Some of the ages reported here are approximate. Others are based on estimates or hearsay. Few of them have been confirmed by any authoritative agency. Creme Puff (1967-2005) of Austin, Texas is the oldest verified cat ever, while Flossie (born 29 December 1995) is the oldest living cat as of 2022.
The average lifespan for a pet cat is probably around 13 to 14 years. However, although their lifespan varies, a well cared for cat may commonly live to 15 or beyond, some make it to 18 or 20 and a few extraordinary felines even pass 25 or 30 years of age.
The average cat lifespan is between 13-17 years. Some lucky felines have been known to live 20 years or more—the world record holder for oldest cat on record, adorably named Creme Puff, lived to be a whopping 38 years old. Many factors contribute to how long a cat will live.
World's Oldest Cat
The Guinness Book of World Records lists the oldest cat at 38 years and 3 days. That's 168 in human years. His name was Creme Puff. Born on August 3, 1967, Creme Puff died on August 6, 2005.
At 26 years old, Teddy is Australia's oldest living cat, and his owner, Fran English, is applying to the Guinness Book of World Records to make it official. English adopted Teddy in 2014 when his elderly owner could no longer care for him, and was shocked when Teddy's microchip revealed that he was born in 1991.
12 human years = 70 cat years. 14 human years = 80 cat years. 16 human years = 84 cat years.
the first two years of a cat's life equate to 24 human years and every year thereafter is equivalent to 4 human years. For example, a 16-year-old cat would be equivalent to an 80-year-old human.
As in humans, female cats tend to live for longer than male cats. Neutered cats are also likely to live for longer than intact ones, and pure breed cats are less likely to live as long as crossbreeds.
In most cases, cats will purr when they are in a relaxed environment, sending out waves of calmness. This may also occur when you stroke them, and if this is the case, your feline friend is feeling happy or sociable. However, cats purr to communicate other emotions and needs, too.
Mature. As your cat grows older, you will start to see behavioral changes. From 7-10 years of age, your cat begins to lose their drive to play and is less active. This is a normal shift in activity as your cat is comfortable in their environment and routine.
The answer is clear when you realize that the average lifespan of an indoor cat ranges from 10 to 20 years, whereas cats who go outdoors typically live only 2 to 5 years. Cats who are allowed to roam outdoors face huge safety and health risks, and sadly, some pay for that freedom with their lives.
The best way to determine a cat's age is to consult a trusted veterinarian who can determine an approximate age of the cat by examining its teeth, eyes, fur, and overall maturity. Still, be aware that your vet cannot pinpoint an exact age, just provide an educated guess as to how old your cat is.
Indoor cats generally live from 12-18 years of age. Many may live to be in their early 20s. The oldest reported cat, Creme Puff lived to be an amazing 38 years old. Outdoor cats generally live shorter lives due to being more likely to be involved in traumas such as motor vehicle accidents or dog attacks.
As a general guideline, though, the American Veterinary Medical Association breaks it down like this: 15 human years equals the first year of a medium-sized dog's life. Year two for a dog equals about nine years for a human. And after that, each human year would be approximately five years for a dog.
Grumpy Cat, born on April 4, 2012, became an internet sensation because of her grumpy facial expression. This was caused by an underbite and feline dwarfism. On September 22, 2012, Bryan Bundesen, the brother of the owner, Tabatha Bundesen, posted her image on Reddit. This is where she gained recognition.
The first year of a medium-sized dog's life equates to about 15 human years. Year two for a dog equals about nine additional human years, making the dog about 24 in 'dog years'. After age two, each human year adds around five dog years.
From a young age a cat's mother would not only lick them as a way of grooming them, but also to show affection. Cats then replicate this behaviour with you as a way of showing their own affection – it simply comes naturally. This licking behaviour is not just exclusive between pet and owner.
Older cats may vocalize excessively for a number of reasons, including disorientation, loss of hearing and pain due to one or more medical conditions. (Please see our article, Meowing and Yowling, for more information about excessive vocalizing and how to resolve it.)