How long do cats live? Average cat lifespan in the UK

If you are thinking about getting a cat, or you share your home with an older one, it is natural to wonder how long they are likely to live. The best UK evidence comes from vet records, and it gives a clearer answer than the rough figures you often see online.

What the research says

In 2024, researchers working with VetCompass, a Royal Veterinary College programme that studies anonymised records from UK vet practices, published life tables for cats in the UK. The study looked at 7,936 cats that died in 2019.

The headline findings were:

"Life expectancy at birth" is an average that includes cats that die young, for example in road accidents. A cat that has already reached middle age can expect, on average, to live longer than the figure at birth suggests.

Do some breeds live longer than others?

In this study, Burmese and Birman cats had the longest life expectancy, and Sphynx cats the shortest.

Breed is only one factor, though. An individual cat's health, weight, care and luck matter more than any average. If you are choosing a pedigree kitten, ask the breeder about inherited health problems in the breed and what screening the parents have had.

You can compare breeds in our cat breed guides.

What helps a cat live longer?

The study linked neutering to a longer life:

• Neutering. Neutered cats in the study lived longer than entire cats. Neutering also prevents unplanned litters and reduces roaming and fighting.

The rest is standard advice from vets and cat welfare charities:

• A healthy weight. Vets advise that being overweight or underweight can harm a cat's health. Ask your vet what your cat's ideal weight is, and weigh them regularly.
• Vaccinations and parasite control. Keep up with the vaccinations, flea and worm treatments your vet recommends.
• Regular health checks. A yearly check, or every six months for older cats, helps find problems such as dental disease, kidney disease and an overactive thyroid early.
• Dental care. Sore teeth and gums are common in cats, and cats are good at hiding pain.
• Safety. Microchipping is a legal requirement for pet cats in England from 20 weeks old, and helps lost cats get home. Think about road safety if you live near busy traffic.
• A good environment. Cats need safe places to rest, hide and climb, and ways to play and hunt with toys. Stress affects their health.

Caring for an older cat

Cats are often thought of as senior from around 11 years old. Changes can be gradual and easy to miss, so watch for:

• drinking more water or using the litter tray more;
• losing weight, or a change in appetite;
• being less keen to jump, groom or play, which can be a sign of joint pain;
• changes in behaviour, such as crying at night or seeming confused;
• bad breath or difficulty eating.

These are reasons to book a vet appointment, not to wait and see. Many conditions of older cats can be managed well if they are found early.