How long can a cat live?

Let’s explore the factors that influence how long cats live – and what you can do to help your furry companion enjoy a long, healthy life.

Average life expectancy of a domestic cat

The average life expectancy of a cat is around 15-17 years old. But this will depend on things like their health, weight, and the environment they live in.

Cat age in human years

Want to know how old your cat is in human years? The first year of a cat’s life equals 15 human years, and the second year adds another 9 human years. Basically, after the first 2 years, every year of the cat’s life equals 4 in human years.

Here’s what that means in numbers:

Kitten stage: zero to six months

This is a vital time when kittens learn about the world. Experiences during the first few weeks of their life will have a big effect on the type of cats they become.

Around this time, you’ll need to slowly introduce them to new sounds, sights and textures. This can include vacuums and washing machines, as well as different people.

Toys and play are also vital at this age. Avoid using your hands as something for them to chase. This may be cute when they’re young but as they grow this will become a learnt behaviour that’s hard to break, and it’s going to hurt more! Instead, use toys such as feathers on a stick, ping bong balls and large kicker toys.

To find out more, check out our article on socialising kittens through appropriate play.

Junior cat stage: six months to three years

During this time, cats will reach social maturity – making the leap from playful kittens to adults ready to tackle the world. They’ll still be playful, but you may find their personalities change slightly.

If you have more than one cat, you may notice they start to distance themselves slightly from each other as they find their own way. This is natural and exactly what would happen in the wild.

Prime cat stage: three – ten years

By this stage, cats have developed their own personality and unique quirks. They may be full of energy and adventure or have a more chilled out, relaxed approach to life – but this will vary from cat to cat.

Mature/senior cat stage: ten years and above

You may see your cats slowing down around this age (but not always!). They might start to enjoy the quiet side of life and rest a bit more than they used to.

At this age, it’s a good idea to start adapting your home. For example, introducing steps or levels. This will help them access higher spots which might be harder to reach in their twilight years. You can also raise their bowls to prevent them from needing to bend down as much.

Do male or female cats live longer?

Whether male or female, there’s no difference in a cat’s life expectancy.

How can you help your cat live longer?

As your cat gets older, it’s more common for them to experience aches and pains, as well as other illnesses. The key to keeping your cat healthy is a good quality diet and a balanced lifestyle. This should also include yearly vaccinations, regular vet checks, and preventative parasite treatments – keeping them in tip top shape. You can also learn how to health check your cat at home to spot any early signs of illness and ensure they stay happy and healthy.

For more tips on keeping your cat healthy, check out our other cat health advice articles.