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12 Healthiest Cat Breeds (With Pictures & Lifespan Info)

Melissa Gunter

By Melissa Gunter

blue russian cat running in nature

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. These 12 breeds are ideal choices if you want to find a new feline friend that can live life to the fullest without constant bouts of illness. Take a look at these breeds and determine which one would be best suited to join your family.

 

The 12 Healthiest Cat Breeds Are:

1.  Ragamuffin

ragamuffin cat_Piqsels
Image Credit: Piqsels

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. If you choose to bring a Ragamuffin into your home, you can expect them to live upward of 15 years.


2. Maine Coon

maine coon inside teepee tent
Image Credit: kimberrywood, Shutterstock

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. 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

American shorthair cat
Image Credit: Thanakorn Kosalakorn, Shutterstock

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.


4. Balinese

balinese cat in grey background
Image Credit: Pasiaflora, Shutterstock

The Balinese is a loyal kitty who shows great love to its owners. If you’re looking for a cat that will follow you from room to room while allowing you to provide them with pets and love, this is the cat for you. Their beautiful coats are soft and supple. Their eyes are a gorgeous blue. Their colorings are quite similar to the popular Siamese. When it comes to health, however, the Balinese are impressive. These cats have been known to live 18–22 years which is quite amazing for a cat.


5. Russian Blue

Russian blue cat lying outdoor
Image Credit: ddisq, Shutterstock

The Russian Blue has been known to live up to 25 years. 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.


6. Siamese

siamese cat sitting on the floor
Image Credit: BearFotos, Shutterstock

Like with many breeds, the health of a Siamese cat is often determined by the breeder you choose to work with. Reputable breeders will help you find a cat that is free of genetic disorders that can be part of your family for many years. The world’s oldest cat was a Siamese and lived 30 years. On average, however, these cats can be expected to be by your side for 10-13 years.


7. Siberian

siberian cat on the wood
Image Credit: Just-Mila, Shutterstock

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.


8. Bengal

bengal-cat-close-up
Image Credit: Pixabay

The Bengal cat has a ton of energy, loves to play, and is a highly affectionate kitty to make part of your family. These cats are also very intelligent and can be trained easily for life with a family. They are bred by crossing an Asian leopard cat with a domestic cat. With a 12-16 year life expectancy, you’ll get many years with one of these beautiful creatures.


9. Savannah Cat

savannah cat looking up
Image Credit: kuban_girl, Shutterstock

Another hybrid, the Savannah cat is a cross between the wild African serval and a domestic cat. These cats will love their owners but are known to have a bit of attitude. They want life on their terms. When it comes to health, however, they are a great breed. Their life expectancy is up to 20 years despite the fact the breed has been known to suffer from a condition in their heart.


10. Egyptian Mau

Egyptian mau cat in the garden
Image Credit: VadimZosimov, Shutterstock

A unique and striking breed, the Egyptian Mau is a lovable breed that will want to spend as much time as possible with its owners. 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.


11. Manx Cat

manx cat on bench
Image Credit: rokopix, Shutterstock

The Manx cat is not a house cat. These kitties are best known for being amazing hunters with lots of energy. The Manx has no tail and hind legs that are slightly longer than normal. This feature helps them hunt and expend their energy. These cats are considered quite healthy and have a life expectancy of 9-13 years.


12. American Wirehair

american wirehair cat sitting
Image Credit: Fernando Calmon, Shutterstock

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 12 healthiest cat breeds each bring something unique to the table. No matter the type of cat you want as a part of your family, by choosing one of these breeds you’ll feel fewer worries about possible illness and have lots of years to love and dote on your precious pet. Simply take them in for routine visits to the vets, keep them updated on vaccinations, and offer them all the love they deserve.


Featured Image Credit: ddisq, Shutterstock

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