If only cats can live forever, many pet owners would be on cloud nine. However, every living thing has its limits, including felines. And no, cats do not necessarily only have nine lives.
A cat’s lifespan depends on the home and veterinary care they receive. There are also other factors that influence how long they live. Some cats even live beyond their average lifespan.
Generally, cats can live up to 12 to 15 years. However, there’s a difference between indoor and outdoor cats. Indoor cats can sometimes live for 20 years or more. Outdoor cats, on the other hand, typically live for shorter years due to many factors.
As cat owners, it’s vital to know how to care for your feline companions so that you can give them long, happy lives.
Factors That Affect a Cat’s Lifespan
Various factors can affect how long a cat lives. Some of these are natural causes that most vets and pet owners have no control over. But, other factors can be managed with proper care.
- Genetics
Certain cat breeds have naturally longer lifespans than others. Some cats may have hereditary health problems that can shorten their lifespans. Mixed-breed cats might have longer lifespans because they have fewer genetic disorders.
- Diet and Nutrition
Cats that have poor diets are prone to obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic issues that can reduce their lifespan. Those that eat well-balanced diets with essential nutrients live longer lives.
- Veterinary Care
Routine health checks can help detect diseases early before they become worse. Vaccinations, parasite management, and dental health care also play a big role in prolonging your cat’s health.
- Cat Neutering
This is not mandatory for cats. But when cats undergo this surgical procedure, it eliminates the risk of reproductive cancers and infections in cats. Neutered felines will have lesser chances of roaming outdoors.
- Environment
Outdoor cats have shorter lifespans because they are more exposed to harsh elements outside their homes. These may include traffic, fights with other animals, harsh weather, and parasites.
An online survey collected data from 5,000 Central European cat owners. The results found that over 70% of cats involved in traffic accidents died. This shows how dangerous roaming behavior can be for feline pets.
- Physical & Mental Activities
Regular exercise helps maintain their weight and health. Mental stimulation also contributes to preventing stress-related illnesses and cognitive decline. Cats that didn’t receive enough mental and physical exercises during the first stages of their lives, might experience more health issues later on.
By understanding and managing these factors, any cat owner will be equipped to help their cats live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
Life Stages of a Cat and Their Needs
Cats have several life stages, and their needs change during each phase. Here’s an outline of what to expect and how to care for a cat in each life stage.
- Kitten (Birth to 12 Months)
The kitten stage is an important phase in a cat’s life. This is when they require proper care and nutrition for a healthy growth. Their immune systems are also developing, which makes them susceptible to various illnesses.
Their high energy and curiosity add to the challenging aspect of caring for them. During this stage, socialization and playtime are highly essential to help them be comfortable and friendly with humans and other pets.
Kittens require a specific diet that will promote proper growth. During the first weeks of their life, they’ll also need essential cat vaccinations. These will protect them from preventable diseases like rabies, feline distemper, and calicivirus.
Some cat owners also neuter their pets during the first year to prevent health issues and behavioral issues like marking and spraying.
- Young Adult (1 to 6 Years)
When a cat becomes a year old, they reach physical maturity. They’ll have a lower calorie requirement. However, they are also more prone to obesity, so weight management must be followed.
Young adult cats may also be susceptible to common health issues like asthma and urinary tract infections. This is why veterinarians recommend yearly routine checkups to monitor their health.
- Mature Adult (6 to 10 Years)
As cats mature further, their activity levels become reduced, and they become more inclined to gain excessive weight. They may show early symptoms of kidney disease, arthritis, and digestive problems.
Some of the symptoms that a mature adult cat may be experiencing health issues include avoiding the litter box, frequent potty accidents, excessive vocalization at night, and restlessness.
The vet may recommend bloodwork to be done yearly to monitor their thyroid, liver, a nd kidney health. Dental care will also need to be highly prioritized at this point.
- Geriatric (10+ Years)
The senior life stage of cats is when they become vulnerable to many health issues. Just like elderly humans, a senior cat’s health may decline, and its immune systems may be compromised.
Instead of an annual vet visit, your veterinarian may recommend routine health assessments every six months. This is to monitor their blood pressure and for any signs of chronic diseases.
You may want to adjust their living environment to help them live more comfortably. There are orthopedic pet beds and easy-access litter boxes available for senior cats.
Conclusion
Cats may not live as long as humans, so they deserve the best care to help them live a quality life. There are three things that can help prolong a cat’s lifespan: veterinary care, a healthy diet, and good hygiene.
When it comes to letting cats roam outside, pet owners worldwide are divided. Some believe that there’s nothing wrong with letting their cats enjoy the outdoors. However, keep in mind that outdoor cats are more exposed to dangerous risks.
The important thing is to keep your cat healthy and happy while preventing dangers and health issues as much as possible.
FAQs
1. How long do cats live?
The average cat lifespan is 12 to 15 years, but some cats reach over 20 years old with proper care and medical intervention.
2. What is the average lifespan of a domestic cat?
Domestic cats that strictly stay indoors can live up to 18 years. Cats that roam outdoors are exposed to dangerous risks that give them an average lifespan of 2 to 7 years.
3. How long do female cats live?
Female cats may have a slightly longer lifespan than males that exhibit roaming behavior. Spayed females can have higher lifespans because reproductive health conditions are completed eliminated.
4. What is the longest cat lifespan ever recorded?
The oldest cat that on record is Creme Puff who lived until 38 years old. She was a mixed tabby cat from Texas.
