How Long Do Cats Live
How long can cats live? This is a common question from cat owners. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the oldest cat ever is Creme Puff who was born on 3 August 1967 and lived until 6 August 2005. It is unknown exactly how Creme Puff was able to live to be such an old cat but a combination of loving care, good genetics, and a safe environment were probably key factors, according to The Spruce. The average lifespan of a cat depends on many factors- the breed, health care, lifestyle, and environment.
What Is The Lifespan Of Popular Cat Breeds
Different cat breeds have different life expectancies.
| Cat Breed | Average Lifespan |
| American Shorthair Cat | 15 – 20 years |
| Bengal Cat | 12 – 16 years |
| Birman Cat | 12 – 16 years |
| British Shorthair Cat | 12 – 17 years |
| Burmese Cat | 10 – 17 years |
| Devon Rex | 10 – 15 years |
| Exotic Shorthair Cat | 12 – 14 years |
| Himalayan Cat | 10 – 15 years |
| Norwegian Forest Cat | 14 – 17 years |
| Maine Coon Cat | 12 – 15 years |
| Manx Cat | 9 – 14 years |
| Persian Cat | 12 – 17 years |
| Ragdoll Cat | 12 – 17 years |
| Russian Blue Cat | 15 – 20 years |
| Savannah Cat | 17 – 20 years |
| Siamese Cat | 10 – 13 years |
| Siberian Cat | 11 – 15 years |
| Scottish Fold Cat | 11 – 14 years |
| Sphynx Cat | 15 – 20 years |
| Tonkinese | 10 – 16 years |
Indoor Vs Outdoor Cats
The daily risks that outdoor felines take are much higher than indoor felines. In general terms, the life expectancy of a domesticated indoor cat is 12 to 18 years, while an outdoor cat is significantly shorter at only 4 to 5 years. An indoor cat is sheltered inside a secure home.
By contrast, an outdoor feline is more likely to be involved in traumas, including vehicle accidents, attacks from predators and threatening viruses such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). The more time a feline spends outside, the greater the risk is of an illness or injury from that environment.
How To Help Your Cat Live Longer
There are many things you can do to help your cat lives happily and longer:
Do Not Declaw
Note that claws are their only real form of defense against other animals. Without claws, they cannot defend themselves – so a declawed cat should never be let outside.
Have Your Cat Spayed Or Neutered
Cats that are spayed or neutered will tend to be less aggressive. They are less likely to fight with other animals and get injured.
Provide Fresh Food and Water
Food and water are necessary for a cat to survive. So make sure your cat always has access to fresh food and clean water.
Veterinary Care
Bring your cat to the vet regularly, especially if she is an outdoor cat. It’s very important to keep your cat’s vaccines up to date and always provide heartworm prevention as well as flea prevention.
Houseplants
Note that there are many houseplants are poisonous to cats. Be sure to remove the potentially harmful plants from your cat.
Healthy Diet
Avoid cheap pet food. Most of the cheaper cat foods do not provide all of the nutrition that your cat needs. Learn how to select a good pet food here. If you are unsure which is the best for your feline friend, consult your vet. Keep an eye on your cat’s weight too. Like humans, felines are prone to weight-related health problems. Cat obesity can exacerbate several serious disorders such as diabetes, liver disease and arthritis.