The Longest Living Cat Breeds

The 10 Cat Breeds That Live the Longest

Published on February 22, 2021

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grey cat getting chin scratched — Getty Images / NiseriN

We want our feline friends to live forever. While an outdoor cat has an average lifespan of two to five years, indoor-only cats can live as long as an average of 10 to 15 years, according to the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Indoor cats tend to live longer because they are safe from busy streets, predatory animals, and bad weather.

Some cats have lived longer than the expected 15 years, as well. Take Crème Puff, a cat who was born in 1967: She lived well into her golden years at the age of 38 and crossed over the rainbow bridge in 2005. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, she is the longest living cat on record. Other known cats have lived well into their late 20s and 30s. The secret to their longevity? Part of it is genetics, part of it is their lifestyle, and the rest is likely an influence of love and care from their human caretakers.

But there are breeds of cats that tend to have longer lifespans overall. Siamese cats, for example, generally live at least 15 years but can live as long as 20 or so years. Others like the Burmese, Persian, and Balinese (referred to as a long-haired Siamese), which happen to be long-haired cats breeds, lead similarly long lives. So, if you are looking for a feline companion who will share a few decades with you, consider one of these breeds today and happily bond together for years to come.

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Siamese

Known for their white fur with dark extremities and sleek muscular bodies, these cats also have a longer lifespan. Siamese cats are sweet, loving, and very talkative. The average indoor Siamese lives as long as 15 years.

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Balinese

The Balinese cat is a close cousin to the Siamese; in fact, the only main difference between them is that the Balinese cat had a gene mutation that created longer fur. The average lifespan for this breed is 15 to 20 years.

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Burmese

The Burmese cats also have a Siamese ancestor that may explain their tendency to live 20 to 25 years long. Some have even been known to live well into their 30s: The official record of the oldest living cat is a 35-year-old Burmese.

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Russian Blue

Russian Blues are beautiful grey kitties that can live as long as 10 to 20 years. Give this cat your utmost attention and shower her with love.

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Persian

The Persian cat has been known to live upward of 20 years. But since this breed is known to have predisposition to some illnesses, you want to make sure to take Kitty to the veterinarian on a regular basis to extend her lifespan.

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Manx

Historically, the Manx cats ran with Vikings and hailed from the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea. Their lack of tail is the result of a gene mutation but it makes them unique and so cute. The average lifespan of a Manx is 15 to 18 years.

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Oriental Shorthair

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. This active lifestyle may also be a key factor in its longevity: 10 to 15 years.

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Sphynx

This naturally hairless wonder has plenty of love to give. Because they are generally hairless, they need to be bathed on occasion to keep their skin in good condition. Sphynx cats have a life expectancy of 8 to 14 years.

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Ragdoll

Always sweet in appearance and temperament, the Ragdoll makes a great family companion. Plus, they're likely to grow up alongside the kids—they can live as long as 15 years or longer.

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American Shorthair

The American Shorthair is marked by its affectionate nature, compact build, and round face. They are another active breed—plus, they have a high prey drive—which can extend their long lifespan: 15 to 20 years.

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