On average, most cats live between 13 and 17 years. Still, several factors may increase or decrease this range, depending on the cat and their living conditions.
When properly cared for, cats may live happily into their late teens or even 20s. Here’s our guide on how long cats live and how to care for one.
Key Takeaways
The level of care directly affects how long cats live.
Cats have specific needs depending on their life stages.
Veterinary care is essential for a cat’s longevity.
What affects a cat’s lifespan?
The length of a cat’s life can be determined by factors such as genetics, nutrition, level of veterinary care, environment, and whether the cat lives indoors or outdoors. Here’s a brief overview of each factor according to Dr. Soheyl:
Genetics
Some cats inherit a higher risk of certain diseases because of their genetic makeup. For example, Persian cats are genetically predisposed to several conditions, such as polycystic kidney disease and brachycephalic airway syndrome.
These may affect their overall quality of life and longevity. Additionally, mixed-breed cats live longer than purebred cats because of their greater genetic diversity, which lowers the risk of breed-specific problems.
Nutrition
Good nutrition prevents disease, avoids obesity, and provides energy. A well-balanced diet for cats, paired with exercise, is a good way to increase lifespan.
Preventive Care
Veterinary care positively affects how long cats live through these benefits:
Early detection of health problems
Spaying and neutering to prevent life-threatening cancers
Vaccinations and deworming treatments against severe diseases
Complete dental care to avoid bacteremia
Indoor vs Outdoor Living
Indoor cats are safer from significant dangers and enjoy a much longer lifespan. Free-roaming outdoor cats typically live about 2-5 years due to severe hazards such as traffic, infectious diseases, toxins, and parasites.
Lifestyle and Home Care
Chronic stress, unclean homes, and dirty litter boxes can affect a cat’s physical and behavioral health, negatively impacting lifespan. This includes urinary issues, digestive problems, and susceptibility to infection.
Home care is also a factor. When cats are cared for properly at home, including regular dental brushing and exercise, they live longer.
What to expect for each cat life stage?
A cat starts as a kitten, then grows into a young adult, a mature adult, and eventually, into a senior.
Kitten (Birth to 1 year)
Kittens will require proper nutrition tailored to their age to support growth and development. To complement this, they should complete their full vaccinations and deworming treatments.
Expect high energy and teething. This is the right time to establish good habits, such as litter box training and using toys to redirect biting and scratching. You should also start gradually introducing them to coat and dental brushing as part of their regular grooming routine.
Young Adult (1-6 years)
Young adult cats are active and curious but more settled than kittens. They’ll have more stable routines and strong instincts.
Cats at this age will require ongoing routine care, such as annual boosters and professional dental cleanings. Deworming should be performed every 3-6 months. Depending on your cat’s breed, aim to provide two 15-minute play sessions daily to promote exercise.
Mature Adult (6-10 years)
Mature adults will start to show age-related conditions and long-term health problems, even if they still look healthy on the surface. Expect changes in their weight, activity, dental health, appetite, and even habits.
One example is that a mature adult cat may no longer cover their poop in the litter box. Another is when they start to slow down. Some may develop issues such as diabetes or dental disease.
Senior (10+ years)
Senior cats will need more comfort and medical support. You should expect significant stiffness, weight changes, reduced grooming, and behavioral changes.
While adults are recommended to have annual exams, seniors will need a checkup every 6 months. This includes bloodwork and urine testing. Seniors should still be given vaccines and deworming treatments as part of their routine care.
“Helping your cat live long starts by understanding everything in their lives.”
- Dr. Nenad Misura
A cat’s lifespan only extends to a part of our own, which is why we must do everything we can to keep them right by our side. Start with routine care as the foundation and complement it with a happy environment and a loving home.
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