Discovering feline longevity. From everyday cats to the longest-living Creme Puff

Though the saying goes that dogs are man's best friend, cats are not far behind. Over the years, they've emerged as one of the most favored pets, partly because they require less time and attention than dogs. But how long do they actually live? A lot depends on the care from the owner and, to some extent, the breed of the cat.

Feral cats, surprisingly, are most likely to have the longest lifespans, living for several years on average, and in exceptional cases, up to two decades. Pedigree cats, such as Bengals or Persians, typically live slightly shorter lives, reaching around 15 years of age.

So how does the lifespan "ranking" pan out?

1. British Shorthair cats live between 15 to 20 years.
2. Maine Coon cats live up to 15 years.
3. Sphynx cats live from about 13 to 15 years.
4. Persian cats live between 12 and 15 years.
5. Abyssinian and Bengal cats live from around 9 to 15 years.

These rates are approximate, of course. It's worth noting that the record holder for living the longest was a cat from Texas, named Creme Puff, who was born on August 3, 1967, and lived for an astonishing 38 years.

It's common knowledge that feral cats usually live much shorter lives compared to those in domestic settings. The primary factors affecting this include regular, nutritious feeding, veterinary care, deworming, neutering, and vaccinations.

Cats in the wild also face more hazards, including illnesses, fatal accidents like being hit by a car, and attacks from larger or wild animals. They're also more likely to encounter potentially toxic plants that can harm their health.