What’s The Longest Living Cat Breed? And The Runner-Ups…

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longest living cat breed

If you have ever lost a pet before, you are likely familiar with just how quickly they seem to leave us. So, if you’re thinking about getting a cat as your next pet, it’s understandable why you’d want to know which cat breed lives the longest before you make your final decision.

Luckily, most cat breeds can live a long, happy life if they are bred from healthy lines, receive veterinary care, eat a high-quality diet, stay indoors, and don’t succumb to a non-preventative disease or predator.

More: Check out this gorgeous gallery of Black Cat breeds!

Furthermore, and it may sound kind of morbid so apologies in advance, but maybe you don’t want to commit to a breed that that’s going to live for decades, so these may be ones for you to avoid, too. That’s okay, cats with shorter lifespans need loving homes too, and a cat that’s going to live 25 years is a HUGE commitment.

However, some cat breeds do live longer lives than others so let’s take a look at the longest living cat breed – the Burmese.

 

The Burmese: The Longest Living Cat Breed

  • Average Life Expectancy: 18 – 25 years
  • Weight: 7 – 11 lbs
  • Temperament: Affectionate, friendly and very social
  • Possible Health Concerns: Skull deformities, loss of vision (glaucoma), and severe sensitivity to touch and pain (Feline hyperesthesia syndrome)

This beautiful medium-sized cat tops the list for longest living cat breed with an average life expectancy of 18 – 25 years. Originating from Thailand, the Burmese has been adored by feline fanatics since 1930 when a female cat by the name of Wong Mau arrived in America from Burma. From here, her mysterious breed was studied, and she was bred with a Siamese cat thus creating the Burmese breed we know today.

Burmese cats lifespan - one of the longest living cat breeds

In 1936, the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) recognized the breed, allowing purebred Burmese to be registered by their owners. Today, Burmese cats are recognized by the CFA in four distinct coat colors: sable, champagne, blue, and platinum with their popularity remaining consistent.

While personalities vary between cats, Burmese are infamous for their affectionate and friendly demeanor. Some owners have even reported their Burmese playing a game of fetch with them! They are usually described as loving their human companions and being a great choice for individuals and families with children. They generally tolerate being around the family dog, too!

Compared to some breeds, Burmese cats have a tame medical history but are genetically predisposed to some health concerns or defects. The most common being skull deformities, loss of vision, and a condition called Feline hyperesthesia syndrome.

Cats suffering from this condition are extremely sensitive to touch and you might notice signs of self mutilation, muscle spasms, and adverse reactions to having his spine touched. Luckily, this condition is rare, but it can be treated with veterinarian prescribed medications.

You can help your Burmese live a long, healthy life by feeding him high-quality moist food, taking him to the veterinarian regularly, and spending plenty of time socializing and playing together.

 

The Runner Ups are…

  • Balinese (18 – 22 years)
  • Ragdoll (15 – 25 years)
  • Bombay (15 – 20 years)

 

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a new feline companion that will be with you for the long haul, the Burmese is a great choice. Not only are they the longest living cat breed, but they have great personalities and make loyal companions too. If you’re looking for something a bit different, the Balinese, Ragdoll, and Bombay breeds have a long life expectancy that might fit what you’re looking for.

Also keep in mind that these lifespans aren’t written in stone, a lot of factors can influence how long an individual cat lives. Even if you choose one with a shorter lifespan, that doesn’t mean your cat in particular won’t live longer – just some food for thought!

 

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