Key Points
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Some of the healthiest cat breeds include the Maine coon, Siberian, Savannah, and Balinese.
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There are many unhealthy cat breeds, such as the Persian, Russian blue, Bengal, Scottish fold, and British shorthair.
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Mixed-breed cats are healthier than their purebred counterparts because they have a larger genetic pool.
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Breeders often select males and females based solely on their appearance instead of health, making the practice unethical.
As a loving pet owner, you want to believe your cat is always there for you, now and for many years to come. Unfortunately, cats are excellent at hiding disease symptoms. In some cases they are born with congenital or hereditary health issues that impact their quality of life later on.
Some cat breeds are healthier than others. That's not "breedism" or bias speaking. It is a reality of breeding and people performed it for dozens, sometimes hundreds of years.
This article looks at some of the healthiest feline breeds to consider if you want to adopt a new pet.
Healthiest and Longest Living Cat Breeds
Although purebred cats aren't as easy to adopt as their mixed-breed counterparts, if you absolutely want to adopt a purebred kitten, pick one from the following list. These pets are less likely to suffer from genetically transmitted diseases.
Maine Coon
This large cat breed is one of the sturdiest in the world. Although living with a Maine coon has its challenges due to the amount of shedding these cats produce, it is a gratifying experience.
Maine coons are intelligent and full of energy. They love spending time outdoors, so you need to train your Maine coon to walk on a leash. They're notorious for living for at least 15 years, so they're perfect for people who want a long-term feline partner.
Although widely known as one of the healthiest cat breeds, some Maine coons develop medical conditions during their life. Heart problems and hip dysplasia are the two most common ones.
Ragamuffin
Like the Maine coon, ragamuffin cats live for at least a decade, with the average life span of the breed being 15 years. Despite their somewhat frail appearance, they're tough and hearty.
No cat breed is completely free of health issues. Ragamuffins are predisposed to some complications. The two most common ones are polycystic kidney disease and cardiac pathologies.
Siberian
As its name suggests, this breed can handle some of the harshest environmental conditions. Hailing from Russia, Siberian cats are strong and able-bodied with a life expectancy of at least a decade and possibly up to 18 years with proper care.
This cat loves to spend time with their owners. Playtime is a must as they're used to running around outdoors.
Even though it's a pretty healthy breed, Siberians can develop FLUTD or periodontal disease.
Burmese
The Burmese cat is low-maintenance and understanding. They tend to get along with everyone, including kids, and don't have excessive grooming needs. A Burmese cat can live for at least a decade and has set longevity records, with some living for up to 35 years.
The most common health issue of this breed is diabetes. A diabetic Burmese cat can live for many years if a vet diagnoses and treats the condition early.
Savannah
Savannah cats are another good example of tough kittens. They have a life span of at least 10 to 15 years. Compared to some breeds already mentioned, they are not lap cats, which means they prefer adventure to sitting on the couch and relaxing with their owners for hours on end.
An article written by Brianna Anderson and reviewed by Georgia-based veterinarian Dr. Amy Flowers suggests some of this breed's most common health issues are progressive retinal atrophy, kidney disease, and heart problems. Therefore, take your Savannah cat to the vet at least twice a year, especially beginning with their seventh birthday.
Chausie
The chausie is a relatively new breed. It is a combination of domestic and purebreds. This process led to chausies being much healthier than cats bred for dozens and even hundreds of years.
Due to their large genetic pool, chausies are less predisposed to genetically transmitted conditions such as kidney health issues and ocular pathologies. However, chausies are likely to get food allergies and general digestive distress as they have a shorter intestinal tract than other cats.
Balinese
If you're looking for a cat that is affectionate and follows you around everywhere, a Balinese kitten might be the right fit for your family. Balinese are notorious for their loving (almost needy) temperaments. They do not like to spend time alone.
While they require a bit of care in terms of grooming, and need vaccines and vet visits once or twice a year like any other cat, they're known for being in good shape throughout their lives. Some suffer from asthma or progressive retinal atrophy, especially if their ancestors were not bred judiciously.
Bombay
Bombay cats are known for living for at least 15 years. If you need a feline friend for over a decade, this is a breed to consider.
They don't need a lot of effort and care in terms of grooming. With their big personalities, you can expect your Bombay to give you some surprises, especially if you don't spend enough time playing with them.
Like other cats on this list, they are likely to develop cardiac health problems, so get them checked out by a vet at least once or twice a year. Because of their anatomy, they can also develop respiratory issues such as asthma or bronchitis.
Singapura
Singapura cats are hardy and stout, with a life span between 11 and 15 years. Some Singapuras have lived to be 17 or even 18.
They're not as prone to developing genetic conditions as other cats. They make affectionate pets, but their personalities are anything but boring. In fact, they can be quite bold.
The three most commonly encountered health issues in this breed are hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and kidney disease.
Are Mixed Breed Cats Healthier?
No disrespect to the purebreds intended, but mixed-breed cats are typically healthier than their "blue blood" counterparts.
Because they have a larger genetic pool, the chances of mixed-breed cats inheriting a condition from their ancestors are much lower than in the case of purebreds.
All cats are susceptible to health problems, but mixed-breed felines are simply hardier. They can get the same parasites, infectious diseases, or cancer as any other cat, but are less likely to develop genetic issues such as progressive retinal atrophy, for example.
According to a study published on June 27, 2023, purebred cats are "most likely to develop diseases in most categories when compared to domestic crossbreeds."
The categories in the test were:
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Heart diseases
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Lower respiratory infections
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Immunological diseases
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Female reproductive issues
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Complications from surgery
Purebred Cat Health Problems
Purebred cats aren't necessarily unhealthy but are more predisposed to certain hereditary complications.
Unfortunately, breeders may not be very interested in preserving the health of the cats they use for reproduction. There may be more focus on maintaining the breed standard. In short, the physical features of the male and female cats used for breeding matter most for these breeders.
Breeding in the 2020s is a little better than in the past because people can do some research on their own. People interested in getting a specific breed can ask for certificates from veterinarians to determine any health issues.
These papers attest that the kitten's parents did not exhibit signs of genetically transmitted diseases before the breeder used them for reproduction, usually when they are about a 1-year-old.
The most common health problems of purebreds are kidney disease, heart disease, and vision problems. Like dogs, some cats can be genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia.
Fortunately, breeding has become less popular over the years because of the many unethical practices that some breeders engage in.
Your cat's personality and health matter more than their physical features if you want a friend to keep you company and be loyal to you for many years.
Cat Breeds With High Risk of Disease
The breeds on this list need care and love just as much as any other pet, but obtaining one from a breeder indirectly supports the potentially unethical breeding practices that make these cats more susceptible to certain diseases and conditions.
Persian
Persian cats are perhaps the likeliest breed in the world to suffer from hereditary conditions. They can suffer from a plethora of health issues, from progressive retinal atrophy, ringworm, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and polycystic kidney disease.
Their anatomy makes it difficult for them to breathe properly. Eye discharge is extremely common as the tear ducts of this cat breed do not work properly.
More than half of Persians (especially those with a white coat and blue eyes) are born deaf because their ear canals are too narrow for the size of their heads.
Scottish Fold
It might look adorable, but the Scottish fold is one of the least healthy cat breeds in the world. The feature that makes it stand out from the crowd is the result of a gene that causes deformities.
Some Scottish folds die during birth or before the age of three months as their bones and joints experience abnormal growth.
Multiple competitions ban the Scottish fold, but these cats are still bred. Regardless of how cute they are, avoid this breed as much as possible.
Bengal
Although they seem like the definition of feline health due to their energy levels, Bengals have hereditary health concerns.
Besides cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, Bengal cats are prone to developing hip dysplasia, knee dislocation, and heart disease. They have sensitive digestion, so they can develop IBS or IBD, especially if their diet changes suddenly.
Birman
Often confused with Burmese cats, Birman cats are affectionate and friendly. Although this is a relatively new breed, as it wasn't documented before the beginning of the 20th century, Birmans are notorious for suffering from various diseases, including polycystic kidney disease, hemophilia, and eye problems.
Similarly to ragdoll cats, they can be lap cats. They're not really into exercise, so they might not actively seek out sources of entertainment, especially after they become adults.
Unfortunately, that also means that they have a higher risk of gaining weight to the point of becoming obese.
British Shorthair
As one of the most popular cat breeds, British shorthair kittens are often bought without any consideration for their health — and this breed has multiple health concerns.
British shorthair aren't as healthy as mixed-breed cats, and they can develop heart disease, kidney disease, and recurring urinary tract infections. Other conditions this breed is likely to get due to injudicious breeding are hyperthyroidism and gum and mouth disease.
Sphynx
This hairless cat breed has an almost canine-like personality. The Sphynx is indeed recommended for people suffering from severe pet allergies.
The fact that it was developed to have almost no coat at all requires pet owners to go through an extra amount of effort when it comes to grooming their cats. Sphynx cats have to take baths weekly to avoid developing seborrheic dermatitis.
Sphynx cats have a high likelihood of developing many dermatological problems, periodontal disease, and cardiac health issues.
Devon Rex
The Devon rex became popular in the past decades due to its so-called hypoallergenic properties. Even though they do shed less, they still produce dander like any other cat.
The health issue that Devon rex cats are more likely to develop throughout their lives is diabetes.
It is the result of a combination of factors. They might be genetically predisposed to this condition due to their ancestry, but they also become obese due to a sedentary lifestyle if they don't get enough exercise.
Other health problems that Devon Rex cats are likely to get are PKD (polycystic kidney disease) and patellar luxation.
Himalayan
Himalayan cats have a specific anatomy that renders breathing a little difficult. Although their faces aren't as flat as those of Persian cats, Himalayans can suffer from respiratory conditions, dental issues, and recurring eye infections.
Himalayans can inherit PKD from their parents, along with a nervous condition called hyperesthesia syndrome.
Russian Blue
Russian blues can be relatively healthy or very unhealthy, depending on the breeder. Historically, this breed inherits conditions such as renal failure, cancer, or diabetes from its ancestors. Add hyperthyroidism and obesity to the mix, and you have a rather challenging combination.
Eye pathologies are no stranger to the Russian blue cat. Many develop cataracts, recurring eye infections, or glaucoma.
Keeping Your Cat Healthy
If you have a purebred cat on the least-healthy list, all is not lost.
Most of these conditions benefit from early diagnosis. With veterinary medicine and the medical advances in the field, they are also treatable.
Getting your cat vaccinated against the most common contagious feline diseases is a must with purebreds. Although some are healthier than others, they're overall more vulnerable than their mixed-breed counterparts.
Take your cat to the animal hospital at least once a year until age 7 for shots and routine tests such as a CBC (complete blood count) and blood and urine biochemistry.
The old saying that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure is especially true for cats.
Adopt, Don't Shop
Any cat can suffer from diseases during their life.
While some breeds are healthier than others, why take the chance of your cat inheriting a potentially untreatable condition from their ancestors?
Adopting a cat is more ethical than getting a kitten from a breeder in many ways, including the fact that you're giving that pet a chance that maybe no one else would.
Adopted pets tend to live longer, healthier lives, especially if they're domestic short-haired cats.
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