What is the average life span of a house cat?

Answer 1

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The official average lifespan of a cat in the US is 13-14 years old at this time. However, that includes cats who go outdoors, as well as those who live completely indoors. There are no official statistics on cats who live completely indoors (i.e., a house cat) that I am aware of.

In recent years, we're seeing more and more cats who live beyond 15. And many vet practices report several cats as patients who are in their 20s. While it's certainly not common for cats to live into their 20s, it does seem to be happening more often. I attribute this to better veterinary care and better awareness of owners. The internet has helped a lot because owners now ask questions, join groups, read information online and are far better informed about what to feed, and what treatments can help their cats' illnesses.

One of the vets I know has seen a cat as old as 26. I know someone who has a 27 year old cat. The oldest reported in history was 32, but it wasn't conclusively proven.

My oldest cat is 19.5, but I have several friends with cats that are 20-23.

A lot depends on genetics, but it's generally very possible with good care for a cat to live into its mid to late teens and much much more.

Good luck.

Source(s):

Vet Tech, Cat Shelter Owner & Owned by 5 wonderful cats

Answer 2

My Stimpy is 13, but I heard 25 to 30 is not unreasonable. Frankly I'm not looking forward to the last days.

Answer 3

I have three cats that are well over 20 years.

Answer 4

Varies on the care they recive, good care they live longer.....about 13-16 years....

Answer 5

i would think about 15+ since most the cats i know are about that age now

Answer 6

My cat Cheech, has been with me for 15 years, and I rescued her when she was older, according to my vet, she is healthy and she still loves to catch the birds that fly close to the ground.

Answer 7

It really depends. Assuming that you have a healthy, indoor-only cat who gets regular vet visits, you should reach 15-20 years.

Sadly, the life expectency of an outdoor-only or indoor/outdoor cat is less than 3 years.

Source(s):

http://www.safecats.org

Answer 8

14 years

Answer 9

I had a Siamese cat that lived to be 18 which I think is really old in cat years.

Some friends tabby lived to be 21 so I guess it just depends to the life style health and when time runs out.

Answer 10

with good care, 15 years isn't unusual. They may have some health issues for the last few years, though. Then it comes down to quality of life - how long do you let them go before it's time?

Answer 11

15yrs

Answer 12

12-16 years, but depends on breed.

Answer 13

Hi. I've read & heard they can live 20+ these days. Being indoors is a definite plus.

Answer 14

9 Lives

Answer 15

12-13 years.

Answer 16

My SIL has a housecat (neutered, never outside) that just turned 17!

But on average, about 12 years.

Answer 17

With proper care, an indoor house cat can live between 15 and 20 years with the average being 18. On exception house cats can live upwards of 20 years. Outdoor cats live normally half that time, the average live span being about 9 years.

Answer 18

It depends on the cat. Cats are considered "elderly" at around 9 years old. But I have a cat who is 14 and acts much younger. I've had cats live to 19 years old.

Answer 19

I had to get my cat Charlie put down last June and he was 12 :o(, I knew someone who's cat died at 21.

Answer 20

it's usually 11yrs.

Answer 21

It´s all depending the type of cat you have.! but the average life span is approximately 9-15 years

Answer 22

15 years. Assuming your cat is fed a proper diet, and gets adequate veterinary care.

Source(s):

Mom of several cats over several years. My longest lived cat lived to be 21.

Answer 23

both cats that i've had have lived till at least 13
usually the average is 10

Answer 24

Depends on if it is a pedigree or a moggie, moggies live about 15 yrs, and some pedigrees live longer than other, but average about 10. My moggie lived 19 yrs

Answer 25

about 9

Answer 26

it varies, my cat lived to be 17 years old, we just have to put him to sleep a few months ago, cuz old age finally got him

Answer 27

I had two unrelated cats that lived to be 19 and 21. They received really good veterinary care and food, which probably added a few years.