Cats live about 12 to 18 years, and indoor cats often live longer.
Lifespan
Cats live about 12 to 18 years on average. Indoor cats often live 13 to 17 years, and some reach 20 or more. Outdoor cats live shorter lives, around 2 to 5 years for free-roaming ones.
Record
The Guinness record is 38 years and 3 days, by Creme Puff of Texas (1967 to 2005).
Factors
- Genetics and breed.
- Diet and weight.
- Spaying or neutering.
- Vaccines and vet care.
- Indoor environment.
Common illness
Kidney disease, dental disease, diabetes and hyperthyroidism.
Senior
Cats are considered senior at 10 to 11.
Tip
Annual vet checks, a balanced diet and play.
Lifespan data
Indoor cats live on average 12 to 18 years, and many reach 20. Outdoor cats live shorter lives, often 5 to 10 years, because of traffic, disease, predators and fights. Neutered and spayed cats live longer than intact ones in most studies. Mixed breed cats tend to outlive some purebreds, though Siamese and Burmese are known for long lives.
Longest lived
Guinness lists Creme Puff of Texas as the oldest cat ever, living 38 years and 3 days (1967 to 2005). The oldest living cat title has changed over time, with several cats reported past 30 years. Verifying very old ages is hard without good records.
What affects lifespan
- Indoor or outdoor life.
- Weight: obesity raises the risk of diabetes, arthritis and heart disease.
- Dental care, since gum disease can lead to kidney and heart problems.
- Vaccines and parasite prevention.
- Diet quality and hydration, with wet food helping urinary and kidney health.
- Genetics.
Common illnesses
- Chronic kidney disease, which affects up to 30% of cats over 10 years old and a large majority of those over 15.
- Hyperthyroidism, which often starts after age 10.
- Diabetes, mostly in overweight cats.
- Dental disease, present in most cats over 3 years of age.
- Cancer, especially lymphoma.
- Arthritis, which is under-diagnosed.
Life stages
Kittens are up to 1 year, young adults 1 to 6, mature adults 7 to 10, seniors 11 to 14 and geriatric 15 and older, according to the American Association of Feline Practitioners. A one year old cat is similar to a 15 year old person, and a 10 year old cat to a person in the mid 50s.
Senior care
- Take senior cats to the vet twice a year.
- Blood and urine tests can catch kidney and thyroid disease early.
- Use low-sided litter boxes and ramps if jumping becomes hard.
- Keep water bowls and food easy to reach, and encourage drinking with a fountain.
- Watch for weight loss, drinking more, litter box changes and hiding.
Tip
Keep your cat lean, indoors or in a secure catio, current on vaccines and checked by a vet at least yearly. Microchipping helps bring lost cats home.
Indoor versus outdoor cats
Indoor cats commonly live 12 to 18 years, while outdoor cats live about 2 to 5 years on average in some surveys because of traffic, disease, predators and fights. Spayed and neutered cats live longer on average. The oldest verified cat, Creme Puff of Texas, lived 38 years and 3 days, according to Guinness World Records. Feeding a complete, balanced diet, keeping weight healthy, annual vet checks and dental care add years. Kidney disease affects roughly 30 percent of cats over age 10, according to veterinary sources, so blood and urine tests in senior cats catch it early. Vaccination and parasite control also matter, especially for kittens.
Based on data from Guinness World Records and International Cat Care
