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Obesity is the most common disease in cats, though it’s preventable. Adequate exercise is possible to do inside your home — try playing fetch, playing with a laser pointer, and even putting out battery-operated toys that flop around to mimic prey. Keeping your cat fit and healthy will give him a longer and better quality of life. At the lower end of the spectrum, free-roaming outdoor and feral cats have much shorter average lifespans of just 2-5 years.
Indoor Cat vs. Outdoor Cat Life Expectancy
However, they are also likely to get more exercise as they have more space to roam, which helps to keep them fit and healthy. Currently there is limited evidence to suggest that adopting either an indoor or outdoor lifestyle results in a significantly long lifespan. If you do keep your cat indoors, they’ll need plenty of opportunities to exercise with fun toys they can chase and catch. There are still other risks to pet house cats, so you’ll need to monitor them closely to keep them healthy for longer. There isn’t hard data on how long cats live as pets, but it’s a well-known fact that indoor cats live longer than outdoor cats. A 2015 study that examined the deaths of 4,009 cats found that outdoor cats usually live shorter lives because those outdoor cats are exposed to many dangers, including traffic and animal attacks.
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For example, if your cat is diagnosed with a serious health condition, they might need medications or other treatments. The same is true if your cat ever gets seriously sick or injured. Put money into a savings account or consider getting pet health insurance, just in case. Ensuring your cat can promptly get the vet care they need can help keep them healthy and allow them to live as long as possible. While cats are known for being generally healthy pets, some breeds tend to have more health-related issues. Breed and genetic makeup can impact a cat’s lifespan, just like it can influence size, coat, and physical attributes.
Regular veterinary care and its role in increasing lifespan of a housecat
Despite the mythical “nine lives” attributed to cats, our feline friends only have one life to live just like humans and other animals. There is no guaranteed way to extend your cat’s life expectancy. However, with attentive care, you can increase their chances of living a long, full life. An indoor lifestyle may suit some cats and be reassuring for owners who enjoy knowing their pets are warm, comfortable and safe. Thanks to continuing advances in veterinary medicine and science, cat life expectancy has increased, making it possible for felines to stay healthy and happy for longer.
The average lifespan of a cat is 13 to 17 years, according to PetMD. That said, it’s not uncommon for cats to live into their late teens or twenties. Some cats even live into their thirties, although this is far less common. Of course, a cat that doesn’t eat a healthy diet may develop health issues, but parasites and diseases can also affect their health.
How Long Do Domestic Cats Live?
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. When it comes to the average lifespan of a house cat, the numbers may vary. On average, cats live between 15 to 20 years, but it’s not uncommon for some cats to reach their late teens or even early twenties. The lifespan of a cat can be influenced by various factors, including genetics, environment, and overall health.
Dutch connects you with licensed veterinarians over video chat and messaging to help you get care for your dog or cat quickly wherever you are — without the stress or expense of a vet visit. We also partner with pharmacies who can deliver prescription medication (in applicable states only) and over-the-counter treatments directly to your door. Dutch isn’t a veterinary practice or pharmacy, but a company that helps facilitate these services for pet parents to make veterinary care more accessible to all. Read on to find out how long indoor and outdoor cats can live, how long certain breeds may live, and how to maintain or increase your cat’s life expectancy. While you can’t control how long your cat lives, you can take steps to promote good health that may increase its chances of either avoiding or recovering from illness.
How Long Do Cats Live? Average Lifespan of a House Cat
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This young, playful life stage is incredibly important for setting your cat up for success. Though most kittens learn bathroom and feeding habits without much help, it’s also important to socialize kittens and engage in appropriate play to set them up for behavioral success. Some lucky felines have been known to live 20 years or more—the world record holder for oldest cat on record, adorably named Creme Puff, lived to be a whopping 38 years old. There are dangers and environmental factors outdoors that can severely shorten the life of your cat. Sad to say, but inside/outside cats live an average of only two to five years. The main advantage of keeping an outdoor cat is that it will provide the most stimulating environment.
How Long Do Outdoor Cats Live?
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.
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In this article, we’ll talk about the life expectancy of the average indoor cat and how it compares to that of an outdoor or indoor-outdoor cat. We’ll also discuss some of the factors that affect how long cats live. 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. A cat’s longevity depends on a mix of genetics, lifestyle factors, medical care, and luck in avoiding serious illnesses or injuries. Some beneficial factors include spay/neuter, indoor lifestyles, high-quality nutrition, routine veterinary care, and attentive owners to detect health problems early. In this article, we’ll dive into the details around the average cat lifespan.
The good news is that advances in veterinary care and awareness of good cat welfare mean that domestic cats are living longer than they used to. As you will see from the chart, we also recognise six different life stages for cats. These are based on an understanding of how cats mature and age both physically and behaviourally, and allow us to predict when certain changes might be occurring both physically and mentally. These various disease processes require specific lifestyle changes ranging from daily medications to diet changes to routine labs. The earlier these diseases are diagnosed, the faster treatment can be pursued to prevent irreversible organ damage.
In 2019, the United Nations estimated that the average global life expectancy is 72.9 years. A high-quality cat food should contain animal protein as the primary ingredient, with minimal fillers and carbohydrates. Cats require essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that are found in animal-based proteins, such as chicken, fish, or beef. Avoiding low-quality cat food that contains excessive grains or by-products is important for maintaining your cat’s health. Flossie had remained in the same extended family since being homed as a young stray in 1995.
A cat’s life expectancy will depend on many factors, including health, diet and their environment, but the average lifespan for a domestic cat is about years. The breed is also often considered a factor in determining a cat's life expectancy, but this is no guarantee. Even with proper vaccines, outdoor cats are exposed to far more dangers than indoor cats’ lives are. Dangers that vaccines and other medicines cannot protect them from. A few of the lifespan threatening dangers that outdoor cats may encounter include ticks, cars, other animals, and many other stressful encounters that can shorten a cat’s lifespan.
Additionally, consider using puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys to provide a challenge and keep their minds sharp. In addition to playtime, providing a scratching post or cat tree allows your cat to engage in natural behaviors like climbing, scratching, and stretching. This helps keep their muscles toned, prevents boredom, and promotes a healthier lifestyle. Proper nutrition not only helps prevent obesity but also contributes to a cat’s overall immune function, organ health, and energy levels. A well-nourished cat is more likely to have a healthy coat, strong muscles, and a robust immune system, all of which can contribute to a longer lifespan.
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