Cats can live well into their teens, writes small-animal vet Graham Lewis from Paragon Veterinary Group, and it’s not too uncommon to see one coming through our doors at 20+ years old. But which cat breeds are most likely to lead a healthy, long life?
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I have looked at some of the common cat breeds below and given a veterinary perspective on how healthy they are as a breed. I took into account average lifespans, number and severity of genetic health conditions and welfare considerations when scoring them.
Healthiest cat breeds
Domestic shorthair and longhair
The standard moggie comes in a variety of different colours and mixes, be it tortoiseshell, tabby, white, black or ginger. Did you know that male tortoiseshells are extremely rare (1 in 3,000) and when they occur they have an extra chromosome?
Domestic shorthairs are our most common customers by some margin and suffer from the same health conditions that affect any older cat no matter what breed.
Kidney issues are very common in older cats, and an overactive thyroid can cause them to eat and eat but still lose weight.
Domestic longhairs need help with grooming as they age and can need dematted at the vets if they cannot be managed at home.
Both can be prone to overeating and therefore obesity, but as a rule DSH and DLH cats can live as long as any other breed if not longer.
Health rating: 9/10
Russian blue
If you have never stroked a Russian blue then go and find one immediately. They have a thick short coat that feels like silk to the touch and they come in one colour and one colour only – blue (well really a sort of slate grey with silvery tones).
They are generally quiet, good hunters and like a routine. They seem to produce less of a reaction in people with cat allergies, which can make them popular pets.
In terms of health issues, they suffer from the same diseases that affect all cats (hyperthyroidism, renal disease, dental disease) but are slightly more prone to obesity and therefore diabetes. They also are more prone than some breeds to urinary tract disease and bladder stones. They commonly live into their late teens.
Health rating: 9/10
Burmese
The Burmese is closely related to the Siamese and started out as a variation of this breed. They have lovely short, glossy coats, are a small to medium-sized breed and are often muscular. They are energetic and fun and will play games like fetch.
They have one of the lowest levels of genetic variation in all the cat breeds and do have several genetic-linked issues, including severe pain when the adult teeth come through (Feline Orofacial Pain Syndrome) that sometimes requires pain medications for a period of time. They have a higher prevalence of diabetes than other breeds, however they commonly live into their teens.
Health rating: 7/10
Manx
Manx cats are originally from the Isle of Man and have dramatically shortened or even absent tails, giving them a unique look. They are good hunters but also make excellent pets. The main health issue unique to the breed is Manx syndrome.
This can cause spinal and neurological defects ranging from weakness in the backend to constipation and even paralysis in extreme cases. Obviously in extreme cases this syndrome can really affect the health and lifespan of cats.
Health rating: 6/10
Persian
Persians are instantly recognisable with their thick, long coats, big round eyes and their flattened faces. These cats are excellent pets: they are characters who like a fuss, which is just as well as you will get to spend a lot of time grooming their lovely coats.
Unfortunately some of the unique characteristics of Persians lead to some health problems. The flattened face makes them more prone to airway problems as well as issues with the alignment of their teeth. They are also prone to corneal ulcers and other eye issues. They have a genetic predisposition to a condition called polycystic kidney disease, which can cause real problems.
Health rating: 6/10
Norwegian forest
These beautiful cats have a double-layered fur coat to keep them warm in Scandinavian winters. They have a lovely glossy long coat and are usually a bit bigger than your standard domestic longhaired cats. They are explorers and often fairly vocal.
They do have several possible genetic-linked problems that can occur, including heart issues, hip dysplasia, and rarely a glycogen storage disease which unfortunately is fatal if it occurs.
Health rating: 6/10
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Take a look at our unhealthiest cat breeds for the breeds that scored 5 or less
