What is the average lifespan of a house cat

Cats can live a long time. The average lifespan of a cat is about 15 years, so they often outlive most of our pet dogs. A teenage cat, or even one in their twenties, is not uncommon to see. Many factors can play a role in determining how long your cat might live.

Cats have been kept as pets for thousands of years. 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.

While it is impossible to know exactly how long a cat will live, some breeds of cats are known to often live longer than others. The Siamese and Manx cat breeds are two that often outlive their cat competition, but other breeds have been recorded as living into their 20s and even 30s. Both purebred and domestic mixed-breed cats have the potential to surpass the average lifespan of the species.

Cats primarily eat meat, so they are considered obligate carnivores, and this should be reflected in the food we feed them. A lot of research has been done to determine the dietary needs of a house cat, so the food options that are available to cat owners are plentiful.

But not all foods are created equal. Adult cats cannot digest large amounts of carbohydrates or lactose, so these are unnecessary ingredients in their food. Carbohydrates can even decrease how much protein is digested, so they are, in fact, harmful to a cat. Proteins, on the other hand, are very important to a cat. Cats require a large amount of protein when compared to a dog, due to their unique digestive system. Adult cats should receive at least 5.5 g/kg of protein a day. This means the average eight-pound cat needs to consume at least 20 grams of protein each day and often much more.

Essential amino acids are also very important to a cat. Taurine, methionine, and cystine are some of these essential amino acids, and without them, important vitamins, and the proper amount of protein, a cat’s health may suffer greatly.

Of course, a cat that doesn’t eat a healthy diet may develop health issues, but parasites and diseases can also affect their health. Some diseases have long term effects on cats and may also shorten their lifespan.

Poor genetics, immune-compromised cats, and cats that have compromised organ functions might not live as long as healthy cats.

Some cats are considered indoor pets, others are strictly outdoor pets, and others still will be indoor/outdoor pets that split their time between environments. The daily risks that outdoor cats take are much higher than those of an indoor cat, so the lifespan of an outdoor cat is often cut short. Avoiding getting hit by vehicles, hurt by wild animals and eating toxins, finding food, surviving the elements, and being exposed to various parasites and diseases may all be daily challenges for an outdoor or indoor/outdoor cat. The more time a cat spends outside, the greater the risk is of an injury or illness from that environment.

Indoor cats are not exposed to as many risks since they are sheltered inside a secure home. Wild animals and vehicles pose no threats to an indoor cat, their diet is typically controlled, and toxin, parasite, and disease exposures are lessened, especially if they are vaccinated and on preventative medications.

The same is true for big cats like lions, tigers, ocelots, and other wild cats. These cats that reside in zoos often outlive their wild counterparts.

Guinness World Records lists the oldest cat as having lived 38 years and three days. Crème Puff was a domestic shorthair cat that was sometimes fed odd things such as asparagus, eggs, and heavy cream. She was born in 1967 and died in 2005 in Austin, Texas. It is unknown exactly how Crème Puff was able to live to be such an old cat, but a combination of loving care, good genetics, and a safe environment were probably key factors.

While we never have complete control over our cat's lives, we can be sure to offer them a safe, healthy, and loving environment to increase the odds of them living a long life.

If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.

Good news for cat lovers: Cats are living longer lives than ever thanks to better nutrition and advances in medical care. So just how long do indoor cats live?

The short answer, according to the ASPCA, is 13 to 17 years. That’s the average for all cats kept indoors, but there are many variables that can shorten or lengthen a cat’s life.

Factors That Impact Life Expectancy

While 13 to 17 years is the average life expectancy for an indoor cat, some live much shorter lives while others live well into their 20s. One kitty, Crème Puff, made it to the ripe old age of 38!

Want your cat to outlive the average? Here are some things to consider:

• Routine Medical Care
  Cats won’t complain when they don’t feel good. In fact, you won’t likely notice anything is wrong with your pet until things have progressed to the point that it may be too late for effective treatment.That’s why routine care is so important. In addition to vaccines and other preventative measures, the vet can also perform annual tests to make sure your cat isn’t dealing with any medical conditions. In many cases, when caught early, the conditions can be successfully treated.
• DietAn ideal diet is moisture-rich and has all of the nutrition your cat needs. Since there are so many options, it can be difficult to choose a quality cat food. Your best bet is to discuss the various diets with your vet, so he or she can guide you to the food that is best for your cat.
• Exercise
  Some cats are notoriously lazy, so how can you get an indoor cat to exercise? Interacting with your cat is one option. Most cats can’t resist a laser pointer, so spend some time each day having your cat chase the red dot. Other interactive toys, such as wands with feathers or battery-operated rolling toys, can also get your cat moving.If you’re seriously committed to your cat’s fitness, consider investing in a cat wheel or treadmill, which should only be used with your supervision.
• Prevent Boredom
  Keeping your cat engaged can help to extend his life, and there are many ways to do this, including the introduction of new toys regularly, spending time interacting each day, and providing climbing opportunities, such cat towers or wall-mounted options.

A Word about Outdoor Cats

This article answered the question “how long do indoor cats live?” but it’s important to point out the best way to shorten a cat’s life expectancy is to let him wander outside. Outdoor cats only live an average of 2 to 5 years. The dramatic difference is attributed to the many dangers an outdoor cat faces, including traffic and predators.

Lifespans of Popular Breeds

Are you thinking about adding a cat to your family? Here are the average lifespans of some of the most popular breeds:

• Siamese: 12 to 20 years
• Calico: 12 to 15 years
• Bengal: 14 to 16 years
• Burmese: 16 to 18 years
• Savannah: 12 to 20 years
• Ragdoll: 15 to 18 years
• Russian Blue: 15 to 20 years
• American Shorthair: 15 to 20 years
• Sphynx: 10 to 15 years
• Manx: 8 to 14 years
• Persian: 10 to 17 years
• Maine Coon: 10 to 13 years
• Munchkin: 12 to 15 years

The Vet on 4th helps pet owners in the Longview, TX area take great care of their pets by providing exceptional medical care and expert advice about all manner of proper pet care. If you’re in the Longview area, make an appointment to meet our vets and see our facility. We’d love to become your partners in your pets’ healthcare!

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Good news for cat lovers: Cats are living longer lives than ever thanks to better nutrition and advances in medical care. So just how long do indoor cats live?

The short answer, according to the ASPCA, is 13 to 17 years. That’s the average for all cats kept indoors, but there are many variables that can shorten or lengthen a cat’s life.

Factors That Impact Life Expectancy

While 13 to 17 years is the average life expectancy for an indoor cat, some live much shorter lives while others live well into their 20s. One kitty, Crème Puff, made it to the ripe old age of 38!

Want your cat to outlive the average? Here are some things to consider:

• Routine Medical Care
  Cats won’t complain when they don’t feel good. In fact, you won’t likely notice anything is wrong with your pet until things have progressed to the point that it may be too late for effective treatment.That’s why routine care is so important. In addition to vaccines and other preventative measures, the vet can also perform annual tests to make sure your cat isn’t dealing with any medical conditions. In many cases, when caught early, the conditions can be successfully treated.
• DietAn ideal diet is moisture-rich and has all of the nutrition your cat needs. Since there are so many options, it can be difficult to choose a quality cat food. Your best bet is to discuss the various diets with your vet, so he or she can guide you to the food that is best for your cat.
• Exercise
  Some cats are notoriously lazy, so how can you get an indoor cat to exercise? Interacting with your cat is one option. Most cats can’t resist a laser pointer, so spend some time each day having your cat chase the red dot. Other interactive toys, such as wands with feathers or battery-operated rolling toys, can also get your cat moving.If you’re seriously committed to your cat’s fitness, consider investing in a cat wheel or treadmill, which should only be used with your supervision.
• Prevent Boredom
  Keeping your cat engaged can help to extend his life, and there are many ways to do this, including the introduction of new toys regularly, spending time interacting each day, and providing climbing opportunities, such cat towers or wall-mounted options.

A Word about Outdoor Cats

This article answered the question “how long do indoor cats live?” but it’s important to point out the best way to shorten a cat’s life expectancy is to let him wander outside. Outdoor cats only live an average of 2 to 5 years. The dramatic difference is attributed to the many dangers an outdoor cat faces, including traffic and predators.

Lifespans of Popular Breeds

Are you thinking about adding a cat to your family? Here are the average lifespans of some of the most popular breeds:

• Siamese: 12 to 20 years
• Calico: 12 to 15 years
• Bengal: 14 to 16 years
• Burmese: 16 to 18 years
• Savannah: 12 to 20 years
• Ragdoll: 15 to 18 years
• Russian Blue: 15 to 20 years
• American Shorthair: 15 to 20 years
• Sphynx: 10 to 15 years
• Manx: 8 to 14 years
• Persian: 10 to 17 years
• Maine Coon: 10 to 13 years
• Munchkin: 12 to 15 years

The Vet on 4th helps pet owners in the Longview, TX area take great care of their pets by providing exceptional medical care and expert advice about all manner of proper pet care. If you’re in the Longview area, make an appointment to meet our vets and see our facility. We’d love to become your partners in your pets’ healthcare!

Page 3

Good news for cat lovers: Cats are living longer lives than ever thanks to better nutrition and advances in medical care. So just how long do indoor cats live?

The short answer, according to the ASPCA, is 13 to 17 years. That’s the average for all cats kept indoors, but there are many variables that can shorten or lengthen a cat’s life.

Factors That Impact Life Expectancy

While 13 to 17 years is the average life expectancy for an indoor cat, some live much shorter lives while others live well into their 20s. One kitty, Crème Puff, made it to the ripe old age of 38!

Want your cat to outlive the average? Here are some things to consider:

• Routine Medical Care
  Cats won’t complain when they don’t feel good. In fact, you won’t likely notice anything is wrong with your pet until things have progressed to the point that it may be too late for effective treatment.That’s why routine care is so important. In addition to vaccines and other preventative measures, the vet can also perform annual tests to make sure your cat isn’t dealing with any medical conditions. In many cases, when caught early, the conditions can be successfully treated.
• DietAn ideal diet is moisture-rich and has all of the nutrition your cat needs. Since there are so many options, it can be difficult to choose a quality cat food. Your best bet is to discuss the various diets with your vet, so he or she can guide you to the food that is best for your cat.
• Exercise
  Some cats are notoriously lazy, so how can you get an indoor cat to exercise? Interacting with your cat is one option. Most cats can’t resist a laser pointer, so spend some time each day having your cat chase the red dot. Other interactive toys, such as wands with feathers or battery-operated rolling toys, can also get your cat moving.If you’re seriously committed to your cat’s fitness, consider investing in a cat wheel or treadmill, which should only be used with your supervision.
• Prevent Boredom
  Keeping your cat engaged can help to extend his life, and there are many ways to do this, including the introduction of new toys regularly, spending time interacting each day, and providing climbing opportunities, such cat towers or wall-mounted options.

A Word about Outdoor Cats

This article answered the question “how long do indoor cats live?” but it’s important to point out the best way to shorten a cat’s life expectancy is to let him wander outside. Outdoor cats only live an average of 2 to 5 years. The dramatic difference is attributed to the many dangers an outdoor cat faces, including traffic and predators.

Lifespans of Popular Breeds

Are you thinking about adding a cat to your family? Here are the average lifespans of some of the most popular breeds:

• Siamese: 12 to 20 years
• Calico: 12 to 15 years
• Bengal: 14 to 16 years
• Burmese: 16 to 18 years
• Savannah: 12 to 20 years
• Ragdoll: 15 to 18 years
• Russian Blue: 15 to 20 years
• American Shorthair: 15 to 20 years
• Sphynx: 10 to 15 years
• Manx: 8 to 14 years
• Persian: 10 to 17 years
• Maine Coon: 10 to 13 years
• Munchkin: 12 to 15 years

The Vet on 4th helps pet owners in the Longview, TX area take great care of their pets by providing exceptional medical care and expert advice about all manner of proper pet care. If you’re in the Longview area, make an appointment to meet our vets and see our facility. We’d love to become your partners in your pets’ healthcare!