Cats are some of the most loved pets out there. However, like with any pet, there comes a time when they won’t be around anymore. When deciding to own a cat it’s essential to know what their life expectancy is so you can plan for the future. So, how long do cats live?
Cats live to be 12 – 15 years old on average. Indoor cats generally live longer than outdoor cats with an age difference of 8 – 10 years.
While most cats fall into those age ranges, some can live longer due to genetics, and proper care. In this article, we’ll share some ways you can keep your cat healthy and live its longest. We’ll also provide charts and information on a variety of breeds so you know what to expect when deciding on a cat.
How Long Do Indoor Cats Live
Generally, indoor cats live to be 12 – 18 years old. Some indoor cats can live north of 20 years with some of the oldest ones being 22 years old.
The reason indoor cats live so long is that they are kept within relatively safe confines. A home is a safe place compared to the outdoors.
Indoor cats who are allowed to roam freely outside are also at higher risk, especially if they are not monitored during play.
How Long Do Outdoor Cats Live
Outdoor cats live to be 2 – 5 years old. While some outdoor cats can live longer, the risk of disease and predators makes this less likely.
Outdoor cats are at risk to all of the elements of nature, there no safe confines or constant access to food like an indoor cat has.
Cats that roam free outdoors can also easily become injured from falls.
Ways To Help My Cat Live Longer
There are a few things you can do to help your cat live longer:
Keep your cat indoors
The best thing you can do for any cat is to keep them primarly indoors. Being within the confines of four walls means your cat is highly protected from the elements and other animals.
If you’re worried about your cat becoming bored, you can also make sure they have access to windows or screens to gaze from. Also provide your cat with plenty of toys.
Provide plenty of food and water
Food and water are essential for cats to function. Make sure to always provide your cat access to clean water so they can function optimally at all times.
The food your cat eats also matters. It is not wise to feed them just anything. Consult with your vet to find the best food for you cat depending on their current health condition. You’ll need to make considerations for prescription food if they have any health conditions.
Get yearly checkups for your cat
Too often, pet owners do not get checkups. When that happens vaccination schedules are missed and hidden illnesses your cat may have can easily be overlooked.
At a minimum, take your cat to the vet on a yearly basis to make sure they are as healthy as they can be.
Keep your cat physically active
Obesity is a serious issue in cats who do not move around and get physically active. This is a problem that can easily be fixed by getting your cat a companion, or simply playing with them 10 – 15 minutes daily.
Lifespan & Health Factors For Cat Breeds
While most cats live to be in the 12 – 15 year range, it depends on many factors. One of the biggest factors is the breed of a cat. Below is a list of cat breeds that breaks down how long they live, their weight and coat type, and other health issues that may impact how long they live.
How Long Do Burmese Cats Live
Burmese cats live to be 9 – 17 years old. That’s a pretty large range, and if taken care of well, they can bring joy for many years to come. They are one of the top 10 longest-living cat breeds out there and an excellent choice for any family.
| Breed | Burmese |
| Life Expectancy | 9 – 17 years |
| Average Weight | 6- 14 pounds |
| Coat Type | Shorthair |
Burmese cats don’t have too many health issues that would impact their overall lifespan compared to other breeds. They are susceptible to the same health issues you’d find with any cat. In some cases, they can reach beyond 18 – 20 years of age with exceptional care and regular checkups.
How Long Do British Shorthair Cats Live
British shorthair cats live to be 11 – 17 years old. Depending on if the cat is a male or female, or well taken care of, that range can increase to 15 – 20 years.
| Breed | British Shorthair |
| Life Expectancy | 11 – 17 years |
| Average Weight | 6 – 17 pounds |
| Coat Type | Shorthair |
British shorthairs are a relatively calm cat, and so there is less to worry about when it comes to accidents that may impact their life. Generally, they are a long-lived cat.
How Long Do Bengal Cats Live
Bengal cats live to be 12 – 16 years old. They are one of the longest-living cat breeds and are very active physically. With great care and a healthy diet, it’s possible to have a Bengal cat that can live north of 17 – 18 years old.
| Breed | Bengal |
| Life Expectancy | 12 – 16 years |
| Average Weight | 8 – 14 pounds |
| Coat Type | Shorthair |
There are some health issues to keep in mind when it comes to Bengal cats. That includes things such as progressive retinal atrophy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Those are hereditary issues and can have a significant impact on their lifespan.
However, with regular checkups, you can usually spot these issues early and begin treatment before it becomes a serious issue.
Although Bengal cats are quite pricey ($1200 – $3500), they do live for a long while and are worth the investment.
How Long Do American Shorthair Cats Live
American Shorthair cats live to be 15 – 20 years old. They are the most popular domestic cat breed, found in homes all over the globe.
| Breed | American Shorthair |
| Life Expectancy | 15 – 20 years |
| Average Weight | 6 – 12 pounds |
| Coat Type | Shorthair |
American shorthairs are relatively easy to take care of and have the standard health issues you would expect. They have an average weight, and are less likely to deal with obesity issues as a Maine Coon cat would.
They have strong muscles and can handle the day to day wear and tear of being a housecat. They don’t get injured easily and are all around well developed cats.
At most, you’ll need to keep up to date with regular vaccinations and treatments of UTI to keep your cat in healthy conditions.
How Long Do Balinese Cats Live
Balinese cats live to be 11 – 20 years old. That’s a wide range, and mostly because they are a bit more prone to health issues. If you take great care of them, they’ll live to be very old.
| Breed | Balinese |
| Life Expectancy | 11 – 20 years |
| Average Weight | 5- 10 pounds |
| Coat Type | Shorthair |
In some instances, Balinese cats can live between 18 – 22 years old. For the most part, however, you can expect them to live to be around 15 years old on average.
Balinese cats don’t deal with too many genetic diseases, but they are prone to some neurological disorders. They also weigh less than most other cat breeds.
How Long Do Birman Cats Live
Birman cats live to be 11 – 15 years old. They are relatively healthy cats and have an average life expectancy.
| Breed | Birman |
| Life Expectancy | 11 – 15 years |
| Average Weight | 6 – 15 pounds |
| Coat Type | Medium |
In terms of weight, male Birman cats average between 4 – 5 pounds more on either end of the scale.
How Long Do Calico Cats Live
Calico cats live to be 12 – 15 years old. They are very comparable to the Maine Coon in terms of expected health problems they may encounter due to any weight issues. They also are on the taller side, with some getting as large as 16″ in height.
| Breed | Calico |
| Life Expectancy | 12 – 15 years old |
| Average Weight | 6 – 25 pounds |
| Coat Type | Shorthair |
How Long Do Chartreux Cats Live
Chartreux cats live to be 8 – 13 years old. The are one of the shorter-lived cat breeds out there.
| Breed | Chartreux |
| Life Expectancy | 8 – 13 years old |
| Average Weight | 6 – 12 pounds |
| Coat Type | Shorthair |
In terms of overall health, Chartreux cats are prone to patellar luxation. This is a hereditary condition, but not something that will affect their overall life expectancy.
And of course, like other cat breeds, they can run into bacterial infections, but with proper vet care, it will not be an issue.
How Long Do Devon Rex Cats Live
Devon Rex cats live to be 10 – 15 years old. That ranks about average, but this breed does not have as much backend on the lifespan. It’s rare to find a Devon rex that lives past 15 years of age, but it can occur for some senior cats. If you find a Devon Rex that lives to be 20, consider yourself lucky!
| Breed | Devon Rex |
| Life Expectancy | 10 – 15 years |
| Average Weight | 7 – 12 pounds |
| Coat Type | Shorthair |
Devon Rex cats are fairly lightweight at 7 – 12 pounds and easy to take care of. You won’t run into too many health issues outside of the ordinary. This breed is considered a mutation, and it originated in England in the 1960s.
How Long Do Egyptian Mau Cats Live
Egyptian Mau Cats live to be 9 – 13 years old. Considering the value of these cats and compared to other breeds, this one of the shorter lifespans. Some Egyptian Maus can live to be 13 – 15 years old, but that its the exception.
| Breed | Egyptian Mau |
| Life Expectancy | 9 – 13 years |
| Average Weight | 7 – 12 pounds |
| Coat Type | Shorthair/Medium |
Egyptian Mau cats are also fairly lightweight, weighing between 8 – 12 pounds. They have a medium-length coat with gorgeous designs that help them fetch high values of $800 – $2000 in cost.
They have not always been the healthiest cat, and are known for issues such as cardiomyopathy luxating patella and asthma to name a few. They also encounter some birthing difficulties.
How Long Do Maine Coon Cats Live
Maine Coon cats live to be 10 – 15 years old. Most live to be between the 12 – 13 year range on average.
| Breed | Maine Coon |
| Life Expectancy | 10 – 15 years |
| Average Weight | 15 – 25 pounds |
| Coat Type | Long |
Maine coons also weight quite a bit compared to the average house cat. The extra weight has an impact on the overall health of the cat, so it’s important to keep them physically active and get regular checkups for weight.
Some health issues to keep an eye on would be Hip dysplasia which can impact Maine Coon cats especially.
How Long Do Peterbald Cats Live
Peterbald cats live to be 12 – 16 years old. Although their life expectancy is long, they are prone to more injuries due to them being hairless and having delicate skin.
| Breed | Peterbald |
| Life Expectancy | 12 – 16 years old |
| Average Weight | 6 – 12 pounds |
| Coat Type | Hairless |
Because they are hairless, they will run into some issues you won’t find with other breeds. This includes things like sunburn, sensitivity to temperatures, and more.
Peterbald cats can be more prone to colds and other health issues as a result.
How Long Do Ragdoll Cats Live
Ragdoll cats live to be 12 – 15 years old. They are medium to long-haired cats, and weigh a bit more than other breeds.
| Breed | Ragdoll |
| Life Expectancy | 12 – 15 years |
| Average Weight | 8 – 15 pounds |
| Coat Type | Medium/Long |
Because these are larger cats, they are more likely to deal with obesity issues. Regularly monitoring your cats weight and feeding them a healthy diet can help them stay healthy.
Also, because their coat is longer they may have more issues with hairballs which can be a choking hazard.
How Long Do Russian Blue Cats Live
Russian Blue cats live to be 15 – 20 years old. That’s one of the longest lifespans of any cat breed. Russian Blue cats that are well taken care of can live to be older than 20, however, that is a rare occurrence.
| Breed | Russian Blue |
| Life Expectancy | 15 – 20 years |
| Average Weight | 7 – 15 pounds |
| Coat Type | Shorthair |
Although Russian Blue cats have a long life expectancy, the average cat will live to be around 13 years old.
How Long Do Scottish Fold Cats Live
Scottish Fold live to be 10 – 15 years old. However on average, you can expect this breed to live to be 9 – 12 years old.
| Breed | Scottish Fold |
| Life Expectancy | 10 – 15 years |
| Average Weight | 6 – 9 pounds |
| Coat Type | Shorthair |
How Long Do Siamese Cats Live
Siamese cats live to be 12 – 20 years old. Some Siamese cats can live to be 13 – 15 years on average, however. The better they are taken care of, the longer they will live.
| Breed | Siamese |
| Life Expectancy | 12- 20 years |
| Average Weight | 8 – 15 pounds |
| Coat Type | Shorthair |
In terms of physical health, these cats can weigh between 8 – 15 pounds, with the males being the larger of the bunch. Some conditions that may affect how long a Siamese cat lives include UTI, gum disease, and gastrointestinal issues.
How Long Do Singapura Cats Live
Singapura cats live to be 11 – 15 years old. They are one of the smallest cat breeds out there only weighing 4 – 6 pounds.
| Breed | Singapura |
| Life Expectancy | 11 – 15 years |
| Average Weight | 4 – 6 pounds |
| Coat Type | Shorthair |
In terms of health issues, this breed is prone to diabetes which can impact their diet and overall lifespan.
How Long Do Savannah Cats Live
Savannah cats live to be 12 – 15 years old. Some Savannah cats can live longer; up to 20 years in some cases. They are also one of the larger cats, weighing between 12 – 25 pounds.
| Breed | Savannah |
| Life Expectancy | 12 – 15 years |
| Average Weight | 12 – 25 pounds |
| Coat Type | Shorthair |
In terms of health issues, they are known for having heart problems which can have an impact on how long they live.
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