The Best Cat Breeds With the Longest Lifespans

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While it's not uncommon for cats to reach 15 years old, there are some cat breeds that stand out as long-lived companions. There's no guarantee that your cat will live into its 20s, as nature and nurture both are determining factors. But picking a cat breed with a long lifespan and taking great care of your cat improves your odds of having a loving feline for many years. Here are 10 of the longest-living cat breeds.

Tip

Quality nutrition, adequate exercise, and regular wellness checks will maximize any cat's lifespan. Experts also recommend keeping your cat indoors to prevent diseases and injuries.

How to Help Your Cat Live Longer

• 01of 10

  Siamese

  

  Originally from Thailand, the striking Siamese is a beautiful cat breed that has fascinated people for centuries. It's known for its lanky stature and distinct markings, along with its social and vocal nature. Some Siamese cats are prone to dental and respiratory conditions, but otherwise the breed has no major health concerns. Its average lifespan is 12 to 20 years.

  Breed Overview

  HEIGHT: 8 to 10 inches

  WEIGHT: 8 to 10 pounds

  PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Sleek body; almond-shaped eyes; wedge-shaped head

• 02of 10

  Burmese

  

  The Burmese—originally a cross between a little brown cat from Burma and Siamese cats—is a playful, social, and adventurous feline. Although the breed is generally healthy, the Burmese does have a predisposition to cranial deformities, as well as glaucoma. Despite these health concerns, the Burmese’s average lifespan is 16 to 18 years. 

  Breed Overview

  HEIGHT: 10 to 12 inches

  WEIGHT: 6 to 10 pounds

  PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Round, golden eyes; compact, muscular body

• 03of 10

  Savannah Cat

  

  The Savannah cat—part African serval and part domestic cat—is recommended only for experienced owners. Despite not being fully domesticated, Savannah cats can be friendly with people. But they tend to have unpredictable, active, and bold temperaments. The hybrid breed is generally healthy and has an estimated average lifespan of 12 to 20 years.

  Breed Overview

  HEIGHT: 12 to 14 inches

  WEIGHT: 20 to 30 pounds

  PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Tall, lean body; erect ears; golden coat with dark spots and bars

• 04of 10

  Egyptian Mau

  

  Named for its presence in ancient Egyptian art, the Egyptian Mau is a beautiful cat with a characteristically spotted coat. These cats are generally comfortable with people, making themselves an integral part of the family and expecting to be treated as such. While some are prone to heart disease, the breed's average lifespan is 12 to 15 years.

  Breed Overview

  HEIGHT: 8 to 10 inches

  WEIGHT: 7 to 9 pounds

  PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Long, muscular body; green eyes; large ears

  
  
• 05of 10

  Ragdoll

  

  The easygoing, gentle Ragdoll typically loves its humans and wants to follow them everywhere. It's also notorious for going limp in relaxation when it's held. The breed is generally healthy, but some cats are prone to bladder stones and heart disease. Still, its average lifespan is around 15 years or more.

  Breed Overview

  HEIGHT: 9 to 11 inches

  WEIGHT: 8 to 20 pounds

  PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Blue eyes; semi-longhaired coat

• 06of 10

  Balinese

  

  The Balinese likely originated as a spontaneous, longhaired mutation of the Siamese. The only major difference between the two breeds is the coat length. Like the Siamese, the Balinese is friendly, energetic, and chatty. And it wants to be involved in the goings-on of the home. The breed's average lifespan is around 12 to 20 years.

  Breed Overview

  HEIGHT: 6 to 7 inches

  WEIGHT: 8 to 12 pounds

  PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Wedge-shaped head; slender body; blue eyes

• 07of 10

  Russian Blue

  

  The Russian blue is a quiet and rather reserved cat that tends to be affectionate with its family but not clingy. You'll often find this cat resting in a sunny spot or surveying its territory from the highest point it can find. The breed is prone to bladder stones, as well as eye problems, but its average lifespan is 15 to 20 years.

  Breed Overview

  HEIGHT: 8 to 10 inches

  WEIGHT: 8 to 12 pounds

  PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Blue-gray coat; green eyes; wedge-shaped head

• 08of 10

  Bombay

  

  The Bombay was bred with the intention of looking like a miniature panther, and it doesn’t disappoint. These cats are generally easygoing and affectionate. They love to play, but they're also very happy curling up in their favorite person's lap. The breed is prone to respiratory problems due to its short muzzle, along with heart disease and excess tearing. Its average lifespan is around 12 to 16 years.

  Breed Overview

  HEIGHT: 8 to 10 inches

  WEIGHT: 8 to 15 pounds

  PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Muscular body; rounded head; black, shiny coat
• 09of 10

  American Shorthair

  

  The American shorthair—the pedigreed version of the domestic shorthair—is popular for families with children because of its playful and easygoing temperament. These cats are usually good at entertaining themselves, and they don't demand attention. But they also appreciate interactive play and socialization. Most are generally healthy but can be prone to heart disease. The breed has an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years.

  Breed Overview

  HEIGHT: 8 to 10 inches

  WEIGHT: 10 to 15 pounds

  PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Athletic build; short, dense coat

• 10of 10

  Sphynx

  

  The Sphynx can be high-maintenance when it comes to care. Being hairless means these cats often need to wear something to keep warm in cool weather. And they should be bathed often to remove excess oil on their skin. The breed is prone to heart disease, neurological issues, and skin conditions. But it still has an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

  Breed Overview

  HEIGHT: 8 to 10 inches

  WEIGHT: 10 to 12 pounds

  PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Hairless; wrinkled head; lean build

Breeds to Avoid

Some cat breeds fall slightly short of the average cat lifespan of 15 years. For instance, Manx cats only live around eight to 14 years on average, and Singapura cats live around nine to 15 years. Munchkin cats have an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. But regardless of breed, it’s domestic cats that are allowed outdoors that have the shortest lifespan at only two to five years on average.