Top 8 Cat Breeds That Live The Longest
1. Siamese
![siamese cat](https://www.marthastewart.com/thmb/tNjikt_7vRpo7v0Sup-73mNgx9k=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/cat-breeds-stay-small-forever-siamese-treatment-getty-0723-1089818e258c4fec988dfc94f8fa7ad3.jpg)
Identified by their light fur with dark extremities and sleek muscular bodies, Siamese cats can live as long as 15 years. “Siamese cats are not only long-lived but also known for their vocal and social nature,” says Bradley Krohn, DVM, a veterinarian with The Vets.
About Siamese Cat
- HEIGHT: 8 to 10 inches
- WEIGHT: 8 to 10 pounds
- PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Sleek body; almond-shaped eyes; wedge-shaped head
2. Balinese
![Balinese cat](https://www.marthastewart.com/thmb/GrehDOoK5FzZCTwzfidTsQO3I2Y=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/cat-breeds-live-the-longest-balinese-getty-treatment-1023-3fb455afc6dd48569484125ee8f2e511.jpg)
The Balinese cat is a close cousin to the Siamese; in fact, the only main difference between them is that the Balinese cat had a gene mutation that created longer fur. The average lifespan for this breed is 15 to 20 years.
- HEIGHT: 6 to 7 inches
- WEIGHT: 8 to 12 pounds
- PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Wedge-shaped head; slender body; blue eyes
3. Burmese
![Burmese cat](https://www.marthastewart.com/thmb/Y4NpEON1_FkGh0sAjv2icQzafms=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/cat-breeds-live-the-longest-burmese-getty-treatment-1023-5da48923700b4b54a91b932d84cd4062.jpg)
Burmese cats also have a Siamese ancestor, which may explain their tendency to live up to 20 to 25 years. Some have even been known to live well into their 30s.
- HEIGHT: 10 to 12 inches
- WEIGHT: 6 to 10 pounds
- PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Round, golden eyes; compact, muscular body
4. Russian Blue
![Russian Blue Cat](https://www.marthastewart.com/thmb/3rrQkPJoWRmPlC25g8TGjSh4QaQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/cat-breeds-live-the-longest-russian-blue-getty-treatment-1023-d608322279254a27a51c4d9c1c547328.jpg)
Russian blues are beautiful grey cats that can live as long as 10 to 20 years. Give this cat your utmost attention and shower it with love.
- HEIGHT: 8 to 10 inches
- WEIGHT: 8 to 12 pounds
- PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Blue-gray coat; green eyes; wedge-shaped head
5. Persian
![Persian cat](https://www.marthastewart.com/thmb/9uux4YBoww_HSvS7pBl2EYRvjHI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/cat-breeds-live-the-longest-persian-getty-treatment-1023-1590d9e044b84694bb310dfd395dc16b.jpg)
The Persian cat has been known to live upward of 20 years. “Persian cats are famous for their luxurious long fur and calm demeanor,” says Dr. Krohn. “However, their flat faces (brachycephalic) can lead to respiratory issues, so it’s essential to keep their nasal passages clean and provide regular grooming.”
6. Manx
![Manx Cat](https://www.marthastewart.com/thmb/f5G6oy8QUdQX4rdU-SmULT9i-VI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/cat-breeds-live-the-longest-manx-getty-treatment-1023-feb46cc7e3b444938bce05a24484f285.jpg)
Historically, the Manx cats ran with Vikings and hailed from the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea. Their lack of tail is the result of a gene mutation, but it also sets them apart from other breeds. The average lifespan of a Manx is 15 to 18 years.
7. Oriental Shorthair
![Oriental Shorthair cat](https://www.marthastewart.com/thmb/DX7OBlD11VBTm1XoWnwoCQPN_g4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/cat-breeds-live-the-longest-oriental-shorthair-getty-treatment-1023-24ad8c51e3dd46c8a18b664f919621e8.jpg)
If you want a cat that you can leash train, the Oriental shorthair is well known for being able to learn how to be on a leash. This active lifestyle may also be a key factor in its longevity—this breed can live up to 10 to 15 years.
8. Sphynx
![Sphynx cat](https://www.marthastewart.com/thmb/NSWa0F1Vg82YOTxu9wBtfS-NZHs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/cat-breeds-live-the-longest-sphynx-getty-treatment-1023-0778157b668d46a3a81a4073a58266cd.jpg)
This naturally hairless wonder has plenty of love to give. Because they are generally hairless, they need to be bathed on occasion to keep their skin in good condition. Sphynx cats have a life expectancy of 8 to 14 years.
- HEIGHT: 8 to 10 inches
- WEIGHT: 10 to 12 pounds
- PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Hairless; wrinkled head; lean build
![Ragdoll cat](https://www.marthastewart.com/thmb/mfLsGx0gkVtSl1ITH-DHreV0gSU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/cat-breeds-live-the-longest-ragdoll-getty-treatment-1023-0f9e232f9b314517b6899bacdfe3813a.jpg)
Always sweet in appearance and temperament, the ragdoll makes a great family companion. The strikingly beautiful felines can live as long as 15 years or longer.
- HEIGHT: 9 to 11 inches
- WEIGHT: 8 to 20 pounds
- PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Blue eyes; semi-longhaired coat
10. American Shorthair
![American Shorthair cat](https://www.marthastewart.com/thmb/mt9udRaUTLYgiaAuhe9Cr07xhx8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/cat-breeds-live-the-longest-american-shorthair-getty-treatment-1023-f45db42240824e1c9741f83564401636.jpg)
The American shorthair is marked by its affectionate nature, compact build, and round face. They are another active breed—plus, they have a high prey drive—which may contribute to their long lifespan. This breed can live for as long as 20 years.
- HEIGHT: 8 to 10 inches
- WEIGHT: 10 to 15 pounds
- PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Athletic build; short, dense coat
I had a Siamese cat that lived 22 years. The Siamese cat is a wonderful pet.
Hello Patrick
This is really nice to hear that your cat live for 22 years.
Nice to Hear
What about the life span of ginger domestic shorthair males
My wife and I have a seal point siamese and he is great. We bread him with mane coon female 10 years ago. She has passed on at 15 years but still have blood line.
Hello Miles
Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
I had a Persian that I found abandoned when I took him to the vet they gave him 5 years of age . I lost my Prince at the age of 29 , 2 years ago at that time he went into renal failure . We had many good years together Persians are a beautiful pet . I adopted another he is 10 years
Hello Dar,
We can conclude that your Persian Cat live for 29 years, thank you Dar for sharing your experience. Your Experience will definitely help our readers.
Thank you for Sharing