Our cats are part of the family and we all want them to enjoy the best possible quality – and quantity – of life. Thanks to advances in veterinary science, senior cat care, nutrition and pet welfare, cat life expectancy is now longer than ever.
How to help your cat live a long healthy life
Expert approved
Learn more about the average cat lifespan by estimating their age in human years – and how to keep your cat safe and well at every stage.
Quick Links
How long do cats live?
A cat's lifespan depends on many factors, including genetics, health, diet and environment. The average lifespan is around 12 to 14 years, but it’s not unusual for some cats to live to more than 20 years.
How many cat years is a human year?
It’s often said that one human year is the equivalent of seven years for cats, but it’s not quite as simple as that. Cats do a lot of growing up in their first year or two of life.
A six-month-old cat is at roughly the same stage of maturity as a 10-year-old child, while a one-year-old cat is equivalent to a 15-year-old teenager. By the age of two, a cat is around 24 in human years. After that, you can add around four human years for each additional cat year to estimate a cat's age in human years.
However, it’s not possible to translate cat years to human years precisely. For example, cats reach reproductive maturity at an earlier stage of their growth than humans do. Female cats can become pregnant from as little as four months old, while male cats can breed from around seven to nine months.
When do cats stop growing?
Many cats are more or less fully grown by the age of 12 months, although this varies. Larger breeds such as Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats may take as long as five years to reach their full adult size.
When is a cat old?
Once they’ve reached adulthood, cats show few external signs of ageing. They don’t typically go grey (although some cats get white hairs) and they often tend to conceal physical aches and pains. But cats start to be considered as approaching old age at around eight to 10 years of age and senior from around 11 years. Bear in mind that while your feline companion may seem relatively unchanged, they might need extra care and support at this stage of the cat lifecycle.
How to maximise your cat’s lifespan
While you can’t guarantee your cat will live to a ripe old age, you can certainly take steps to increase their chances of getting there.
Review your cat’s diet as they age
Don’t assume your cat should always eat the same food. Kittens have different nutritional needs to adult cats, while senior cats need higher-quality proteins. Make sure your cat is eating age-appropriate, healthy cat food at each stage of life.
Maintaining a healthy weight
One of the best investments you can make in your cat’s health is to help them stay at a healthy weight. Avoiding obesity will help reduce their risk of health problems such as diabetes, joint issues and heart disease. A healthy weight for a cat is around 4kg (9lb), but this can vary depending on their breed, gender and other factors, so it’s a good idea to talk to your vet before putting your cat on a diet.
Encourage your cat to exercise
Whether they’re an indoor or outdoor cat, your pet needs regular exercise for their physical and mental health. You’ll find plenty of ideas for feline-friendly activities in our cat advice articles.
Keep up with vet appointments
Don’t be tempted to skip vet visits, even if your cat isn’t a fan. Regular check-ups are vital for monitoring your cat’s long-term health, keeping on top of potentially life-saving vaccinations and identifying hard-to-spot dental problems. If your cat doesn’t enjoy climbing into their carrier for a visit, you can also try training them by using positive reinforcement.
Plus, those annual dental check-ups and vaccinations are essential for retaining your insurance cover – another important investment in their long-term health.
Keep an eye on their health at home
Nobody knows your cat better than you do or is better placed to spot when something’s not right. Carrying out a regular cat health check at home can help to nip any problems in the bud and keep your pet well and thriving for as long as possible.
Last updated: January 08, 2024
Dr Brian Faulkner, MRCVS
Related articles
Follow us
Petplan is a trading name of Pet Plan Limited (Registered in England No. 1282939) and Allianz Insurance plc (Registered in England No. 84638), Registered office: 57 Ladymead, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1DB.
Pet Plan Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 311969. Allianz Insurance plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Financial Services Register No. 121849. Pet Plan Limited is a subsidiary of Allianz Insurance plc. Fitz All Media Limited is an Appointed Representative of Pet Plan Limited.