The 7 Cat Breeds That Live the Longest

Who doesn’t want his little furry friend to live forever?? Indoor cats have an average lifespan of about 15-20 years. In addition to outdoor cats live for about 2-5 years according to researchers. You might think that this is a huge difference but it’s not if you consider all these extra dangers outdoor cats face, such as bad weather, busy streets, or predatory animals.

According to the 2010 edition of Guinness World Records, Crème Puff, a domestic cat who was born in 1967, is the longest living cat on record. When she died, on August 6, 2005, Crème Puff aged 38 years and 3 days. Many other cats have lived well into their late 20s and 30s. The secret to their longevity? Part of it is genetics, and part of it is a lifestyle, but the most important is the love and care they had from their human parents.

Cat Breeds That Live The Longest

There are breeds of cats that tend to live longer than others. So, if you are looking for a feline companion to share for the next few decades, consider one of the following cat breeds:

Siamese

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

Balinese cats

This breed is a close cousin to the Siamese, with the main difference being that the Balinese cat had a gene mutation that created longer fur. The average lifespan for this breed is 15 to 20 years.

Burmese cats

These 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.

Persian

Persian cats are known to live upward of 20 years. However, this breed is known to have predispositions to some illnesses, so it is important to take your kitty to the veterinarian on a regular basis.

Oriental shorthair

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

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.

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.

Do you know any cats that have lived more than usual? Feel free to share with us your stories and photos in the comments below…..

Photo: Pietro Schellino