---
title: "How long does a sea otter last?"
description: "A sea otter lasts 10–23 yr. How that compares to other things, and where the number comes from."
url: https://atoneplace.net/how-long/sea-otter/
site: "At One Place"
---

# How long does a sea otter last?

**Typical lifespan: 10–23 yr**

The heaviest mustelid, insulated by the densest fur of any animal rather than by blubber.

> Females 15-20 years, males 10-15.

## How that compares

*Sea otter against things of a similar time.*

- Sea otter: 10–23 yr
- 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

## 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 sea otter

- [How much does a sea otter weigh?](https://atoneplace.net/weight/sea-otter/) — 14–45 kg

## Common questions

### How long does a sea otter last?

A sea otter lasts 10–23 yr. Females 15-20 years, males 10-15.

## Related pages

- [How much does a sea otter weigh?](https://atoneplace.net/weight/sea-otter/)
- [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 domestic cat last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/domestic-cat/)
- [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 great white shark last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/great-white-shark/)
- [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/)

## Sources

- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — NOAA (https://www.noaa.gov/) [Public domain (US Government)]