For families seeking a feline companion, it's important to consider the breed's lifespan. Our Douglasville veterinarians have compiled a list of cat breeds, including Siamese and Munchkin cats, and their average lifespan to help you make an informed decision.
Which Cat Breeds Live the Longest?
Predicting the lifespan of a cat can be a challenging task due to various factors. Genetics and upbringing are significant factors that affect various cat breeds in different ways. Some unforeseen health issues can also impact a cat's life expectancy, emphasizing the importance of regular senior care for older cats.
Assuming a cat has a healthy and long life, our veterinarians at Douglasville have identified the top 5 cat breeds known for their extended lifespans.
Siamese Cats
The Siamese cats, originally from Thailand and formerly known as Siam, have become popular due to their friendly, playful, and intelligent nature. These cats are easy to train and can learn to walk on a harness and perform various tricks.
Normally, Siamese cats live for around 15 years, but some have even lived up to 20 years of age.
Munchkin Cats
Munchkin cats are a unique breed of felines known for their small size caused by a form of dwarfism. Even though they have small legs, these cats are energetic and playful and are renowned for their agility. They have three different standard leg lengths (the tallest), super short (the second tallest), and the shortest, which are affectionately called 'rug huggers.'
On average, this breed has a lifespan of around 15 years.
Balinese Cats
Many people believe that the Balinese cat is closely related to the Siamese cat. While they share similar physical characteristics, such as their appearance, Balinese cats have longer fur than Siamese cats. People adore having Balinese cats as pets because they are affectionate, lively, clever, quick and enjoy communicating with their owners.
Additionally, a healthy Balinese cat can live between 18 and 22 years.
Ragdoll Cats
The Ragdoll cat is a relatively new breed that originated in the 1960s. It has luscious, silky fur resembling Persian cats. The Ragdoll has a gentle personality and can go completely limp when held, much like a ragdoll toy. These felines are sociable and cordial, even with strangers, and enjoy lounging around at home.
Despite their delicate appearance, they are robust and can live anywhere from 15 to 25 years.
Burmese Cats
Burmese cats are medium-sized with beautiful short coats. They're lively, playful, and friendly with both their owners and strangers. These adorable companions are great with kids and make an ideal family pet.
Although it's rare, there's a record of a Burmese cat living up to 35 years. While most Burmese cats don't reach this age, they typically have a remarkable lifespan of 18 to 25 years.
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.