifespan of 18 to 25 years.