A recent study published in the journal “Scientific Reports” analyzed data from nearly 8,000 pet cats in the United Kingdom that died between January 2019 and March 2021. The study found that the average life expectancy of pet cats in the UK is 11.7 years. Burmese and Birman cats had the longest average life expectancies at birth, each averaging 14.4 years. Sphynx cats, on the other hand, had the shortest average life expectancy of just 6.7 years, possibly due to a genetic predisposition to heart conditions or other diseases. The study also found that crossbred cats lived about 1.5 years longer than purebred ones, and female and spayed/neutered cats lived about 1.1 years longer than male and intact cats. The researchers noted that cultural preferences, such as whether cats are kept indoors or allowed outside, could also influence a cat’s life expectancy, but these preferences vary widely and are difficult to quantify. The study’s findings provide valuable information for cat owners and veterinarians when making important decisions about adoption, medical treatment, and euthanasia.
Burmese, Birman Cats Live Longest; Sphynx Cats Have Shortest Life Expectancies
