Cats are one of the most popular house pets to own around the world. Independent, cuddly, and vocal, most house cats bring joy and entertainment to the average family. But how long do house cats live, and how can you extend the life of your feline companion?

Independent, cuddly, and vocal, most house cats bring joy and entertainment to the average family.
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Let’s go over how long cats live on average, along with their life cycles. This could give you keen insight into how to best take care of your furry friend for the entirety of their lives!
How Long Do Cats Live?

Cats live an average of 12-16 years in captivity, depending on the breed and overall care. Some breeds live longer than others, and gender or neutering may also affect your cat’s lifespan.
Research has shown that crossbred, lighter-weight, and neutered cats live longer than their purebred, overweight, and unneutered counterparts. Purebred cats can also live long and healthy lives, but their lifespans vary from breed to breed.
Regardless of breed or gender, some cats live far beyond the average. At least one cat lived to almost the age of 40- that’s beyond any pet owner’s expectations!
To fully understand a cat’s lifespan, it’s important to understand the life cycle of domestic cats.
The Average Cat Life Cycle

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Newborns
Newborn kittens can’t do much without their mother. Their ears are flattened against their heads, their eyes are closed, and they need their mother for both warmth and food. Even in a domestic situation, a mother cat must protect her kittens.
In the first week of life, newborn kittens spend the majority of their time sleeping and the rest of that time eating. They can’t stand and need to be fed at least every 2 hours. However, in the first week, they will double their weight and even start vocalizing for food and attention.
Kittens

On average, kittens weigh three to four ounces at birth.
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At 4 weeks old, kittens begin to grow into their looks and personalities. They can walk more confidently on their own, and may even start playing and investigating their environment in classic curious cat fashion.
Most cats are considered kittens until they are around a year old. During this first year of life, kittens love to play, eat, and learn how to use their fine motor skills, ideally in a litter situation. They rely on their mother during this first year, if the mother is present.
However, many kittens are adopted as early as 2 months of age. The 2-month mark is an ideal age for adoption, as it is when kittens can be safely spayed or neutered. Spaying or neutering your cat has been proven to extend the lifespan of your cat.
Adulthood
While it may surprise you to learn, many cats don’t reach adulthood until they are 2 to 3 years old. Some larger breeds of cats, such as Maine Coons or ragdolls, continue to grow well into their fourth year of life.
Adult cats need much less supervision than kittens, but this doesn’t mean that they don’t need enrichment and activities. Adult cats still want to play, and can still get up to mischief in your home, which is why it is important to give them many outlets if they are an indoor-only cat.
Adulthood is also when you should keep a close eye on your cat’s overall health, with regular vet visits and checkups. Many adult cats can develop teeth and gum issues, leading to difficulties eating later in life.
Senior Cats

Many cats don’t reach adulthood until they are 2 to 3 years old.
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Cats are considered seniors when they reach the age of seven or eight years old. While they still have a lot of life left, it is important to pay attention to their health and wellness during this time.
Your senior cat is less likely to play, and you may notice that they prefer sleeping to doing many other activities. Their mobility may change as they get older, so you should pay special attention to this and care for them as they age.
Tips for Giving Your Cat a Long Lifespan

House cats are fantastic companions and can live long and healthy lives.
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You can do many things to help give your pet cat a long life. Some of these things should be done early on in their life, to ensure that they adapt well to these lifestyle changes.
Common ways of extending your cat’s lifespan include:
- Keep your pet cat indoors. According to UC Davis Veterinary Medicine, outdoor cats live an average of 3-6 years. This number is much lower than the average indoor cat lifespan. Keeping your cat inside can help them avoid cars, other cats, and many diseases that could shorten their life.
- Spay or neuter your cat. Getting your cat altered can lengthen its life and help it avoid many cancers and diseases that would otherwise affect them. Neutering your male cat can have a significant benefit to his overall life.
- Give your cat ample entertainment. Toys, attention, and the ability to run around can help your cat live a longer and healthier life. Keeping them at a healthy weight is key, and monitoring their food and treat intake may be necessary.
- Take your cat in for check ups regularly. Your vet will be able to tell you how your cat is doing much better than your cat can! By taking your cat to the vet regularly, you will be able to monitor your cat as they age and find any underlying health issues well before it is too late.
House cats are fantastic companions and can live long and healthy lives. You may be surprised to see your cat live 20 or more years with you!
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