I can't say what the experts feel the age span is, only what my own experiences were.

My first kitty lived to 12. That seemed a bit young, but she was sick.

3 others lived to be 14. I felt this was a good life even though there are reports of cats that live longer.

My oldest cat lived to be around 20. (never had an actualy birth date on him)

So in my opinion, any cat that can live beyound 16 is a miracle and a blessing.