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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. 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.
Disease Prevention
Moreover, some breeds may be more prone to specific health problems that can impact their lifespan. For example, Maine Coon cats may be more susceptible to heart disease, while Persians are prone to respiratory problems. By being aware of your cat’s breed-specific health risks and addressing them promptly, you can help ensure they live a longer and healthier life. Siamese cats, for example, have an average lifespan of years while Persian cats have an average lifespan of years.
Is Having an ‘Outdoor Cat’ Cruel? The Short Answer: YES - PETA
Is Having an ‘Outdoor Cat’ Cruel? The Short Answer: YES.
Posted: Thu, 25 May 2017 14:12:09 GMT [source]
How Long Do Cats Live? Average Lifespan of Domestic Cats
Older kittens (6 months to 1 year) should be spayed or neutered to reduce the risk of certain cancers and life-limiting behavioral issues, such as urine marking or spraying. This will ensure that any dental or health problems are quickly spotted and treated, and when vaccination is required your cat gets it at the right time. Did you know the world record for the longest living house cat is 38 years and 3 days old? So, in addition to making sure they have balanced nutrition and not too many treats, it’s also important to provide your cat with opportunities for exercise. Our emergency vets, vet nurses and support staff are all encouraged to provide insightful, evidence-based advice and content for our website. This article is one of many written by a member of our frontline team.
How to Weigh Your Pet at Home
The length of your pet’s life depends on a number of factors, including healthcare, diet, and environment. Indoor cats live on average between 9 – 15 years, which in human terms is between 53 and 77 years of age. It is estimated that 20% of cats in the USA are now living beyond 11 years of age.
How Long Do Cats Live? Average Lifespan of a House Cat
Cat trees that provide your cat with multiple levels to jump, climbing holes, and scratch pads are ideal. Exercise and play are known to help reduce and prevent stress, which ultimately leads to a happier and healthier cat. Cats need to be able to tap into their natural instincts like hunting, pouncing, and interacting. If your cat is not very active and likes to lounge, watching how much they eat can balance out their lack of activity. If your cat does burn a lot of energy and is always in the mood to play, more nutritional snacks are not a bad thing.
What Factors Affect How Long Indoor Cats Live?
In general, the average lifespan of house cats is 10 to 15 years. They tend to live longer than their outdoor counterparts who average at 7 years. The average lifespan of a cat overall in the UK is 14 years, according to a study carried out by the Royal Veterinary College. However, this is only an average age – some cats can live past 20.
Your Cat's Weight & Exercise
It’s worth noting that every cat is unique and may have specific needs that impact their longevity. Providing them with proper care and attention can go a long way in ensuring they live a happy and healthy life for as long as possible. If you have a feline companion or you’re thinking of getting one, you may be wondering how long do cats live? Domesticated cats can live long lives but their life span depends on many different factors. Interactive play also helps cats express their natural instincts and provides mental stimulation.
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. As discussed, indoor cats tend to live far longer than outdoor cats. While the average household includes its fair share of dangers, keeping cats indoors is generally considered a benefit to their longevity. Make sure to “cat-proof” your home, removing variables and hazards to create a safe environment. You’ll probably need to make different adjustments for a senior cat than you’d make for a kitten.
d. Environmental Factors
The life expectancy of outdoor cats is lower due to a higher risk of disease, car accidents and injury or death from predators. The average kitten owner can expect healthy domestic cats to live for more than a decade with an appropriate diet and healthcare regimen. Some feline fanciers have seen their pets live even longer, offering more than two decades of unconditional love. According to various studies, a crossbred house cat usually lives an average of 14 years, with a range of 9 to 17 years. However, it can be much longer, as it’s not unusual for cats to reach their late teens or even their twenties. Life expectancy depends on many factors, such as the specific breed of cat, whether they are neutered, their diet and bodyweight, how often they see the vet, and other life factors.
Issues like animal attacks or being hit by a car can cut things off prematurely. It’s commonly recommended for cats 10 and older to have bloodwork and urine testing done every six months, as organ health can change quickly. Older cats are also prone to blood pressure issues, which can lead to strokes and blindness.
Keeping your cat’s vaccinations up to date will also help protect them from diseases that could shorten their lives. After initial vaccination as a kitten, indoor cats should receive core vaccines every 1 to 3 years. Talk to your vet about non-core vaccinations, such as bordetella, and whether your cat should receive them based on their likelihood of exposure (i.e. if you have an indoor/outdoor cat). Indoor cats are not only less prone to injury or trauma, but also have less exposure to parasites and infectious diseases. However, your cat’s breed, genetics, diet and activity level can also impact its lifespan. Statistics indicate that the lifespan of an indoor cat is much longer than an outdoor cat.
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