The healthiest cat breeds that live long, happy lives
When choosing a cat to bring into your family, most people focus on personality and looks. But one key factor that’s often overlooked is health. While many cats live long, healthy lives, some breeds are more prone to certain health issues than others.
To help you find the perfect companion, we’ve compiled a list of cat breeds known for their sturdy health and loving nature. From the curly-coated LaPerm to the expressive Snowshoe, these hardy felines aren’t just delightful—they’re also among the healthiest breeds out there, and they’d be excited to call your home their own.
American Shorthair
The lively and healthy American Shorthair is one of the most popular cat breeds in the U.S.—and it’s easy to see why. These cats are playful, loving, and make wonderful family companions. They’re also famously friendly with both people and other pets, so you won’t have to worry about antisocial behavior when guests drop by.
Another plus? They’re not overly vocal, a trait many cat owners appreciate. If you’re looking for a devoted feline friend for the long haul, the American Shorthair is a top choice. With proper care, they often live well past 15 years.
Chausie
Unlike many other breeds on this list, the Chausie is a hybrid—a mix between a domestic cat and a wild jungle cat. While they won’t be swinging through trees anytime soon, these cats are incredibly athletic and endlessly curious about their environment. They also tend to be quite clingy, preferring constant company over being alone.
Chausies flourish when surrounded by people, other cats, or even dogs, as solitude can make them anxious. Their diverse genetic heritage, which includes multiple purebred lines, gives them a broad gene pool. This genetic variety helps reduce inherited health problems and contributes to their reputation as a particularly hardy breed.
Russian Blue
The Russian Blue is widely considered one of the most striking cat breeds—and it’s easy to understand why. With its sleek silvery-blue coat and vivid green eyes, this breed is truly captivating. Beyond their beauty, Russian Blues are generally healthy, though owners should keep an eye on their hearty appetites.
These cats are highly intelligent and form strong bonds with their humans and even other pets. A fun bonus? Russian Blues can be trained to do tricks and often enjoy playing fetch, making them a playful and engaging addition to any home.
Ragamuffin
You might be surprised to learn there’s actually a breed called the Ragamuffin—and the name fits this long-haired beauty perfectly. If you’re thinking about adding a cat to your family, Ragamuffins are a fantastic choice thanks to their gentle nature, affectionate personality, and adaptability to changes in routine.
Renowned for their calm and easygoing temperament, Ragamuffins make wonderful family companions. They typically live up to 13 years and enjoy generally good health. Just watch their eating habits—they tend to overeat and naturally carry a fat pad on their lower belly.
Highlander
Highlander cats are an intriguing blend of desert lynx and jungle curl breeds. Beyond their charming short tails, they’ve inherited some fantastic personality traits from their parents! This breed is known for being smart, gentle, and highly social with both people and other pets.
If you’re thinking about bringing a Highlander into your home, keep in mind they need plenty of mental stimulation to stay happy. Make sure their environment keeps them engaged and active. Fortunately, they don’t have any breed-specific health issues, but regular vet check-ups are always a good idea.
Thai
Thais are incredibly people-oriented, often following their owners around simply because they love the companionship. That said, a home with a Thai should be filled with plenty of climbable furniture, as this breed is both curious and energetic. They’re very social and playful, making them a fantastic fit for families with children.
The great news is that Thai cats typically live between 12 and 16 years. With no breed-specific health concerns, regular vet visits will help keep your furry friend healthy and happy for many years to come.
Singapura
Among the smallest cat breeds, Singapuras are recognized for their big ears and blunt tails. They’re also quite vocal, so if you’re not up for a feisty and chatty companion, this breed might not be the best fit. On the other hand, they adore following their humans everywhere like a loyal shadow.
Singapuras love becoming a part of their owner’s daily life, and when they want attention, they make sure to get it! This healthy breed tends to have a long lifespan, so be ready for a lasting commitment before bringing one into your home.
Pixie-Bob
While Pixie-bobs may look like their wild bobcat relatives, their temperament is much gentler. This breed, which is a blend of barn cats and bobcats, is surprisingly calm and laid-back. Known for their friendly and affectionate nature, they’re often seen as ideal companions for families with kids, thanks to their “dog-like” personalities and love for spending time with people.
Interestingly, Pixie-bobs are usually comfortable going on leashed walks and even enjoy long car rides. They’re also a healthy breed with few common health problems, making them a wonderful addition to any household.
Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau hails from Egypt, though a cat’s origin usually takes a backseat to what truly matters: having a happy, healthy companion. Luckily, the Mau checks both boxes—it’s considered one of the healthiest cat breeds, with a low risk of developing breed-specific illnesses.
That said, Egyptian Maus are pretty rare. The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy registers only about 200 Mau kittens annually. Of course, that number doesn’t include the stealthy folks who choose not to register their feline friends with the council.
Bombay
Bombay cats are not only striking in appearance but also known for their affectionate and social nature. They’re one of the few breeds that genuinely enjoy the company of both people and other pets, making them ideal additions to any family. As a bonus, they’re typically very healthy and can live anywhere from 15 to 20 years.
However, one thing to keep an eye on with these sleek “mini-panthers” is their appetite. Bombays have a serious love for food and are quick to gobble up whatever is placed in front of them—so portion control is key!
Havana Brown
The Havana Brown is the product of a mix between domestic black cats and Siamese, resulting in a rich chocolate-colored feline that’s both sociable and robust. While you don’t see this rare breed every day, those who do encounter one often find them unforgettable.
These cats make excellent companions thanks to their easygoing nature and desire to be around people. On top of their charming personality, they’re also considered a healthy breed with no known genetic health concerns.
Korat
The Thai Korat is one of those striking cats that instantly sparks a sense of admiration—and maybe even a little envy. With its sleek blue-grey coat, this ancient breed is not only visually stunning but also known for its intelligence and robust health. If you’re lucky enough to welcome a Korat into your home, early training is key. These cats form strong bonds with their people and are surprisingly comfortable with travel.
A charming bit of trivia: for many years, Korats weren’t sold—they were only given as gifts. Often called the “good luck cat,” they’ve traditionally been presented to newlyweds as a symbol of fortune and happiness.
Turkish Van
The rare Turkish Van cat is another healthy breed that is great for families. This breed tends to have a strong bond with its owners but gets along with most people that are around. They’re very playful and will even play fetch and bring toys to their owners for playtime.
Going against all things cat, Turkish Van’s have a weird fascination with water, being dubbed the “swimming cat.” But since the breed is largely “indoor,” they don’t have access to big bodies of water. That means making sure you leave the toilet seat down because they will start playing with the water!
Balinese
Take a Siamese cat, grow out its hair, and you have the sleek-looking Balinese. This breed is known for its intellect and elegance. They are also very playful with an interest in what is happening around them. So, it’s a great breed for families who mill about.
While they have a few health issues since the breed comes from a small gene pool, Balinese are considered to be fairly healthy cats. This breed can live between the ages of 18-22 years old if they are properly taken care of.
LaPerm
The LaPerm cat is very well named, considering its long curly hair. This breed is known to be mischievous, often making use of its paws by swiping things and opening doors. But the “clownish” quirk makes this cat an awesome family pet. They aren’t clingy, but they will follow you around and sit on your computer if you’re trying to get work done.
The good news is that LePerms are generally healthy animals and are said to be a breed that is unlikely to develop certain feline conditions. These curly-haired kitties live to be around 10-15 years old.
Snowshoe
Snowshoe cats are probably well-known because of the infamous Grumpy Cat. But don’t let the sour face fool you. This breed is very affectionate, liking to check up on its humans throughout the day. Well, maybe just one, considering snowshoes tend to latch onto one of their family members more than the rest.
While the snowshoe might have crossed eyes or a kink in its tail, it doesn’t affect the health of the breed. In fact, snowshoes tend to be very healthy and will live a long life!
Foldex
The Foldex is probably one of the cuddliest cat breeds in the world. If this breed did nothing more than sit in their human’s lap and get pets all day, they’d be perfectly happy. The only thing is that they are also quite inquisitive and need stimulating toys and cat furniture to keep them mentally happy and active.
It’s especially important to keep this breed moving and not just hanging out on the couch. Foldexs are prone to obesity, but with the proper diet and regularly scheduled vet visits, they are known to be a loving family member for 12-15 years.
British Shorthair
While the British Shorthair has some health issues to watch out for, including being prone to obesity, it is still considered to be a relatively healthy breed. It’s also a great pet for families with kids since they tend to get along with them as well as other animals. And, when it comes to cats, you can’t do much better than one that enjoys being around others.
This easygoing breed is sweet and devoted to their loved ones. But, as a rule, they are not ones that enjoy being lifted and carried around. If you do, there might be some scratch marks on your forearms!
Japanese Bobtail
While most cats have a long tail, the Japanese Bobtail has one that is better described as a rabbit’s tail. This breed is considered to be a great option for families with children since they are very affectionate and outgoing. They’re also full of energy, making them fun play companions. Just make sure to watch them closely if any water is around since they are fascinated by it.
Japanese Bobtails are a great option for anyone looking to have a cat for years to come, as they tend to live to be around 15-18 years old. And thankfully, they have a large gene pool, making them a very healthy breed.
