The Astonishing Average Lifespan of a House Cat
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The University of California, Davis’ Clinical Animal Behavior Service reports that the average life expectancy of an outdoor cat is just two to five years. Regular exercise not only helps prevent obesity but also keeps your cat’s joints mobile, improves cardiovascular health, and reduces the risk of certain diseases. By incorporating daily exercise and mental stimulation into your cat’s routine, you can help ensure they live a longer and healthier life. However, providing good, attentive care can help your cat live the longest, healthiest life possible. One of the best ways you can maximize your cat’s life span is to make sure that you’ve planned for potential vet expenses.
Lifestyle
That said, certain diseases such as asthma and lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) are more commonly diagnosed at this age. Catching these issues early can lead to much more successful long-term management, and baseline bloodwork can help establish normal values to compare to as your cat ages. If your cat ages in a healthy way, chances are they'll even make it to their 20s. Keeping your cat indoors is the best way to ensure she has a good quality of life.
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Siamese cats are one of the only Asian cat breeds with distinctive coats and blue eyes. The oldest male Siamese on record was named Scooter from Mansfield, Texas, who lived to see his 30th birthday. Issues like animal attacks or being hit by a car can cut things off prematurely. So, what are the things to consider when you think of a cat’s lifespan? It’s important to keep cats up to date on their vaccines and routine examinations, even though this age group is relatively resistant to illness.
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This is a significantly longer lifespan than that of their wild outdoor counterparts. Overfeeding your cat too many treats can have just as poor of an effect on their life span as if you were to overfeed them at mealtime or feed them the wrong kind of food. If your cat is obese, talk to your vet about healthy diet plans for your feline friend and give them cat food that will help them lose weight. Aside from keeping your cat vaccinated and indoors, there are several things you can do to help support a long and healthy life for your cat. As a cat owner, you undoubtedly want to aim for 18 wonderful years with your cat by your side. Additionally, regular veterinary check-ups provide an opportunity to discuss any concerns or behavioral changes you may have noticed in your cat.
About 47.1 million households in the United States have at least one cat, according to figures from the APPA National Pet Owners Survey by the American Pet Products Association. The Humane Society estimates that up to 40 percent of cats go outside. The good news is that up to 70 percent come inside the home at night. Crème Puff’s human was Jake Perry from Austin, Texas, who had another cat, Granpa, who lived to be 34.
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The daily risks that outdoor cats take are much higher than those of an indoor cat, so the lifespan of an outdoor cat is often cut short. The more time a cat spends outside, the greater the risk is of an injury or illness from that environment. Thanks to advances in feline medicine, nutrition, and care, our house cats are living longer, healthier lives. And it’s a pet parent’s responsibility to help their kitty reach those golden years by giving him proper care for each life stage. Whether your cat resides completely indoors or goes in and out throughout the day can have more of an impact on their lifespan than some cat owners may realize. There are some more obvious reasons why indoor cats live longer lives than their outdoor counterparts.
If you're headed to bed a little earlier than usual, they might too. If your goal is to get the most quality time with your cat, consider choosing a mixed breed (or “moggy,” also known as a Domestic Shorthair or Domestic Longhair). Cats who spend a portion or all of their lives outside face some dangers that strictly indoor cats won’t have to worry about. Outdoor cats risk being hit by a car, attacked by predators or other cats, and contracting viral diseases and parasites. On average, healthy purebred cats live about 12 and a half years, but some can live to be around 20 years of age. As a pet parent, it can be difficult to think about the life expectancy of your animal.
What's the longest a cat can live for? Here are the world's oldest felines - BBC Science Focus Magazine
What's the longest a cat can live for? Here are the world's oldest felines.
Posted: Thu, 16 Mar 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Aging in cats is the process by which cats change over the course of their natural lifespans. The average lifespan of a domestic cat may range from 13 to 20 years. As cats senesce, they undergo predictable changes in health and behavior.
While indoor cats live for 10 to 15 years, outdoor cats don’t typically last quite as long. Aside from the higher risk of developing cat skin cancer due to increased exposure to the sun, outdoor cats also have to contend with ticks, fleas, and predators. Cats who live outdoors only will generally live to be about 2 to 5 years old,1 although that depends on several factors. There are many factors that influence feline longevity including breed, spay/neuter status, nutrition, and veterinary care. Providing an enriched home environment and adapting as your cat ages can help maximize lifespan and quality of life. The true average lifespan of domestic cats falls within a range – usually between years.
Besides becoming less active, cats may experience other behavior changes as they near the end of their life. Increased vocalizations and changes in litter box habits are common aging cat behavior changes, which may be signs of age-related illnesses. You should contact your vet if you notice any changes in your cat’s behavior. Mixed-breed cats, also known as domestic shorthair cats, tend to live longer than purebred cats by a year or two, on average. This is mostly likely due to a more diverse gene pool that reduces the chances of hereditary health conditions common to purebred cats.
Blood pressure can be easily monitored at your cat’s annual checkup. We aren’t recommending this diet, but there are a few things you can do to help your cat live a long, happy life. This advice is not a substitute for a proper consultation with a vet and is only intended as a guide.
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