How long to African cats live?

The lifespan of African cats varies greatly depending on the specific species. Here are some examples:

Larger cats:

* Lion: 10-14 years in the wild, up to 20 years in captivity

* Leopard: 10-12 years in the wild, up to 17 years in captivity

* Cheetah: 7-10 years in the wild, up to 12 years in captivity

* African Wildcat: 5-7 years in the wild, up to 12 years in captivity

Smaller cats:

* Serval: 10-12 years in the wild, up to 20 years in captivity

* Caracal: 12-15 years in the wild, up to 20 years in captivity

* Black-footed Cat: 5-10 years in the wild, up to 15 years in captivity

* Sand Cat: 8-10 years in the wild, up to 13 years in captivity

Factors affecting lifespan:

* Habitat: Cats living in the wild often face challenges like predation, food scarcity, and disease, which can shorten their lifespan.

* Food availability: A lack of sufficient food can lead to malnutrition and shorten the lifespan of any cat.

* Disease: Cats in the wild are susceptible to various diseases, especially in crowded areas or during times of stress.

* Human activity: Habitat loss, hunting, and poaching can significantly impact the lifespan of wild cats.

Captive lifespan:

* Cats in captivity usually live longer due to access to food, shelter, and veterinary care. However, captive environments can sometimes lack the stimulation and challenges of a natural habitat, which could impact their well-being.

It's important to remember that these are just estimates, and individual cats can live longer or shorter lives depending on their specific circumstances.