Photos: The Healthiest Cat Breeds
When searching for a cat to add to the family, prospective owners tend to look at a few things, such as temperament and looks. But there is one factor that might slip their mind, health. While most cats are fairly healthy, some have breed-specific issues.
Thankfully, we're here to make life a bit easier, crafting a handy list of some of the healthier cat breeds who would love to call your home theirs (literally). From the curly-haired LaPerm to the grumpy cat breed known as Snowshoe, these cats are some of the healthiest felines around. Keep scrolling; you might find your next companion and roommate!
Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau originated in Egypt. Not that it matters where the breed is from because at the end of the day, all pet owners want is a healthy and happy cat. Good thing the Mau is one of the healthiest cat breeds and has fewer chances of being diagnosed with a breed-specific disease.
Unfortunately, Egyptian Mau's are also a relatively rare breed. The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy only has around 200 Mau kittens registered each year! But that doesn't include those who went behind the council's back and decide not to register the kitties.
Bombay
Bombay cats are both gorgeous and friendly. They are the rare cat that actually gets along with other animals and even enjoys being around their human, making them great family pets! It doesn't hurt that they are quite healthy animals, too, living to be around 15 to 20 years old.
One thing owners should watch out for with these "mini-panthers" is overfeeding! Like most animals, Bombay kitties love their food and won't hesitate to scarf down anything that is put in front of their noses.
Havana Brown
The Havana Brown is a cross between domestic black house cats and Siamese. The result is a brown cat that is healthy and friendly. Havana browns aren't a typical breed people come across, but they tend to remember having noticed this unique kitty if they stumble upon one.
These cats make for great pets, as they are very adaptable and actually want to spend time with people. It doesn't hurt that they're healthy and have no known genetic diseases associated with it.
Ragamuffin
Yes, there is a cat breed called ragamuffin, and it is the perfect name for the long-hair cat. This breed is a great choice for anyone who is on the market for a cat, as they are calm, sweet, and very adaptable to any change in routine.
These even-tempered cats make for great family pets, living upwards to 13 years old. They're also relatively healthy. The only thing to watch out for is over-eating, as they already have a fatty pad on their lower belly.
Korat
The Thai Korat is one of those beautiful felines that one can't help but wish they owned. The short blue-grey-haired cat is one of the oldest stable breeds in the world and is considered to be very intelligent and healthy. If a family were to have a Korat, they'd want to train it from an early age, as they bond with people and don't even mind traveling around!
One fun fact about this breed is that until recently, Korat's were only given as gifts and not sold to the public. They're known as the "good luck cat" and are traditionally given to newlyweds for good luck.
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!
Russian Blue
The Russian Blue is considered to be one of the most beautiful cat breeds in the entire world. And with its striking short blue-grey fur and bright green eyes, it's not hard to see how it got the label. This breed is fairly healthy, with its hearty appetite to look out for, making it the perfect choice for any family looking to add a cat to the bunch.
They are known to be intelligent and develop strong bonds with their loved ones and even other animals. And, you'll be happy to know that they can be trained to do tricks and even play fetch!
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!
Singapura
One of the smallest cat breeds, Singapura's are known for their large ears and blunt tail. They are also talkers, so if you're not in the mood for a feisty and mouthy kitty, then maybe steer clear of this breed. Otherwise, they love being the shadow of their human.
Singapura's love to integrate themselves into the life of their human. So, if this cat decides its time for some attention, you best believe they are going to get it! This healthy breed is known to live a long life, so be sure you're up for the challenge before seeking one out.
American Shorthair
The healthy and lively American Shorthair is one of the most popular breeds in America, and for a good reason. They make for the perfect family pet, being fun and friendly. Also, this breed gets along with people and other animals, so owners don't have to worry about this cat being, well, a cat while other people are over.
And unlike other breeds, the American Shorthair is not too vocal, which people tend to enjoy. If you are looking for a long-term companion, then look no further than this breed. With the proper love and care, this breed can live over 15 years old.
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.
Chausie
Unlike most of the breeds on this list, the Chausie is a mixture of a domestic house cat and a jungle cat. While this breed won't be prowling through the trees, they are very athletic and are very curious about what happens around them. They're also very clingy, not enjoying the thought of being alone.
Chausies need to be with their human, other cats, or even dogs so they don't feel lonely. Because this breed is a mixture of a few various pure breeds, its gene pool is large. This means Chausies are less likely to develop inherited diseases, making them very healthy.
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.
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.
Highlander
Highlander cats are a curious mix of desert lynx and jungle curl cat breeds. Aside from being adorable with their short tail, they can thank their parents for their awesome personality traits! This breed is known to be intelligent, gentle, and very social with humans and other animals.
One thing to consider if you're interested in adding a Highlander to the family is that they have to be mentally stimulated. So, make sure the living environment that keeps them on their toes. Thankfully, they don't have any breed-specific conditions, but it's always smart to bring them in for regular vet appointments.
Pixie-Bob
Pixie-bobs might look as ferocious as their ancestral bobcat, but they're anything but. This breed is a mix of barn cats and bobcats and tends to be quite mellow, ironically. They are also considered to be the ideal cat for families with children. They enjoy being around their loved ones and have been described as having "dog-like" personalities.
If you can believe it, Pixie-bobs don't mind going on leashed walks or long car rides. As a breed, they are known to be quite healthy and not prone to illnesses.
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!
Thai
Thais are very people-focused, loving to follow their owners around the house just because they enjoy having the company. That being said, any house that has a Thai should have a bunch of climbable furniture because this breed is very curious and active. They're very social and love to play, too, so any family with kids is going to have a great time with a Thai cat.
The good news is that this breed lives to be 12-16 years old. And with no breed-specific health issues, regular trips to the vet will keep this kitty going for a long time.
Savannah
If you're looking for a low-energy cat to snuggle up on the couch to watch Netflix with, then you're going to want to look at a different breed. The Savannah is a high-energy feline that needs constant physical as well as mental stimulation. With the right family, this breed is a great active pet to have around, as it is very affectionate towards its family.
The Savannah isn't known to have any genetic problems, making it a healthy companion to have for its 18-20 year lifespan. Just remember, if you're not entertaining this kitty, they'll entertain themselves. That typically means things will start to be pushed off shelves!
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.
