How These 12 Cat Breeds Defy Time with Their Long Lifespans These cat breeds have longer average lifespans By Kayla Fratt Kayla Fratt Kayla Fratt, CDBC, is a certified dog behavior expert and writer with a decade of hands-on experience in dog training and canine aggression. She is a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Kayla also works with cats and birds, including falcons and homing pigeons. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 10/10/25 Credit: Kacy Kizer / Getty Images Key Takeaways Most of the longest living cat breeds can have an average lifespan ranging from 12 to 20 years.Indoor lifestyle and quality nutrition significantly impact the lifespan of cats.Mixed breed cats might have greater longevity due to a more diverse gene pool. While it's not uncommon for cats to reach 15 years old, the longest living cat breeds stand out as long-lived companions. There's no guarantee that your cat will live into their 20s, as nature and nurture both are determining factors. But picking a cat breed with a longer lifespan and taking great care of your cat improves your odds of having a loving feline for many years. Here are 12 of the longest living cat breeds. Tip Since the cat's diet is such an important factor for longevity, choosing a higher quality food from the beginning can set up your kitty for a longer lifespan. The cat food label should say "Complete and Balanced" on it. In the list of ingredients, make sure the protein source comes first on the ingredient list and is named, such as "chicken, turkey, lamb, or beef," rather than "meat." How Long Do Cats Live? On average, cats live 15 years. Providing quality nutrition, ensuring adequate exercise, and scheduling regular wellness checks are key to maximizing a cat's lifespan. While certain breeds don't inherently live longer, individual health conditions and care routines can impact longevity. Some breeds may have a higher prevalence for disease or health concerns, which could shorten a cat's life. Quite the opposite, mixed breeds could have a greater chance of longevity for broadening the gene pool. However, all experts agree that the No. 1 commonality that all long-lived cats have is they are indoor cats. Cats allowed to roam outside are at higher risk of run-ins with cars, catfights, and disease. Domestic cats that are allowed outdoors have the shortest lifespan of only two to five years on average. 01 of 12 Siamese Credit: Sasha Bell / Getty Images Originally from Thailand, the striking Siamese is a beautiful cat breed that has fascinated people for centuries. They're known for a lanky stature and distinct markings, along with a social and vocal nature. Some Siamese cats are prone to dental and respiratory conditions, but otherwise, the breed has no significant health concerns. Its average lifespan is 12 to 20 years. Breed Overview Height: 8 to 10 inchesWeight: 8 to 10 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Sociable, friendly, vocalEnergy Level: HighCoat and Color: Short hair; seal, chocolate, blue, lilac; colorpointLife Span: 12 to 20 years 02 of 12 Burmese Credit: Liz Whitaker / Getty Images 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 inchesWeight: 6 to 10 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Friendly, affectionate, playfulEnergy Level: HighCoat and Color: Short hair; sable, champagne, platinum, blue, and variations of eachLife Span: 16 to 18 years 03 of 12 Savannah Cat The Savannah’s big, tall ears set on the top of the head are very much a part of the breed’s overall wild look. Credit: By Jason Douglas - By uploader, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1400211 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. This hybrid breed is generally healthy and has an estimated average lifespan of 12 to 20 years, making it one of the longest living cat breeds. Breed Overview Height: 12 to 14 inchesWeight: 20 to 30 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Affectionate, social, intelligentEnergy Level: HighCoat and Color: Short to medium hair; tawny, black/brown spotted tabby, black/silver spotted tabby, or black smoke with a solid or tabby patternLife Span: 12 to 20 years 04 of 12 Egyptian Mau Credit: Rem13 / Getty Images Named for their 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 inchesWeight: 7 to 9 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Playful, active, devotedEnergy Level: HighCoat and Color: Short to medium hair; silver, bronze, or smoke with dark spots of varying sizes that occur only on the tips of fur; black, caramel, and blue/pewter colors also occurLife Span: 12 to 15 years Continue to 5 of 12 below 05 of 12 Ragdoll Credit: JKristoffersson / Getty Images The easygoing, gentle Ragdoll typically loves humans and wants to follow them everywhere. They're also notorious for going limp in relaxation when held, hence the "ragdoll" name. 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 inchesWeight: 8 to 20 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Friendly, easygoing, cuddlyEnergy Level: Low to MediumCoat and Color: Long hair; chocolate, red, seal, blue, lilac, cream; colorpoint, bicolor, mitted, vanLife Span: 15 years 06 of 12 Balinese Credit: Jane Burton / Getty Images The Balinese likely originated as a spontaneous, longhaired mutation of the Siamese. The only significant difference between the two breeds is the coat length. Like the Siamese, the Balinese is friendly, energetic, and chatty. And this cat wants to be involved in the goings-on of the home. The Balinese is one of the longest living cat breeds because its average lifespan is around 12 to 20 years. Breed Overview Height: 6 to 7 inchesWeight: 8 to 12 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Loving, outgoing, intelligentEnergy Level: HighCoat and Color: Long hair; creamy white body with a variety of possible color points on the face, ears, legs, tailLife Span: 12 to 20 years 07 of 12 Russian Blue Credit: Senchy / Getty Images The Russian blue is a quiet and rather reserved cat who tends to be affectionate with family but not clingy. You'll often find this cat resting in a sunny spot or surveying their territory from the highest point they can find. The breed is prone to bladder stones and eye problems, but its average lifespan is 15 to 20 years. Breed Overview Height: 8 to 10 inchesWeight: 8 to 12 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, aloofEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Short hair; steel blueLife Span: 15 to 20 years 08 of 12 Bombay Credit: fitopardo.com / Getty Images The Bombay was bred to look like a miniature panther, and doesn’t disappoint. These cats are generally easygoing and affectionate. They love to play, but they're also pleased curling up in their favorite person's lap. This breed can experience respiratory issues due to its short muzzle, along with susceptibility to heart disease and excessive tearing. Its average lifespan is approximately 12 to 16 years. Breed Overview Height: 8 to 10 inchesWeight: 8 to 15 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Affectionate, sociable, needyEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Short hair; blackLife Span: 12 to 16 years Continue to 9 of 12 below 09 of 12 American Shorthair Credit: mytruestoryphotography / Getty Images The American shorthair—the pedigreed version of the domestic shorthair—is popular for families with children because of their 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 inchesWeight: 10 to 15 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, playfulEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Short hair; many colors, including white, silver, black, cream, blue, brown, red; tabby, calico, tortoiseshell, bi-color, solid Life Span: 15 to 20 years 10 of 12 Birman The Birman cat's origins are shrouded in mystery. Credit: Getty Images/Vadimborkin The Birman is a beautiful cat with a colorpoint coat, blue eyes, and white paws. They’re social, gentle, and sweet, and hate to be alone. They can get along with just about everyone, so they’re fantastic pets. This breed can be prone to some health issues, such as hyperthyroidism, eye problems, and diabetes. However, because the Birman has an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years, this is another one of the longest living cat breeds. Breed Overview Height: 8 to 10 inchesWeight: 7 to 14 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Gentle, quiet, lovingEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Medium-long to long hair; heavy ruff around neck; various colorpoints and patternsLife Span: 12 to 16 years 11 of 12 Persian Persian Cat MinMin. Credit: © Angela It’s easy to recognize a Persian because they have a distinct flat face and a long coat. These cats are calm and loving, and unlike other breeds, they have a low energy level, so they’re great for those looking for a relaxed cat. This breed has an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. But the structure of their face makes them prone to brachycephalic syndrome, and the breed is also predisposed to polycystic kidney disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy. Breed Overview Height: 10 to 15 inchesWeight: 7 to 12 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Sweet, gentle, affectionateEnergy Level: LowCoat and Color: Long hair; blue, black, white, red, cream, chocolate, lilac, silver, golden; solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, bicolorLife Span: 15 to 20 years 12 of 12 Oriental Shorthair Credit: cynoclub / Getty Images The Oriental shorthair is a long, lean cat with a smooth coat that lies close to their body. They love being around people and don’t like to be left alone. They’re also vocal and will “talk” to you with a variety of meows and chirps. Though the breed can be prone to various conditions like bladder stones and progressive retinal atrophy, it has an average lifespan of 15 years. Breed Overview Height: 9 to 11 inchesWeight: 12 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Affectionate, playful, sociableEnergy Level: HighCoat and Color: Short hair; white, black, gray/blue, brown, orange (300 variations); solid, shaded, smoke, tabbyLife Span: 15 years Breeds to Avoid Some cat breeds fall slightly short of the average cat lifespan of 15 years. For instance, Singapura cats live around nine to 15 years. Munchkin cats have an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. FAQ How old was the oldest cat in the world? While there are many claims about this, the Guinness Book of World Records names the oldest cat as a 38-year-old Texas cat named Creme Puff. Can a cat live 20 years? Yes! While most cats have a shorter lifespan—in the 15-year range—many cats do live to be 20. Do purebred cats live longer? Each cat is an individual, and multiple factors impact how long they’ll live, so lifespan isn’t only based on breed. Generally, however, purebred cats have shorter lifespans than mixed breed cats. How to Care for a Pregnant Cat Explore more: Cats Cat Breeds