Cats are fascinating creatures, both in the wild and at home. They’re intelligent, sensible, or at least most of them are, and can even be fierce. They also make excellent domestic companions and are probably the most sought-after pet, second only to dogs. Ever wondered, how long do cats live? Here’s what you need to know about the lifespan of cats.
General Lifespan of Cats
Indoor Cats
According to the ASPCA, cats live 13-17 years on average. This is the average across all breeds of domesticated cats that live indoors their entire life.
Wild Cats
The average life expectancy of wild cats is reduced, however, due to a number of factors that only indoor living prevents such as sickness, encounters with other animals, and food shortages. According to World Life Expectancy, cats in the wild have an average lifespan of 12-14 years. This, of course, still varies across breeds.
Lifespan Of Different Breeds
Looking for a more precise answer to how long do cats live? Here’s a complete list of domestic cats and wild breeds, and their average lifespan in alphabetical order.
Indoor Cats
#1. Abyssinian: 9-15 years
#2. American Bobtail: 13-15 years
#3. American Curl 15: and above years
#4. American Shorthair: 15-20 years
#5. American Wirehair: 7-12 years
#6. Australian Mist: 14-19 years
#7. Balinese: 18-22 years
#8. Bengal: 12-16 years
#9. Birman: 12-16 years
#10. Blue Chartreux: 12-15 years
#11. Bombay: 15-20 years
#12. British Shorthair: 12 and above years
#13. Burmese: 16-18 years
#14. Burmilla: 10-15 years
#15. California Spangled: 9-16 years
#16. Ceylon: ~15 years
#17. Chantilly-Tiffany: 14-16 years
#18. Colorpoint Shorthair: 12-16 years
#19. Cornish Rex: 11-15 years
#20. Cymric: 8-14 years
#21. Devon Rex: 9-15 years
#22. Domestic: 12-14 years
#23. Egyptian Mau: 13-16 years
#24. European Shorthair: 15-22 years
#25. Exotic Shorthair: 12-14 years
#26. German Rex: 9-14 years
#27. Havana Brown: 12-15 years
#28. Himalayan: 15 and above years
#29. Japanese Bobtail: 15-18 years
#30. Javanese: 10-15 years
#31. Korat: 15 and above years
#32. LaPerm: 10-15 years
#33. Maine Coon: 12-15 years
#34. Manx: 8-14 years
#35. Munchkin: 12-14 years
#36. Nebelung: 15-18 years
#37. Norwegian Forest: 14-16 years
#38. Ocicat: 10-15 years
#39. Oriental: 10-15 years
#40. Persian: 15 and above years
#41. Pixiebob: approximately 12 years
#42. Ragdoll: 12-17 years
#43. Russian Blue: 15-20 years
#44. Scottish Fold: approximately 15 years
#45. Selkirk Rex: 15 years
#46. Siamese: 15-20 years
#47. Siberian: 11-15 years
#48. Singapura: 9-15 years
#49. Snowshoe 12-15 years
#50. Sokoke: 9-15 years
#51. Somali: 10-12 years
#52. Sphynx: 13-15 years
#53. Tonkinese: 10-16 years
#54. Turkish Angora: 12-18 years
#55. Turkish Van: 12-17 years
Wild Cats
#1. African Golden Cat: 17 years
#2. Asiatic Golden Cat: 15 years
#3. Black-Footed Cat: 4-6 years
#4. Bobcat: 10-12 years
#5. Canada Lynx: 10-14 years
#6. Caracal: 12 years
#7. Cheetah: 12 years
#8. Chilean Cat: 11 years
#9. Clouded Leopard: 11 years
#10. Fishing Cat: 10-12 years
#11. Flat-headed Cat: 10-12 years
#12. Fossa: 15 years
#13. Geoffroy’s Cat: 12-15 years
#14. Iberian Lynx: 13 years
#15. Jaguar: 15 years
#16. Jaguarundi: 10-12 years
#17. Jungle Cat: 12 -14 years
#18. Leopard: 12-17 years
#19. Lion: 12-16 years
#20. Lynx: 5-15 years
#21. Margay: 12-14 years
#22. Ocelot: 7-10 years
#23. Oncilla: 10-14 years
#24. Pallas Cat: 8 years
#25. Pampas Cat: 9 years
#26. Puma: 8-13 years
#27. Rusty-spotted Cat: 8-10 years
#28. Sand Cat: 8-10 years
#29. Serval: 10 years
#30. Snow Leopard: 15-18 years
#31. Tiger: 10-15 years
#32. Wild Cat: 12-14 years
5 Factors That Will Impact the Lifespan of Cats
#1. Breeding And Genetics
As you can see from the list given above, some breeds have a relatively long lifespan. This is because they’re less prone to certain health problems, thanks to superior genetics although nutrition plays a role, too. These problems include heart-related illnesses, cancer, respiratory illness, spinal issues, or hip dysplasia.
#2. Nutrition
Pets that receive poor nutrition during their early years of life won’t develop fully. It’s not just about feeding your pets enough but making sure they receive the correct balance of nutrients for their age, size, and species.
Otherwise, they’re at a higher risk of developing chronic illnesses. Not receiving enough vitamin D, for instance, can make a cat’s bones and joint muscles weak and even cause congestive heart failure.
#3. Exercise
Exercise is just as important for cats as it is for humans in terms of improving longevity. Indoor cats are not lazy by any means, with a few exceptions. They have a lot of energy and can have an active life at home. You could bring them some interactive toys or even teach them to play fetch like dogs.
#4. Healthcare
It’s important that you take your cat to the vet at least twice a year for check-ups, even if they aren’t sick. Depending on the breed, they may also need to be given certain vaccinations. Owners who remain vigilant about their cats’ health get to enjoy their cats’ company for more years.
#5. Environmental Factors
Cats are much smaller than humans. This means they’re likely to get affected by even a small amount of toxins or pollutants. It doesn’t help that cats like to touch their noses to the floor and sniff a lot, clean themselves with their own tongue, and lick other surfaces. Having a clean and hygienic environment helps to prolong a cat’s life.
5 Signs That Your Cat Will Probably Live a Long Life
If it’s good news you’re looking for, pay attention to these signs in cats. As long as you’ve been looking after them well, they will showcase these signs that suggest they’ll probably live longer than average.
#1. Sharpness Of Mind
If your cat isn’t experiencing confusion or memory loss, which is common for cats in their elderly years, it’s a sign your cat’s going to live long.
#2. Appetite
Does your cat still have the same appetite it did 5 years ago? It will probably live long in that case. A hungry cat is a happy cat.
#3. Enjoying Playtime
Cats that retain their youthful agility and enjoy an active life even into their golden years might actually outlive their average lifespan.
#4. Sleep Time
It’s normal for cats to doze off for hours at unusual times of the day. As long as they keep getting their sleep, they’re doing well.
#5. Good Physique
A sleek feline physique is a good sign that cats are receiving the right balance of nutrition and exercise. This will help them live longer.
A Few Parting Words
Cats can also be your best friend. You’ll know if you ever get a cat. It doesn’t take much labor to care for them, and you receive the same amount of entertainment and affection as you would from a dog.
In turn, cats also need plenty of love and affection in order to live a long life. Happiness is often linked to longevity in all creatures. Hope this answers your questions about how long do cats live.
