The average lifespan of pet cats has risen in recent decades. In the early 1980s, it was about 7 years,[179]: 33 [180] rising to 9.4 years in 1995[179]: 33  and an average of about 13 years as of 2014 and 2023.[181][182]

Neutering increases life expectancy; one 2024 study found neutered cats to live one year longer than entire cats.[183] Having a cat neutered confers some health benefits, such as a decreased incidence of reproductive neoplasia.[184] However, neutering decreases metabolism[185][186][187] and increases food intake,[187][188] both of which can cause obesity in neutered cats.[189] Pre-pubertal neutering (neutering at 4 months or earlier) was only recommended by 28% of American veterinarians in one study. Some concerns of early neutering were metabolic, physeal closure, and urinary tract disease related.[190]