16 Cat Breeds That Live the Longest (Ranked Shortest to Longest Lifespan)

Written by Henrik Rothen

Mar.24 - 2025 10:07 AM CET

Animals
Shutterstock.com
Shutterstock.com
16 Cat Breeds That Live the Longest.

Trending Now

TRENDING NOW

Looking for a feline friend who’ll be by your side for many, many years? Some cat breeds are known for their impressive lifespans. We've ranked the top 16 longest-living cat breeds — starting from the shortest and working up to the true champions of longevity.

1. Bengal (12–16 years)

Shutterstock.com

Wild-looking and full of energy, Bengals are playful and intelligent — but their lifespan tends to top out around 16 years.

2. Maine Coon (13–16 years)

Shutterstock.com

The gentle giants of the cat world. They’re sturdy and affectionate, but not quite as long-lived as smaller breeds.

3. Manx (14–16 years)

shutterstock.com

Known for their signature tailless look, Manx cats are tough and muscular, often living up to 16 years.

4. Abyssinian (14–17 years)

Shutterstock.com

One of the oldest known cat breeds, Abyssinians are active and curious — and can live up to 17 years with good care.

5. Persian (12–17 years)

Shutterstock.com

Fluffy and laid-back, Persians require regular grooming but can live a fairly long life if well cared for.

6. British Shorthair (14–20 years)

Shutterstock.com

Calm, charming, and super cuddly — this classic breed is known to enjoy a long life, especially as an indoor cat.

7. Chartreux (15–18 years)

Shutterstock.com

A rare and quiet French breed with a muscular build and sweet personality. They often live well into their late teens.

8. Sphynx (15–20 years)

Shutterstock.com

Hairless but hearty! The Sphynx may look fragile, but they’re surprisingly healthy and can live up to 20 years.

9. Ragdoll (15–20 years)

Shutterstock.com

Big, blue-eyed, and mellow, Ragdolls love attention and often enjoy long, relaxed lives.

10. Savannah (17–20 years)

Shutterstock.com

Exotic and energetic, Savannah cats are part wild and need space to roam — but with the right environment, they live long.

11. Burmese (18–20 years)

Shutterstock.com

Friendly, fun-loving, and extremely people-oriented — Burmese cats often live close to or beyond 20 years.

12. Russian Blue (15–20+ years)

Shutterstock.com

Graceful and intelligent, Russian Blues are known for being low-maintenance and long-lived companions.

13. Oriental Shorthair (15–20+ years)

Shutterstock.com

Sleek, social, and full of personality, these cats often live well into their twenties if kept healthy and stimulated.

14. Singapura (16–18+ years)

Shutterstock.com

The smallest cat breed in the world — but with one of the biggest lifespans! These playful cats can live nearly two decades.

15. Siamese (15–22 years)

Shutterstock.com

Talkative, elegant, and endlessly loyal, Siamese cats are one of the longest-living breeds around.

16. Balinese (18–22 years)

Shutterstock.com

At the very top of the list, Balinese cats — close relatives of the Siamese — are known to live into their early twenties and stay lively to the end.