Sunday, April 28, 2024

How Long Do Cats Live? Feline Lifespan Facts Explained Vet Approved

lifespan of a house cat

However, there are many factors, many of which were discussed above, that come into play when talking about the length of a cat’s life. Keeping your cat at an ideal body weight and allowing them plenty of opportunities to get exercise, will help mitigate weight issues in the long run. Contact your veterinarian to help you come up with the best weight and exercise plan specifically for your pet.

lifespan of a house cat

Cat Life Expectancy By Breed

How Long Do Cats Live? Lifestyle and Vet Care Make the Difference - Daily Paws

How Long Do Cats Live? Lifestyle and Vet Care Make the Difference.

Posted: Thu, 07 Jul 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Firstly, diet plays a significant role in your cat’s overall health and lifespan. As obligate carnivores, cats require a diet that is rich in protein and low in carbohydrates to meet their nutritional needs. Avoid feeding your cat table scraps or human food, as this can lead to obesity and other health issues.

Cat Breeds That Exceed Lifespan

They lived together for 10 years until the owner died and Flossie was taken in by her sister. For the next three years, Flossie lived with the woman’s son, until his situation led him to make the difficult decision to relinquish the family cat to Cats Protection. Lastly, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) weakens a cat’s immune system and shortens their lifespan. Keep your cat indoors and avoid contact with other cats who may be infected to prevent FIV. Another benefit of keeping your cat indoors is that it helps prevent them from getting into fights with other animals.

lifespan of a house cat

Do Certain Cat Breeds Live Longer Than Others?

For instance, an outdoor cat may have a shorter lifespan than an indoor one due to exposure to hazards such as predators and vehicles. Similarly, certain breeds may be more prone to certain medical conditions that can cut their lives short. Cats that live outdoors unsupervised tend to live half as long as indoor cats, according to PetMD. While they may be more active than indoor cats, they’re exposed to far more life-threatening dangers. Outdoor-only cats also tend to not see the vet as often, if ever, for preventive healthcare that may help extend their lives. Conditions can be genetic or picked up from the environment or over time.

Because of all of these factors, outdoor cats have a much more limited lifespan of 3 to 10 years, with the average being 5.6 total years. They are more at risk of disease from fleas and ticks, have more interactions with other cats causing bites and scratches, and have more accidents and traumas than indoor cats. Let’s dive into how long cats live, if it matters if they live indoors or outdoors, and more about life expectancies based on the different breeds.

Make sure if you use a teaser toy or laser pointer that you give your cat something tangible to “kill” and “eat” at the end of the chase, such as a catnip toy or a few treats. The information provided in this article is not a substitute for professional veterinary help. It is a well known thought that for every year old your cat is, they are x times that number in human years. The condition of the heart, coat, and other body systems can also help your vet determine an approximate age of your cat.

Your Cat’s Life Stages

Blood pressure can be easily monitored at your cat’s annual checkup. Changes in behavior may be noted with regards to litter box use and nighttime activity levels. For example, some older cats will be more active late at night when they didn’t used to be and then sleep more during the day. Or, cats that were once fastidious about their bathroom habits may no longer cover their poop or may go outside the litter box. Cats at their ideal weight will have ribs that you can feel without effort when you pet them, but they won’t be visible unless they are stretching, jumping, or climbing.

How to Weigh Your Pet at Home

How long do cats live? Average lifespan and how to keep pets healthy. - USA TODAY

How long do cats live? Average lifespan and how to keep pets healthy..

Posted: Wed, 15 Jun 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Brushing their coat, trimming their nails, and cleaning their teeth are all important components of a healthy grooming routine. Indoor cats may also have fewer behavioral issues such as aggression or anxiety since they are not constantly exposed to external stimuli. Providing your indoor cat with plenty of toys, scratching posts, and vertical spaces can also promote exercise and mental stimulation, leading to a longer and happier life. Let’s explore some of the critical factors affecting the life expectancy of a house cat. An indoor lifestyle may suit some cats and be reassuring for owners who enjoy knowing their pets are warm, comfortable and safe.

How Old Is My Cat in Human Years?

The right amount of calories from nutritious food, and plenty of playtimes are the best way. If you know any people with cats that can benefit from this information, please share this guide to how much your cat should weigh on Facebook and Twitter. When you the cat parent provide a loving environment for your house cats’, studies do show that they tend to live longer.

Siamese cats, in particular, are known for their longevity, and it is not uncommon for them to live into their 20’s. As they age, your cat could develop health issues like arthritis and dental disease. "As in humans, many of the changes that occur with ageing in cats are not considered pathological and do not negatively affect overall wellness or quality of life," the researchers explain. "However, ruling out disease is essential when attempting to determine whether an aged cat can be considered 'healthy'." Anyone with a cat in their life will know that they're probably going to stick around for a while, with the average lifespan of indoor house cats these days hitting an impressive 12 to 15 years. Outdoor cats also have to handle severe weather, threats from wildlife and other predators, and even periods of starvation or lack of clean water sources.

Nine is also a lucky number in Chinese culture, as it is considered a long-lasting symbol. Today, many believe the concept of nine lives has to do with luck. The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

And yes, other cats, especially wild cats, will stalk and kill their own kind. The oldest individual record-holder, according to Guinness World Records, was Creme Puff, a tabby mix in Texas, who died in 2005 at the indisputably venerable age of 38. Your veterinarian is always your best and most trusted resource to answer any questions and concerns about your fabulous feline. Most often, an aging cat might not be as spry and agile as they once were. They could move a little slower and take their time with obstacles they used to burn through.

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