The life expectancy of a cat can be related to if they are indoors only, indoor and outdoors or just outdoors.  At Granville Veterinary Clinic, we see many cats that are outdoors only or live both in and out and have live long healthy lives. However, statistically, indoor cats live longer.

According to Dr. Dawn Ruben, writer for Petplace.com, indoor cats generally live from 12-18 years of age. Many may live to be in their early 20s. The oldest reported cat was 28 years old at the time of death. 

On the other hand, outdoor cats generally live to be around four to five years of age. Their deaths are typically due to traumas such as being hit by a car or dog attacks. Outdoor cats are also more susceptible to several deadly viruses that are spread by fighting or prolonged intimate contact with an infected cat. One study showed cats that live outdoors only have an average life span of only 6 months. Many never reach adulthood. 

We wanted to share these tips with you from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. If you have a cat that is indoors only, it is important to provide them with an environment that optimizes happiness. Here are their tips: Go to: Tips from Ohio State University on Keeping Cats Indoors and Happy.