Researchers analyzed data from about 8,000 cats in the United Kingdom to map how long different breeds live and what affects their longevity. A team of pathobiologists from the Royal Veterinary College (UK) and Chung Hsing University (Taiwan) found that Burmese cats tend to live the longest, while Sphynx cats have the shortest lifespans.
What the Researchers Found
The team collected records for 7,936 domestic cats that died in the UK between January 2019 and March 2021. While a breed’s average lifespan is a helpful indicator, it doesn’t tell the whole story. To get a clearer picture of expected longevity, the researchers built mortality tables that estimate life expectancy for different groups of cats, as reported by Live Science.
The study found that domestic cats live an average of 11.7 years. Mixed-breed cats live about 1.5 years longer on average than purebreds. Burmese cats top the list with an average lifespan of about 14.4 years, while Sphynx cats average just 6.7 years—likely because they’re genetically predisposed to heart, eye, and muscle diseases.
Other factors besides breed also influence lifespan. Female cats live about 1.3 years longer than males. Spayed and neutered cats live roughly 1.1 years longer than intact cats. Lifestyle matters too: outdoor cats face more external dangers that can shorten their lives.
Mortality tables can help veterinarians and prospective owners make decisions about adoption, treatment, or euthanasia. Study co-author Candy Ten, an epidemiologist who specializes in small animals, said these tables provide important context for those choices. The research also had an emotional effect on some pet owners: after the results circulated on social media, the researchers received many heartfelt messages from people who realized their cats might have limited time left. “I need to treat my cats better or cherish the time we have together,” some owners wrote, and many said they planned to strengthen their bonds and improve care as a result. The study appears in the journal Feline Medicine and Surgery.
