Many pet owners constantly fear losing their beloved best friend. Whether you’re a dog lover, a cat lover, or a lover of all animals, saying goodbye is one of the hardest things to do. This is especially true when it comes to seeing your pet sick. Watching a pet deal with disease and illness is hard on the entire family. For this reason, many people try to find pets who are less susceptible to illness.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the healthiest cat breeds around. You might assume that the cat breeds with the longest lifespan are obviously the healthiest, but this isn’t necessarily the case. There are several breeds that have very long lives, but they are often punctuated by health conditions and vet visits. The following list contains 10 breeds that are ideal choices if you want to find a new feline friend that can live life to the fullest without constant bouts of illness or the need for special precautions and medication.
Important information: This article lists 10 cat breeds that are generally considered to have a lower risk of certain hereditary or breed-associated diseases. However, every cat is an individual, and health can vary widely based on genetics, breeding practices, lifestyle, and preventive care. No breed is guaranteed to be free of illness.
The 10 Healthiest Cat Breeds Are:
1. Domestic Shorthair
The moggie, the mongrel, the quintessential ‘cat’, the Domestic Shorthair (DSH) is the cat that needs no pedigree or papers. It is easily the most prevalent form of feline on the planet, from which all modern-day cats originate, and, if left to breed indiscriminately, what all domestic cats will eventually become. Also found in long (DLH) and medium (DMH) coat lengths, the DSH is ubiquitous around the world and comes in virtually every color and pattern imaginable. These robust and adaptable creatures can live well into their teens as strays; even longer with protection, quality diet, and healthcare provided by their human companions.
2. Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is one of the most recognizable cats around. Known for their stockiness and ability to handle harsh winters, these long-haired cats are quite intelligent and are often compared to dogs when it comes to loyalty and companionship. As one of the natural cat breeds, which include the Siberian, Russian Blue, Norwegian Forest Cat, Turkish Van, and Egyptian Mau, that evolved somewhat without human interference due to geographical isolation and adaptation, the Maine Coon genes are pretty healthy, though they are known to have a higher risk of heart disease. Luckily, Maine Coons have a life expectancy of 10–15 years. However, only work with reputable breeders when choosing your kitty. This breed can develop genetic disorders, but proper breeding can help fight against this.
3. American Shorthair
As the local, pedigree version of the humble DSH, the American Shorthair is one of the most gentle cats you’ll come across. They make ideal pets and, thanks to their personalities, do great with people and children of all ages. These cats have been known to live for 15 years or more. They are considered an extremely healthy breed of cat and can be your companion for quite a while if properly cared for. But if you prefer a robust kitty with a longer coat, you’re in luck, because there is an American Longhair as well!
4. Russian Blue
The Russian Blue has been known to live up to 25 years, with a relatively short list of common health problems. On average, their life expectancy is 15–20 years, however. This cat is a real attention grabber with its striking beauty and high level of intelligence. If you’re looking for a healthy cat that loves to cuddle, play, and be interactive with its owners, this cat is the perfect companion for you.
5. Ragamuffin
The Ragamuffin is all about love and affection. If you have the time to devote to these loving cats, they’ll easily become your best friend. These kitties are beautiful with medium-long hair and eyes that are quite striking. They are even great to have around kids and don’t complain too much when being handled. The result of mixing the Ragdoll, Persian, and Himalayan breeds, the Ragamuffin has the benefit of diluting some of those purebred genetics, but can still be susceptible to any of the illnesses seen more frequently in the parent breeds. If you choose to bring a Ragamuffin into your home, you can expect them to live upward of 15 years.
6. Siberian
This natural cat breed loves to spend time playing with its owners and exploring the great outdoors. Rooted in Russia, these cats are hardy, strong cats that, like the Maine Coon, are often compared to dogs. If you’re looking for a cat that can stay active with you, this could be the ideal kitty to bring home. Be prepared, though, the Siberian has a life expectancy of 10-18 years and will want your attention the entire time.
7. Egyptian Mau
With their striking looks, the Egyptian Mau is believed to be one of the oldest natural breeds. They tend to be lovable and affectionate cats that love spending time with their family. These cats have a lot of energy and need to be engaged to avoid boredom. Their normal life expectancy is 13-16 years, and they are considered a very healthy breed.
8. Turkish Van
If you’re looking for a healthy feline friend who is up for all sorts of adventure, the Turkish Van may be just what you’re after. These striking long-haired cats are particularly well known for their attraction to water, and are always looking for something entertaining to do. They aren’t necessarily the lazy lapcat they appear to be, but if not kept exercised and on a appropriate portions, they can become overweight very quickly.
9. Norwegian Forest Cat
Another member of the gentle giants, the Norwegian Forest Cat is similar in appearance to the Maine Coon, but tends to be slightly more feline in nature than their dog-like cousins from America. As another of the ‘natural’ breeds, these beautiful cats are typically quite healthy, with an average lifespan of around 14–16 years.
10. American Wirehair
The American Wirehair is one of the calmest, most accepting cat breeds around. Popular due to their wiry coats, these cats make ideal pets and can easily adapt to any family. Luckily, they are also relatively healthy and can be with their owners for 7-12 years.
Conclusion
As you can see, these 10 cat breeds each bring something unique to the table. While they are generally considered lower-risk for certain health issues, every cat is an individual, and staying attentive to their well-being is essential. Regular veterinary check-ups, up-to-date vaccinations, and prompt care whenever you notice anything unusual will help ensure your cat stays healthy and happy for years to come. Give them the love and attention they deserve, and they’ll reward you with a lifetime of companionship.
Featured Image Credit: ddisq, Shutterstock
The 10 Healthiest Cat Breeds Are:
