How long can a cat live ?

Rueben outside on a lead. He loves the pond.

It seems reliable data on the longevity of cats is hard to find however one thing is clear, that they can live anywhere from 5 years as an outdoor cat to 20 years as an indoor cat. Rueben is heading for 18 years soon and despite the odds and having a poor prognosis from a vet when he was about 10 just goes on and on. Of course he's a bit wobbly and becoming obviously needy with a good dose of feline dementia but he has a good life. Sasha age unknown is probably about 15 maybe 16 years and seems to be in great health for an old girl. Importantly they live indoors but that wasn't always the case. I'd prefer they had an outdoor life as well as indoors but the dangers are too great. 

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