Based on recent research, the life expectancy of our pets has doubled within the past four decades. This is largely attributed to better pet care and added nutrition. But what is the actual lifespan of dogs and cats according to science?
Dogs and cats can be expected to enrich our lives for an average of 11 and 12 years, respectively. This number has doubled from what it once was. This is thanks to better pet care and a well-balanced diet.
How Did Life Expectancy Improve for Our Pets?
Dogs have an average lifespan of about 11 years, while cats have an average lifespan of about 12.1 years. Overall, the average lifespan of dogs has increased by about 4% since 2002. According to the 2013 Banfield State of Pet Health Report, the average lifespan for cats has increased by an entire year, or about 10%, since 2002.
Cats and dogs had the highest median lifespans in Montana, with cats living 14.3 years on average and dogs living 12.4 years. The report considered the breed, genetics, and spay/neuter status factors.
The report examined data from approximately 2.2 million dogs and over 460,000 cats, yielding insights into disease patterns, breed preferences, and longevity.
Mississippi and Louisiana had some of the shortest average dog life spans, which the report attributed to a high prevalence of heartworm infection. According to the report, heartworm infection in cats is uncommon.
For dogs, the most common diagnoses were dental tartar, ear infection, obesity, skin infection, and fleas. The most common problems for cats were dental calculus, obesity, fleas, gingivitis, and ear infection.
What is the Role of Humans in the Life expectancy of Dogs and Cats?
In the last 40 years, the lifespans of our dogs and cats have more than doubled. This encouraging news is partly explained by the animals' special relationship with man, who provides quality food, regular veterinarian check-ups, and an abundance of cuddles, all of which contribute to their longevity. However, this domestication has inevitably had negative consequences typical of the modern era.
However, João Pedro de Magalhaes, a biogerontologist at the University of Liverpool, believes that our pets could live even longer:
The same things that allow us to live longer also apply to our pets. Maybe a thousand years from now you could have dog that lives 300 years.
- João Pedro de Magalhaes, Biogerontologist, University of Liverpool
Can Humans' Life Expectancy Improve Too?
The idea of cats, dogs, and humans living for hundreds of years may seem a little far-fetched, but it certainly keeps the many researchers who are working to extend the lives of our beloved pets busy. This is the case of the Dog Aging Project, which is led by geneticist Daniel Promislow of Washington University in Seattle. Promislow explains that this complex study includes research on behaviour, reproduction, evolution, and ecology, all of which are useful in discovering the secret of long life in animals and more.
If we can understand how to improve the quality and length of life, it's good for our pets and good for us. It's win-win.
- Daniel Promislow, Geneticist, Washington University in Seattle