Cats, on average, live for up to 12-15 years old. Some cats can reach 18 years. The average age of an indoor cat is about 15 years old. Indoor cats tend to live longer than indoor/outdoor cats or purebreds living in the wild.
Cats’ long lives are partly due to their ability to successfully hunt (and eat!) small prey like mice and other vermin, which allows them to avoid injury that might shorten their lives. And of course, you can help your cat make it to 18 by providing a healthy diet, regular veterinary care, and minimizing stressful events in your kitty’s life!
One thing to be aware of is that purebred cats tend not to live as long as moggies (or non-pedigree cats). For example, Persian cats tend to live shorter lives than other breeds, most likely due to their different body types.
If you’re thinking of buying or adopting a purebred cat, do your research beforehand to make sure you know the risks.
You can help keep your cat healthy by providing regular veterinary care (ideally including annual vaccinations for common feline ailments like FIV and FeLV) and avoiding stressful events. Change in diet or environment can be very dangerous for cats, so make sure you adjust their food and routines gradually over time.
We usually start to see a decrease in lifespan around 10 years, but if your cat reaches 15 years old, it’s doing pretty well.
Why does a cat have seven or nine lives?
The oldest cat in the world
According to Guinness World Records, the oldest cat on record was an Australian named Creme Puff who lived from August 3, 1967, to August 6, 2005—an astonishing 38 years and 3 days!
What is the average age of an indoor cat?
About 15 years.
How much do cats cost to adopt?
Depends on the shelter. Some charge as little as $15 while others, especially animal rescues that take in special needs animals or have a high volume of animals, can run into the hundreds of dollars.
When should I get my cat neutered or spayed?
Your cat should be neutered or spayed around 6-8 months old. There are health risks associated with having your female cat give birth later in life, and you won’t have to worry about unplanned litters of kittens!
What are some risks for purebred cats?
Some cat breeds have genetic predispositions to certain diseases or conditions, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into before bringing home a particular breed! Persian cats often live shorter lives due to their different body shapes.
Tips for increasing cat longevity:
- Understand how cats live on average
- Help your cat make it to 18 years old by providing regular vet care and a healthy diet
- Spaying or neutering is important for both the health of the cat and humans around them
- Know what you’re getting into before adopting a purebred cat
- Keep your cat happy
- Help your cat exercise (especially when he is indoor)
Cats are amazing animals with long lifespans. To help your furry friend live a longer life, provide regular vet care and keep him happy!
