Average Age of Cats Death – Factors Influencing a Cat’s Life Expectancy

As a cat parent losing your cat can be one devastating experience, whether you expect it or not. Death in cats is inevitable, but sadly, some conditions or situations can further shorten your cat’s lifespan.  In today’s post, we will use our research-based article to highlight the life expectancy of a cat. Then, we’ll give you several factors contributing to the average age of cats’ death.

Table of Contents

How Long do Cats Live?

To several researches and experiences, cats have a lifespan of around 15 years, including factors like breed type, diet, exercise, etc. Other senior cats who have experienced healthy living can surpass 15 years and peak at 20+ years.

In the past few decades, cats’ lifetime was only ten years, with 11-year-old or older cats only making up 20% of the cat population. But thanks to advanced medical technologies, cats can live longer through effective health maintenance.  

Comparison chart of cat and human years

(Comparison chart of cat and human years)

Key Factors that Influence the Life Span of a Cat

Some factors include;

Indoor VS Outdoor Cat

According to ASPCA, indoor cats typically live 13–17 years but can live to about 20 years. Conversely, outdoor cats with daytime freedom have shorter lifetimes (2-3 years less) than their indoor counterparts. Outdoor cats face several risks like infections, animal attacks, and traffic accidents. 

Cat Breed

The average life span of each cat breed is different. For example, purebred cats live shorter than mixed-breed cats, like American Domestics,  because the latter have genes protecting them against some hereditary illnesses. But Siamese and Manx cats (pure breeds) can also live long.

Average Age of Cats Death:  Siamese cat

(Siamese cat)

Regular Medical Care

Cats usually hide their illnesses. That’s why you may realize your cat is sick when it’s a bit late. So, going to the vet for regular checkups is especially important for cats. It’s the best way to identify issues earlier and initiate treatment.

Diet

An ideal cat diet that increases its lifespan is rich in nutrients and high in moisture. Dehydration is common in cats, so providing them with many drinking alternatives helps. 

Average Age of Cats Death:  Vitamins for cats via germinated oats

(Vitamins for cats via germinated oats)

There is a variety of cat food for different purposes, like older cats and sick cats, alongside their separate issues. Averagely, a cat lives six months less for every 1kg that it weighs as an adult. So constantly check its weight for any health concerns. 

Average Age of Cats Death: Exercise

Your cat is more likely to stay healthy if it moves around for the most part. If your cat stays inside, you can use interactive toys to encourage your cat to move about and hunt. In addition, you can employ cat towers to enable the cats to stretch and jump. 

Average Age of Cats Death:  Cats lying on a cat tower

(Cats lying on a cat tower)

Average Age of Cats Death: Boredom or Mental Health

Even cats become sad, especially when bored. Almost all cats love some variety in their livelihoods, with “hunting” being their favorite thing to do. 

Once more, climbing equipment and toys can keep them busy and entertained. However, playing with your cat often is the most favorable way to uplift its mental spirit. 

Average Age of Cats Death:  A woman playing with her cat at home

(A woman playing with her cat at home)

Neutered or Spayed

When a veterinarian spays/neuters your cat, you won’t worry about the cat contracting diseases that interfere with its reproductive system as they age. Furthermore, female cats usually live an extra one to two years compared to male cats.

What are the most Common Causes of Death in Cats?

Generally, cats die from the following conditions (starting from the lowest percentage).

  • Heart disease – 4.2%
  • Lung disease – 5.5%
  • Brain disease – 7%
  • Growths/lumps – 10.2%
  • Cancer – 10.8%
  • Kidney disease – 12.1%
  • Trauma – 12.2%
Over five years Under five years
Cancer – 12.3%Viral infection – 6.6%
Kidney disease – 13.6%Trauma – 47.3%

Conclusion

In summary, each day allows us to improve our cat’s health despite having zero control over when they might leave us. 

You can also check our website to know more about cats and learn a thing or two.