Why Do Cats Live Longer Than Dogs?

As a pet parent, one of the things you don’t like to think about is the lifespan of your pet. We all want our pets to live forever. But, since we can’t have that, we want as much time with them as we can get. Looking at cats versus dogs in terms of lifespan, you will usually find that cats live longer than dogs. Of course, that varies from pet to pet.

An individual pet’s lifespan depends on several factors, including genetics, environment, and overall health. But it remains that cats, as a species, tend to live several years longer than dogs. Here, we take a closer look at the biology and lifestyles of cats and dogs, and at the role you play in their care, to understand why cats outlive dogs. You will also come away with ideas for helping your pet live as long as possible.

A comparison of cat vs. dog lifespans

First, let’s look at the average lifespan of a cat and a dog. They vary significantly, even among themselves.

Average lifespan of cats

There is actually a wide range of feline lifespans due to the big difference between cats who live indoors and those who live outdoors. Most indoor cats live 12 to 18 years. Some survive for more than 20 years, though that’s rare. Indoor cats are protected from things like trauma, infectious diseases, predators, and environmental hazards. 

Unfortunately, outdoor cats are often exposed to these things, which can shorten their lives. Outdoor cats tend to have much shorter average lifespans, often living only five to seven years, because of these increased risks. Breed also plays a part. Certain breeds are known for their long lives: These include Siamese, Russian Blues, and Burmese.

Average lifespan of dogs

There’s also a wide range in canine lifespans. This depends a lot on their size, breed, and genetic predisposition. An average dog lives 10 to 13 years, but small breeds (such as Chihuahuas and Miniature Poodles) may reach 15 to 18 years. Giant breeds like Great Danes or Mastiffs live six to nine years. 

Related article

10 Dog Breeds with the Longest Lifespans

Because we all wish our pets could live forever.

Why do cats live longer than dogs?

The reason cats live longer is due to fundamental biological differences. Cats have evolved as natural survival specialists. They’re built for low-energy hunting, agility, and efficiency. They age more slowly than dogs, especially giant-breed dogs, who age rapidly. Cats also have fewer inherited health conditions than dogs, and they may be prone to less stress — and therefore suffer less stress-related health risks due to their more independent lifestyle.

Also, the very act of domestication has affected dogs and cats differently. Many dogs have been selectively bred for specific tasks such as herding, retrieving, and guarding, leading to tremendous variation in sizes and shapes. The trade-off is that this has affected their longevity. On the other hand, cats have fewer breed-related medical issues that would shorten their lifespans, due in part to their more consistent body size and structure.

Related article

Cats Lifespan: How Long Do Cats Live? And What to Expect

They are the absolute light of your life. Here’s how you can help them live as close to forever as possible.

Factors that contribute to longevity

A few different factors affect a cat’s or dog’s length of life.

Genetic differences

Genetics is one of the main reasons that cats live longer than dogs There has been less intense selective breeding among cats, so they have maintained a relatively stable genetic diversity. Dogs, on the other hand, have been bred into hundreds of distinct breeds. Many of these have specific genetic disorders: heart disease in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, hip dysplasia in German Shepherds, or cancer predispositions in Golden Retrievers. These are just a few examples.

Cats, on the other hand, come in fewer shapes and sizes, so their genetic pool is more stable. This results in fewer inherited diseases and slower overall aging. The natural physiology of the cat is a lean body, a strong cardiovascular system, and a highly efficient musculoskeletal design. All of this supports a longer life.

Metabolism and energy expenditure

As you may know, cats are obligate carnivores. They must eat meat and, therefore, have a slower, more energy-efficient metabolism. Due to their hunting predisposition, they generally need short bursts of high energy followed by long periods of rest. This results in low metabolic strain, which may help reduce cellular damage over time.

Depending on their breed, dogs often have higher energy requirements and faster metabolisms. Since they require more energy, they burn more calories, produce more metabolic waste, and experience more wear and tear on their organs and tissues. All these factors can influence how long they live. Giant breed dogs, as mentioned, grow rapidly and maintain a large body mass. This speeds up aging and, unfortunately, contributes to shorter lifespans.

Lifestyle and behavior 

If you have lived with a cat, you know they tend to be cautious and independent. They’re very skilled at jumping and climbing, so they are self-preservation experts. But indoor cats, in particular, spend a lot of their time grooming, resting quietly, and just observing their surroundings. This reduces the risk of physical injury.

Dogs, on the other hand, explore more, are more social, and are more active. They run, jump, swim, chase balls, or play rough with other dogs. These are good behaviors, healthy and enriching, but they do increase the risk of trauma and orthopedic injury. This occurs especially in larger-breed dogs.

Disease and health conditions

Certain chronic diseases shorten the lifespans of dogs more than cats. These include:

• Heart disease

• Diabetes

• Osteoarthritis

• Kidney disease

• Various cancers, especially in large-breed dogs

But cats certainly experience health issues. As cats age, they are particularly susceptible to kidney disease and hyperthyroidism. And cats of all ages, especially if overweight, tend to be more vulnerable to diabetes. But overall, feline disease patterns tend to progress slowly. There are also fewer inherited conditions.

Cancer prevalence is particularly notable: Giant-breed dogs have a much higher rate of aggressive cancers than cats. Also, the rapid growth in certain dogs puts strain on their joints and organs. This leads to health issues in dogs, but not in cats.  

Human influence on pet lifespan

As a pet parent, you play an essential role in determining how long your pet will live. Visiting the veterinarian regularly, the quality of care you offer at home, proper nutrition, and keeping your cat indoors are all factors that significantly influence how long your pet lives.

Dietary habits

We have increasingly learned over the past years that nutrition is a huge factor in the health and longevity of people, and this is also true of cats and dogs. Cats need animal-based protein and fat to support their metabolism, organ function, and muscle maintenance. It’s also important to feed your cat the proper portion sizes to prevent obesity, which can lead to diabetes and joint problems, and to choose the right cat food, which also influences urinary issues.

Dogs benefit, of course, from proper nutrition. But because there are so many different breeds, they have many kinds of dietary needs. Caloric intake has to be adjusted carefully to avoid obesity. Obesity affects mobility, heart health, and metabolism. So, nutrition is a significant determinant of lifespan, and your dog’s weight is very important.

Veterinary care access 

The importance of routine care can’t be emphasized enough. This includes vaccinations, dental care (which is still something many animals don’t get), parasite prevention, and early diagnosis of health conditions, which will make a big difference in early treatment and successful cures. Indoor cats, in particular, greatly benefit from being inside, protected from infectious diseases and physical hazards. Regular visits to the vet will help you stay on top of breed-specific issues, detect cancer early, and prevent lifestyle-related conditions such as obesity or arthritis. 

Spaying and neutering also make your pet live longer. That’s true for dogs and cats. There are certain cancers and reproductive tract diseases that can be prevented by spaying or neutering your pet — for example, mammary cancer, testicular cancer, and uterine infections.

Living environment 

Not to be too repetitive, but the importance of keeping your cat indoors can’t be overstated. Indoor cats live much longer than outdoor cats, due to: 

• Traffic hazards

• Predators

• Fights with other animals

• Exposure to poisonous substances

• Exposure to infectious diseases

Dogs may not experience the same hazards, but they can be susceptible to others. Working dogs, outdoor dogs, and highly active dogs will encounter more risks than indoor dogs. A dog who lives inside a home with plenty of enrichment, mental stimulation, and physical exercise will tend to live a longer and healthier life.

Stress is a factor with both dogs and cats. A calm, safe environment with a predictable schedule will decrease stress, leading to a healthier immune and cardiovascular system.

Bottom line

Cats live longer than dogs due to several factors: genetics, slower metabolism, consistent body structure, and fewer breed-related diseases. A cautious lifestyle, including lower-risk behaviors, will also help a cat live a longer life. But your influence can matter just as much as biology. Feeding them the right food in the right amounts, regular vet visits, and a safe living environment can tremendously increase longevity in cats (and dogs).

References

• Montoya, Mathieu, et al. “Life Expectancy Tables for Dogs and Cats Derived from Clinical Data.” Frontiers in Veterinary Science, vol. 10, 21 Feb. 2023‌. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1082102.

• Oh, Won-Seok, et al. “Lifestyle Factors Affecting Aging and Healthspan in Dogs and Cats.” Journal of Veterinary Science, vol. 26, 1 Jan. 2025, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12520850, https://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.25227.

• Taylor, E. J., et al. “Some Nutritional Aspects of Ageing in Dogs and Cats.” Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, vol. 54, no. 3, Nov. 1995, pp. 645–656. https://doi.org/10.1079/pns19950064.