11 Longest-Living Cat Breeds for Furry Love That Lasts

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long living cat breeds

It goes without saying that we all wish our cats could live forever. And while advances in modern medicine and improvements in cat food can help many of our feline friends live longer, the truth is, one day, our beloved cat will cross over the Rainbow Bridge.

Which Cat Breed Lives the Longest?

When it comes to cat breeds, each is unique in their own way. But there are a handful of cat breeds out there that are known to live longer lives. Want to know what are the cat breeds that live the longest?

We’ve got the answer to your curiosity—just keep reading.

(Please note: this list is purely informational, and it should be noted that any cat of any breed has the potential to live a long and healthy life with the proper care. This is especially true for mixed-breed cats. However, the breeds on this list have been reported to live somewhat longer when compared to other breeds of purebred cats.)

Here Is Our List Of Ten Cat Breeds That Live The Longest

#1 Siamese

Image of Siamese cats, known for their sleek bodies, striking color points, and almond-shaped blue eyes, in a captivating and regal group pose.

Breed Overview
Siamese Origin:
? Where this breed was first established.
Thailand
Siamese Height:
? The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
20.3 - 25.4 cm
Siamese Adult Weight:
? The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.
3.6 - 6.8 kg
Siamese Life Span:
? The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
15-20 years
Siamese Group: Small to medium-sized short-haired
Siamese Price: $600 - $1200

This ancient cat breed has been adored by cat lovers worldwide for centuries. And what’s not to love about these chatty, blue-eyed beauties of the cat world? Siamese cats have lived alongside humans for centuries, and many lovely cat breeds of today were born by crossing with a Siamese cat, such as the Oriental Shorthair, Tonkinese, and Balinese.

When it comes to Siamese cats, many will live well into their late teens and sometimes even early twenties. Scooter, a Siamese cat out of Texas, even held a Guinness Book World Record, having lived until 30 years of age.

#2 Burmese

Image of Burmese cats, recognized for their sleek and solid coats, sweet expressions, and expressive eyes, in a charming and captivating group pose.

Breed Overview
Burmese Origin:
? Where this breed was first established.
Burma/Myanmar
Burmese Height:
? The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
20.3 - 25.4 cm
Burmese Adult Weight:
? The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.
3.6 - 5.4 kg
Burmese Life Span:
? The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
12-16 years
Burmese Group: Medium-sized short-haired
Burmese Price: $450-$3,000

A relative to the long-living Siamese cat breed, the Burmese cat breed is one cat breed that can live well into their twenties. These loveable felines are gregarious by nature and often reported as being much more dog-like than cat-like.

According to Martha Stewart’s website, there was one Burmese cat that even lived to be 35. The stunning coat of these cats are quick to turn heads but don’t let their size fool you, these are compact and hardy cats that weigh more than they appear. So much so, that it’s earned them the nickname of “bricks wrapped in silk.”

#3 Manx

Image of Manx cats, known for their taillessness or short tails, sitting gracefully and showcasing their distinctive feature in an endearing group pose.

Breed Overview
Manx Origin:
? Where this breed was first established.
Isle of Man
Manx Height:
? The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
25.4 - 35.6 cm
Manx Adult Weight:
? The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.
3.2 - 5.9 kg
Manx Life Span:
? The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
12-16 years
Manx Group: Medium-sized short-haired
Manx Price: $500-$1,500

Not only is this one of the handfuls of tailless cat breeds, but it also happens to be one of the cat breeds that is known to live the longest, too. The Manx cat is a friendly cat breed that bonds closely with its people and other pets in their homes.

These cats are larger in size when compared to your average house cat, and although some are prone to Manx Syndrome, the typical Manx cat is a loveable, round, healthy kitty cat that can live upwards of 20+ years.

#4 Russian Blue

Image of a Russian Blue cat, known for its beautiful gray-blue coat and striking green eyes, sitting regally and exuding an air of elegance and sophistication.

Breed Overview
Russian Blue Origin:
? Where this breed was first established.
Russia
Russian Blue Height:
? The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
20.3 - 25.4 cm
Russian Blue Adult Weight:
? The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.
4.5 - 6.4 kg
Russian Blue Life Span:
? The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
10-16 years
Russian Blue Group: Medium-sized short-haired
Russian Blue Price: $1000 - $1700

The Russian Blue cat is a stunning cat breed that is not only one of the most hypoallergenic of all cat breeds, but they also happen to live longer than most cats. These healthy kitties have been adored for centuries, and there are many interesting legends surrounding these Rusky felines—AKA Archangel cats.

It’s been said that Russian Blue cats were a favorite among royalty, and one Russian Blue cat once healed an ailing prince. Some legends even go as far as to say that Russian Blue cats can sense spirits and ghosts, and many consider these cats to symbolize good luck.

#5 Ragdoll

Image of a friendly Ragdoll kitten, known for its docile nature and striking blue eyes, in an endearing and charming pose.

Breed Overview
Ragdoll Origin:
? Where this breed was first established.
United States
Ragdoll Height:
? The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
22.9 - 27.9 cm
Ragdoll Adult Weight:
? The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.
4.5 - 9.1 kg
Ragdoll Life Span:
? The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
12-15 years
Ragdoll Group: Large-sized long-haired
Ragdoll Price: $1200 - $2300

Oh, the Ragdoll cat breed. Such a beautiful large breed of cat, with gorgeous blue or green eyes, and notorious for “going limp” on you when you hold them. And, if you’ve ever had the luxury of holding a Ragdoll cat, then you know just how heavy they are in your arms when they do the classic Ragdoll flop—hence their name.

These cats can tip the scales at 20 pounds and still be considered perfectly healthy, and they’re also reported by many to live long, healthy lives. An interesting fact about these fluffy felines is that they don’t reach full maturity until roughly four years of age. And, on average, they live at least 15 years.

#6 Balinese

Image of a white Balinese cat, recognized for its silky coat and elegant appearance, sitting gracefully and exuding an air of purity and charm.

Breed Overview
Balinese Origin:
? Where this breed was first established.
United States
Balinese Height:
? The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
20.3 - 25.4 cm
Balinese Adult Weight:
? The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.
1.8 - 4.5 kg
Balinese Life Span:
? The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
12-15 years
Balinese Group: Small to medium-sized longhair
Balinese Price: $1,000 - $1,500

Another cat breed that lives the longest is the beautiful Balinese cat breed, which you can easily tell by looking at them shares DNA with the long-living Siamese. This close cousin of the Siamese reportedly lives 18-22 years on average, which is several years longer than the average cat life span of 12-15 years.

The Balinese is a relatively healthy cat breed, except for the occasional cross-eyes, which can sometimes occur. These cats are long, with silky soft coats, and are considered to be a hypoallergenic breed of cat. And technically speaking, the Balinese cat is the longhaired version of the Siamese cat breed. Read here to find out if Siamese cats are hypoallergenic.

#7 Sphynx

Image of a cute Sphynx cat, recognized for its hairlessness and unique appearance, in an endearing and captivating pose.

Breed Overview
Sphynx Origin:
? Where this breed was first established.
Canada
Sphynx Height:
? The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
20.3 - 25.4 cm
Sphynx Adult Weight:
? The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.
3.6 - 7.3 kg
Sphynx Life Span:
? The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
13-14 years
Sphynx Group: Medium-sized hairless
Sphynx Price: $1800-$3000

These hairless kitties are different from other cats, and it’s easy to see why just by looking at them. The Sphynx cat is a social cat breed that loves to be with their humans and is always down to cuddle up with people they love. This Canadian cat breed is considered to be healthy, and many can live up to 20 years.

An interesting fact about the Sphynx: they don’t get cold as easily as you would think because their body temperatures are naturally a few degrees higher than cat breeds with hair. And even though they’re cats, these kitties require routine bathing to remove the excess oil from their skin. But they’re generally fond of water and won’t mind their bathtime routine.

#8 Bombay

Image of a Bombay cat, known for its sleek black coat and striking golden eyes, in an alert and captivating pose.

Breed Overview
Bombay Origin:
? Where this breed was first established.
United States
Bombay Height:
? The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
20.3 - 25.4 cm
Bombay Adult Weight:
? The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.
2.7 - 5 kg
Bombay Life Span:
? The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
12-16 years
Bombay Group: Medium-sized short-haired
Bombay Price: $400-$2,000

The Bombay cat breed is the only cat breed that is exclusively black in color—all the way down to their whiskers and paw pads. These intelligent felines are generally healthy, and strong, and most are reportedly quite friendly towards pets and people.

Named for the port city of India despite having any Indian heritage, the Bombay cat breed shows up on many lists for cat breeds that live the longest. This cat breed was developed in America in the 1950s with the goal of creating a breed of cat which resembled the black panthers of India. And these healthy kitties often live up to 20 years when kept indoors and given proper care.

#9 Persian

Image of a friendly Persian cat, known for its luxurious long coat and sweet expression, in an endearing and charming pose.

Breed Overview
Persian Origin:
? Where this breed was first established.
Iran
Persian Height:
? The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
20.3 - 25.4 cm
Persian Adult Weight:
? The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.
3.6 - 6.8 kg
Persian Life Span:
? The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
14-15 years
Persian Group: Medium to large long-haired
Persian Price: $1300 - $3000

The Persian cat is an ancient cat breed that is adored by cat lovers worldwide for its stunning looks and good kitty disposition. This brachial cat breed can be prone to both eye and breathing problems. But for Persian kitties—when bred by quality cat breeders—they are generally very healthy cats.

These delicate felines grow very attached to their people, and many love them for their “good manners”—because of their smaller size and stature, you won’t find them jumping on your counters or swinging from your curtains. Persian cats can live anywhere from 12 to 18 years on average, with some reaching their twenties.

#10 Savannah

Image of a Savannah cat, a breed known for its striking appearance resembling a wild African serval, showcasing its unique and captivating features.

Breed Overview
Savannah Origin:
? Where this breed was first established.
United States
Savannah Height:
? The typical adult height among individuals of this breed. Height is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the front paws.
25.4 - 33 cm
Savannah Adult Weight:
? The typical adult weight range of this cat breed.
4.1 - 6.8 kg
Savannah Life Span:
? The average lifespan of the breed. While life expectancy is fairly consistent across all cat breeds, some breeds tend to live shorter or longer than others.
12-15 years
Savannah Group: Large-sized short-haired
Savannah Price: $1,500 - $25,000 (depending on generation)

These wild-looking felines are a cat breed that looks a little wild and actually is. The Savannah cat breed shares DNA with the African Serval cat, and these are larger cats with solid frames that can make your average housecat look tiny.

A Savannah cat that’s well cared for and lives indoors can easily live till 15 years of age, and many can reach 20 years of age before crossing the Rainbow Bridge.

Now that you’ve learned all about cat breeds that live the longest discover which cat breeds out there are some of the oldest cat breeds in existence. Learn all about ancient cat breeds that still exist today here.

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