You’ll want to get to know the longest living cat breeds if you’re looking for a long-term companion. Domestic cats can live up to 20 years, but your average house cat only lives for around 12-14 years. This is, of course, dependent on a number of factors including their diet, the healthcare they receive, and their environment. Indoor and neutered cats tend to live longer, for example.
But if you feed them some of the best cat food, make sure they get enough exercise and receive their vaccinations, as well as regular health checks, your kitty is sure to be around to keep you company for longer.
Let’s take a look at 32 cat breeds that typically live well into their teens.
32 longest living cat breeds
1. Burmese
Originally bred in the US as a cross between a Siamese and a small brown cat from Burma, the loveable Burmese is not only elegant, but a friendly, sociable, and playful breed. Just like the Siamese, they can be very vocal and will demand your attention, but in return, they’ll be an affectionate family cat. While the average lifespan for the Burmese is 13-16 years, the official record holder for longest living cat is a 35-year-old Burmese. They are generally healthy but have been known to sometimes suffer from diabetes, muscle weakness, and head defects.
2. Ragdoll
Named after the relaxed way they lie back in your arms, the ragdoll is a calm, quiet, and easy-going cat. They’ll happily follow you around to be near to you or jump onto your lap for a cuddle, but they won’t be too demanding, and they are good with kids. These gentle cats tend to live between 11-13 years but often live longer. Health problems to look out for include heart conditions and kidney disease.
3. Balinese
The Balinese is also similar to the Siamese but is a long-haired breed. They’re slender and graceful, but also very active and chatty. This breed likes to jump and be high up, so bear this in mind when decorating your home. The outgoing cat will crave your attention, but this also makes them friendly and affectionate. Their average lifespan is 9-13 years, but they often live up to 22 years. They are generally a healthy breed but may be prone to eye problems, asthma, and issues with liver function.
4. Persian
Their calm and sweet-tempered, are just one of the many reasons to love Persian cats is looking for a quiet, dignified life, so as long as you and your children are gentle and not making lots of noise, they’ll enjoy being petted on your lap. Their long, thick fur will need daily grooming. The average lifespan for a Persian is about 12-15 years. They can develop eye, heart, and breathing conditions, as well as issues with their teeth, but if you keep an eye out for these, they can live for up to 20 years.
5. Sphynx
Instantly recognizable thanks to its lack of hair, the Sphynx is an active, mischievous, and playful cat. This breed is very sociable and talkative. They will follow you around looking for attention and will entertain you with their big personalities, but these cats need a lot of care. They not only need to be bathed carefully to remove excess oil from their bodies, but you’ll need to make sure you protect their sensitive skin from heat and cold. They can suffer from skin conditions, as well as heart disease and neurological issues. But if you look after them well, Sphynx live for around 15 years on average.
6. Bombay
This panther-like black cat is intelligent, active, and loves to play, so you’ll want to provide them with lots of interactive toys to keep them busy. Nicknamed ‘velcro’ cats because they like to stick to their owners, they make affectionate family pets and enjoy cuddles too. Their lifespan is generally 12-16 years. This is a healthy breed, but health concerns to look out for may include respiratory problems, heart disease, and excessive tearing of the eyes.
7. Russian blue
With its soft grey coat and piercing eyes, you’ll fall in love with this shy and quiet cat. This breed may be slow to warm to strangers, but they’re loyal and lovable cats towards their owners. The Russian blue has an average lifespan of 10-15 years if cared for properly. They have a big appetite, so you will need to keep an eye on them, as they can be prone to obesity. Other health issues may include bladder stones and eye problems.
8. Oriental shorthair
The Oriental Shorthair is another breed that was crossed with a Siamese. Similar to their relatives, they are highly intelligent, curious, and agile cats. They’re very sociable, chatty cats that love to play and are easy to train. This breed usually lives for over 15 years, so you’ll have lots of time to enjoy your loveable Oriental. Just be sure to watch out for potential health issues including eye, heart, and liver conditions.
9. Siamese
Originating in Thailand, the Siamese is well known for its sleek body and distinctive markings, as well as its playful temperament. They are very intelligent and easy to train, highly active, and super vocal. This is one cat breed that definitely seeks lots of attention. Known to live for around 11-15 years, the Siamese is a healthy breed. They can, however, suffer from respiratory conditions, dental issues, and some types of cancer.
10. Savannah
Think this cat looks wilder than a domestic one? That’s because it was bred from an African Serval cat, and it still has its sense of adventure. This breed has lots of energy and will need someone with the time to give it physical and mental stimulation. They are definitely not lap cats, and just want to play! These long-living cats can live between 12-20 years, and are generally healthy, but can be prone to a form of heart disease.
11. American shorthair
A stocky, workmanlike breed with an even temperament. Physically strong and muscular, this popular cat is hardy and not known for any breed-specific health problems. The hypertrophic myopathy that was noted in the 1980s and 90s has largely disappeared thanks to selective breeding. American shorthairs have an expected lifespan of 15–20 years.
12. American wirehair
An easy-going cat with a fuzzy coat – the breed’s most distinctive feature. It can be soft and woolly or dense and Brillo pad-like. Like its American shorthair cousin, the wirehair is stocky and powerful. It has no characteristic breed problems and a life expectancy of 14–20 years.
13. Turkish angora
This rare and beautiful cat is considered an ancestor to many of the other longhair breeds. It is both elegant and strong, and comes in dozens of stunning colors – although was originally considered an all-white breed. The most common hereditary disease is deafness, but this healthy breed has an average lifespan of 15–20 years.
14. Norwegian Forest
This large and sturdy breed is blessed with a luxuriant coat and a sweet personality. Considered in its homeland of Norway as a gift from the Norse gods, the affectionate “Wegie” has an enchanting gaze and otherworldly allure. Norwegian forest cats take a long time to mature, only reaching full growth at around five years. Happily, they can live for 20 years or more, with an average life span of 14–16 years. Watch out for obesity and related problems, as they can be prone to weight gain as they age.
15. Turkish Van
This large, longhaired breed is a muscular, heavy-boned cat with an affinity for water. They are known for their cashmere-like white coats, with any color occurring primarily on their heads and tails.
This is a naturally healthy breed with no specific genetic problems which, on average, lives for 12–17 years. Make sure they get plenty of opportunities for exercise as this is an active cat that loves interactive play – and if they become sedentary they can become obese.
16. Colorpoint shorthair
A svelte, elegant cat with similar physical and personality traits to the Siamese – although their coloring is different. While the Siamese has only four traditional colors, the colorpoint comes in a vivid array of 16 colors and combos thanks to the inclusion of the red gene.
This breed is generally healthy but can be predisposed to conditions such as crossed eyes or tail kinks among other issues. Most colorpoint shorthairs live from 12–16 years.
17. British shorthair
A calm and quiet breed with a luxuriously plush, dense coat. This is a robust, stocky cat – typically colored blue, but other shades are available. Although their sturdy physique can look intimidating, they have sweet and gentle natures.
Thanks to their diverse genetic background, hereditary health issues are rare, and this popular breed is expected to live for 12–20 years, with plenty of instances of them thriving into their twenties.
18. Ragamuffin
A large, longhaired cat with expressive eyes and a docile nature. Sweet-tempered and cuddlesome, the mellow ragamuffin is closely related to the ragdoll, but this newer breed comes in a rainbow of colors. Their fur is as soft as a rabbit’s, while their puffy whisker pads give them an adorably sweet face.
Generally a hardy, healthy cat with no breed-specific issues. Their lifespan is around 12–18 years, with many flourishing into their late teens.
19. Birman
The Birman is an affectionate longhaired cat with a stocky body and colorpoint pattern. Known as the sacred cat of Burma, they have something of a majestic air and mysteriously captivating blue eyes.
The breed almost became extinct in World War II, with just one breeding pair left. The breed’s survival depended on outcrossing with Persian and Siamese, and conscientious breeding has built up a healthy diverse gene pool. Their expected lifespan is 12–16 years.
20. American Curl
The distinctive feature of this energetic and affectionate cat is the way its ears curl back away from the face. The curled ears are due to a dominant gene, which has been crossed with both longhairs and shorthairs to give American Curls of various coat lengths and colors. Their gene pool is remarkably diverse as they were outcrossed with random-bred cats until 2015. They are not thought to have any specific breed-linked health issues, and their lifespan is on average 12–16 years, with plenty living into their twenties.
21. Egyptian Mau
This stunning shorthair cat has a spotted coat in silver, bronze, or black smoke – which looks every bit as fantabulous as it sounds. These regal cats have links to the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt, with extraordinary beauty, magical personalities, and athletic prowess. You’ll never be lonely again with a Mau at your side, for they engage in every aspect of your life, whether riding on your shoulder, sitting on your laptop, or accompanying you to the bathroom.
One of the oldest known breeds of cat, this is a healthy type that typically lives for 10–15 years, with plenty of examples of Maus in their twenties. They have been susceptible to some hereditary conditions such as pyruvate kinase deficiency (causes anemia) and kidney problems, however, genetic testing has diminished the likelihood.
22. Somali
Imagine an Abyssinian cat with a full ruff, plumed tail, and long, silky coat, and you’ll be spot-on with a Somali. These fox-like kitties are stunningly beautiful, with richly colored fur and a penchant for activity.
Over time, diligent Somali breeders have reduced the prevalence of inherited diseases that cause anemia and blindness, so you can expect your strong and healthy Somali to live for around 12–14 years, with many progressing into their late teens.
23. Singapura
This sweet and intelligent cat knows its own wishes – you could say it has a bossy side! The Singapura is a playful little cat with a big attitude. Charming, determined, and endearingly demanding, they rule the roost in the household.
Singapuras descended from street cats in Singapore and are typically robust and healthy. Their expected lifespan is 11–15 years, with late teens being far from extraordinary.
24. Siberian
This medium to large cat is strong in all aspects – they have physical heft, and an impressively triple coat to protect them from any elements. Considered the national cat of Russia, the Siberian is a relatively new breed to the US and has quickly become extremely popular.
Placid, yet a hunting machine, this intelligent cat is often likened to a dog. They show natural attachment to their owners, are hardy in the face of grim weather, and get along well with kids, people, dogs, and other animals.
Although generally healthy, Siberians are susceptible to some genetic conditions including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney disease, but preventative testing is reducing the risk. Average lifespan: 10–18 years, with stats showing that more than a quarter live to 16 or over.
25. Cornish Rex
This unique-looking cat with its crimped, curly coat and bat-like ears is both unusual and charming. Cornish rexes developed from a mutation in England in 1950, but have been bred purposefully ever since. The resulting breed not only has a fabulously distinctive coat, but a fun, clown-like personality and exuberant nature.
A robust and healthy breed, with no genetic conditions associated specifically with Cornish rexes. (But they can catch a chill or suffer sunburn so look after their delicate skin!) They live, on average, for 12–16 years.
26. American Bobtail
The look of a hunter, but with a mellow personality that loves to interact with humans. This athletic, muscular breed descends from one foundation bobtailed stray named Yodie, who was bred to a Siamese. The dominant bobtail gene proliferated and has become the breed’s trademark.
With their diverse genetic background, they do not typically suffer inherited conditions. However, the tail mutation can make them susceptible to spine and hip problems, while completely tail-less cats (which may have incontinence issues) are removed from responsible breeding programs. Their average lifespan is 13–15 years.
27. Chartreux
Hailing from France, this exclusively blue cat’s quiet, calm, and cheerful demeanor belies its lightning-quick reflexes. Solid and muscular, they adore interactive play and even enjoy a spot of fetch. Undemanding, gentle, and affectionate, this is a polite cat with a mild temperament and robust constitution.
Some Chartreux have the heritable condition of patellar luxation, which can affect mobility. Another problem is they are prone to weight gain as they age. They should live for 11–15 years, with plenty thriving into their late teens.
28. Bengal
A distinctively patterned cat with rich colors and vivid spots or marbling. While they have the whiff of the wild about them, the exotic Bengal has in fact been bred for many generations as a domestic kitty with wildcat looks.
Bengals are subject to a few heritable conditions, however, responsible breeding is controlling this. Their average life expectancy is 12–16 years with many living much longer.
29. Tonkinese
Originally developed from the Burmese and Siamese breeds, the Tonkinese is seen by its fans as the perfect blend of both. A lively and outgoing cat, the Tonkinese has been described as part puppy, part monkey, and part elephant – being loyal, playful, and noisy as it charges around the home.
This genetically diverse breed is generally sturdy and healthy, and expected to live for around 12–16 years on average, but can flourish into their late teens.
30. Burmilla
An attractive and social cat with a sparkling silver coat and alluring makeup around their eyes, nose, and lips. Said to have developed from an accidental mating in 1981 between a Chinchilla Persian and lilac Burmese – with four beautiful silver kittens the result, which has been perpetuated into the Burmilla breed. Their gene pool is still small so genetic screening is vital to minimize inherited conditions as the breed develops further. Their lifespan is around 10–15 years.
31. Havana brown
A chocolate-brown charmer with mesmerizing green eyes and an inquisitive, intelligent nature. Developed from the Siamese with black domestic shorthairs in England, which resulted in this mahogany breed that gleams like a conker. They tend to enjoy the company of other cats and even dogs. Their typical lifespan is 10–15 years and they are a generally healthy breed.
32. Korat
The shimmering silvery-blue Korat has enchanting looks and a captivating personality – prepare to be bewitched! With their roots in 12th-century Thailand where they are considered portents of fortune and happiness, the Korat has been established in the US for over half a century. This is a highly intelligent cat – they can be taught tricks and require plenty of mental stimulation to keep their busy brains occupied.
Generally resilient and healthy, with a life expectancy of around 12–15 years, and some documented as living into their twenties.
