A popular aphorism goes, “A novel must be exceptionally good to live as long as the average cat.” This indicates that cats have a moderate and decent life expectancy. Generally, the cat owners show eagerness to know the lifespan of their cat species. Why? The information helps them plan a good future for the pet, and also, they can stay emotionally sane.
So, how long do cats live? Statistically, the wild cats can live between 2 to 16 years. On the other hand, indoor or pet cats have a life expectancy of about 10 to 17 years. Obviously, both the lifespan can vary depending on the cat breed. Also, the cat can live more or less than the expected lifespan depending on various factors,
Are you wondering about the lifespan of your cat? Then this is the article you need right now. Here I will discuss the popular cat breeds and their life expectancy.
How long do cats live? – Average lifespan of different breeds
The average lifespan of cats is between 2 to 17 years. The longevity depends on the breeds and the care the cat is getting. In this section, I will talk about different cat breeds and their life expectancy.
Siamese
The Siamese cats originated from Thailand. Their average lifespan is around 15 years. Some of the Siamese cats can live up to 20 years. People love this breed due to their intelligence level.
Russian blue
Russian blue cats are very elegant and a bit shy. This breed can live 10 to 20 years on average.
Manx
If you are looking for an extraordinary cat, the Manx can be a great option. This breed is distinctive, and you can easily separate them. How? It is because the Manx has no tail.
The Manx cats are very playful, and with proper care, they can live above 15 years.
Burmese
Some claim that Burmese cats are the longest living. Records showed that some cats of this breed had lived up to 35 years. The average lifespan of a Burmese cat is between 18 to 25 years. These cats are friendly and very playful.
Persian
Who does not love this fluffy white snowball? A Persian cat can live around 15 to 20 years. Usually, Persian cats are very calm and quiet.
Oriental shorthair
The oriental is a hybrid or mixed breed. You can have your oriental shorthair in any color you want. The life expectancy of this breed is over 15 years.
Bombay
Bombay cats are extremely beautiful. The jet black coating with bright eyes makes the breed extraordinary. A domestic Bombay cat can live up to 20 years.
These cats are intelligent and playful. But unfortunately, Bombay cats are rare, and even if you find one, it takes time to adapt to the environment.
Balinese
The Balinese is one of the most popular breeds around the world. These cats are intelligent, chatty, friendly, and affectionate. With great care, a healthy Balinese cat can live around 18 to 22 years.
Sphynx
Do you love cats but are allergic to fur? Do not worry anymore. An alien-like Sphynx cat can be the perfect choice for you.
The Sphynx breed has no hair on its body and looks a bit different from other cats. The average lifespan of these cats is around 15 to 20 years.
Ragdoll
The ragdoll is a comparatively newer breed. When you pick a Ragdoll cat, it limps just like a ragdoll. The breed acts friendly, even with a stranger. The average life expectancy of these cats is around 15 to 25 years.
How long do outdoor cats live?
The lifespan of an outdoor cat is shorter than the indoor cat. The average life expectancy of the outdoor cats is around 3 to 5 years, and they can live between 2 to 11 years. In some cases, an outdoor cat can live up to 17 years. The lifespan can vary depending on the health, breed, and other conditions.
Now a question can arise why the outdoor cats have a shorter lifespan. It is because outdoor cats are susceptible to a number of dangers that do not affect indoor cats. For example, they are exposed to parasites, fleas, ticks, and other illnesses. Also, outdoor cats can get injured by falling in an accident.
But do not think the life of an outdoor cat is miserable. They can hike, and roam around freely, which is not an option for indoor cats.
How long do cats live? – Lifespan of indoor cats
An indoor cat lives longer than outdoor cats. The average lifespan of an indoor cat is somewhat between 13 to 17 years. But with proper care, a healthy cat can live up to 20 years. The lifespan totally depends on the breed of the individual.
You can question why an indoor cat lives longer. Well, these cats are safe from any dangers of the outside world. The owners do their vaccination on time and feed the cats well.
The indoor cats do not have a fear of falling into any accidents or getting infested by parasites. If you are looking for a cat with a long lifespan, go for any indoor cats.
How long do overweight cats live?
I get this question a lot. Unfortunately, an overweight cat lives a shorter life. Like humans, getting fat can have severe side effects on cats too.
Generally, if you feed your cat more than it needs or does not encourage it to workout, the pet will start getting fat. Experts claim that an overweight cat can live up to 5 to 10 years. Depending on the condition or weight, the lifespan can vary.
Do black cats live longer?
People have a belief that any animal with a black coat lives longer than others. This is true in many cases. The back cats have a reputation to live longer than other cat breeds. The average life expectancy of the black cat is around 12 to 15 years.
How long do cats live? I guess you have got your answers. Before adopting or buying any cat, check its lifespan. This will help you with planning for the cat more efficiently.
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