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26 Top Healthiest Cat Breeds (With Pictures)

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on January 9, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

thai cat

26 Top Healthiest Cat Breeds (With Pictures)

Cats tend to suffer fewer hereditary health problems than dogs, and they’re said to have nine lives because they can get into and out of scrapes with seemingly no ill effects. The average cat can live around 16 to 17 years, and although rare, it certainly isn’t unheard of for a cat to reach 20 years of age.

With that said, cats can and do still get ill, and it can be heart-breaking, expensive, and may even put us off of owning cats in the future. Although choosing one of the following breeds is still no guarantee, the list below is filled with 26 breeds that are known to be some of the healthiest cat breeds around.cat face divider 2

The 26 Healthiest Cat Breeds

1. Ragamuffin Cat

Ragamuffin cat
Image Credit: Kill_Baal, Shutterstock

The Ragamuffin is incredibly fluffy and they are generally very healthy cats. They tend to live for around 14 years, and they are extremely affectionate and loving. Hopefully, you won’t have to spend much time at the vet with this breed, but you should expect to pay them lots of attention and to receive lots of attention in return.


2. Turkish Van Cat

Turkish Van
Image Credit: platinumportfolio, Pixabay

The Turkish Van hails from the mountains of Turkey, although he is perhaps better known as the Turkish street cat. In either case, it is this history that has probably helped give him a healthy constitution. Not only is the Van happy to be around water, but he actually has webbed feet so he really is at home paddling and swimming in water.


3. American Shorthair Cat

American Shorthair Ca
Image Credit: Lalandrew, Shutterstock

The American Shorthair is a very popular breed of cat and he is a popular pet, especially in his homeland. He is very attractive to look at, incredibly smart, and he is a caring and loving cat that will spend hours on your lap if you let him. Although he is prone to the same heart conditions as all cats, he is generally considered to be a healthy and hardy little breed.


4. British Shorthair Cat

British Shorthair Cat
Image Credit: OksanaSusoeva, Shutterstock

There must be something about shorthair breeds that makes them robust and healthy. The British Shorthair may come from across the pond, but he is known to be as healthy as his American counterpart. Obviously, even the healthiest of cats can still get ill, and accidents also happen, but with a British Shorthair, you have a good chance of a strong cat.


5. Havana Brown Cat

Havana Brown Cat lying on the floor outdoors
Image Credit: Outside, Shutterstock

The Havana Brown is a striking looking cat, although his name is misleading. He is brown, but he does not come from Cuba and is, in fact, related to the Siamese. Although the breed can look tough, they love cuddles and will happily curl up on you for hours. They also love to play, so be prepared to put in some work with the cat toys with this breed.


6. Russian Blue Cat

Russian Blue
Image Credit: Robert-W, Pixabay

The Russian Blue is actually an almost natural breed. That stunning colored coat is virtually what the breed was born with, although some selective breeding did help retain the incredible color. Even most of the cats on this list are prone to some hereditary illness, but the only illness that is considered common among the Russian Blue breed is kidney stones: painful, but not usually life-threatening.


7. Korat Cat

7Korat
Image Credit: 15claudia, Pixabay

The Korat comes from Thailand where he is considered to be a good luck charm because he was once used to keep rodents away from grain stores. Nowadays, he is popular as a pet breed and although he is considered very healthy, he is also a bit needy and doesn’t like to be left alone for long periods of time.


8. Singapura Cat

Singapura cat
Image Credit: jojosmb, Shutterstock

The Singapura is very small, but this doesn’t mean that he is fragile. At least not when it comes to hereditary illnesses and diseases. The Singapura is a healthy breed that loves humans, all humans. He will happily spend time with you, but he will be just as happy getting some attention from passing strangers, too.


9. Egyptian Mau Cat

Two cute Egyptian Mau cats_Sarah Fields Photography_shutterstock
Image Credit: Sarah Fields Photography, Shutterstock

The Egyptian Mau is another breed that may not hail from his titular country. He is, however, the only breed that has a naturally spotted coat, which means that it hasn’t been bred into him. The Mau is a very active cat and will enjoy playtime. He is also affectionate towards his family, but he can be quite shy with strangers.


10. Savannah Cat

savannah kitten standing on the couch
Image Credit: Kolomenskaya Kseniya, Shutterstock

The Savannah breed was only officially recognized in 2012, and this new breed originates from the servals of Africa. As such, he is considered a healthy breed, but researchers have not had much opportunity to fully study him. He is usually friendly with family members, though.


11. Bombay Cat

bombay cat
Image Credit: Viktor Sergeevich, Shutterstock

The Bombay cat has the look of a miniature panther, and he may be prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy like many other breeds of cat. Like a wild cat, though, he will eat whenever food is available, so it is vital that you closely control his diet to prevent him from becoming overweight. No matter how healthy a breed of cat, being overweight is dangerous.


12. Balinese Cat

playing with her cute Balinese cat_New Africa_shutterstock
Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

The Balinese shares the same colors as a Siamese and have striking blue eyes, in most instances. He is very friendly and will grow extremely close to his human owners. He also has a life expectancy of up to 18 years or more.


13. Maine Coon Cat

Maine Coon Cat
Image Credit: Naturell, Pixabay

The Maine Coon is perhaps best known for being a giant cat breed, although its tufted ears and majestic coat are among its finer features, too. However, this breed was bred to survive harsh, cold winters. Although he can be a healthy cat, be sure to choose a good quality breed to avoid the genetic health conditions that plague this type of cat.


14. Manx Cat

red tabby manx cat
Image Credit: Zanna Pesnina, Shutterstock

The Manx is a tailless cat that has long hind legs, giving him extra pounce and jumping capabilities. The Manx prefers an outdoor life, although he will come indoors to eat.


15. Siamese Cat

siamese
Image Credit: webandi, Pixabay

The Siamese is another breed of cat that is prone to genetic health conditions, so you should ensure that your kitty’s parents were screened and checked for some of the most common. They also have a relatively short life expectancy of around 10 years, although the world’s oldest cat is a Siamese and has reached 30 years of age.


16. American Wirehair Cat

American Wirehair
Image Credit: khamkhor, Pixabay

The American Wirehair is a domestic cat with a life expectancy of around 10 years. He is a kind and affectionate cat that will get along with all family members.


17. Chausie Cat

Chausie cat
Image Credit: Tania__Wild, Shutterstock

The Chausie is one of the wilder breeds of domestic cats, having been bred by crossing the Abyssinian with jungle cats from Asia. They enjoy time outdoors, but they also appreciate the company of their human owners, and they can display separation anxiety if left alone for too long.


18. Siberian Cat

mackerel siberian tabby cat sitting on the grass
Image Credit: Massimo Cattaneo, Shutterstock

With a life of expectancy of as long as 15-18 years, the Siberian can enjoy a long and fulfilled life. This breed is known to be very playful and will get along with all family members, including children and even dogs.


19. European Shorthair Cat

European Shorthair
Image Credit: Anna Krivitskaya, Shutterstock

The European Shorthair is a great choice for novice owners. They are extremely laid back and, while they will show lots of love to their masters, they tend to be more reserved around strangers.


20. Chartreux Cat

Chartreux
Image Credit: congerdesign, Pixabay

The Chartreux has long been employed as a hunter in their home country of France. They do not tend to meow or vocalize, but they still know how to get you to do what they want. They can make good family pets, but they do enjoy time outside, and so do not make the best indoor cats.


21. Bengal Cat

Bengal
Image Credit: lshman000, Pixabay

The Bengal is another hybrid breed that was created by crossing a domestic cat with a wild one. In this case, the Bengal was crossed with the Asian leopard cat, which has given rise to his distinctive markings. The Bengal loves his family and is intelligent so can easily be trained.


22. Thai Cat

Thai Cat
Image Credit: liliy2025, Pixabay

The Thai Cat, also known as the Traditional Siamese, is very affectionate. You will often find him rubbing around your ankles to get your attention. They are also very vocal, so don’t expect any peace and quiet when they want feeding or attention.


23. Japanese Bobtail Cat

Japanese Bobtail Cat
Image Credit: slowmotiongli, Shutterstock

As well as having a bobtail, this breed is known for being a high-energy cat that is considered hardy and long-living. It is also widely accepted that this is one of the oldest of all-natural cat breeds.


24. LaPerm Cat

LaPerm tri-colored cat
Image Credit: Linn Currie, Shutterstock

The most striking feature of the LaPerm is its incredible permed hair. They will enjoy living with other cats, will easily adapt to a life with dogs, and they are affectionate and as loyal as a cat can get.


25. Nebelung Cat

nebelung cat sitting
Image Credit: Kinga P, Shutterstock

The Nebelung is considered a rare breed and is a gentle and loving cat breed. Despite this, they are also lively and take after their Russian Blue cousin because they enjoy playing and causing mischief.


26. Moggy Cat

The moggy is a combination of breeds and while some people might turn their noses up at their unknown heritage, they have increased genetic diversity, which means that they are less prone to suffer genetic health complaints.

cat paw dividerConclusion

Nothing can guarantee a healthy cat, but if you choose one of the breeds above and take certain steps, you can increase the likelihood that your cat will remain in good health. Do not overfeed your cat, ensure that they get regular veterinary checkups, and are vaccinated, especially if they go outside.


Featured Image Credit: liliy2025, Pixabay

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