Good news for cat lovers: Cats are living longer lives than ever thanks to better nutrition and advances in medical care. So just how long do indoor cats live?

The short answer, according to the ASPCA, is 13 to 17 years. That’s the average for all cats kept indoors, but there are many variables that can shorten or lengthen a cat’s life.

FACTORS THAT IMPACT LIFE EXPECTANCY

While 13 to 17 years is the average life expectancy for an indoor cat, some live much shorter lives while others live well into their 20s. One kitty, Crème Puff, made it to the ripe old age of 38!

Want your cat to outlive the average? Here are some things to consider:

• Routine Medical Care
  Cats won’t complain when they don’t feel good. In fact, you won’t likely notice anything is wrong with your pet until things have progressed to the point that it may be too late for effective treatment.That’s why routine care is so important. In addition to vaccines and other preventative measures, the vet can also perform annual tests to make sure your cat isn’t dealing with any medical conditions. In many cases, when caught early, the conditions can be successfully treated.
• DietAn ideal diet is moisture-rich and has all of the nutrition your cat needs. Since there are so many options, it can be difficult to choose a quality cat food. Your best bet is to discuss the various diets with your vet, so he or she can guide you to the food that is best for your cat.
• Exercise
  Some cats are notoriously lazy, so how can you get an indoor cat to exercise? Interacting with your cat is one option. Most cats can’t resist a laser pointer, so spend some time each day having your cat chase the red dot. Other interactive toys, such as wands with feathers or battery-operated rolling toys, can also get your cat moving.If you’re seriously committed to your cat’s fitness, consider investing in a cat wheel or treadmill, which should only be used with your supervision.
• Prevent Boredom
  Keeping your cat engaged can help to extend his life, and there are many ways to do this, including the introduction of new toys regularly, spending time interacting each day, and providing climbing opportunities, such cat towers or wall-mounted options.

A WORD ABOUT OUTDOOR CATS

This article answered the question “how long do indoor cats live?” but it’s important to point out the best way to shorten a cat’s life expectancy is to let him wander outside. Outdoor cats only live an average of 2 to 5 years. The dramatic difference is attributed to the many dangers an outdoor cat faces, including traffic and predators.

LIFESPANS OF POPULAR BREEDS

Are you thinking about adding a cat to your family? Here are the average lifespans of some of the most popular breeds:

• Siamese: 12 to 20 years
• Calico: 12 to 15 years
• Bengal: 14 to 16 years
• Burmese: 16 to 18 years
• Savannah: 12 to 20 years
• Ragdoll: 15 to 18 years
• Russian Blue: 15 to 20 years
• American Shorthair: 15 to 20 years
• Sphynx: 10 to 15 years
• Manx: 8 to 14 years
• Persian: 10 to 17 years
• Maine Coon: 10 to 13 years
• Munchkin: 12 to 15 years

The Vet on 4th helps pet owners in the Longview, TX area take great care of their pets by providing exceptional medical care and expert advice about all manner of proper pet care. If you’re in the Longview area, make an appointment to meet our vets and see our facility. We’d love to become your partners in your pets’ healthcare!