Cats have more life expectancy than dogs. The average life expectancy for a cat is 15 years as compared to dogs, who live on an average of around 12 years. This data does vary within breeds due to several factors. Like smaller dog breeds live longer than their larger counterparts. Similarly, this differs in cats; also, some indoor cats live more than outdoor cats. Indoor cats are tame pets compared to outdoor cats, who are vulnerable and don’t have a proper shelter.
How Long Do Cats Live?
One year of cat age is equivalent to four years of human age. The main factor how long do cats live differs from one to another. Cats are expected to have an average life expectancy of 15 years. The oldest average cat life span is 39 years; she was an indoor domesticated cat—many other cats who lived longer than their life expectancy were indoor cats. Outdoor cats are more susceptible to many factors that reduce their life span than indoor cats. Outdoor cats are prone to many factors that reduce their lifespan, the main factors being predators, prone to being hit by a vehicle, health conditions, etc.
Due to these factors, the expected average age of cats shortens to two to five years. Indoor cats are more tamed; they are in more secure positions and don’t have to proclaim their territory or establish their position. Mostly they are the only cat in the home and enjoy all the attention to themselves. Even if they are brought up with other cats, they are more likely to mingle and adjust with one another. Some cats are left to take a stroll outside; this exposes them to all other dangers ; this could also reduce the lifespan of a cat. Neutered pets have a better life expectancy than non-neutered ones.
Lifespan of Different Cat Breeds?
Apart from external factors, cat longevity is also highly dependent on breeds. Adopting or buying particular breeds may lead you one step ahead in ensuring that your feline friend stays around for some more time. Generally, mixed breeds have more average life than the domestic cat life expectancy. Breeds like American Domestic have the genetics of diverse breeds, making them immune to hereditary diseases. However, some pure breeds like Manx and Siamese do have better longevity. Here is a list of some most popular cat breeds according to their life expectancy. Long-haired cats like Burmese, Balinese, and Persian are longest living cats.
- Burmese: 20 to 25 years
- Balinese: 18 to 22
- Persian: 16 to 20
- Siamese: 15 to 20
- American Shorthair: 15 to 20
- Manx: 15 to 18
- Savannah: 12 to 20
- Ragdoll:12 to 17
- Bombay: 12 to 16
- Egyptian Mau: 12 to 15
- Sphynx:12 to 14
- Russian Blue: 10 to 20
- Oriental Shorthair: 10 to 15
Factors that Impact Cat Life Expectancy
#1 Indoor or Outdoor
Ever wondered how long do cats live indoors? There is a drastic decrease if we compare the lifespan of an indoor vs outdoor cat. There are various reasons for it as well. The main reason is health issues; if a house cat shows distress or symptoms, the pet owner is quick at feet to give them the best care available. For outdoor cats, it is nowhere near the same. Kidney failure, followed by trauma, is the major reason for this reduced life expectancy. Other reasons include infection and symptoms after engaging with other predators or cats. Outdoor cats can be run over by speeding vehicles, which shrinks their chances of living.
Whereas indoor cats are deeply cared for and taken care of. However, it is often a topic of debate if the indoor cat should be left out or not because of confinement and restrictions. If indoor cats are left to roam around in the neighborhood, they are also at risk of getting hit by an automobile or infected by other cats and predators. A healthy diet, vaccinations, and medical care also play a key role in the overall well-being of indoor cats.
#2 Breed
The difference in breeds also helps. Cross-breeds are also called moggy. Some cross-breeds are more immune compared to pure breeds. An exception to this prominent notion comes with pure breeds like Manx and Siamese. Mix breed cats like American Domestic acquires their immunity against certain immunity diseases from their parents.
#3 Health Care
Unlike humans, our pets, like cats and dogs, cannot respond or let us know what is going wrong. We, as pet parents, should be vigilant in their daily behavior and actions and get help as soon as possible. Outdoor cats are devoid of this extra care.
#4 Diet
Obesity or lack of proper diet is one of the factors too. Their food should be properly curated, keeping in mind a moisture-laden, nutrient-rich cat diet. Indoor cats can be at the receiving end of obesity due to a lack of proper movement and surplus treats. There can also be some human foods and things that they are toxic or allergic to. Before treating them with any diet not originally meant for them, consult a vet to avoid complications.
Other prominent health issues like Feline Immunodeficiency Virus(FIV), Diabetes, Renal Failure, Asthma, Anemia, Hypothyroidism, etc., can be kept in check for indoor cats and treated accordingly, but this rarely happens for outdoor cats. Indoor cats get their diet altered according to age; as they become senior or geriatric, their diets also change to supplement any deficiencies or health issues.
#5 Exercise
Like humans, cats also require adequate food and exercise; overdoing any could risk their health. Due to varied restrictions, indoor cats refrained from many activities they would be free to pursue if they were outdoor cats. This could affect the mental and physical health of your furry friends. Ensure a healthy lifestyle keeps them engaged and active as much as possible.
Conclusion
Cat Life expectancy cannot be exactly calculated as it depends upon many external and internal factors. It surely affects one’s mental well-being when a pet dies, and separation is inevitable. We can pick a breed accordingly; provide them with the best care, treatment, love, and affection. Although being a pet parent of a specific breed might not be in our hands, taking proper care of them is.