Vet Blog

The most important factor determining a cat’s life expectancy is whether or not it is allowed to go outside.  On average, outdoor cats tend to live for about seven years, but many do not even survive for that long.  On the other hand, indoor-only cats can be expected to live for around 14 years, with many even reaching their late teens or early 20’s.  The reason for this disparity is simple – a much lower chance that traumatic injury (e.g. an animal attack or “run in” with a car) or infectious disease will spell the end for an otherwise healthy, young cat.  So by keeping your cat inside, you are not just giving songbirds and other wildlife a reprieve from your efficient little hunter, you may also be doubling (or more!) your pet’s life expectancy.

Of course, other factors also help determine how long a cat will live.  Feeding nutritious food, maintaining your pet at a healthy weight, and visiting the veterinarian regularly for screening and preventative care all go a long way towards keeping cats happy and healthy.