Key Points
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Mixed-breed cats are the healthiest cat breeds.
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There are many ways to increase the lifespan of your cat, including keeping them inside and having them spayed or neutered.
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While mixed-breed cats are overall the healthiest cat breeds, it depends on the individual cat.
The most popular cat breeds are typically not the healthiest cat breeds. Sure, when you get your kitty from a breeder, they'll tell you what they're looking for and which traits are good indicators of overall health — like having long hair or short ears — but there's a lot more to it than that.
All cats are capable of having genetic problems, but full-bred cats are known to have more health issues than mixed breeds. That's because mixed breeds have been around for so long that thousands of cats have been bred from them. Regardless, there's a good chance one of your cats will come down with something at some point in their life cycle. This is why mixed-breed cats are the healthiest cat breeds.
This article discusses the healthiest cat breeds and ways to increase the lifespan of your cat.
Siamese
The Siamese is considered by some to be the healthiest of all domestic cats because they have a low rate of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The lifespan of a siamese is between 15-20 years.
Keep in mind, though, that these cats are also one of the most heat-sensitive breeds and require more frequent bathing than other cats do.
Siamese cats are known for their intelligence, vocal, affectionate nature, and playful demeanor. In fact, besides being healthy they are known to be one of the friendliest types of cats.
They have a medium-length body and are known for their large ears and beautiful blue eyes.
Bengal
The Bengal cat is known for their love of water, intelligence, and curiosity. This breed is also active, playful and friendly. They're one of the most popular breeds in the United States going into 2023!
Bengals are a hybrid between an Asian leopard cat and a domestic cat. They have spotted coats like their leopard counterparts but are smaller than other popular house cats such as Maine Coon or Ragdoll. The Bengal is typically about 10 pounds at maturity but grows up to 15 pounds — still small enough for many apartments!
The Bengal has been recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) since 1983 although it was first bred in 1966 by cattery owner Jean Mill who wanted to create a domestic cat with similar traits and looks to those found in wild cats like tigers or snow leopards. Hence the name Bengal!
The Bengal has an interesting history. The VCA Animal Hospitals notes that "The International Bengal Cat Society and TICA work hard to maintain the Bengal's 'wild' look with a 'tame' personality."
Devon Rex
Contrary to what their name might suggest, the Devon Rex is not a breed of wild cat found in England's rolling fields. They're actually one of the most popular cat breeds in America and for good reason!
This small, curly-haired feline has a very healthy image on Instagram with many kittens posing with other well-known animals like dogs at celebrity events.
You often see Devon Rexes on social media because they're playful and energetic even as adults. They also have large eyes and ears that give them an endearing appearance that is hard to resist.
Plus they're smart. Devon Rexes tend to learn tricks quickly and enjoy following their owners around the house every chance they get.
While there are certain genetic health issues within the Devon Rex breed, most live 9-13 years and remain generally healthy throughout their life.
Sphynx
Sphynx cats, also known as hairless cats, are fairly healthy purebred cats with a lifespan of about 8-14 years. They are also known to be one of the most low-maintenance, easiest, and cleanest breeds of cats to care for because they do not require brushing or grooming and they do not shed.
In the case of the Sphynx, it doesn't matter whether or not you have allergies. These cats are affectionate and love to be around people. They're also very intelligent and happily keep you company when you need a break from your work.
Sphynx cats have a lot of energy, so make sure there's enough room for them to run around. This burns off some excess energy and prevents boredom-induced behavior problems later on in their lives. If you do live in an apartment with limited space, consider adopting two Sphynx kittens to keep themselves entertained.
Abyssinian
Abyssinian cats are a great choice for families with children and first-time cat owners. This breed is highly active, playful, and energetic. Abyssinian cats do well in an apartment environment, but they also enjoy being outdoors when the weather permits it.
According to the ASPCA, "Being an overall healthy breed, their average lifespan can be anywhere from 9-15 years although some have been reported to live even beyond 15 years." This is a long life for cats.
Abyssinian cats are known to be intelligent and affectionate animals who enjoy human companionship regularly. They’re not shy about approaching strangers or new people in their home, so an Abyssinian would make a good match for someone who isn’t opposed to meeting new friends!
British Shorthair
British Shorthairs are known for their quiet, gentle nature. They've been around since the 1800s and have a long history of being gentle. That's why they make such great companions. They don't bite or scratch which is something that many cat breeds are known to do.
Even better, British Shorthairs are known to be one of the healthiest cat breeds with a lifespan of 14-20 years! It's important to keep in mind, however, that British Shorthairs are prone to obesity.
British Shorthairs also have sweet and loving personalities. They love attention from their owners and rub their heads up against you as well as purr loudly when you pet them. This breed has an independent streak though. If you're looking for a lap cat who wants to cuddle all day long, this probably isn't the breed for you.
Ragdoll
If you're looking for a cat that's easy to train, then the Ragdoll is your best bet. This laid-back breed was bred from Persian, Siamese, and domestic shorthair cats and has a sweet disposition. They're not aggressive or prone to sudden movements. Their docile demeanor is what makes them so popular with families with children as well as senior citizens who want a cuddly companion.
These cats are also known for their calm nature. They've been nicknamed "Ragdoll" because they tend to go limp when held by humans. If you're looking for something that eases stress after work or school, this could be just what the doctor ordered!
If you worry about your cat getting sick during cold season — all cats do get sick sometimes — then look no further than the Ragdoll! These furry felines are one of only two breeds with an immunity gene that results in fewer health problems like heart disease or respiratory issues. The other breed with an immunity gene is the Scottish Folds.
Persian Cat
If you're looking for a cat and are considering adopting a Persian, it's reassuring to know that they are among the healthiest cats out there.
The Persian cat has been bred to have very thick, plush fur that gives them their signature look. They have short noses and flat faces. These features make them look even more like teddy bears than most other breeds of domestic cats which might be why so many people enjoy owning Persians!
That said, due to their lush, thick coat, Persians are one of the cat breeds to avoid if you are someone with allergies. According to Hypoallergenic Homes, "Persian cats have a high dander production rate. The high dander exposure is also attributed to their thick and long coats which trap dander and then release it into the atmosphere as they shed."
Increase Your Cat's Lifespan
Did you know that there are things you can do to help your cat live longer? From diet to exercise and beyond, here are some tips for extending the life of your feline friend.
Proper Nutrition
The first thing to remember is that cats need a high-protein diet which is either obtained from canned food or dry food. Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend is ranked as one of the healthiest cat food brands and meets AAFCO requirements.
Vets strongly recommend that felines consume wet food daily because of the hydrating benefits. The Dodo states that "When it comes to wet food, the protein and fat numbers are going to be slightly different due to the higher water content. For these, you’ll still want to find a cat food that’s high in protein, but just note that it’ll be less than 30 percent (more in the 7–8 percent protein range), while fat will be around 5 percent."
Dry foods are usually more expensive, but if you have access to a bulk bin at the pet store, it might be worth your time to buy in bulk and then store it for later use. A small bag of dry food lasts about 2 weeks if you leave out one cup in your cat's bowl each night and feed them three times a day.
It's also important that you keep fresh water available at all times; your cat needs plenty of water to stay hydrated and healthy!
Keep in mind that while cat food is made specifically for cats, human food isn't good for them either! Chocolate contains theobromine — which causes heart problems — as well as caffeine. Grapes are toxic because they contain cyanide, onions may cause anemia in some animals, milk products contain lactose which upsets stomachs, and artificial sweeteners like xylitol are poisonous when consumed by cats or dogs.
Keep Your Cat Indoors
If you can, keep your cat indoors at all times. The risks of being outside are simply too great.
According to the National Library of Medicine, "Uncontrolled outdoor access is associated with several welfare concerns for companion cats, including increased risks of disease and parasites, injury or death due to traffic, predation, or ingestion of toxic substances, and getting permanently separated from their owner."
Your cat is safe from predators, cars, and other dangers if they stay inside. They are also safe from diseases spread by other cats, injuries sustained in fights with other cats, or humans who don't respect their boundaries.
If you're worried about fleas and ticks being an issue for your indoor-only kitty, consider using products like Advantage II or Frontline Plus on them regularly.
Spay or Neuter Your Cat
Spaying and neutering your cat is very beneficial for their health. Not only does it reduce the chances of them having kittens and increasing the stray cat population but it also reduces the risk of certain cancers.
Male cats that are not fixed are more likely to develop testicular cancer which is fatal if left untreated. Unaltered female cats may develop uterine cancer later in life as well as mammary gland tumors, more commonly known as breast cancer.
Exercise
The best way to keep your cat happy and healthy is to exercise them regularly. Regular exercise is important for both cats and humans, but it's especially important for cats because they tend to be overweight.
A healthy weight for a cat depends on its breed and age, but most veterinarians recommend that your pet weighs between 10-15 pounds (4-7 kilograms) for females and between 15-20 pounds (7-9 kilograms) for males. If you notice that your cat has gained weight since acquiring them, talk with your veterinarian about whether they need additional nutrition or exercise to maintain proper body weight.
Annual Vet Visits
Annual vet visits are extremely important to your cat's overall health and well-being. Problems are more likely to be caught early which saves money in the long run. Besides annual check-ups, there are many other reasons that regular visits are beneficial to you and your cat.
Through regular visits, you receive advice on diet and exercise specific to your cat's needs, and problems are detected early leading to better outcomes for both you and your pet in the future.
Your vet may also recommend a different type of food or supplements for certain ailments or life stages (e.g., senior cats) and provide your cat with the vaccinations they need to stay healthy.
Getting a pet healthcare plan for your cat is always a great option. This way, everything is covered under the plan such as surgery or medication costs without having to worry about paying anything out-of-pocket.
Also note that if your cat is even showing subtle signs of illness, they should be brought to the vet ASAP. Cats are notorious for hiding their illness and sometimes only display obvious signs when they are beyond treatment, so it's always better to be safe than sorry.
Clean Your Cat's Litter Box
Did you know that not cleaning your cat's litter box hurts your feline's health? This causes your cat to develop things like kidney or bladder infections, bladder stones, and other urinary tract problems.
Your cat may also catch a parasite called toxoplasma from a dirty litter box. One way to tell is if your cat's stool is almost watery and they have frequent diarrhea. They also may vomit frequently and their appetite may decrease significantly. It's not uncommon for them to stop eating altogether.
A trip to the vet is needed if any of these symptoms become prolonged or extreme. However, there are ways to prevent this condition from occurring in your home in the first place! It starts with cleaning out the litter box daily. This ensures your furry friend always has fresh litter and avoids unnecessary health risks.
Healthiest Cat Breeds Takeaway
So which cat breed is the healthiest? Well, it all depends on what you’re looking for.
If you want a cat that’s easy to care for and won’t give you much trouble as far as health problems go, then a Siamese might be right up your alley. On the other hand, if you have experience with cats and want an animal who keeps up with your active lifestyle — as well as provides some entertainment — then maybe the Bengal is a better choice.
Overall, whether you have a purebred cat or a mixed breed, you must provide your feline with exercise, a healthy diet, and a peaceful environment to increase their lifespan and keep them as healthy as possible.
