Did you know that house cats have longer lifespans than outdoor/feral cats?
In this blog post, we will answer the question, “How long do house cats live?” in detail and go over why house cats live longer than outdoor cats.
Keep reading to learn more.
How Long Do House Cats Live? The Average Lifespan
Cats who spend significant unsupervised time outside have an average lifespan for about seven years. However, domestic or indoor-only cats have an average life expectancy of 13 to 17 years.
Of course, some live much longer than that!
Why The Difference?
Most people don’t realise that there’s a dramatic difference in life expectancy between indoor-only cats and outdoor cats. However, when they do, the first question that comes to mind is why!?
Well, outdoor cats are exposed to a lot of things such as:
- Bacterial diseases
- Predators
- Oncoming traffic
- FIV
- Injury
This, of course, makes them more vulnerable than a cat that stays at home all day.
Lifespans of Popular Cat Breeds: A Quick Peek
Here are the average lifespans of some of the most popular cat breeds in the world:
- American Shorthair: 15 to 20 years
- Bengal: 14 to 16 years
- Burmese: 16 to 18 years
- Calico: 12 to 15 years
- Maine Coon: 10 to 13 years
- Manx: 8 to 14 years
- Munchkin: 12 to 15 years
- Persian: 10 to 17 years
- Ragdoll: 15 to 18 years
- Russian Blue: 15 to 20 years
- Savannah: 12 to 20 years
- Siamese: 12 to 20 years
- Sphynx: 10 to 15 years
Here Are Some Factors That Can Improve Your Cat’s Lifespan
In this section of the blog post, we will go over some factors that can help improve your feline friend’s lifespan.
Take a quick look.
Routine Medical Care and Vet Visits
It is important to make sure that your cat’s vaccinations are all up to date. You should take your cat to the vet at least once a year for a complete medical checkup to make sure everything is good.
This can help If diagnosed early, a lot of medical conditions can be easy to treat.
Diet and Exercise
Did you know that over 50% of cats in the United States are overweight or obese?
Pet obesity has been linked to several health issues such as heart disease, arthritis, dysplasia, diabetes, etc. All of these conditions have been linked to early death.
So, your cat needs plenty of exercise and a healthy diet to make sure it stays healthy.
Your cat should eat meat-rich food.
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they thrive on a diet that is mostly meat and some carbs. They won’t be able to do well on a vegetarian diet and they don’t need fresh fruits and vegetables as much as you’d think.
Mental Activity
Boredom can decrease a cat’s quality of life, leading to depression and behavioral problems. It’s also one of the reasons why your cat would like to bolt from the house now and again.
Make sure your cat is getting as much mental stimulation as it needs to stay and feel happy.
Summing Up: How Long Do House Cats Live?
Did we help answer your question?
The average lifespan of a house cat is 13 to 17 years. However, some cats have been able to live up to 20-25 years! It all depends on the cat’s genetics lifestyle, and diet.
Do you have any questions? If so, leave them in the comments, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.