Cats are wonderful companions, but they aren’t perfect. Many cat breeds are prone to a variety of health problems. Some of these issues can be managed with good veterinary care, while others may require expensive treatments or ongoing medication.
If you’re thinking about bringing a new cat into your life and want to choose a breed that’s less likely to develop health problems, here are eight cat breeds with the fewest health problems:
- Ragdoll Cat
The Ragdoll cat is a large breed that was developed in California in the 1960s. It has blue eyes, soft fur and a laid-back temperament. The Ragdoll typically has long hair that requires regular brushing, but it doesn’t shed much. This breed is among the least likely to develop health problems such as heart disease and respiratory issues, according to Vetstreet.
- Scottish Fold Cat
The Scottish Fold is an all-white short-haired cat with folded ears that look like they’re wearing headbands when they’re kittens (but pop out once they’re adults). The Scottish Fold has a sweet personality and tends to bond closely with its owners, making it an ideal pet for families with children. This breed usually lives 12 years or more but
Cat Breeds With Fewest Health Problems
The following cat breeds have fewest health problems, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association Inc.
Abyssinian: These cats are known for their intelligence and agility. They are also said to be easy to train and make good playmates for children.
American shorthair: This is one of the most popular cat breeds in the U.S., perhaps because their coat can range from short to long, depending on how much it’s groomed. While they aren’t as active as other breeds, they do enjoy playing with toys and being around people.
British Shorthair: These cats are known for their quiet demeanor and gentle nature — they’re one of the best breeds for families with young children or seniors who might be allergic to other types of cats but not this one.
Chartreux: This breed has a sweet temperament and loves being around people — it’s sometimes called “the dog of cats.” Chartreux cats also tend to be very playful and curious about new things in their environment, so they’re great for those looking for an active pet that won’t get in trouble when left alone at home.
Cats are creatures of habit, so once they’ve settled into a routine, they tend to stick to it. This can make them easy to care for, but it also means that if anything changes in their environment, they may be stressed out.
Cats are also prone to certain health issues that may not show up until later in life. Here are some of the cat breeds with the fewest health problems:
Siamese Cat
The Siamese is one of the most recognizable breeds thanks to its distinctive pointed muzzles, blue eyes and white paws. These cats are known for their sociable nature and affectionate personalities. They’re also very intelligent and curious cats who love attention from their owners.
Siamese cats have long lifespans — usually 15 years or more — but they’re also prone to several health issues. The most common health problems for Siamese cats include allergies, autoimmune diseases, digestive issues and kidney disease. Like many purebreds, Siamese cats should be neutered/spayed before six months old to avoid reproductive cancers later in life.
Cats are wonderful companions, but they can also be prone to health problems. Some breeds are more susceptible to certain illnesses than others, however. If you are considering adopting a cat, it’s important to know which breeds have the fewest health problems.
Here are five of the healthiest cat breeds:
American Curl – This breed has a genetic defect that causes its ears to curl backward. Unfortunately, this also makes them more prone to ear infections. The American Curl is generally healthy otherwise and enjoys a long life if it is properly cared for.
Chartreux – This French breed is known for being calm and affectionate. They have few health problems other than heart disease in males and urinary tract infections in females.
Cornish Rex – This small breed has soft, fine hair that doesn’t mat easily and sheds very little fur at all. Cornish Rex cats are famous for their playful personalities as well as their good health. They don’t usually develop any serious medical conditions during their lives unless they become extremely obese or develop diabetes due to poor diet and lack of exercise — both common issues among indoor cats these days!
Maine Coon Cat – Maine Coons are one of the largest domesticated
The Maine Coon is one of the most popular breeds in the United States, and it’s easy to see why. They’re large, affectionate cats with bushy tails and beautiful fur. But before you adopt a Maine Coon, there are a few things you should know about their health.
Maine Coons have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, but they can live longer if they’re kept inside and protected from accidents. Like other long-haired cats, they need regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur. If your Maine Coon has allergies or other skin problems, talk to your vet about using a hypoallergenic shampoo to help with the symptoms.
A common health problem in Maine Coons is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). This genetic condition is characterized by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle that can lead to congestive heart failure or sudden death from cardiac arrest. The disease affects all breeds of cats but occurs more often in certain breeds — particularly Maine Coons. HCM is diagnosed through an echocardiogram (ultrasound), which uses sound waves to create an image of the heart muscle and valve function. If your cat has HCM