lThere is a common saying that a pet might only be here for a part of your life, but for them, you are their whole life. Having a pet is like having a friend, a companion, or even a bonus family member. However, they can be a lot of work; things like vet appointments, pet insurance, and groomers visits can add up over time. Moreover, a lot of pets require your time and attention daily. This is why it is really important to consider a pet’s life span before choosing to bring them into your home – it is often an overlooked factor when people select their pet. We have rounded up a list of common pets with their life spans from the shortest to longest. Keep reading to learn more.
Related: Zodiac Signs That Make the Best Pet Owners, Ranked From Worst to Best
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Hamster
The average life span of a hamster is two to three years. Factors like species, diet, exercise, and quality of care directly contribute to how long a hamster may live.
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Goldfish
When kept in a healthy environment, goldfish can live for five to 10 years. It is important that they swim in fresh water as they can react badly after a change in chlorine levels or to heavy metals in the water.
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Dog
On average, dogs live for seven to 14 years. There are a lot of factors when it comes to determining a dog’s life span, including breed, as some breeds are more prone to disease than others.
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Cat
Indoor-only cats have an average lifespan of 10 to 20 years. On the other hand, cats that only live outdoors have an average lifespan of two to five years. Keeping cats indoors can actually increase their lifespan, as they are less likely to encounter predators or toxins.
