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Whether you have cats or dogs, our pets are part of our family and it’s up to us to make sure they’re with us for as long as possible. Different dog breeds will come with different life spans and the same is true for adult cats, so if you’re looking for a new cat you might want to look for one that will live a long time. Below, we answer the question, “Which cat breeds live the longest” for informational purposes.
How to Choose a New Breed of Cat?
When thinking about getting a new family pet, cat owners need to think about the different animal breeds that will fit their family and needs. There are a wide range of factors to consider, which include the following:
- How much time will you spend with your cat?
- How much grooming can you commit to?
- What kind of personality traits are you looking for?
Once you have the answers to these questions, you can start to narrow down the right breed cat for you and focus on the perfect breed that will suit your personality and lifestyle. Just remember that older cats will need more specialized care as they reach their golden years. This could mean that they’ll need geriatric care along with potential lifestyle changes and new dietary requirements.
How Long Do Cats Live?
Living as long as 15 years isn’t uncommon in cats, but some cats stand out for their extra-long lifespans. While there are no guarantees that your cats will live up to 20 years, because both nurture and nature are determining factors, choosing a breed known to live long can improve your odds of getting loving cats for years. While cats generally live long lives, the average indoor cat can live between 12 to 18 years, but outdoor cats will live much shorter lives at just 2 to 5 years.
Which Cat Breeds Live the Longest?
Each cat is different and their lifespan will depend on factors such as their lifelong health, and lifestyle. However, if you’re looking to add a new feline companion to your family, here are some of the best options for longevity.
Munchkin
The Munchkin cat breed, also known as sausage cats, are regular domestic cats that come with shorter legs, which give them a small stature compared to other breeds. Munchkin cats are short-legged cats as a result of their naturally occurring mutation, which can occur in any cat. While they are both sweet and cute, the Munchkin breed is intelligent, and quick, and will hide any shiny object they see — these cats will often live to be around 12 to 15 years old.
Siamese
Like their name suggests, Siamese kittens were originally bred in Thailand, which was formerly known as Siam. Generally, these cats can live up to 15 years though Lynx Point Siamese cats are known to have reached 20 years old. These cats are an excellent choice for people looking for a cat that’s playful, sociable, and entertaining; because they’re so intelligent, they can be trained to do all kinds of tricks.
Russian Blue
The Russian Blue has one of the most unique characteristics of the cat world and has short coats that come in colors that vary from a gorgeous blue hue to a shimmering silver or slate grey. These medium-sized cats are known for their elegant features, slender bodies, and long legs — they are gentle cats that are also easy to train. They tend to be reserved around new people but will be affectionate with their favorite human; when given proper care, they can live a healthy life of around 10 to 20 years.
Sphynx
These cats come with one of the most distinct coat styles; their complete lack of hair sets them apart from every other feline. Because they look so different, they’re highly popular and they’re also known to have an average lifespan between 15 to 20 years. However, due to their lack of hair, they come with a few health concerns relating to their skin; at the same time, they’re a good choice for cat lovers who may suffer from allergies.
Persian
The adorable Persian cat has a calm and quiet appearance, but they’re actually cuddly with their beloved owners. With a lifespan of around 15 to 20 years, these cats are prone to corneal ulcers, diarrhea, stomach issues, and more, so you may need to bring them to your vet for regular checkups. One more thing about these cats is that they will need a lot of grooming; be prepared to comb and brush their hair daily to stop them from matting.
Balinese
Similar to the Siamese cat, the Balinese come with longer, medium-density coats that are lush and flowing. These cats are known to be agile, intelligent, active, outgoing, and affectionate, while their alluring blue eyes make them a favorite among cat fans. When they have no health issues, a healthy Balinese can live between 18 to 22 years old.
Ragdoll
The Ragdoll is a relatively new breed of cat that has only been around since the 1960s; they come with silky fur just like a Persian’s. It’s called a Ragdoll because it’s so easy-going and goes limp whenever you pick it up — these cats are friendly with strangers, are gentle, and love to lounge around. These cats will prefer staying indoors and won’t be too happy with climbing exercises; despite their soft looks, they’re a healthy breed that can live between 15 to 25 years.
Burmese
One of the oldest cats to ever live on record was a 27-year-old Burmese cat, but not all Burmese can live this long. The average lifespan for these cats is around 18 to 25 years and is certainly longer compared to many other cats. They are known to be playful, people-friendly, and energetic; they adore small children and are a great addition to families.
American Curl
These cats will come with high activity levels and will enjoy daily exercise; these cats love climbing up trees and high places where they can jump and climb as much as they want. When given enough space to exercise, they can stay healthy and their weight can be maintained well. These cats are very interested in people, and while they’re not really lap cats, they will enjoy spending time with their parents — they tend to live between 9 to 13 years long.
Cornish Rex
Known to be easy to groom, these cats are friendly with other pets, humans, and even strangers, but the Cornish Rex is deeply loyal to their favorite humans. They have slender and long bodies, big ears, and large eyes, so these cats are sure to attract attention no matter where you take them. Because they lack an outer coat, these cats come with a soft and curly down that feels just like velvet — they typically live between 11 to 15 years old.
Siamese Munchkin Cat
If you’re looking for a hybrid breed, you might want to consider looking for a Siamese Munchkin kitten which is known to be outgoing and social as well as intelligent and friendly. If you’re looking to keep a small cat forever, you can’t go wrong with this choice. These cats are known to live for around 12 to 15 years, so you can be sure to have a cat stay the size of a kitten for a long time.
Conclusion
Whether we get a long time or a short time with our favorite felines, spending time with them is an important part of being a good pet owner. To ensure that you bring home healthy cats, it’s imperative that you speak to a reputable breeder who can give you their cats’ health history. Moreover, it’s also helpful to take your kitten on regular checkups so you can get medical advice should your little one have any health conditions.
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