These are 15 Pets That Live the Longest

Most pet owner will agree that they wish their pets could live forever. Getting to spend more than a few years caring for your pet is a great achievement for many pet owners. Although many pets only live a decade or two, some pets have been known to live for over 50 years or even double that. From reptiles to birds, mammals, and even fish, these are the 15 pets with the longest lifespans.

Cats

Domesticated cats have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years, but some have lived slightly longer. Crème Puff, the world’s oldest cat, lived for 38 years. Cats tend to live longer when kept indoors, fed a healthy diet, and have plenty of enrichment. Outdoor cats are more likely to encounter predators, go missing, get stolen, or get injured by cars, which can drastically shorten their lifespan. 

Leopard Gecko

You can instantly recognize Leopard Geckos by their unique tails as it’s the thickest part of their bodies. This long-lived reptile has an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years, and possibly longer with proper care. Caring for a Leopard Gecko is pretty straightforward, so both adults and children alike can enjoy them as pets. 

Chinchilla

Chinchillas are small rodents native to the Andes mountains in South America. Their dense fur coats allow them to tolerate incredibly low temperatures in the wild. In captivity, Chinchillas require cool ambient room temperatures between 60° F and 72° F. When cared for properly and kept within an ideal temperature range, Chinchillas can live for up to 20 years. 

Goldfish

Goldfish are popular aquarium pets known for being colorful, intelligent, and long-lived. There are various types of goldfish, with the single-tailed varieties living the longest. The average lifespan for a well-cared-for goldfish is 10 to 25 years. The oldest living goldfish in the world was Tish who allegedly lived to 43 years old. 

Crested Gecko

Crested Geckos are popular pet reptiles with an average lifespan of 15 to 25 years. Both adults and children will find these geckos relatively easy to care for. Crested Geckos are nocturnal, so they sleep for most of the day and become active at night. They generally don’t need specific heating and lighting setups like many other reptiles, hence why they are often recommended for beginners. 

Arabian Horse

The Arabian Horse is one of the oldest and most recognizable horse breeds. Valued for their speed, beauty, and longevity, Arabian Horses can be kept as pets or used for sport or working purposes. These horses are hardworking and eager to please their handlers, making them easy to work with. They have one of the longest lifespans among horses, averaging between 25 to 30 years. 

Iguana

Iguanas are colorful reptiles and some of the largest lizards in the Americas. Like most reptiles, Iguanas live longer in captivity than in the wild. There are no natural predators or food and water scarcity in the wild which could drastically shorten their lifespan. Caring for Iguanas properly can help them live for over 20 years. Some Iguana species, such as the Blue Iguana, can live for over 50 years. 

Koi Fish

Koi are stunning ornamental fish commonly kept in either indoor or outdoor ponds. These fish are capable of living for up to 50 years, but some Koi have lived for slightly longer. Proper care is essential for these fish and will help them live out their full lifespan. Koi are often chosen as a pet because of their adaptability, vibrant colors, and large size. 

Ball Python

In captivity, Ball Pythons live between 20 to 30 years old, but occasionally up to 60 with proper care. They are beginner-friendly snakes and easy to care for. Ball Pythons are more tolerant of handling than other snakes, but they can be shy and curl up tightly when startled. You can ensure these snakes live long and happy lives by providing them with a warm and humid enclosure and a balanced diet. 

Wood Turtle

Two species of Wood Turtle are kept as pets, like the American Wood Turtle and the Central American Wood Turtle. Both species have long lifespans of up to 50 years in captivity, but only 30 to 40 years in the wild. Wood Turtles make great pets for those who can keep them in a large tank with a filter, heater, and nutritious diet. 

Cockatoo

Cockatoos are long-lived parrots and most species live for more than 60 years in captivity. However, smaller Cockatoo species only have an average lifespan of 30 to 40 years. They are highly intelligent and social parrots that enjoy interacting with their owners and flock members. Cockatoos don’t have vocal cords, but they can still mimic sounds and talk. They are generally quieter than similarly sized parrots. 

African Grey

The African Grey is a tropical parrot and the largest African parrot. They have silver plumage with red tail feathers and a white face mask. African Grey Parrots are among the most intelligent birds in the world. Research suggests that they have the intelligence of a five-year-old child. Aside from being smart, African Grey Parrots have long lifespans and can live between 40 to 60 years. 

Hyacinth Macaw

The Hyacinth Macaw is a vibrant blue parrot known to live for over 60 years in captivity. They are the largest of the 18 Macaw species and make great pets for those who can meet their demanding care requirements. A fully grown Hyacinth Macaw is around 3.3 feet long and can weigh up to 3.7 pounds. These parrots are affectionate towards their owners and their high intelligence makes them easy to bond with. 

Sulcata Tortoise

Sulcata Tortoises are the largest species of mainland tortoise and a unique pet to care for. These tortoises originate from sub-Saharan Africa and can reach 30 inches in length when fully grown. Sulcata Tortoises reach maturity at about five years old and reach an adult size at 15 to 20 years old. They are one of the longest-living pet reptiles with an average lifespan of 70 to 100 years. 

Greek Tortoise

Many tortoise species are known for their lengthy lifespans, but the Greek Tortoise is exceptionally long-lived. Greek Tortoises have been known to live for up to 125 years, with some reports suggesting 200 years. They have the largest genome of all reptiles and one of the five species of Mediterranean tortoises. Greek Tortoises live so long as pets that many people include these tortoises in their will in case their tortoise outlives them.

19 Most Powerful Animals on Earth

19 Most Powerful Animals on Earth