Cat Longevity Revealed: Which Breeds Live the Longest and Shortest?
Ever wondered which cat breed lives the longest or what factors could affect their lifespan? A comprehensive study published in the UK has some answers that might surprise you.
The Study at a Glance
Researchers from the Royal Veterinary College in the UK analyzed data from 7,936 cats who passed away between 2019 and 2021 sourced from the VetCompass Program, which collects veterinary records from across the UK. Their goal? To create a detailed life table of annual life expectancy and identify key risk factors for mortality in domestic cats.
Average Life Expectancy
The findings revealed that the average life expectancy for cats in the UK is approximately 11.74 years. However, this number varies significantly depending on the breed and other factors.
Burmese Cats: These felines topped the charts with an impressive average lifespan of 14.42 years.
Sphynx Cats: At the other end of the spectrum, Sphynx cats had the shortest average lifespan of just 6.68 years.
Gender Differences
Interestingly, the study found that female cats tend to outlive their male counterparts by an average of 16 months. This difference aligns with some of the patterns observed in other…
