Cats Lifespan: How Long Do Cats Live? And What to Expect

So, it’s kitten season. You are scouring the websites of local shelters and rescues, and you already have several TV show-inspired names in mind, obviously. Before you decide to adopt a kitten named Roman Roy, you may wonder how long that commitment will last. Or maybe you already have a cat and worry about how long you have left with them (do yourself a favor and try not to torture yourself like this).

Despite our wishes, the fact remains that cats don’t live as long as humans. This is out of our control. But there are some things that cat parents can do to give their kitties the best chance of living as long as possible. 

How long do cats live?

On average, indoor cats live about 10 to 16 years. Cats who are allowed to roam outside have a considerably shorter life expectancy than those enjoying a cozy life indoors. Innate factors, such as breed and genetics, can affect life expectancy, but pet parents have an impact as well.

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What factors can affect a cat’s lifespan?

Want your cat to live longer? Researchers say there is one simple thing you can do to make it happen: keep them inside. A few other factors linked to cat lifespan were found to be common regardless of indoor-outdoor status. One was poisoning. While some studies said that outdoor cats had a high risk of poisoning because they can simply eat whatever they find, others pointed out that poison hazards are still strong with indoor cats, who often ingest toxic plants, cleaners, and medications out of boredom. Another factor was human cruelty. Wandering cats might be easily victimized by abusers, but so are cats in individual households. 

Breed

Mixed-breed cats tend to live longer than purebred cats. The most common cat breed in the United States, the Domestic Shorthair, is typically considered a mixed breed cat. Mixed genetics are thought to contribute to their longevity. There are some outliers among purebred cats, though: Siamese, Persian, and Burmese cats tend to live longer and commonly reach their late teens. Bengals, Maine Coons, and Ragdolls are some breeds that tend to have shorter lifespans.  

Health

Chronic disease of any type can have a detrimental impact on life expectancy. Kidney disease is a common chronic ailment of older cats. Cats with diabetes, hyperthyroid disease, or heart disease are likely to have shorter lifespans as well.  

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Diet 

A complete and balanced diet can help a cat live a longer, healthier life. Kittens need proper nutrition from the start. Adult cats fed an appropriate amount of food are less likely to become obese, which can shorten their lifespan.

Exercise

Adequate exercise is key to longevity. Cats who get regular activity are less likely to become overweight, making them less likely to develop arthritis or diabetes. 

Stress

Persistent stress can shave time off a cat’s life, much like it does in people. Cats can live longer when they feel safe and comfortable instead of stressed. 

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Environment

Indoor cats live longer than cats who go outdoors. Being outdoors exposes cats to increased risk of injury and the stress of extreme weather. Encounters with wildlife and other animals leave cats at risk for fight wounds and infectious diseases. 

A team from Australia’s Murdoch University conducted a research review — a review of thousands of papers and studies in order to provide a comprehensive synthesis on a topic — about the lifespans of outdoor cats. After analyzing over 2000 papers, they found that compared to their indoor-only brethren, outdoor kitties tended to die 10 or more years prematurely. In fact, the lifespan of an outdoor cat was only 70 to 80 percent that of an indoor cat. The findings were published in the journal Global Ecology and Conservation.

One key finding was that trauma — specifically car accidents, fighting, and falls — affects many cats around the world, often leading to death. The exact range varies from country to country, but in Canada, for instance, 38.3 percent of sudden and unexpected cat deaths can be linked to trauma. In the United States, road traffic accidents are the cause of a whopping 87.1 percent. 

Data also shows that cats who sustain trauma-related injuries were predominantly young (less than five years old) and disproportionately male. They also found that in countries where indoor cats were more normalized, injuries from trauma-related incidents were far less. In Japan, for instance, where 75 percent or more cats are indoor only, there was only a 1.3 percent death rate from poisoning or injury. 

Additionally, the researchers noted that cats across the world are vulnerable prey for predators — and that this metric isn’t so easy to measure. Coyotes in the U.S., red foxes in the U.K. and Switzerland, and wolves, badgers, and pine martens across Europe were all found to have preyed on outdoor cats and kittens. Outdoor cats are also more susceptible to infections and disease, as they often have unsupervised interaction with stray cats and wildlife. 

Veterinary Care

Cats who receive regular veterinary care live longer. Routine veterinary care has two main benefits: disease prevention and early detection. 

How can I determine if my cat is aging or experiencing health problems?

“Slowing down” is considered a normal part of aging, but that doesn’t mean that a cat loses all of their spunk once they hit their senior years. There is some overlap in the signs of aging and the signs that something is wrong, but your cat should be able to do basic, everyday activities with ease. These include eating, drinking, grooming, and using the litter box. If you ever have concerns about any changes in your cat’s appearance or behavior, the best bet is to have them examined by a veterinarian. Signs that your cat is aging may include:

• Decreased activity

• Increased sleep

• Decreased food intake

• Weight loss

• Difficulty grooming

• Cloudy eyes

• Dull coat

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When you notice subtle signs of aging, your first step should be to have your cat evaluated and have a discussion with your vet about senior cat care. Your vet may recommend more frequent checkups or more in-depth diagnostics during wellness visits to screen for underlying issues. 

How do I take care of my aging cat?

Even healthy older cats may need some accommodations. Be sure to limit obstacles your cat may face to get to the things they want and need. This includes providing a low-sided litter box, getting pet stairs, and making sure food and water are easy to access, even in the dark. While not everything is in your control, there are things you can do to help your cat grow old gracefully. 

Provide a Healthy Diet

Unless your vet recommends otherwise, feed your cat a diet that’s high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Reputable commercial diets can ensure that your cat gets all the nutrients they need. Take care to not overfeed and make sure your cat always has easy access to fresh water. 

Provide Regular Exercise

Cats grow out of kittenhood, but they don’t grow out of play time. Exercise helps keep cats agile and trim. Provide cat-safe toys and safe play spaces like cat trees. 

Help With Grooming

Your cat may not be able to contort themselves for thorough self-grooming, so brush your cat regularly to help maintain a healthy coat and ward off hair balls.

Reduce Stress

Cats thrive when they feel safe and secure, and stress can shorten their lives. Keep your cat’s necessities in areas that are quiet and stress-free. This means providing cozy places to sleep and keeping litter boxes away from loud appliances. 

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Keep Your Cat Indoors

One of the most significant things you can do to prolong your cat’s life expectancy is to keep them indoors. Indoor cats have less exposure to disease, parasites, and trauma.

Take Your Cat to the Vet

As cats age, they need more frequent vet visits to screen for underlying issues or to monitor chronic conditions. Opt for prevention rather than treatment by pursuing vaccination, early spay/neuter surgery, monthly preventatives, and routine checkups. Not every disease can be prevented, but the earlier a problem is caught and treated, the better the outcome tends to be.

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Commonly asked questions

What are common health issues that can affect a cat’s lifespan?

Chronic diseases, such as kidney disease, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism can shorten a cat’s lifespan. 

How long can cats live?

Indoor cats live 10 to 16 years. Outdoor cats may not live as long. 

Do indoor cats live longer than outdoor cats?

Indoor cats typically live longer than outdoor cats. 

How can I determine if my cat is aging or experiencing health problems?

Your cats may be experiencing health problems if they are not able to do normal tasks, such as eating, grooming, and using the litter box. 

Are there any special considerations for senior cats?

Senior cats need more frequent check ups and may need accommodations like pet stairs to help with any decreased mobility.