The average life expectancy of a cat is 12-16 years. However, this expectancy is significantly different for cats that live safely at home and those who are allowed to roam outdoors.
The leading causes of death in outdoor cats are infection and trauma, resulting in an average life expectancy of 2-5 years for outdoor cats (Zoran and Buffington 2011). Contained cats, on the other hand, live for an average of 12-18 years (Abbate 2019), although many can live into their early 20s.
Outdoor cats can be exposed to more significant hazards than safe at home cats. The most notable examples of these hazards are accidents involving cars, which include both being hit by cars and being crushed underneath cars while asleep. Cars that have recently been driven still have warm engines, which may appear to cats as warm sleeping areas. Unfortunately, this often results in them being hidden from view of the unsuspecting driver who drives off, injuring or killing your cat.
Slug and rat baits are another common hazard found in many backyards. They are also incredibly toxic to cats as their livers lack the enzymes needed to effectively break down the harmful toxins. As a result, these traps can cause seizures and respiratory arrest in cats.
Roaming cats also experience significantly higher exposure to diseases and parasites, such as Cat Flu, Feline Immunocompromised Virus, Ringworm, Tapeworm, Giardia, Fleas, Ticks, Dertmatitis, and many more. On top of this, only 66% of owners have has their cat vaccinated in the last 12 months, meaning 34% of cats have absolutely no protection against these diseases.
Furthermore, a single roaming cat can kill up to 186 animals per year, with 110 of these being native animals. Cats will usually not bring their prey home, meaning you probably have no idea how many animals your cat is harming. In an outdoor cat’s average lifespan of approximately 5 years, this can mean an average of 930 total animals killed. If they live to the overall average life expectancy of 16 years, this number can go as high as an average 2,976 animals killed. You can save thousands of animals just by keeping your cat safe at home.
There are plenty of ways to ensure your cat gets everything they need at home, by proving them with enrichment, opportunities to play and hunt, as well as climbing trees and scratching posts for them to enjoy. Stay up to date with our social media and Cat-ch Up emails or visit our KCSAH Project Page for more information and cat care tips.
References
Abbate, C. E. (2019). A Defense of Free-Roaming Cats from a Hedonist Account of Feline Well-being. Acta Analytica, 35, 439–461
Zoran, D. L., & Buffington, C. A. T. (2011). Effects of nutrition choices and lifestyle changes on the well-being of cats, a carnivore that has moved indoors. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 239(5), 596–606.
