Every common pet will unfortunately live shorter than us (well, except for certain species of turtles and parrots). During their life pets will most definitely become someone important to us – our own personal alarm clock with delicate paws and pink tongues, a constant companion in the corner whose meows inspired Beethoven, a model both scientist and artists love to study, a small friend with gorgeous eyes who will come in the toughest and funniest times, a vivid table cleaner… in other words, someone who will make us laugh, cry, be angry, and experience a whole spectrum of colourful emotions.

We all want them to live as long as possible. If you’ve ever thought about adopting a cat (or rather accepted the fact that they will adopt you, and turn your life around), you probably didn’t do research behind the lifespan of these small, yet still feisty, creatures. It’s not the first thing we usually think of when we’re reading about a certain breed. However, it’s still an important aspect to consider.

The good news is, in countries with good veterinary care, the average life-span of our domestic feline friends is around 14 years old and on the rise. The best thing you can do to ensure your beloved roommate lives a long, happy and healthy life, is to make sure kitties are always safe and well-cared for. Plenty of exercise to keep obesity and stress at bay, a healthy and balanced diet, and regular vet check-ups, are some of the key elements.

You could also choose a breed that has less health problems, and therefore lives longer. To help you with that, we’ve compiled a list of the longest living cat breeds around.

Savannah cats

Average life span: 17 to 20 years

Savannah cats are a cross between an Exotic African Serval and a domesticated house cat. Their breed is relatively new, only started in the late ’80s.

Savannah cats are loving, outgoing, energetic (often described to have the energy of a brand-new puppy), independent, highly intelligent, and athletic. They are a loving companion who often follows around their favourite person, Savannah cats love to play fetch, and enjoy water.

These cats are one of the healthiest cat breeds and have no known established health problems.

Siamese cats

Average life span: 16 to 20 years

These cats have been known in Thailand for centuries, but Siamese cats were not seen in other parts of the world until the late 19th century. 

Siamese cats are one of the most talkative and chatty cats who will tell you exactly what they think and are extremely fond of their chosen person. This breed, who are extremely social and extroverted,  will supervise your every move and expect you to act on their advice. Siamese cats do not like being left alone for long periods of time. Representatives of the Siamese are athletic and highly intelligent and love to play.

A few health issues such as asthma, heart defects, and amyloidosis may affect Siamese cats during their lifetime.

Bombay cats

Average life span: 15 to 20 years

Their history starts in the 1950s when Nikki Horner wanted to create a cat that possessed the typical look of Burmese cats, but with a shiny, black coat and copper eyes. She named Bombay cats after the land of the black leopard – Bombay, India.

The Bombay are easy-going, yet energetic and playful cats. They love laying in the sunlight and being the centre of attention. Bombays are smart, friendly, outgoing, learn tricks quickly and will agree to just about any suggestion from the people around them.

Bombays are generally healthy, but a craniofacial defect (sometimes called Burmese head defect) has been seen in these small leopards as well.

Russian Blue cats

Average life span: 15 to 20 years

Not much is known about their history. It is believed that these cats originate from northern Russia. According to CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association), there’s a rumour that these cats are descendants from the cats kept by the Russian Czars.

Russian Blue cats are sweet, loyal cats who will be eager to meet you at the front door. The representatives of the breed are very social, love receiving attention from the whole family, but they also need a quiet, private corner to rest, and possibly hide, during large gatherings of strangers. Russian blues are highly intelligent, and it’s important to give them access to toys at all times, as the breed requires a lot of physical and mental stimulation.

The Russian Blue have little to no genetic problems. However, cats do love to eat and are prone to obesity, so it’s important to monitor their diet and appropriately dose their food.

American Shorthair cats

Average life span: 15 to 20 years

Not much is known when these domestic cats first appeared in America, however we do know the cats first arrived with the European settlers. The first recording of the American Shorthairs took place around the early 1900s. American Shorthair cats were strong, hardy “working cats” who used to keep the rodent population under control.

American Shorthair cats are quite interested in everything going on around them, adaptable, sociable, easily trained, and good-natured. The cats love attention from people around them, but they do not like being picked up and are fairly independent.  Watching birds or hunting down any insects that may wander into the house are some of their favourite activities.

American Shorthair cats are generally healthy, but hip dysplasia and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may still affect them.

European Shorthair cats

Average life span: 15 to 20 years

In the early days, European Shorthair cats tagged alongside Roman invaders as cats travelled across Europe. Their intelligence and hunting skills were useful at protecting food supplies from pests and rodents. After some time, friendly and playful kittens appeared in Sweden, and since then this breed has been very popular in Scandinavia, it even became Finland’s national cat.

European Shorthair cats adapt quickly to new environments. The breed is athletic, very intelligent , and loves to play, so it’s very important to keep them engaged physically and mentally. While these traits vary between individuals, these cats are generally playful and loyal.

European Shorthairs don’t have any breed specific health problems associated with them.

Nebelung cats

Average life span: 15 to 18 years

The breed’s history begins in the early 1980s. It was named after the German word ‘Nebelung,’ loosely meaning “creatures of the mist” – a reference to their shiny, silvery-blue coat that seems to hover over their body, like a mist.

Nebelung cats have a reputation for being quiet and shy, but they do love to play. The Nebelung are sweet, affectionate, intelligent, playful and loving. The representatives of the breed form close bonds with their chosen human and stay extremely devoted to them their entire lives. Nebelungs follow their humans  from room to room; they enjoy sitting next to them and being petted. Cats are very sensitive and don’t like being ignored.

Nebelungs are generally healthy, however they love eating, and could become obese in to time.

Ragdoll cats

Average life span: 12 to 15 years

There’s a lot of colourful stories and speculations, so it’s nearly impossible to tell what the truth is. What we know for sure is that the first Ragdoll cats were developed in the 1960s California by Ann Baker.

These cats are laid back, sweet, undemanding, content, and they tolerate most situations. The cats are gentle, loyal, and make ideal indoor roommates. The Ragdolls will be waiting for you at the front door and greet you with a leg rub, and a big purr. They learn quickly and can pick up a few tricks.

A few problems may affect Ragdoll cats: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a form of heart disease), increased risk of calcium oxalate bladder stones, and FIP (feline infectious peritonitis).

Egyptian Mau cats

Average life span: 12 to 15 years

Egyptian Maus (‘mau’ is the Egyptian word for a cat) is the only naturally spotted domesticated cat. They were known before World War II, but its effects left the breed in an awful state.

Whether the breed is a product of thousands of years of Egyptian culture is up to debate. The breed as we know it today dates back to a small, silver kitten given to a Russian princess while she was in Rome. 

Egyptian Maus have a very balanced temperament. They are extremely strong and are moderately to highly active cats. The breed is athletic and likes jumping and climbing high cat trees. Maus also enjoys playing with water and can learn how to turn on the faucet. Despite their high energy levels, Egyptian Maus enjoy cuddling and curling up in someone’s lap.

Egyptian Mau cats are generally healthy and have no known breed specific health problems.

Burmese cats

Average life span: 10 to 18 years

It’s believed that these cats were temple and palace cats, bred and kept by priests. In 1930 a cat by the name of Wong Mau travelled from Burma (now Myanmar) to the US with Dr. Joseph C. Thompson. Others thought his cat was just a darker version of a Siamese, but Dr. Thompson disagreed.

The breed is energetic, curious, smart, playful, and friendly. Burmese cats are a constant companion and want to be involved in everything that their owners do. The breed love watching the world around them, and especially enjoy watching out the window, aka the cat TV. Burmese cats seem to never grow up  and are always entertaining and playful. The cats are very selective when it comes to their cuisine and when it will be served.

Burmese cats are generally healthy, although they may be sensitive to anaesthesia and are prone to gingivitis. Other diseases have also been seen in the Burmese.

Persian cats

Average life span: 10 to 17 years

In the 19th century, Persian cats were the favorites of the European nobility.

In general, it might seem that the breed was created  to be enjoyed,  cats do not rush around the house like a hurricane, do not hunt and enjoy spending their time with their owners in a cozy and comfortable place.  This is the ideal cat for those owners who do not like active breeds.

Because the Persians have a flat face,  the breed is prone to having brachycephalic (breathing problems) issues. Other health issues might include polycystic kidney disease, hip dysplasia, or Primary seborrhoea.

And here’s a fun fact: the oldest living cat was 38 years old! Her name was Crème Puff, and she was Jake Perry’s cat. Perry is known for having long-living cats. His other cat, Grandpa Rex Allen, lived to see his 34^th birthday. Both were featured in the well-known Guinness World Records.

But, if you’ve heard about Crème Puff’s diet before you knew she was the world’s oldest cat, you probably wouldn’t have guessed she holds a Guinness Record.

Her diet consisted of dry cat food supplemented with eggs, broccoli, turkey bacon, and… coffee with cream. It seems like she was treated more like another small human rather than a house pet.  Of course, we don’t recommend switching your current cat’s diet for this one.

Image: Viktor Hanacek

The post The 11 Longest-Lived Cat Breeds appeared first on Meow Passion.