You’ve probably heard the saying that cats have nine lives, but some breeds stick around long enough to make one life perfectly sufficient. These enduring cats tend to reach the high end of the indoor cat lifespan of 13 to 17 years, and many thrive beyond that. If you’re looking for a cat who is in it for the long haul, consider one of these longest living cat breeds.
These familiar felines account for 95% of the U.S. cat population, and the fact that they aren’t purebred is actually a health benefit. Their genetic diversity means that these cats are protected from many hereditary diseases so they can live well into their late teens or twenties. The American Domestic comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and because of their mixture of genes, their personalities aren’t always easy to predict. In general, they tend to be affectionate lap warmers.
The sleek, jet-black Bombay is a striking cat with a friendly, active personality. These cats crave human interaction and adore children, so they do well in family environments. This breed has an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years, and they prefer to spend that time indoors.
These soft and satiny cats have an average lifespan of 18 to 20 years, but one famous Burmese named Kataleena Lady lived to be 35 years old! This people-friendly breed is communicative and very emotional—so much so that they will let you know if they are feeling blue. The Burmese gets along wonderfully with children and other pets, so they make great family members.
The calm and adorable Persian is famous for their long, fluffy coat and squishy, flattened face. They have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years and enjoy cuddling up with their favorite people, though they are not demanding of attention.
Siamese cats are known for their long lifespans of 16 to 20 years or more. They are extremely social and vocal cats who love people and don’t like being left alone. They are also intelligent and sometimes manipulative cats who always seem to find a way onto a lap or into a game of fetch.
The hairless Sphynx is often referred to as a “velcro kitty” because of the way they crave attention and follow their owners around the house. These cats make excellent family pets, and because they are hairless (or almost hairless), they can be a great choice for allergy sufferers. While they have an average lifespan of around 14 years, one famous Sphynx named Grandpa lived to be 34 years old!
And the longest living cat on record? That would be a tabby named Lucy, who lived to be 39 years old! Take care of your cat and keep up with regular visits to the veterinarian, and you could find yourself with a Lucy of your own.
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All White Cat Breeds
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