Aging in cats facts for kids
Reliable information on how long cats live can be tricky to find. But scientists have done research to make a good guess. Most house cats usually live for 13 to 20 years. Some cats can even live for 22 to 30 years! There are even stories of cats living more than 30 years.
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How Long Do Cats Live?
The Guinness World Record for the oldest cat belongs to a cat named Creme Puff. She lived to be an amazing 38 years old!
Factors Affecting a Cat's Lifespan
Many things can affect how long a cat lives.
- Gender: Female cats often live longer than male cats.
- Neutering: Cats that have been neutered (a common surgery) tend to live longer than those that have not.
- Breed: Mixed breed cats often live longer than purebred cats.
- Weight: Cats that weigh more might have shorter lives.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Cats
Where a cat lives also makes a big difference.
- An indoor cat usually lives for about 17 years.
- Outdoor cats, however, live much shorter lives, around 5.6 years. This is because they face more dangers outside.
Understanding "Cat Years"
People sometimes try to compare a cat's age to a human's age. This helps us understand how old a cat might feel.
One simple way to guess a cat's age in "cat years" is to multiply their age in human years by 7.
Another way, used by veterinarians (animal doctors), is more accurate for cats at least 2 years old. You multiply the cat's age by 4, then add 16.
Here is an example for a 5-year-old cat:
- Using the first way:
cat years. - Using the veterinarian's way:
cat years.
See also
In Spanish: Esperanza de vida del gato para niños
