On average, how long do outdoor cats live, especially if mine is 11?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think it depends on what the kittens illness was. We know that outdoor cats have a shorter life span that those kept indoors. Outdoor cats are more likely to get hit by cars, attached by other animals or fall ill from contagious diseases. I think the odds are fair that she would live to middle age. I hope this helps!

As long as your cat was protected from harm, well fed and protected from the environment, then she is likely fine. All cats are different, some may welcome a change of scenery while others may not. If she is easily stressed, you should keep her environment as consistent as possible. I hope this helps.

It is a difficult question to answer, as we can't ask cats what they prefer! To some degree it is based on each individual animal, as some cats love being inside and lounging on the couch and others enjoy hunting in the great outdoors. It is also based on an owner's preference and where they live, etc. Wherher or not to keep a cat strictly indoors is an individual decision for each owner, and they can be happy either way!

Typically i would say 12 to 14 or older but the cat life span can vary. Sometimes disease presents in middle age (5 to 10ish) and other cats live in to their 20s. So it all depends on the cats health status. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

A well balance diet, regular dental cleanings, vaccinations, blood screenings yearly and lots of love will help most animals live longer. Every animal is different and animals can develop diseases, so just because you are doing all of this does not guarantee a long life for the animal. These things will certainly help though!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am so glad you chose to send him to your gramma. Statistically, a 5YO cat doesn’t have great odds of adoption at a shelter. So that right there should make you feel good that you gave him the best chance possible. While you can never say for sure what will happen outside, many cats transition great to being indoor/outdoor. The fact that he comes in at night will help keep him a bit safer than if he were out all the time. Of course, if he is declawed, I STRONGLY encourage he be indoor only as he’s lost his main defense mechanism. I hope this helps you rest easier about your tough decision. Best of luck to you all.

Indoor cats typically have a safer and longer lifespan than thier outdoor counterparts. If she is happy indoors I would not encourage her to go outside. If you are able to build her a secure small "catio" cat porch outside that might be a way she can safely enjoy the outside. But cats that go outdoors are more at risk from trauma from vehicles or other animals and disease, parasites and viruses. I'd be happy that she is content inside.