What is the Oldest Cat in the World?

If you enjoy learning about cats, one of the things that you might be asking yourself is what is the oldest cat in the world? The oldest cat in the world was named Crème Puff. This cat lived to be 38 years and 3 days old. Most cats don’t live this long. The average cat will live to be between 2 to 16 years old. With this being said, there are some cat breeds that have been around for a very long time.

If you are looking to find out more about the oldest living pet, specifically, cat breed in the world, this guide will give you the information you are looking for. 

The Egyptian Mau

Out of all the cat breeds in the world, people believe that the Egyptian Maus are the oldest. It has even been debated as to whether these cats were the first domesticated cat breed. All the way back to 1550 B.C., frescoes and papyri had found spotted cats very similar to that of the Egyptian Mau cats that we see today. Most of these cats will live to be about 15 years of age. 

The Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian Forest Cats are favorites amongst many cat lovers. There are many different types of cat breeds and these cats, along with the Maine Coon,  are considered as giant cats. They are fluffy and one of the biggest domestic cat breeds. These cats are thought to come from the cats that went on Viking ships and crossed seas long, long ago. The ancestors of the present-day Norwegian Forest cats were likely white and black, shorthair cats. It is said, that the Vikings had brought them from Great Britain to Norway after 1,000 A.D. The long-haired cats were brought by the Crusaders to Norway. The Norwegian Forest cat breed usually lives around 14 to 16 years old. 

The Siamese Cat

As with just about every other cat, the real Siamese cat breed origin is a bit of a mystery. Nobody knows exactly where the Siamese cats popped up in history. They aren’t sure where these cats were domesticated and bred either. Some people think these cats were bred by Buddhist monks and others think they were bred through members of royalty. However, there is a Thai manuscript from the 14th century that suggests this cat breed is very old.

Nowadays, most Siamese cats will live to be around 10 to 13 years, with the longest living cat for this breed living to be 30 years old. 

The Turkish Angora Cat

The Turkish Angora cat breed was found first in the Turkey mountainous regions. This is where the Turkish Angora cat got its medium-length, soft fur. The coat was meant to keep it safe from harsh climates. Traditionally this breed has a white coat. 

There is documentation of the Turkish Angora cat going back to the 1600s in France. Some people say that this cat breed may have come from Manul cats. This is a smaller cat breed that the Tartars had domesticated. 

The average lifespan of the Turkish Angora cat is 12 to 18 years. These cats are also some of the most dog-like cats in the world.

The Maine Coon Cat

Another one of the biggest domestic cat breeds that have been around for a long time is the Maine Coon. These cats are known for their gentle nature. They are also known for how big they can cat. Some people call them the kings of the cats. They are very popular and definitely one of the oldest living cat breeds. 

People say that this cat breed is probably a descendant of the cats that Vikings brought to the Americas a long time ago. Others say that the Maine Coon is a descendant of the cats that European sailors had in New England during the 1700s. Genetic research shows that the Maine Coon cat breed is a descendant of the Norwegian Forest cats. This is a breed that is extinct now. The Maine Coon cat usually lives to be around 12.5 years old. 

The Chartreux Cat

Another one of the oldest living cat breeds is the Chartreux. These cats were thought to have started in France way back in 1558. They are mentioned in an old poem written by Joachim du Bellay. It is also said that the ancestors of this cat breed, similar to the history of the Turkish Angora cats, were wild mountain cats that lived in the Middle East. People believe that in the 13th-century Crusaders or merchants had brought these cats into France. After they were in France, Carthusian monks had continued spreading the Chartreux cat breed throughout southeastern France. The Chartreux cat breed will usually live to be around 12 to 15 years old. 

Conclusion 

There are many old cat breeds that can be discussed. The ones that are mentioned here have histories of being around for the longest. In addition, you have read about the longest living cat, who lived to be 38 years and 3 days old. It is very rare for a cat to live that long. However, with proper care and attention, you can help your cat to live their best and longest life, as well. 

If you have an interest in getting one of the oldest living cat breeds, these are some great choices. 

How old is the oldest cat?

The oldest cat in the world was named Creme Puff. This cat had lived to be 38 years and 3 days old. This cat was domesticated and lived from August 3rd, 1967 to August 6th, 2005. Jake Perry owned this cat in Austin, Texas.

How many species of cats are there?

There are many species of cats. Research shows 38 confirmed species all throughout the world. Most of these cats, similar to margay cats, are quite small. However, some are much bigger than that. In addition, some cats are domesticated and some are not.

How long do Siamese cats live?

Out of all the cat breeds in the world, Siamese cats have a great lifespan. They usually live to be around 15 years of age. However, some of the Siamese cats can live to be 20 years of age. People love this cat breed because they are so playful, entertaining, and sociable.

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