Cats can enjoy many good years – and with the right care and follow-up, you as the owner can help ensure that they live as long as possible. Our pets enrich our lives and everyday lives with lots of joy and love – and it is therefore not surprising that we want them to live forever. A common question among those who want a four-legged friend – is often how long does a cat live
Although it can vary and is of course individual – the average lifespan for most cats is around 12-15 years. In this article, we take a closer look at how long a cat lives. We also explain the natural life stages of a cat and what you can do to ensure that your cat lives as long and healthy as possible.
Table of contents
How long does a cat live?
There are several factors that affect the average lifespan of a cat. One of the biggest factors is whether the cat is an indoor cat or whether it has the opportunity to move freely outdoors. There are several reasons why outdoor cats have a shorter life expectancy than fur babies who mostly live indoors. Cats are not aware of traffic rules – and if you live near busy roads – cats are exposed to danger from cars that can shorten their lifespan. Outdoor cats are also at greater risk of being exposed to injuries and diseases when they are outdoors – in addition to the risk of ingesting toxic substances.
Factors that affect the cat's lifespan
In addition to the cat's lifestyle, there are also a number of other factors that affect its lifespan.
Genes:
Genetics play a significant role in how long a cat lives. Hereditary diseases can negatively affect the cat's lifespan.
Health problems:
It can be difficult to detect health problems in cats as they are good at hiding discomfort. Regular annual veterinary visits are important to detect any illnesses early.
Cat breeds:
Some cat breeds have a longer life expectancy – such as the Siamese, British Shorthair, American Shorthair, Russian Blue and Burmese.
Sex:
Neutering can reduce the risk of cats wandering far, avoid injuries from fights with other cats, and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
Diet:
Correct nutrition, what the cat eats, health and lifestyle are decisive factors.
Activity level:
Indoor cats require more play and mental stimulation since they don't get this from the outside world. Obesity in cats can lead to several health problems.
Cat years to human years - How to calculate the age of a kitty
When calculating your cat's age in human years – it requires a bit of math. Cats age much faster than humans – especially in the early stages of life. One cat year is equivalent to about 15 human years – but this ratio changes over time. For the first two cat years, it is equivalent to about 24 human years – and then you add four human years for each subsequent cat year.
Cat year calculator
The cat's life stages
Cats go through different life stages from kitten to old age. Each phase brings with it specific signs of aging in the cat. Of course there are individual differences as each cat is unique.
Kitten (0–6 months)
This phase corresponds to approximately 0 to 10 human years. Here the kitten grows rapidly – and you will see big changes in size – sometimes from week to week. Kittens usually have a lot of energy – but this does not necessarily indicate the cat’s future personality. This is the start of the rest of their life – and it is natural for the little one to want to explore and try to get to know everything – including their own body parts. Therefore, it is not unusual for them to try their hand at both teeth and claws.
At this stage, the cat can also be castrated. This is usually done when the cat is between 4 and 6 months old.
Junior (7 months – 2 years)
Approximately 12-24 human years. Your cat has now entered junior life – and it is during this phase that the cat becomes sexually mature. The energy is dampened a bit – but it will still be playful, curious and strong. During this phase of life, your cat not only experiences sexual maturation – but also a general maturity both physically and mentally. If you have not neutered your cat – unwanted behavior may begin to appear. When growth slows down – you should switch to cat food for adult cats. This is usually when it is around six months old.
The junior cat thrives on exploring its surroundings – and therefore any health challenges are often related to infections, injuries or other consequences of hunting or fighting. It is also at this time that your cat receives its first round of vaccinations, which provide protection against some of the most common infectious diseases.
Adult (3–6 years)
Here the cat is approximately between 28–42 human years. Your furry friend has now become an adult. This is normally a peaceful and calm period as long as the cat remains healthy. It is important to keep an eye on its health by regularly checking its teeth, weight and general behavior. However, many adult cats experience dental problems that can in some cases lead to both pain and tooth loss. In our VetPlan scheme for cats, you get free annual vaccinations and health checks as well as dental cleanings with VetPlan Pluss.
Middle-aged (7–10 years)
Here the cat is approximately between 46–58 human years. As mentioned, there is not always a direct correlation between the cat's age and its behavior or appearance. When it reaches middle age - you will not necessarily notice any particular changes in appearance or behavior. However, the risk of certain health problems that typically occur in older cats will increase. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer or obesity. It is therefore important to closely monitor your cat's behavior and health in order to detect any changes.
Senior (11–14 years)
Here the cat is approximately between 64-80 human years. If you are lucky enough to have a senior cat – your furry friend has had a long life. At this stage in their life, many cats choose to take it easy – and they tend to appreciate stability. With age, the likelihood of various health challenges increases – just like with us humans. These can include conditions such as dementia, kidney failure, cancer, diabetes, osteoarthritis and more. Be aware that many of these challenges can be managed – so don’t trivialize them just because your cat is older.
Obesity is often common at this stage – perhaps even a little earlier – so it can be smart to adjust and adapt your cat’s diet. Pay special attention to your cat’s weight by conducting regular checks as changes over time can sometimes go unnoticed. Also, pay extra attention to your cat’s general health to be able to detect any illnesses as early as possible.
Geriatrician (15+ years)
Now the cat is about 85 human years and older. A 20-year-old cat is actually equivalent to about 110 human years! When the cat reaches this impressive age - it requires extra attention and care. It is natural that diseases that are already common in the older phase - can start to show themselves now. Therefore, it is important to carry out regular health checks and examinations. Many of the ailments and challenges that can arise in a super senior cat - have treatment options that can help maintain a good quality of life.
