The death of a pet is always a tragedy for owners, so owners try to do everything possible to ensure that their pet remains with them as long as possible. Unfortunately, some cat breeds do not have a long lifespan, which is disappointing.
Photo source: dailymail.co.uk
But there is GOOD NEWS: there are representatives of the mustachioed-striped ones who live longer than their relatives!
We present to you 10 cat breeds that have a long lifespan!
No. 1 Burma (Burmese cat)
Charming and elegant, this breed lives from 18 to 20 years, which is quite impressive. The secret of a cat is its good health, which is genetically passed on from generation to generation.
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There is a recorded case in history when a Burmese beauty lived to be 35 years old! Of course, not every pet can achieve such a stunning result, but with proper nutrition and care, the owner can enjoy his beautiful Burmese for a couple of decades!
Cream Puff - 38 years old
Translated from English, Cream Puff means “cream puff”. A cat with an interesting name lived to be 38 years old. Her owner was also Jake Perry, a cat lover from Texas. More than once his cats set records for life expectancy. He loves cats very much and does an excellent job of caring for them. Many believe that cats' longevity is related to their diet - Jake feeds them only healthy food. Interestingly, he gave Cream Puff turkey, bacon and even wine, explaining that cats needed to cleanse blood vessels and control blood pressure levels. Jake also makes coffee for the cats and turns on the TV for them.
Unfortunately, Cream Puff died in 2005, but you can be sure that she lived a happy life, surrounded by care and love.
No. 2 Siamese cat
This active and lively beauty with an expressive face and wonderful coloring can live up to 16-20 years, becoming a real companion and source of positivity for its owner.
In Thailand, the homeland where this graceful cat appeared, she is called the “moon diamond.” In order for it to sparkle for as long as possible in its owner’s home, it is necessary to provide the animal with warmth and a healthy diet.
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Considering the fact that Siamese cats are prone to respiratory diseases, it is important that there are no drafts ! As for nutrition, Siamese are not picky, however, high protein content can lead to liver problems.
Missan - 34 years old
Missan's owner, Osa Vikberg, found her pet in the south of Sweden, near the town of Karlskoga, in 1985, when he was still a very small kitten. Years passed, the cat grew, remaining healthy. The owner at that time did not understand that her cat was a record holder! But one day Osa read a passage in the newspaper, which spoke with admiration about a cat younger than Missan. Then the owner thought that her pet also has the right to claim the title of “the oldest cat”... The owner said that Missan is a loner, she is shy, but loves dogs.
No. 3 Manx
These exotic tailless cats live for at least 15 years. In some cases, a longer lifespan of a representative of this breed is noted. In order for your pet to live as long as possible, it is necessary to provide it with high-quality food.
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Many Manx cats have sensitive stomachs, so a sudden switch from one diet to another can result in trouble for his health.
By the way, if you have a pet of this breed, please note that as an adult you should not give him milk - he may not be able to digest lactose !
Grendpa Rex Allen - 34 years old
A cat born in 1964 has a very interesting name. In 1996, he died at the age of 34. The Sphynx was found on the street and brought to the Travis County shelter (located in Texas), from where he was taken by cat lover Jake Perry in the 70s. He tried to find the owners of the purebred cat - he succeeded, but Madame Sulinaberg went to Paris without finding her pet in the area (she accidentally forgot to close the front door when leaving the house. The cat ran out at that moment). She agreed for the cat to stay with Jake.
Grendpa Rex Allen could only dream of such an owner! Jake always prepared his favorite food (for breakfast, the cat loved scrambled eggs and ham, asparagus and coffee). The long-lived cat appeared on television, in newspapers, and feasts were held on the occasion of his birthday. Rex Allen lived a long, rich life!
No. 4 Savannah
An elegant cross between a serval and a Siamese cat, the Savannah cat is remarkably healthy. Thanks to good genetics, she is able to live from 18 to 20 years.
The amazing color, touching face and expressive look will delight the owner for a long time if he takes care of the food, which does not contain a large amount of grain.
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These cats benefit from raw meat - it will help lengthen the lifespan of the charming savannah, as well as taurine, which should be given to remove hair from the stomach.
Who are they - long-livers?
Over the last century, the life expectancy of cats has increased significantly, reaching 12–15 years for domestic pets and up to 8 years for street cats.
This difference is easily explained:
- domestic cats are treated kindly by everyone, they have everything they need for life: in one bowl there is clean water, in the second there is tasty and balanced food, there is a warm place to sleep;
- For street cats, life is a struggle for existence itself.
No. 5 Bombay cat
Representatives of this breed resemble a miniature panther, but do not have a wild disposition at all. On the contrary, such a cat will happily spend time with its owner and accompany him everywhere. An exotic beauty can live from 15 to 20 years, and sometimes a couple of years more.
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It is very important to feed such a cat properly, so its diet should include porridge, egg yolks, boiled meat and fish and, of course, fruits.
Don't neglect premium dry food. The cat also needs activity , and then he can live a long and happy life.
Turkish Angora
White, fluffy cats are often mistaken for not purebred Maine Coons. In fact, Angora has nothing to do with the latter.
Representatives of the breed are very good-looking. A sort of snow-white cloud with a proud look. Such a beauty lies on the bed and looks around contemptuously. It seems as if the Turkish Angora is a real queen.
And his character matches his appearance - royal. Running and playing is not about this breed. Only if, as a kitten, the angora takes part in the game. An adult animal prefers a quiet pastime, preferably away from prying hands.
He loves affection, but constant hugs and petting are not for these pets. Angora must be given an independent life, taking care of timely replenishment of food and cleaning of the tray.
A snow-white beauty can delight its owner for 15-18 years, on average.
No. 6 Egyptian Mau
A graceful representative of this ancient breed, the Egyptian Mau lives for at least 15 and sometimes 20 years!
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Slender and agile, this cat is in excellent health and full of energy. By providing her with proper nutrition and care, you can count on the fact that the Egyptian Mau will not be overcome by disease.
The weak point of this breed is cardiomyopathy , but with regular preventive examinations, the development of heart disease can be avoided.
Reasons affecting feline longevity
If we talk about cats that live on the street, then, as a rule, they live very short lives - no more than 5 years. Low life expectancy is directly related to the high risk of danger that is present in urban street conditions.
Another thing is pets. Compared to homeless animals, the average age increases two to three times. The following factors influence longevity:
- breed and pedigree. Genetically healthy cats and kittens increase their lifespan by several years;
- rational nutrition and strict feeding regime. Properly selected food and daily intake have a positive effect on the health of your pet;
- visit to the veterinarian. It is necessary to follow the vaccination calendar and conduct routine examinations of your four-legged friend in order to exclude or identify dangerous diseases at an early stage;
- active lifestyle. Mustachioed household members definitely need physical activity. Cats love games, movement, chasing and catching up. Regular physical activity improves health. Even if your pet is over 10 years old, he still needs active games with his owner;
- oral hygiene. Teeth are the main factor for increasing life expectancy. Therefore, it is important to keep your teeth clean, remove plaque, and in case of illness, contact a veterinarian in a timely manner;
- It is better to carry out sterilization and castration at an early age of the pet, since these operations have age restrictions. It is best to consult a doctor on this issue.
By observing all the above factors, you can significantly increase the life of your beloved pet.
No. 7 Asian Tabby
Harmoniously built and expressive, the Asian tabby has not only magical attractiveness, but also good health. An exotic cat can live up to 18 years if given proper care and attention.
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It is best to feed her lean meats, as well as grains and vegetables. Under no circumstances should you give your cat sweets, as this will lead to the development of diabetes.
Veterinarians also recommend spaying or neutering the animal if the owner does not plan to breed cats.
Sarah - 33 years old
The gray and white cat lived for more than 33 years, gaining fame. She became famous as "New Zealand's Oldest Cat". One can only guess how much her owners loved her. Look how interesting her eyes are, revealing her serious character! Sarah was probably a capricious cat.
Interesting fact: a cat in New Zealand was declared a kleptomaniac - in 2 months she stole at least 60 items of men's underwear. She stored her trophies in the backyard of her master's house. The cat Brigit showed her passion before, when she lived with her owners in another city. I wonder why she was so attracted to things from the men's wardrobe?
No. 8 Ragdoll
This doll-faced cat can live up to 19 years, although the average lifespan of a Ragdoll is 15-16 years. The charming pet may have problems with joints and heart, so it is worth visiting the veterinarian periodically for preventive purposes.
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It is very important to monitor your pet’s diet - the diet of an adult ragdoll should not contain milk, fatty pork, smoked meats, sweets, raisins and many other products that are not suitable for its body.
Third place No. 3 Tiffany II
The top three longest-living record holders are closed by the oldest mustachioed-striped on the planet as of 2014 - then Tiffany II celebrated its 26th anniversary. The animal died this year in its sleep at the age of 27 years and two months. By our standards, she was already 125 years old.
The owner of the unique cat, Sharon Voorhees, still remembers how she bought Tiffany for $10 at one of the pet stores. The cat lived in the USA, San Diego, for the entire measured century. As we can see in the photo, Tiffany looks great for her age. The cat retained sharp eyesight and excellent hearing until the end of her life. She ate special cat food, spent time in the apartment and only occasionally went out for street walks.
The owner noted the cat’s courage and bravery, because she could calmly walk past the dogs, proudly raising her tail. In her 27 years, Tiffany has been in hundreds of fights, but has never been seriously injured, Sharon notes. And one day the cat disappeared for 2 whole years! Sharon no longer hoped to see her, but the cat suddenly returned as if nothing had happened. That's why some people call Tiffany the traveler cat.
In this video you will meet the oldest cat in Russia, 23-year-old Pushko.
No. 9 Sphinx
Unusual in appearance, the Sphynx can live from 15 to 20 years. Distinguished by good health, it is very unpretentious in care, but still has its weaknesses.
The main problem is the lack of hair on the cat’s body, so it can easily freeze , especially if the apartment is not heated well enough. The owner should pay attention to this fact and purchase warming clothing for the pet.
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It is also important to remember that Sphynx cats love to eat, despite their modest size, so they often swallow food without even chewing it. To prevent indigestion from happening to your pet, it is recommended to give him food cut into small pieces.
Mekong Bobtail
All such cute, curious tailless creatures. And what unsurpassed cleanliness! As soon as you leave something uncleaned, it will immediately refuse to go into your pet’s bowl. Mekong Bobtails are born washerwomen, they wash everything that is in bad shape. More precisely, they are soaked in their own bowl, and the owner then discovers the little thing.
Despite its love of washing, the breed is better known for its appearance and character. The latter, as befits Eastern citizens, is distinguished by pride and self-esteem. Somebody, a bobtail won’t obsessively ask for the owner’s attention. Mekong will come only when he wants affection. In other cases, he prefers to maintain a polite distance.
The average life expectancy of tailless cats ranges from 15-18 years. Long-livers - from 20 to 23 years.
About the oldest cat
The most famous and oldest cat, who lived 38 years and 3 days, is Cream Puff. According to 2010 data, she was registered in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest living cat (08/03/1967 - 08/06/2005).
The cat Granpa, born in Paris, lived 34 years and two months (1964 - 1998). His result was also registered in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest living cat. 7 years later, his record was broken by Cream Puff.
Sources:
https://uf.ru/article/otdih_i_dosug/u17641/2019/08/27/285757 https://mrkot.com/koty-dolgozhiteli https://pets2.me/bok/1033-top-10-porod- kotov-dolgozhiteley-v-mire.html
