- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
How long cats usually live depends on various factors, ranging from genetics to lifestyle. For instance, the average life expectancy of an outdoor cat is only two to five years, while indoor cats typically live 15 to 17 years.
As pet parents, it’s crucial to know how small choices and everyday actions can affect your cat’s lifespan. Proper nutrition, a safe home environment, and regular vet care to catch problems early can go a long way toward helping your cat live longer.
In this guide, we’ll cover the various factors, both in and out of our control, that impact a cat’s longevity.
Gender
Similar to human beings, female cats tend to live slightly longer than male cats. But for both sexes, a UC Davis Veterinary School study found that spaying and neutering are stronger indicators of a longer lifespan. For cats over the age of 12 months, the median lifespan was 4.7 years for intact female cats and 10.5 years for spayed cats. Similarly, the median lifespan was 3.7 years for intact males, but 9.8 years for their neutered counterparts.
Lifestyle
Regular exercise and mental stimulation play an important role in a cat’s life expectancy. Daily exercise helps prevent obesity, which can lead to various diseases, such as endocrine disorders, which negatively affect how long a cat lives. Mental enrichment can also help reduce anxiety and stress-related accidents, helping improve both quality of life and longevity.
Outdoor cats vs. indoor cats
The same study by UC Davis veterinary researchers found that while there was no significant difference between indoor-only and indoor-outdoor cats, felines who lived primarily outdoors did have a shorter lifespan. That’s because outdoor-only cats face many dangers out in the world, such as:
- Getting hit by cars or other vehicles
- Attacks from wild animals
- Injuries from accidents or poisoning
- Fights with other outdoor cats
- Infections from parasites and diseases
To help your cat safely access the outdoors, consider training your cat to walk on a leash, carry them in a backpack, or build a catio.
Preventive Care
Preventative measures can help your cat stay healthy and live a longer life. Along with spaying and neutering, make sure your cat is up to date on their vaccinations and flea and tick medication. Even if you think your cat is in good health, it’s still a good idea to take them to the vet once a year for a checkup to catch any signs of disease early on. Kittens, seniors, and cats with chronic illnesses will likely need more frequent visits.
To offset medical costs, consider getting a pet insurance plan for your cat.
Socialization
Though cats are often depicted as fiercely independent, the truth is they benefit from social time too. Interacting with your cat daily or adding a compatible feline friend to your home can help your cat live longer by encouraging them to exercise more and engage in natural behaviors like pouncing and hunting. This playful socialization keeps their body and brain sharp, helping prevent boredom and loneliness, which can lead to destructive behaviors that harm their health.
However, too many cats in one home can negatively affect your cat’s lifespan, says Dr. Grant Little, a veterinarian at a small animal private practice in Nebraska. Having too many cats can increase the risk of disease, as it’s harder to clean and sanitize everything. It also increases the likelihood of aggression and injuries, particularly due to fighting for food or resources.
Diet
Feeding your cat a complete and balanced diet can provide the nutrients they need to maintain a healthy weight, build a strong immune system, and promote good organ function.
dry or wet food, look for the following for your cat’s diet:
- High levels of animal protein
- Moderate amounts of fat
- Minimal carbohydrate content from vegetables and grains
Breed
“Purebred cats are more prone to inherited genetic health problems due to selective breeding practices, which can lead to a shorter average lifespan,” says Dr. Torrent Ample, a cat nutrition expert at Outdoor Bengal.
In fact, a recent study by a team of pathobiologists at The Royal Veterinary College in the UK found that purebred cats lived at least 1.5 years less than crossbred cats. It also found that some breeds, particularly the Sphynx and Bengal, had especially short life expectancies.
Genetics
A cat’s genetics and predisposition to certain diseases and health conditions can also shorten their lifespan. Some chronic conditions, like kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or digestive problems, show up earlier in life but can be managed with medication and lifestyle adjustments. However, these issues can worsen and become more difficult to manage as cats get older.
Olga Yastremska via iStock
Helping Your Cat Through Life Stages
Cats have four recognized life stages: kitten, young adult, mature adult, and senior. Here’s how to help keep your cat healthy through each life stage.
Kittens: birth to 1 year old
Kittens are young and have developing immune systems, so they can get sick easily. Dr. Preston Turano, a veterinary advisor at Felix Cat Insurance, says lifespan-shortening health problems in kittens include things such as bacterial and viral infections, defects, neurological disorders, and parasites such as ringworm, heartworm, or fleas.
To ensure your kitten is as healthy as possible:
- Take them to be checked by a vet as soon as possible and maintain all regular vet appointments.
- Get your kitten vaccinated and on a dewormer.
- Feed a complete and balanced diet appropriate for their stage, 3-4 times daily.
- Remove any hazards like loose cords or plants poisonous to cats.
- Keep their litter box clean as they develop good litter box habits.
Young & mature adults: 1 to 10 years old
Dr. Little says young and mature adults don’t have as many obvious health issues as kittens or seniors. However, they might develop health problems like obesity and diabetes, dental diseases, pancreatitis, and digestive system problems.
Here are some steps to support the health of your adult cat:
- Take them to regular vet checkups, along with scheduled medications and vaccinations.
- Stick with a consistent feeding schedule with correct portion sizes to maintain a healthy weight.
- Maintain a regular teeth brushing routine.
- Prioritize playing and socialization time.
Seniors: 10 years and older
Common health issues in senior cats include dental disease, dehydration, kidney failure, hyperthyroidism, and degenerative joint disease, like arthritis.
Here are some ways to boost your senior cat’s health and comfort:
- Use pet ramps, low-sided litter boxes, and other tools to help cats with less mobility.
- Offer wet food and multiple water bowls to encourage hydration.
- Take your cat in for vet checkups every 6 to 12 months.
- Make sure they have a quiet, comfortable area to rest.
- Offer gentle toys and age-appropriate playtime.
How Long Do Cats Live? FAQ
How can I help my cat live longer?
To help your cat live as long as possible, take the following steps:
- See a vet regularly.
- Vaccinate and use vet-suggested medications.
- Provide daily exercise through toys, play, or a companion.
- Feed your cat healthy, protein-leading food.
- Make sure they have access to fresh water at all times.
- Maintain a healthy environment free from hazards, with a quiet space to rest and a clean litter box.
How old is the oldest cat?
The oldest cat on record is Creme Puff, who lived to be 38 years old. Creme Puff was a mixed tabby who lived with her owner, Jake Perry, in Austin, Texas.
How many cat years are in human years?
The conversion rate for cat to human years isn’t linear. The first year of a cat’s life is believed to equate to the first 15 years of a human’s life, while the second year is equivalent to about 9 human years. After that, every year is approximately four human years.
How will I know when it’s time to say goodbye to my cat?
Cats are family, and it’s never easy to say goodbye to them, though sometimes doing so is the biggest act of love. According to the Animal Medical Center of Chicago, the best way to make this difficult decision is to assess their current quality of life. For example, are they able to still eat and still enjoy some of their favorite activities? If not, the kindest thing you can do is humanely end their suffering, surrounded by love and comfort.
