Methodology

How PetLifeYears estimates pet lifespan

PetLifeYears estimates a statistical lifespan range or planning range, not an exact date. Cat and dog calculators use species-specific factors; rabbit, hamster, guinea pig, bird, reptile, turtle, and fish calculators keep care fields as guidance unless stronger evidence supports numerical effects.

Model version

Current cat model: cat-lifespan-v0.1. Reviewed: 2026-08-31.

Current dog model: dog-lifespan-v0.1. Reviewed: 2026-09-02.

Country is saved with the estimate so you can compare results later. The lifespan range is based on the other details entered.

Rabbit longevity: evidence and limits

Model: rabbit-lifespan-v0.1. Reviewed: 2026-09-09.

This estimate is a care-planning guide, not a medical prognosis. Age sets most of the range; breed, size, country and care answers help frame the notes.

Sources and methodology

Hamster longevity: evidence and limits

Model: hamster-lifespan-v0.1. Reviewed: 2026-09-10.

This estimate is a care-planning guide, not a medical prognosis. Age sets the range; type, sex, country and care details help frame the notes.

Sources and methodology

Guinea pig longevity: evidence and limits

Model: guinea-pig-lifespan-v0.1. Reviewed: 2026-09-10.

This estimate is a care-planning guide, not a medical prognosis. Age sets the range; companionship, vitamin C, teeth and health details help frame the notes.

Sources and methodology

Bird longevity: evidence and limits

Model: bird-lifespan-v0.1. Reviewed: 2026-09-14.

This estimate is a planning guide, not a medical prognosis. Bird group and age set the range; diet, housing and health details help explain what to review.

Sources and methodology

Reptile and turtle longevity: evidence and limits

Model: reptile-lifespan-v0.1. Reviewed: 2026-09-17.

This estimate is a care-planning guide, not a medical prognosis. Reptile group and age set the range; setup details help flag care topics to review.

Sources and methodology

Fish longevity: evidence and limits

Model: fish-lifespan-v0.1. Reviewed: 2026-09-23.

This estimate is a care-planning guide, not a medical prognosis. Fish group and age set the range; tank details point to care topics worth checking.

Sources and methodology

What the estimate includes

  • Cats use breed or mixed/unknown baselines; dogs use breed and adult-size baselines.
  • Rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, birds, reptiles, turtles, and fish use separate planning curves with care inputs shown as guidance only.
  • Current age, handled as a conditional estimate.
  • Sex and neuter status, anchored to species-specific published research direction.
  • Body condition, activity, and known health conditions as bounded risk factors.
  • Health condition inputs as non-diagnostic risk context.

Limitations

Country is saved with the estimate so you can compare results later. The lifespan range is based on the other details entered.

The result is an educational planning tool. It does not replace advice from a licensed veterinarian.

Cat sources

Dog sources

Sources and methodology

Sources and methodology

  • MSD Veterinary Manual: Description and Physical Characteristics of Guinea Pigs
  • RSPCA: Guinea pigs
  • PLOS ONE: Demography, commonly diagnosed disorders and mortality of guinea pigs under UK primary veterinary care

Sources and methodology

Sources and methodology

Sources and methodology

© 2026 PetLifeYears

helps pet owners plan with lifespan ranges drawn from published research.