Average age of a cat life

The average lifespan of cats is generally around 12 to 17 years. However, in actual situations, there are significant differences in the lifespans of cats of different living environments and breeds.

According to Guinness World Records, the oldest cat ever recorded is Creme Puff, which was born on August 3, 1967, and lived until August 2005.——《Oldest cat ever | Guinness World Records》

Comparison of lifespans between domestic cats and stray cats

Due to stable living conditions and the careful care of their owners, domestic cats usually have a much longer lifespan than stray cats. Stray cats face many problems such as food shortages, disease threats, harsh living environments, and possible human-induced harm. According to statistics, the average lifespan of stray cats is only 3 years, or even less than 3 years. Domestic cats not only have sufficient food and clean water but also can receive timely medical assistance, regular physical examinations, deworming, and vaccinations. Male cats are generally longer-lived than female cats, possibly because female cats face certain risks and physical depletion during the reproductive process.

Lifespan differences among different cat breeds

Cats of different breeds also have different lifespans. Siamese cats have an average lifespan of 13 to 20 years. They are intelligent, lively, clingy, and highly curious.

Maine Coon cats have an average lifespan of 15 to 17 years. They are loyal and clingy, have long hair and a large appetite. The longest-lived record is 35 years.

Ragdoll cats have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Although they are elegant with long hair, they have a weak digestive system. Chinese rural cats have strong adaptability, are strong and sturdy, easy to raise and not picky eaters. Their average lifespan can reach 15 to 20 years.

American Shorthair cats are lively, active, agile, and have a good digestive system. Their average lifespan is 15 to 20 years. British Shorthair cats are cute and have a big round face and are prone to obesity. Their average lifespan is 13 to 16 years.

Garfield cats have a big flat face, are affectionate and clingy, and are difficult to raise. Their average lifespan is 12 to 15 years.

Russian Blue cats are loyal, quiet, and don’t like to meow. They are muscular and love to run and jump. Their average lifespan is 15 to 18 years.

Sphynx cats, as “alien meows”, have oily skin and need to keep warm. Novices should be cautious. Their average lifespan is 9 to 10 years.

Devon Rex cats are lively, clingy, small in size, and shed less hair. Their average lifespan is 9 to 13 years. Persian cats are quiet and elegant but shed easily. Their average lifespan is 13 to 15 years.

Chinchilla cats have a weak constitution, a large skeleton, and are relatively delicate. Their average lifespan is 10 to 14 years.

In general, the lifespan of different cat breeds is affected by multiple factors such as genetics, living environment, and feeding methods.

Factors affecting the lifespan of cats

The lifespan of cats is affected by multiple factors, mainly including the following aspects:

• Breed differences: Cats of different breeds have different lifespans. For example, indoor British Shorthair cats can live up to about 15 years, while some specific breeds such as cats with folded ears genes and Munchkins may have a shortened lifespan due to genetic diseases.
• Genetic factors: The lifespan of cats is closely related to their genetic genes. Choosing healthy cat breeds and breeding methods is crucial for prolonging the lifespan of cats.
• Diet and living environment: A balanced diet and a clean and comfortable living environment are important guarantees for the health and longevity of cats. At the same time, regular vaccinations for cats can also effectively prevent diseases and prolong their lifespan.
• Health care and medical treatment: Timely vaccinations, regular visits to the veterinarian with cats, and providing appropriate health care measures can all effectively prolong the lifespan of cats.

How to prolong the lifespan of cats

To prolong the lifespan of cats, owners can start from the following aspects:

Provide a good living environment: Provide a safe, comfortable, and spacious living environment for cats to ensure that they have enough space for activities. At the same time, maintain indoor hygiene and regularly clean up cat feces and urine to reduce bacterial growth.

Provide a balanced and nutritious diet: Provide cats with a nutritious and balanced diet, including high-quality cat food, fresh meat, fish, fruit（What Fruits Can Cats Eat）, and vegetables. Avoid feeding cats human food, especially food containing a large amount of additives and preservatives.

Regular vaccinations and physical examinations: Regularly take cats to the veterinarian for vaccinations to prevent common cat diseases. In addition, have a physical examination at least once a year to detect and treat potential health problems in time. After cats become adults, insist on having a physical examination at a regular pet hospital once a year. After entering old age, insist on having a physical examination about twice a year.

Give love and companionship: Cats are social animals and they need the love and companionship of their owners. Spending more time with cats, interacting with them, and giving them enough attention and love can help enhance the happiness of cats and thus prolong their lifespan.

Timely neutering: Neutering is suitable after a cat’s first estrus and should not be later than 2 years old. Neutering can reduce bad behaviors such as cats running away from home, meowing loudly, and urinating everywhere, reduce the probability of female cats developing endometritis, breast tumors, pyometra, etc., and reduce the probability of male cats developing enlarged prostate, testicular tumors, etc., thereby prolonging the lifespan of cats.

Pay attention to oral health: Prepare pet-specific toothpaste and toothbrush for cats, and brush their teeth regularly to clean tartar and calculus and prevent periodontal diseases caused by oral problems.

Maintain an appropriate weight: Cats that are too fat or too thin will greatly shorten their lifespan. Therefore, owners should pay attention to changes in the weight of cats and supplement nutrition or increase exercise in time to help cats maintain an appropriate weight.

As human companions, cats bring us endless joy and companionship. Understanding the average lifespan of cats and the influencing factors is crucial for every cat owner. Only by mastering this knowledge can we better take care of cats and provide them with a healthy and comfortable living environment.