Although they may not have nine lives, it’s not uncommon for cats to enjoy the one life they’ve got for many years, even decades. But as with humans, numerous factors play critical roles in lengthening or curtailing a cat’s lifespan, especially genetics, lifestyle and the kind of care their owners give them.
What Is the Average Cat Lifespan?
It’s hard to find a definitive answer to this question. Depending on which pet-expert source you favor, you’ll see cat lifespan estimates ranging from 10 to 15 years to 12 to 18 years. PetMD splits the difference by putting the average feline lifespan at 13 to 17 years.
Again, that’s an average. Plenty of people have cats who live to the age of 20 or even older. Siamese, Russian Blue and Persian cats are just a few of the longer-lived breeds, although Burmese are considered at the top tier of feline longevity, living on average 18 to 25 years, with some rare overachievers reportedly making it to their 30s.
