One of the great joys of sharing your life with a cat is that they can live a long time. But just how long of a cat lifespan can you reasonably expect? The answer, as is usually the case, is “it depends.”
What is the Average Cat Life Expectancy?
When I was in veterinary school, I learned that the average cat life expectancy for indoor-only cats is 14 years, while the average lifespan of a cat who spends a significant amount of time ranging free outdoors is closer to 7 years because of their increased risk of trauma and infectious disease.
The small amount of research done on the subject seems to bear this out. According to the Senior Care Guidelines put together by The American Association of Feline Practitioners, “one convenient way to view older cats is to classify them as ‘mature’ or ‘middle-aged’ (7-10 years), ‘senior’ (11-14 years), and ‘geriatric’ (15+ years).” However, the authors do go on to add that “with good care, many cats live into their late teens, some into their twenties.”
Another study that looked at the records of 4,009 cats who visited 90 veterinary clinics in England found an average cat lifespan of 14 years.
Do Some Breeds Live Longer Than Others?
Averages, of course, only get you so far. For example, the study of English cats found significant variations according to breed:
| Cat Breed | Average Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Birman | 16.1 years |
| Burmese | 14.3 years |
| Siamese | 14.2 years |
| Persian | 14.1 years |
| Crossbreed | 14 years |
| British Shorthair | 11.8 years |
| Maine Coon | 11 years |
| Ragdoll | 10.1 years |
| Abyssinian | 10 years |
| Bengal | 7.3 years |
The study’s authors found that the average lifespan for crossbred cats was 14 years in comparison to 12.5 years for purebred cats. Add to this the variability associated with indoor versus outdoor lifestyle, nutrition, veterinary care, and luck (or lack thereof) and you can see why some cats live into their twenties while others, unfortunately, do not.
How to Help Your Cat Enjoy a Long Life
The most obvious thing you can do to help cats live longer is to keep them indoors. But regardless of your choice in this regard, all cats benefit from the following:
Appropriate veterinary care: Preventive care is very important. Vaccinations, parasite prevention, and dental care should be tailored to a cat’s needs and lifestyle. All cats should be microchipped and, as long as they are not part of a breeding program, spayed and neutered. If your cat shows any signs of illness, call your veterinarian for advice immediately.
Good nutrition: Cats should eat life-stage appropriate, nutritionally complete and balanced foods. In general, the best cat diets are high in protein and moisture and low in carbohydrates.
Exercise and environmental enrichment: While keeping cats indoors is undeniably best for their longevity, a lack of exercise and boredom can lead to health and behavioral problems. Play with your cat frequently. Toys, like food puzzles, that provide entertainment while you’re gone are also helpful.
Prevent obesity: Manage your cat’s diet and exercise to maintain an ideal body weight. The study involving cats in England found that for every 1 kg (2.2 lbs.) increase in adult body weight, cat lifespan was reduced by 6 months.