25 Cat Breeds With the Longest Life Spans

Although cats can live on average between 11 to 16 years, some breeds can survive significantly longer.

Regular veterinary care, a nutritious age-appropriate diet and maintaining a loving relationship all contribute to a cat's highest quality of comfort, but genes will play an important role in determining a feline's lifespan.

Prospective cat owners looking for particularly long-lived cat breeds should therefore consider keeping the following varieties.

Manx

The Manx is a breed of domestic cat originating from the Isle of Man, with a naturally occurring mutation that shortens the tail.

These are known for their sense of loyalty, love of interactive play and their ability to live well beyond 15 years.

Bombay

Although its beautiful jet-black coat gene is dominant in the Bombay cat, a stunning sable-coloured kitten can sometimes be spotted.

Bombay cats are considered to be intelligent, playful and attention-seeking and can enjoy a life expectancy lasting up to 20 years

Siamese

The Siamese cat originated from Thailand, formerly known as Siam, and are one of the most famous feline breeds of them all.

The breed is sociable, playful and intelligent enough to be trained. These most elegant of cats can live up to 20 years.

Sphynx

The Sphynx is the first hairless breed selected specifically for this unusual trait, making them popular for cat lovers allergic to fur.

Sphynx cats are known to crave attention, are highly sociable and have an average lifespan of more than 15 years.

Oriental Shorthair

The unique Oriental Shorthair is a crossbreed.

Because they are crossbred from Siamese cats, they share their intelligent personalities and a long average life expectancy of more than 15 years.

Russian Blue

The Russian blue cat can be an excellent choice for pet parents with allergies because its extremely dense and soft double coat does not shed much.

Although a little shy around strangers, the regal Russian Blue cat is affectionate with its owners and can live on average between 10 to 20 years.

Persian

Fluffy and cute Persian cats are extremely friendly and like nothing more than to cuddle with their favorite people.

While this breed has an average lifespan of 15 years, owners should be aware they are prone to illness, meaning these cats should be examined regularly by vets.

Balinese

The Balinese is acknowledged as an extremely graceful cat boasting strong similarities to a Siamese.

Owners of a very healthy Balinese can expect the cat to reach the age of 18 years old.

Burmese

Burmese cats are often being confused with Birman cats but can be distinguished by the discerning eye by their slightly smaller size and shorter coat.

The official record of the oldest living cat holder is a 35-year-old Burmese cat, while their average lifespan is between 18 to 25 years.

Savannah

Part African Serval and part domestic cat, the Savannah cat is recommended only for experienced owners due to their unpredictable, active, and bold temperaments.

This hybrid breed is generally healthy and has an estimated average lifespan of 12 to 20 years.

Egyptian Mau

Named for its presence in ancient Egyptian art, the Egyptian Mau Catt is a gorgeous creature with a characteristically spotted coat.

Although some are prone to heart disease, the Egyptian Mau cat breed's average lifespan is 12 to 15 years.

Nebelung

The Nebelung is a rare pedigree breed of domestic cat, boasting long bodies, wide-set green eyes and mild dispositions.

Because they are close relatives of the short-haired Russian Blue breed, these cats enjoy a life expectancy of between 15 to 18 years.

Japanese Bobtail

The Japanese Bobtail is an active, sweet, loving and highly intelligent breed of domesticated cat.

Owners of these cats with their distinctive rabbit-like tails can expect their pet to live between 15 to 18 years.

Himalayan

The Himalayan is a placid cat that exhibits bursts of kitten-like activity.

Because this feline is a sub-breed of the Persian, owners can expect this breed to live longer than 15 years.

European (Celtic) Shorthair

The European Shorthair is a natural cat breed, meaning they developed naturally without any human intervention.

Owners of this pedigreed standard of the common European house cat can expect this breed to live at least 15 years.

Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is a large domesticated cat breed with a distinctive physical appearance and impressive hunting skills.

Owners of this hardy cat breed can expect a Maine Coon to live longer than 16 years.

Siberian

The Siberian is a large cat with a broad chest and a distinctive wedge-shaped head and tipped ears.

Siberians are significantly slow to reach maturity and usually live up to 15 years.

Norwegian Forest

The Norwegian Forest cat has a pedigree stretching back hundreds of years and possibly millennia.

These large, heavily boned and heavily coated cats generally live longer than 14 years.

Turkish Angora

The Turkish Angora is best known for its long and luscious coat, which seemingly shimmers as it moves.

Owners of this ancient, natural cat breed can expect their pet to live approximately 15 years.

Exotic Shorthair

The Exotic Shorthair is ideal for those who love the look of the Persian but cannot face the thought of daily grooming.

This medium-sized, stocky cat breed boasts a life expectancy of between 12 and 15 years.

Abyssinian

Abyssinians are extremely elegant medium-sized cats with strong, lithe bodies and long, slender legs.

This breed can commonly live up to 15 years, with adult Abyssinians retaining their playful personality.

Toyger cat

Toygers are a newer breed embodying the wild look of a tiger while retaining a domesticated cat's sweet nature.

These super-cute toy tigers can enjoy a typical life expectancy of between 12 and 15 years.

Somali

The Somali, also known as a long-haired African cat, is a product of a recessive gene in Abyssinian cats.

These active cats who love to jump and play have an average lifespan of up to 13 years.

Cornish Rex

From its oval-shaped head to its curly whiskers and short coat, this medium-sized cat has an eye-catching appearance.

The playful, affectionate Cornish Rex has an average lifespan of 16 years, although it is not unusual for this breed to live up to 20 years.

Ragdoll

This relatively new cat breed has long silky fur similar to Persian cat and an easy-going character.

The Ragdoll prefers indoor life and despite its soft-looking appearance, the cat s are a surprisingly hardy and healthy breed that can live between 15 and 25 years.