A cat’s lifespan is usually 13 to 17 years on average, though many indoor cats live into their late teens, and some reach 20 years or more.

What affects it

  • Indoor vs. outdoor: Indoor cats tend to live longer because they face fewer risks from traffic, fights, and disease.
  • Breed and genetics: Some breeds are longer-lived, while others have shorter average lifespans due to inherited health issues.
  • Care: Regular vet visits, a balanced diet, and healthy weight management can help extend a cat’s life.

Typical ranges

  • Indoor cats: often 12 to 18+ years
  • Outdoor cats: often 2 to 5 years if largely unsupervised
  • Mixed indoor/outdoor cats: usually somewhere in between

Breed examples

  • Siamese: about 15 to 20 years
  • Maine Coon: about 10 to 13 years
  • Persian: about 10 to 17 years

Quick note

If you want the most common one-line answer, it’s: a cat typically lives about 15 years.