10 Cat Breeds That Live the Longest (Ranked) (2023)

FAQs

Can a cat live 30 years? ›

The average lifespan for a pet cat is probably around 13 to 14 years. However, although their lifespan varies, a well cared for cat may commonly live to 15 or beyond, some make it to 18 or 20 and a few extraordinary felines even pass 25 or 30 years of age.

Average cat lifespan

While dependent on many things, including luck, some domestic cats can live to up to 20 years old. During their life they will go through six key life stages which may help owners understand certain health/behavioural problems that could arise and things to keep an eye on.

They *might* live longer.

According to researchers at the National Institute of Health, the gene that causes their fur to be black also protects them against certain diseases. So your black cat is scientifically less likely to fall ill with certain diseases. Scientists are also using this to help study human diseases.

How old is a 17 year old cat in human years? A 17 year old cat is the equivalent to 84 human years old.

14 human years = 80 cat years. 16 human years = 84 cat years.

Many cats begin to show age-related physical changes by the time they are between 7 and 10 years old, and most will have by about 12 years old.

In recent years, feline ages and life-stages have been redefined, cats are considered to be elderly once they reach 11 years with senior cats defined as those aged between 11-14 years and super-senior cats 15 years and upwards. When caring for older cats it sometimes helps to appreciate their age in human terms.

The black coat of a black cat happened evolutionarily, and it makes them great a surviving in the world. Not only can black cats camouflage better in the dark, and in turn, avoid predators, they have also been shown to be more disease-resistant than other cats, meaning they're less likely to get sick.

Cats that are 7 – 10 years old are considered mature, while cats 11 – 14 are categorized as senior. Once your cat turns 15 they become geriatric. That does not mean that your cat can't enjoy themselves and live their feline lives to the fullest. Cats are known to live to 20 or 21 years of age.

Do male or female cats live longer? ›

As in humans, female cats tend to live for longer than male cats. Neutered cats are also likely to live for longer than intact ones, and pure breed cats are less likely to live as long as crossbreeds.

Abyssinian

Known as "the dog of the cat world", the Abyssinian cat breed is as affectionate as they come. They are fiercely loyal and love to survey their surroundings to ensure those they love are protected at all costs.

Just like dogs, cats age very rapidly during their first two years of life. A cat reaches the approximate human age of 15 during its first year, then 24 at age two. Each year after, it ages approximately four "cat years" for every calendar year.

Just before turning 27 years old, Flossie (UK) has officially received the Guinness World Records title of oldest living cat. Now, Flossie might still look like a cute little kitty, and is just as playful as one, but she's actually very old for a cat.

"In general, a healthy adult cat doesn't require bathing unless he or she has gotten into something that has coated the fur and can't be easily removed with brushing," she says. "Cats groom themselves naturally, however their owners should help keep them clean by brushing or combing them regularly."

Second of all, 260 in cat years is roughly 50 human years. No cat can live 50 years. (Although, you might argue that Cinnamon was a very special cat.)

Whiskers Don't Need Trimming!

Like other hairs on a cat's body, whiskers shed. That's normal. But you should never trim them. A cat with cut whiskers will become disoriented and scared.

If your cat gets to 20, she's around 97 human years old. Unlike dogs—who have different human age equivalents depending on their size—the formula for cats is universal because they're all roughly the same size.

You can take your cat to your vet's office for disposal or storage until you have the body cremated or buried. Many veterinarians will handle the cremation process for you.

How do you know if a cat is in pain? ›

Cats who are painful may withdraw from their usual family interactions, may become less engaged in their surroundings, and may start hiding. You may notice decreased eating and/or drinking. You may also notice changes in sleeping patterns.

Excessive Vocalization

Older cats may vocalize excessively for a number of reasons, including disorientation, loss of hearing and pain due to one or more medical conditions. (Please see our article, Meowing and Yowling, for more information about excessive vocalizing and how to resolve it.)

Also, cats often miss their previous owners when rehomed and try to find their way back. If you've just moved or taken in a new cat, keep a sharp eye on him for the first three weeks or so until he gets settled in his new place.

From 7-10 years of age, your cat begins to lose their drive to play and is less active. This is a normal shift in activity as your cat is comfortable in their environment and routine. As your cat slows down, it is crucial to monitor your pet's eating habits.

They want to feel secure

Cats are vulnerable when sleeping, so this behavior suggests that they trust you and feel secure when you're there. This behavior can also be traced back to kittenhood when litters would pillow on each other and on their mothers as they sleep.

During the early modern period, the name grimalkin – and cats in general – became associated with the devil and witchcraft. Women tried as witches in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries were often accused of having a familiar, frequently a grimalkin.

Black cats tend to be male.

While they can definitely be either male or female, due to some genetic mystery, there are more male black cats than females.

The most rare eye colouring in a cat is dichromatic, where the eyes will have a combination of two distinct colours within both eyes. It's caused by the cat having different levels of melanin in distinct sections of their irises.

"Just as we become set in our ways as we get older, cats do too," Dr. Goldstein says. "Some cats may need more emotional support as they age and others may prefer to be left alone," he explains. "They may become more dependent on relationships and require more attention.

As they age, cats are not able to digest their food as well resulting in increased nutrition requirements. If their nutrition does not meet their requirements, they will lose muscle mass resulting in the ability to easily feel the bones of their spine and hips when petting them.

How can I make my cat live longer? ›

Maine coon

In reality, Maine coons are as fiercely protective of their humans as they are their kittens. Immensely clever and territorial, Maine coons have been known to display their protective instincts by pouncing, scratching, and biting at intruders. Some Maine coons even growl at mail carriers and visitors.

Abyssinian cats are known as the smartest cat breed due to their inquisitive nature and exceptional detective skills. They are incredibly independent, but enjoy toys like puzzles.

Sorry to break it to you, but human meows mean nothing to cats. At most, you can get your cat's attention and they may even appreciate your attempts to communicate by purring or even meowing back. But to most cats, human meows sound like human language.

Siamese, Burmese and Tonkinese

They are well known for creating a strong bond with their owners. Siamese are “loving”, “bold” and “talkative” and you will know when they want attention! The Burmese cat is a descendant of the Siamese. They are classed as “cuddly”, “confident” and “sociable”.

Burmese. The official record of the oldest living cat holder is a 35-year-old Burmese cat. Of course, most Burmese cats don't live that long. The average lifespan of Burmese cats is 18 to 25 years and that is certainly much longer than most cats.

Myth: Female cats are more bossy and demanding. They crave attention and will let you know when they want something with plenty of loud meows. On the other hand, male cats are more laid-back and relaxed about life, happily taking your attention when it comes their way.

Some of the least affectionate breeds of cats include the American Wirehair, Korat, Singapura and Cymric. “The American Wirehair tends to be pretty reserved and quiet, which some would consider not particularly affectionate. The Korat is somewhat passive and can be spooked easily by loud noises.

The official record of the oldest living cat holder is a 35-year-old Burmese cat. Of course, most Burmese cats don't live that long. The average lifespan of Burmese cats is 18 to 25 years and that is certainly much longer than most cats.

Some of the ages reported here are approximate. Others are based on estimates or hearsay. Few of them have been confirmed by any authoritative agency. Creme Puff (1967-2005) of Austin, Texas is the oldest verified cat ever, while Flossie (born 29 December 1995) is the oldest living cat as of 2022.

What is the oldest cat to live? ›

Creme Puff (August 3, 1967 – August 6, 2005) was a mixed Tabby domestic cat, owned by Jake Perry of Austin, Texas, US. She was the oldest cat ever recorded, according to the 2010 edition of Guinness World Records, when she died aged 38 years and 3 days.

Indoor cats generally live from 12-18 years of age. Many may live to be in their early 20s. The oldest reported cat, Creme Puff lived to be an amazing 38 years old. Outdoor cats generally live shorter lives due to being more likely to be involved in traumas such as motor vehicle accidents or dog attacks.

In recent years, feline ages and life-stages have been redefined, cats are considered to be elderly once they reach 11 years with senior cats defined as those aged between 11-14 years and super-senior cats 15 years and upwards.

What's the Average Lifespan of a Cat? The average cat lifespan is between 13-17 years. Some lucky felines have been known to live 20 years or more—the world record holder for oldest cat on record, adorably named Creme Puff, lived to be a whopping 38 years old. Many factors contribute to how long a cat will live.

On the other side of the coin, if you consider that, as The Cat Bible suggests, 16 human years is comparable to 84 cat years, then a 100-year-old human could be said to be the equivalent of 525 cat years.

Once cats reach about 11 years old they are considered senior citizens. They are now the equivalent of a 60-year-old human.

Then it gets much easier: Each year of a cat's life is roughly equal to four human years, so a 3-year-old cat is about 29; a 4-year-old cat is 33; a 5-year-old cat is 37; and a 6-year-old cat is 41. And so on and so on. If your cat gets to 20, she's around 97 human years old.