>Average life span in cats is around 15 years. This can vary widely depending on the health of the cat, nutrition and preventive care. We have had cats in our practice live to 22 years. —Dr. Ciribassi
>Outdoor cats often live shorter lives than indoor. Being overweight or obese shortens life by 1 to 2.5 years on average. Regular health care, physical examinations, parasite prevention and vaccinations provide protection against threats to life and health.—Dr. Colleran
>House cats can expect to live 15 to 20 years, with some reaching 25. Advances in preventing kitten-hood diseases such as distemper and feline leukemia, heartworms and other parasites, are key in extending longevity, along with better diets. Indoor cats face fewer threats from predators and trauma, but indoor cats also are facing an obesity epidemic leading to skyrocketing rates of diabetes. —Dr. Ward