When you decide to add a furry friend to your home and family, you may want to consider one that will be with you for as long as possible. Here, our Brookhaven vets share some of the cat breeds that live the longest including, Siamese cats and Munchkins.
Is a Siamese or Munchkin cat right for you?
There are a variety of factors that you should consider before deciding which breed of cat to bring home to your family such as:
- Will your cat be spending lots of time alone?
- How much grooming are you willing to commit to?
- do you want an active cat or one that is more laid-back?
Once you have answered these questions you will be able to narrow down the breeds of cats that you can consider. Keep in mind that the older a cat gets the more specialized their care may become. Your cat will eventually require geriatric care and potential dietary and lifestyle changes as they age.
Which breed of cat can you expect to live the longest?
One thing to keep in mind is that cats generally live a long time. The average indoor cat can live anywhere from 12-18 years while outdoor cats have a far shorter life span of approximately 2-5 years.
Every cat is different, their lifespan depends on a number of factors such as their lifestyle, and lifelong health but if you are looking to add a new cat to your home and want to find a breed that tends to live the longest, our Brookhaven vets have the answers.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
Munchkin
Munchkin cats (also called “sausage cats”) are regular domestic cats that stand out because of their shortened legs, giving them a much smaller stature than other breeds. While you may believe that these cats were genetically altered to have these shorter legs, this is actually a naturally occurring mutation and any breed of cat may experience it.
How Long Do Munchkin Cats Live? 12 - 15 Years
Siamese
As its name suggests, the Siamese cat originated from Thailand (formerly called Siam). People love Siamese cats because they are sociable, playful, and entertaining. It is possible to train Siamese cats due to their intelligent nature. Siamese cats are very smart and are capable of learning tricks and how to walk with a harness.
How Long Do Siamese Cats Live? 15 - 20 Years
Russian Blue
Russian blue cats have elegant features, long limbs, and slender bodies. Perhaps this explained why this breed appears a lot in TV adverts. Russian blue cats are a gentle cat breed that is easy to train. They are a bit shy around strangers but affectionate with their owners. Russian Blue cats typically prefer a lavish and comfortable life indoors.
How Long Do Russian Blue Cats Live? 10 - 20 Years
Sphynx
Despite their alien-like appearance, Sphynx cats are actually a highly sought-after breed of cat. Because they are hairless, they are popular among cat lovers with allergies. The Sphynx cats crave attention and are highly sociable. These cats love to be near their owners and will follow you around as well as greet you at the door when you come home.
Since the Sphynx cats are hairless, they must be protected against cold in winter and intense heat during summer.
How Long Do Sphynx Cats Live? 15 - 20 Years
Persian
This fluffy and adorable Persian cat may look calm and quiet, they are actually friendly and love to cuddle up to their favorite people. Like other cat breeds, Persian cats are prone to illnesses like corneal ulcers, tummy problems, diarrhea and more, so if you own a Persian cat, make sure you bring it to your vet for regular checkups.
Another issue with the Persian cat is their grooming. If you choose to raise a Persian then you must also dedicate yourself to the rigorous grooming and fur care that comes along with their long beautiful coats.
How Long Do Persian Cats Live? 15 - 20 Years
Balinese
The Balinese is similar to a Siamese cat, but different in terms of coat length. Balinese cats have a longer coat length compared with Siamese cats. Lots of adjectives can be used to describe Balinese cats: outgoing, affectionate, active, intelligent, agile, chatty, and so on.
How Long Do Balinese Cats Live? 18 - 22 Years
Ragdoll
Ragdoll is a relatively new cat breed that can only be dated back to the early 1960s. Ragdoll cats have long silky fur similar to Persian cats. Just as its name suggests, Ragdoll cat is easy-going and can become limp when you pick it up, just like a ragdoll. Ragdoll is friendly, even with strangers. Also, he is laidback, gentle, and loves to lounge. It prefers indoor life and is not fond of climbing.
How Long Do Ragdoll Cats Live? 15 - 25 Years
Burmese
The official record of the oldest living cat holder is a 35-year-old Burmese cat. Of course, most Burmese cats don’t live that long. Burmese cats are energetic, playful and people-friendly. They adore children and are ideal to own as a family pet.
How Long Do Burmese Cats Live? 18 - 25 Years
