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While there is not a specific consensus on this, the average life expectancy of a house cat is somewhere between 10 to 15 years, while outdoor cats may only live on average 2 to 5 years. 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. Dental disease and loss of olfaction are common as cats age, affecting eating habits. How a cat's health is affected by aging may be managed through modifications in a cat's diet, accessibility adjustments, and cognitive stimulation.
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You may need to adjust their diet and encourage them to get enough exercise and activity to stay fit and healthy. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, an Austin, Texas cat named Creme Puff lived longer than any pet cat in history. Born in 1967, the American Shorthair was a devoted family companion for more than three decades, living to a whopping 38 years of age. The elderly cat’s doting family reported feeding him an unusual diet including such items as asparagus and heavy cream. However, you should follow your vet’s recommendations with regard to the type and frequency of the vaccinations your particular cat needs. While it isn’t unusual for cats to live close to 20 years or more, you will need to make specific accommodations for them after a while.
Benefits of Having an Indoor Cat
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. The hip bones will be padded but contoured and visible, creating a slight waist for the cat when looking down on it from above. Its fur will be shiny, and the cat will be playful and energetic. Cats in this weight range will live the longest, but it takes the most effort from pet owners to achieve.
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Indoor Cat vs. Outdoor Cat Life Expectancy
Additionally, consider using puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys to provide a challenge and keep their minds sharp. Creating a safe and stimulating environment is crucial for a cat’s longevity. Cats are curious animals that need mental stimulation, physical activity, and a sense of security to thrive. On average, purebred cats live about 12.5 years and crossbred cats live a bit longer, about 14 years,” Gardner explains. There’s a lot to consider if you want your feline friends to live as long as possible.
Feeding & Diet
From providing a balanced and nutritious diet to engaging in regular exercise and mental stimulation, there are many ways to increase a cat’s lifespan. Regular veterinary care, preventive measures, and a safe and stimulating environment also play crucial roles in promoting longevity. As such, it’s essential for cat owners to take good care of their pets and provide them with everything they need to live long, healthy lives.
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As cats grow and age, they go through five distinct life stages, according to the American Association of Feline Practitioners. While the timing and length of later stages can vary based on breed and other factors, here is what you can generally expect from the different stages throughout your cat’s life. As with any species on the planet, health issues impact the life expectancy of cats. If your cat is underweight, first check the quality of the food. It should also contain a moderate amount of healthy fats and few carbs. Cats love to eat, so if your cat is too thin despite proper feeding, it could be a sign that your cat has a health condition that might need attention from a vet.
Keep reading to learn more about the average indoor cat lifespan and what you can do to keep your cat happy and healthy for as long as possible. In this article, we’ll dive into the details around the average cat lifespan. We’ll look at how long indoor vs outdoor cats live, impacts of breed, and important care considerations for senior felines. Read on for a comprehensive guide to understanding how long cats live and how to help your own cat thrive at every stage of life. A cat’s longevity depends on many factors including breed, veterinary care, nutrition, lifestyle, and more. With optimal care, it’s possible for cats to reach 20 years or even older ages.
Disease Prevention
They originate from the Near East countries where they were domesticated from wild cats to help control rodent populations. These cats spread throughout the world as pets, and we eventually started selectively breeding them for specific traits, thus creating different breeds. The primary cat breeds were originally bred using cats from four major regions; the Arabian Sea, the Eastern Mediterranean, South Asia, and Western Europe. These four regions have produced cats that have different genetic markers based on what region, or race, they are from. During this stage, cats may start to slow down and put on weight.
Annual exams, bloodwork, dental cleanings and medications can help manage diseases like kidney disease, arthritis, hyperthyroidism, cancer or cognitive dysfunction. Generally, purebred cats tend to live shorter lives than mixed breed cats. According to PetMD, most cats live years, but this isn’t set in stone.
If your cat is still noticeably growing, they are under 12 months old. The most reliable way to tell a cat’s age is from paperwork such as records of their first vaccination or microchip implant. Signs your cat is an older cat include a slight milky change to the lens of the eyes, also known as nuclear sclerosis. The presence of dental problems, duller coat, arthritis and other physical signs are suggestive of an older cat, but not exclusive to cats of a certain age. Your cat should get annual exams regardless of whether they are an indoor or outdoor pet.
Maintaining a healthy weight, supplementing with glucosamine, and pain medication can help cats stay active and comfortable. Cancer is unfortunately common in senior cats, especially lymphoma, mammary tumors, and squamous cell carcinoma. Early detection greatly improves the chances of successful treatment.
The bones around the tail will have no fat covering and are more prominent than usual. The tummy tuck will be extreme, and they usually have little energy for grooming, hunting, or playing. If it’s a stray, it will lose its fear of humans and come up to you looking for food. With advancements in medical care, improved nutrition, and the evolving bond between humans and cats, beloved feline companions are living longer than ever. If you’re in an area where there may be predators roaming around, letting your cat outside can be dangerous. The same goes for letting your cat roam the city streets that are filled with cars and other hazards.
However, they face higher risks of accidents and injuries, including fights with other animals. Moreover, indoor cats are less prone to accidents and injuries such as getting hit by a car or attacked by other animals. They are also protected from exposure to extreme weather conditions that can affect their health negatively. However, indoor cats may become bored or anxious without enough mental stimulation or exercise.
In fact, according to ASPCA pet insurance, cat owners should expect to spend roughly $634 annually, or $53 per month, on their pet. A memory foam bed provides spacious and supportive bedding for your cat. A clean and tidy space isn’t just good for your mental health; your cat will benefit too. Proper support from bedding will help relieve pressure on your cat's joints. As your cat ages, relieving pressure may be vital to their comfort.
One of the most significant decisions you will make is whether to let your feline friend roam outdoors or keep them as an indoor cat. While outdoor cats may seem happier with the freedom to explore, there are numerous benefits to keeping your cat inside. Keep up with veterinary visits to monitor your cat’s health and treat any age-related conditions.
While years is typical, indoor cats receiving high-quality nutrition, enrichment, preventative veterinary care, exercise, and attentive ownership may enjoy lifespans exceeding years. Genetics, illness, accidents, and other factors can shorten any cat’s life unexpectedly. Environmental factors also play a significant role in your cat’s lifespan. Indoor cats generally live longer than outdoor cats since they are not exposed to the same risks such as traffic accidents or attacks from other animals. Providing your cat with a safe and comfortable living environment can help reduce stress levels and promote overall health. Secondly, exercise is an essential factor in keeping your cat healthy and active.
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