Quick answer
Indoor cats commonly live 12–18 years, and many reach their late teens. Outdoor and free-roaming cats often average far fewer years because of trauma and disease. Breed averages help, but lifestyle and preventive care usually matter more.
How to read this chart
Figures are typical ranges from veterinary and breed references — not guarantees. For full longevity science and senior care, see How long do cats live? .
Breed & type table (24 entries)
| Breed / type | Category | Typical lifespan | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic shorthair (indoor) | Mixed / DSH | 12–18 years | Often outlives outdoor peers; CKD common in seniors |
| Domestic longhair (indoor) | Mixed / DLH | 12–18 years | Similar to DSH with grooming needs |
| Outdoor / free-roaming cat | Lifestyle | Often 2–5 years* | *Trauma, infection, and cars cut averages sharply |
| Siamese | Breed | 12–20 years | Often long-lived; dental and kidney monitoring |
| Burmese | Breed | 12–18 years | Generally hardy; watch diabetes in some lines |
| Russian Blue | Breed | 15–20 years | Frequently cited among longer-lived breeds |
| Maine Coon | Breed | 10–13 years | HCM screening important in large breeds |
| Ragdoll | Breed | 12–17 years | HCM awareness; indoor lifestyle helps |
| Persian | Breed | 12–17 years | Brachycephalic care; PKD screening in lines |
| British Shorthair | Breed | 12–17 years | Keep lean; HCM screening in some lines |
| American Shorthair | Breed | 15–20 years | Often robust companion longevity |
| Abyssinian | Breed | 12–15 years | Active breed; renal and dental checks |
| Bengal | Breed | 12–16 years | High energy; enrichment supports welfare |
| Sphynx | Breed | 12–14 years | HCM screening; skin and temperature care |
| Scottish Fold | Breed | 11–15 years | Cartilage/joint concerns — ethical breeding matters |
| Norwegian Forest Cat | Breed | 12–16 years | Large breed; weight and heart awareness |
| Siberian | Breed | 12–15 years | Often hardy; HCM screening in breeding cats |
| Oriental Shorthair | Breed | 12–15 years | Siamese-related; dental care helps seniors |
| Tonkinese | Breed | 12–16 years | Active social breed; routine senior labs |
| Birman | Breed | 12–16 years | Generally good longevity with preventive care |
| Devon Rex | Breed | 10–15 years | Skin and dental attention; keep indoors safely |
| Manx | Breed | 12–14 years | Spinal/tail genetics vary — responsible breeding |
| Exotic Shorthair | Breed | 12–15 years | Persian-type face; breathing and eye care |
| Bombay | Breed | 12–16 years | Burmese-related; weight control helps |
Indoor vs outdoor still dominates
A “long-lived breed” kept outdoors may still die young from a car strike. Deep dive: Indoor vs outdoor cat lifespan . Compare canine numbers on the dog lifespan chart.
Sources
FAQs
How long do cats live on average?
Indoor cats commonly live 12–18 years; many reach their late teens with good care. Outdoor and free-roaming cats often have much shorter averages because of trauma and infectious disease.
Which cat breeds live the longest?
Siamese, Russian Blues, and many mixed domestic shorthairs are frequently among longer-lived groups. Lifestyle (especially indoor living) usually matters more than breed alone.
Do indoor cats really live longer than outdoor cats?
Yes. Indoor cats avoid cars, predators, fights, and many parasites. See our indoor vs outdoor lifespan guide for safer enrichment alternatives.
What shortens a cat’s life most often?
Outdoor hazards, untreated dental disease, obesity, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and delayed veterinary care. Annual (or twice-yearly senior) check-ups catch problems early.
Where is the full cat longevity guide?
See How Long Do Cats Live? for breed ranges, senior care, and longevity factors, plus Indoor vs Outdoor Cat Lifespan for the lifestyle comparison.
Related: How long do cats live? · Pets hub · Choosing a pet