But Some Live Longer Than Others…
Deciding to bring a small pet into your home is a big step.
As you research food, living quarters, bedding, toys and cleaning routines, an important question arises: How long will this new family member be with you? Understanding the lifespan of your chosen pet can help you prepare for both the joys and the inevitable heartaches of pet ownership.
Here’s the lowdown on popular pets and their average lifespan. However, you could be housing the next world-record holder for longevity, so keep that in mind!
Small Pets and Average Lifespans
|
Pet |
Average Lifespan (years) |
Record Holder |
Notes on Longevity |
|
Bunny |
7 – 10 |
18 years |
Smaller rabbits tend to live longer, as do those that live inside rather than outside. |
|
Chinchilla |
8 – 10 |
29 years |
Long-tailed chinchillas tend to live longer than short-tailed ones. |
|
Ferret |
5 – 9 |
14 years |
Spay or neuter your ferret after they’re mature and they may live longer. |
|
Gerbil |
3 – 4 |
8 years |
Fat-tailed gerbils have a slightly longer lifespan than Mongolian gerbils, which are the most common. |
|
Guinea Pig |
4 – 8 |
15 years |
Guinea pigs that are well-cared for can live much longer than the average guinea pig. |
|
Hamster |
2 – 3 |
4.5 years |
Any hamster that is 1.5 years or older is considered elderly. |
|
Mouse |
1 – 2 |
9 years |
Because they’re social, mice in groups tend to live longer than mice who are solo. |
|
Rat |
2 – 4 |
7 years |
Females typically live longer than males. |
