What are the facts about the lifespan of a cat? Here at Catster we have researched the average lifespan of cats and we have all the information we need to answer the question "How long do cats live? We've put together the numbers and can tell you that, just like in the novels, the life expectancy of cats depends on a variety of circumstances, including environment, diet and health. We will give you information on everything from the general question "How long do cats live?" to the average age of the oldest cat living "currently", to the average peripheral age and the average life span of indoor and outdoor cats.
So, how long do cats live? What is the average lifespan of a cat?
How long do cats live? Environment, maintenance, health, and whether the cat is spayed or neutered - all of these factors are important when thinking about a cat's life expectancy. Neutering can be an important factor. Neutering eliminates the risk of developing diseases that can affect a cat's reproductive system at an advanced age.
On the Internet, it has become evident that with access to current medical and nutritional advances, the ideal cat "can" or "may" live up to 20 years and beyond. According to a survey of ten reputable sites that deal with the average domestic cat, the figures are more inconsistent, ranging from 10 to 20 years. The average lifespan of a domestic cat is 15.1 years.
The breed of the cat is certainly a factor to consider when answering the question "How long do cats live? We could list the lifespan of each breed of cat, but then we would be here forever. Our research suggests that mixed breed cats are, in general, more resilient and live longer than purebred cats. Do you have a question about the longevity of a specific breed? Please see our list of purebred and hybrid cats.
When we answer the question "How long do cats live?" we, like Lord Chesterfield, are concerned about the "average cat". On average, female cats live one to two years longer than male cats. On average, indoor cats live longer than outdoor cats. On average, wild, homeless and feral cats live much less than domestic cats.
What if they were indoor cats?
Regarding the question "How long do cats live?" all of our research suggests that indoor cats live almost three times longer than outdoor cats. How long do cats live if they are indoor cats? Indoor cats are usually spayed, neutered, vaccinated and kept away from the stress, risks and dangers of the outside world. They are fed regularly and have easy access to fresh, clean water.
Related: 5 reasons to adopt an older cat
They require more attention, more distractions, and must be encouraged to get enough exercise to avoid obesity. Fortunately, attentive cat owners provide them with all of these things. The number of these cats varies considerably from site to site, ranging from 14 to 20 years of age. According to the figures we have recorded, the average lifespan of an indoor cat is 16,875 years.
What is the lifespan of cats - if they are outdoor cats?
There are a number of difficulties that tend to limit the average lifespan of an outdoor cat. Of course, "outdoors" means different things depending on where a cat lives and when you answer the question "How long do cats live?
Do you live in an urban, suburban, rural or remote area? How many neighbors have outdoor cats? Do you live in an area where there is an abundance of predatory wildlife? Are there wild or stray animals nearby? Is the climate conducive to a year-round outdoor lifestyle? How far do you live from roads and traffic routes?
These are all limiting factors, as is increased exposure to fleas, ticks and other pests and diseases. Outdoors, cats can also fight and scratch with other cats and are more exposed to accidents.
However, they also have the freedom to explore, to delineate their favorite perches and to exercise in a natural way. Since there are many more unpredictable variables, the numbers are generally not good, and cats live much longer, from three to ten years. The average life expectancy of cats outdoors is 5,625 years.
How long can cats live?
I can hear you say: "But my cat..." These numbers are all averages. My cat, Klesko, has always been an outdoor cat and she is 15 years old. There are always outliers that defy averages when it comes to answering the question, "How long do cats live?
The Guinness Book of Records indicates that the oldest recorded cat age was reached by Creme Puff, a cat who died in Austin, Texas at 38 years and three days, a truly great age, almost incomprehensible. The age of the oldest living "current" cat is much more variable, as this information can be exceeded at any time.
Related: How to increase the life expectancy of cats
In reviewing the information from the last few years, I saw that the oldest "current" cat was between 23 and 36 years old. Over the past ten years, the oldest living cat has averaged 29,857 years of age. Who is the current record holder? Rather than risking our own obsolescence, we suggest you check on the Guinness website. Its "Oldest Cat Living" page wisely and explicitly states that the current record holder is a flexible and changeable position.
