The age of our pets has always been a central topic — and it’s no wonder. We want them by our side for as long as possible.

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In this article, you’ll learn how long an average cat lives, and we’ll also discuss how you can help extend your pet’s days on Earth.

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How long does an ordinary house cat live?

The average lifespan of a cat is 13–17 years. Among the many influencing factors, breed can also play a significant role, but if we want to determine the median, we can agree on this range. Of course, there are always cats like 27-year-old Flossie, who, by some miracle, live to an exceptionally old age. For instance, Creme Puff, the oldest cat ever recorded, passed away in 2005 at the age of 38 years and 3 days.

Experts believe that domestic cats — that is, non-pedigree cats — are less often affected by hereditary diseases, so their average lifespan may be 1–2 years longer. However, there is another crucial factor that plays a huge role here, which we’ll get to right away.

How to help your feline friend live longer

Beyond whether your cat is purebred, many other factors influence lifespan — such as lifestyle, diet, genetics, and regular vet visits. As an owner, you can directly influence three of these aspects, and we dare say, you have a responsibility to do so. To emphasize this point: how long your cat lives depends largely on you!

How long a cat lives depends largely on its owner. Regular play, for example, keeps them mentally and physically fit.

Let’s start with living conditions. An outdoor or free-roaming cat has an average lifespan of only 2–5 years, compared to 13–17 years for an indoor cat. Therefore, if possible, keep your pet indoors. If you still want to let them enjoy the outdoors, always supervise them during these times.

Closely tied to this is the next point: for an indoor cat to live a full life, the owner must ensure regular playtime. This is the only way a cat can express its natural instincts and get enough exercise to maintain fitness and mental well-being. Play is therefore an essential element of both mental and physical health.

Adequate quality and quantity of food is also important

When it comes to feeding, keep in mind that cats can obtain all the nutrients they need from animal proteins. Therefore, make sure to buy the best quality, age- and health-appropriate, protein-rich food you can afford, and serve it in small portions at least three times a day.

In addition, take care of their dental health with daily tooth brushing — periodontal disease can shorten a cat’s life by years. Finally, take your cat for an annual veterinary check-up until the age of 7, and twice a year thereafter, even if they appear perfectly healthy. This way, illnesses can be detected in their early stages, giving your cat the treatment they deserve.

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