The life expectancy of a cat is typically 12-15 years, with indoor cats usually living longer than outdoor cats.
Factors that influence life span:
- Breed
- Physical condition
- Hereditary conditions
- Diet
- Veterinary care
- Lifestyle (Indoors vs outdoors)
Keeping a cat indoors only decreases the risk of trauma (e.g., from being hit by a car or injured by another animal) and certain infectious diseases, and can increase longevity. Appropriate environmental enrichment is essential to maintain the mental and physical well-being of cats kept indoors.
If you choose to let your cat outdoors, it allows for natural stimulation. Outdoor access can be supervised with enclosures and leash walking, or by ensuring your yard is safe and escape-proof.
Increasing longevity:
- Nutrition: Feed your cat a good quality, well-balanced diet according to its age. Learn more about Purina’s range of cat food.
- Keep your cat healthy with regular treatment for parasites (worms and fleas). Regular veterinary check-ups (at least once a year) are important to check the health of your cat and detect diseases and health issues early.
- Dental care: Unhealthy teeth and gums also impact cats, causing more than just bad breath—pain and/or infection can occur. As the gums have a rich blood supply, bacteria can be transported to other organs (such as the liver and kidneys) in the body, potentially causing damage and organ failure.
