Cats are known for their charm, independence, and ability to live well into their senior years, but despite this reputation, not every breed has a long lifespan. Pet experts at Catster revealed data from a recent study that looked at almost 8,000 cats in the UK and found that the average lifespan for the feline is around 12 years, but there are some in particular that won’t live past ten years.
The expert stated: “There are many factors that can influence a cat’s longevity, one of them being their breed and associated hereditary and genetic health issues. Other factors that influence it are also their lifestyle, indoor vs. outdoor living, preventative healthcare such as vaccinations and neutering, and much more.” Below we have listed three popular cat breeds in the UK with the shortest lifespan.
1. Bengal
According to a study conducted by The Pet’s Larder, Bengal cats ranked fifth as one of the most popular breeds in the UK. However, they have one of the shortest life spans, with an average life expectancy between seven and 8.5 years.
This breed was created by combining domestic cats with the Asian Leopard cat. They retain a leopard appearance with distinctive spots and marbling.
“These are highly energetic animals that need a lot of playtime. Atypically for cats, these animals can also be quite keen on water, and they also love to be up high, a nod to their wild heritage,” reported Catster.
Despite their short life expectancy, some individuals can reach mid and late teens, depending on certain factors.
2. Sphynx
The iconic Sphynx cat is a rare breed that boasts a unique look due to its lack of fur and wrinkled skin. Nonetheless, this breed has ranked seventh among the ten most popular cats in the UK.
“The Sphynx’s unique look resulted from a spontaneous mutation that first occurred in 1966 when a domestic cat gave birth to a hairless kitten in Toronto, Canada,” said the experts at Catster.
“The breed is generally considered fairly healthy, but there are some recognised health issues they may be more prone to, one of them being a predisposition for hypothermia.”
The Sphynx’s average lifespan is considered to be around seven years, but some have the ability to live up to 15 years or more.
3. Abyssinian
Placing a respectable tenth on the list is the Abyssinian cat. This breed is famous for its short hair and distinctive ticked coat.
“The breed is thought to have originated from the coastal areas of the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia, before most likely being brought to England by returning soldiers, and is widely believed to be one of the oldest breeds of domestic cats around.”
“This cat is one of the top ten most popular breeds in the world due to their dog-like characteristics.” The Abyssinian cat’s average lifespan is around ten years, but just like the breeds above, certain factors can lead to a longer life.