How Long Do Cats Live and How Can Give Yours a Long, Healthy Lifespan?
We’ve all heard the cliches over the years. “Cats have nine lives!” “Curiosity killed the cat!” But what is the real story about cats and their lifespans? We’ve covered topics like the different stages of kittens and general health stories, but this time we are going to look at the average lifespan of a cat, some of the factors that might influence, and how you can help your cat live a long, healthy life.
Lifespan of Cats
The lifespan of a cat can vary significantly based on numerous factors including genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. On average, indoor cats live between 12 to 18 years (with some into their 20s), while outdoor cats usually average between 5 to 10 years because of the increased risks associated with their lifestyle. Outdoor cats are frequently at the whim of predators, disease, and traffic accidents.
There are always going to be some exceptional cases, though, with a cat named Crème Puff living to 38 years old in Texas.
Factors Affecting a Cat's Lifespan
Several key factors influence how long a cat lives, and while they might seem obvious, or simple, when combined, they can help a cat live a much longer and healthier life.
Genetics: Not much can be done to affect this, but some breeds just live longer than others. For instance, Siamese and Manx cats are known for their long lifespans.
Diet: Proper nutrition is crucial for a cat's health. A balanced diet helps prevent obesity, diabetes, weight-related arthritis and other health issues.
Healthcare: Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and prompt treatment of illnesses can significantly extend a cat's life for obvious reasons. Catching an illness in its early stages and learning about what foods or medications to give your cat make a big difference in their overall health.
Environment: Indoor cats tend to live longer than outdoor cats due to reduced exposure to things that pose a threat to them.
Spaying/Neutering: Cats that are spayed or neutered often live longer due to a decreased risk of certain cancers and diseases. It also goes a long way to prevent other cats from ending up in shelters.
How to Ensure Your Cat Lives a Long, Healthy Life
While genetics play a role in a cat's lifespan, there are several proactive steps you can take to help your feline friend live a long, healthy life:
Provide a Balanced Diet: Feed your cat high-quality cat food appropriate for their age, health, and activity level. Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity and talk to your vet to find out what to feed them, and how much is appropriate.
Regular Veterinary Care: Schedule annual check-ups with the vet. Keep up with vaccinations, disease prevention, and dental care.
Maintain a Safe Environment: Keep your cat indoors to protect them from accidents, diseases, and predators. If your cat goes outside, ensure it's in a safe, supervised area.
Mental and Physical Stimulation: Engage your cat in regular play to keep them mentally and physically active. Toys, scratching posts, and interactive play can help.
Hydration: Ensure your cat has access to fresh water at all times. Proper hydration is vital for kidney health and overall well-being.
Grooming: Regular grooming can help prevent matting, reduce shedding, and allow you to check for signs of illness or parasites. Sometimes running a kitty comb through their fur is enough. Long-haired cats usually need to see a groomer from time to time.
Weight Management: Monitor your cat's weight and adjust their diet and exercise routine to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can lead to numerous health problems.
Stress Reduction: Provide a stable, calm environment. Minimize changes that can stress your cat out, and provide them with a safe, quiet space to retreat to.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your cat healthy and living a long life doesn’t take a whole lot. Common sense stuff like taking them to the vet for regular checkups, feeding them good food and keeping them active go a long way in building a long lifespan for your cat. It might seem like an odd exercise, but think about some of the things that would help you live a long life – quite a few align with what cats need as well.