How Long Do Cats Live?
Short answer: most indoor cats live 13 to 17 years, and many reach their 20s. Outdoor cats often live shorter lives because of traffic, fights and disease. A 15-year-old cat is about 76 in human years.
Average cat lifespan
| Cat | Typical lifespan |
|---|---|
| Indoor cat | 13-17 years, often 20+ |
| Indoor/outdoor cat | often less, depending on risks |
| Outdoor or feral cat | often only a few years |
Large studies of clinic records report averages lower than 13 to 17 because they include cats that die young from accidents and illness. A 2024 study of UK veterinary records (VetCompass) estimated a life expectancy of about 11.7 years at birth, with female cats living about a year longer than males and some breeds, such as Burmese and Birman, living longer than average.
Why indoor cats live longer
- No road traffic, the biggest killer of young outdoor cats.
- Fewer fights, bite abscesses and infections such as FIV and FeLV.
- Less exposure to poisons, predators and parasites.
Indoor cats need play, climbing spaces and good weight control to stay healthy.
How to help your cat live longer
- Keep a healthy weight: overweight cats get diabetes and joint disease. Check calories with the cat food calculator.
- Spay or neuter: fewer cancers, fights and roaming.
- Water: wet food and fountains support the kidneys.
- Dental care and yearly checkups, every 6 months after age 10.
- Watch for changes: drinking more, weight loss, hiding or a change in litter habits deserve a vet visit.
The oldest cats
Guinness World Records lists Creme Puff, from Texas, as the oldest cat on record: she lived to 38 years and 3 days.
See how old your cat is in human years with the calculator below or the cat years chart.
Sources: Teng K.T. et al., VetCompass life tables for cats, Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (2024); Cornell Feline Health Center; AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines; Guinness World Records.
Try the cat age calculator
Enter your own numbers below, or open the full cat age calculator with the formula and more examples.
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Your pet may differ: ask your vet. Terms
Frequently asked questions
How long do indoor cats live?
Usually 13 to 17 years, and many live into their 20s.
How long do outdoor cats live?
Often much shorter lives than indoor cats, mainly because of traffic, fights and infections.
Is 15 old for a cat?
Yes, a 15-year-old cat is about 76 in human years, but many cats stay active at that age.
Which cat breeds live the longest?
Mixed-breed cats and breeds such as Burmese and Birman often live longer than average; some breeds with inherited diseases live shorter lives.