New research conducted jointly by the Royal Veterinary College and Taiwan’s National Chung Hsing University exposes significant life expectancy differences across domestic cat breeds, offering insights for better pet care.
A study from the Royal Veterinary College and National Chung Hsing University in Taiwan has identified significant variations in the life expectancy of different domestic cat breeds. Researchers analyzed nearly 8,000 veterinary-registered cats in the UK, concluding that Sphynx cats have the shortest average lifespan at 6.8 years, while Burmese cats live up to 14 years.
This research, highlighted by Dr. Dan O’Neill, a co-author of the study, emphasized the impact of breed, gender, and other factors such as neutering and body weight on the longevity of cats. The findings also noted that crossbreeds generally have a higher life expectancy compared to purebreds until an advanced age.
By providing detailed lifespan projections, the study aims to assist cat owners, rehoming charities, and veterinary professionals in making well-informed decisions regarding the care and selection of cats.
