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Outdoor cats in the US live a lot less Why the numbers are stark
Health & Fitness
Published on 28 April 2026
Median lifespan drops to just 7.25 years
New empirical findings suggest outdoor cats in the U.S. have a median lifespan of 7.25 years, far shorter than indoor cats. Researchers point to compounding dangers such as traffic accidents, diseases, predators, and environmental hazards. While many owners value outdoor enrichment, veterinary groups urge safer balance: enrich indoors and consider supervised outdoor time.
- Outdoor cats’ median lifespan is 7.25 years
- Multiple risks stack up beyond what indoor cats face
- Outdoor access is often sought for mental stimulation
- Veterinarians recommend indoor enrichment and supervision
Read the full story at The Economic Times
This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on 
The Economic Times