Animal life span
The average life span of animals varies, depending not only on the type of animal, but also on other factors, such as whether they live indoors or outdoors and the level of care provided by their owners. Popular pets such as cats and dogs usually live around 10-12 years, which means that a child who receives a pet will have to survive death during childhood.
A pet’s life can be prolonged if it is properly looked after. Proper nutrition, a suitable habitat and good veterinary care can significantly increase the life span of an animal.
Dogs
Each breed of dog has its own life span. Breeds such as Irish Wolfhound, Bulldogs and Bernese Mountain Dogs have an average life expectancy of six or seven years. At the other end of the spectrum are breeds such as Bedlington Terriers, decorative dachshunds and poodles, Tibetan Terriers and Whippets, which have a lifespan of about 14 years. Life expectancy is not the maximum age, and many dogs can live for 20 years or more.
Cats
For cats, the main factor that determines life expectancy is whether they live indoors or outdoors. Outside the house, cats usually only live four or five years, because they are likely to catch viruses or get injured. Domestic cats usually live 12-18 years old.
Birds
Birds usually have a lifespan of 10-30 years. Parrots – cockatoo, macaw and cockatiel – usually live longer. These birds can live up to 70 years or more.
