---
title: "How long does a domestic cat last?"
description: "A domestic cat lasts 12–20 yr. How that compares to other things, and where the number comes from."
url: https://atoneplace.net/how-long/domestic-cat/
site: "At One Place"
---

# How long does a domestic cat last?

**Typical lifespan: 12–20 yr**

The domesticated cat, kept worldwide and still an efficient small predator.

> Indoor cats; outdoor cats average considerably less.

## How that compares

*Domestic cat against things of a similar time.*

- Domestic cat: 12–20 yr
- Oven: 10–20 yr
- Koala: 10–20 yr
- Elk: 10–20 yr
- Pig: 10–20 yr
- Ceiling fan: 10–25 yr
- Stand mixer: 8–30 yr
- Eurasian lynx: 10–24 yr

## What that means over time

*Assuming the typical lifespan above and immediate replacement.*

| Period | How many you would buy |
| --- | --- |
| Per year | 0.0667 replacements |
| Over 10 years | 1 of them |
| Over a 30-year mortgage | 2 of them |

> Lifespans are medians under ordinary use, not guarantees. Maintenance, how hard it is used, and build quality move individual examples a long way in both directions — which is why the range above is as wide as it is.

## More about a domestic cat

- [How much does a domestic cat weigh?](https://atoneplace.net/weight/domestic-cat/) — 3.6–6.8 kg
- [Domestic cat vs Red fox](https://atoneplace.net/vs/domestic-cat-vs-red-fox/) — Side by side
- [Domestic cat vs Three-toed sloth](https://atoneplace.net/vs/domestic-cat-vs-three-toed-sloth/) — Side by side
- [Domestic cat vs Bald eagle](https://atoneplace.net/vs/bald-eagle-vs-domestic-cat/) — Side by side
- [Domestic cat vs Golden eagle](https://atoneplace.net/vs/domestic-cat-vs-golden-eagle/) — Side by side
- [Domestic cat vs Koala](https://atoneplace.net/vs/domestic-cat-vs-koala/) — Side by side
- [Domestic cat vs Raccoon](https://atoneplace.net/vs/domestic-cat-vs-raccoon/) — Side by side

## Common questions

### How long does a domestic cat last?

A domestic cat lasts 12–20 yr. Indoor cats; outdoor cats average considerably less.

## Related pages

- [How much does a domestic cat weigh?](https://atoneplace.net/weight/domestic-cat/)
- [How long does a lion last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/lion/)
- [How long does a tiger last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/tiger/)
- [How long does a African elephant last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/african-elephant/)
- [How long does a blue whale last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/blue-whale/)
- [How long does a cheetah last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/cheetah/)
- [How long does a polar bear last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/polar-bear/)
- [How long does a giraffe last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/giraffe/)
- [How long does a gorilla last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/gorilla/)
- [How long does a grizzly bear last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/grizzly-bear/)
- [How long does a gray wolf last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/gray-wolf/)
- [Domestic cat vs Red fox](https://atoneplace.net/vs/domestic-cat-vs-red-fox/)
- [Domestic cat vs Three-toed sloth](https://atoneplace.net/vs/domestic-cat-vs-three-toed-sloth/)
- [Domestic cat vs Bald eagle](https://atoneplace.net/vs/bald-eagle-vs-domestic-cat/)
- [Domestic cat vs Golden eagle](https://atoneplace.net/vs/domestic-cat-vs-golden-eagle/)
- [Domestic cat vs Koala](https://atoneplace.net/vs/domestic-cat-vs-koala/)
- [Domestic cat vs Raccoon](https://atoneplace.net/vs/domestic-cat-vs-raccoon/)

## Sources

- Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place (/about/)