As veterinary medicine research continues to thrive, we are now better equipped than ever to better take care of our pets. In the past 20 years, thanks to improvements in animal care, including advancements in nutrition, medicine and vaccines, we can expect that our feline friends can boast a reasonably long lifespan. So how long can cats live?
The life expectancy of cats depends on many factors – their environment, health, maintenance, whether they are spayed or neutered, and whether they are indoor or outdoor felines.
How Long Can Cats Live: Lifespan of Indoor Cats
Generally, an indoor cat can live up to an average of 15 years. In some cases, even 20. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, a Texas-born kitty named Creme Puff lived for 38 years. She was born 03 August 1967 and died 07 August 2005.
Typically, indoor cats are sterilised and vaccinated. They are also less susceptible to stresses, risks and the dangers of the outside world.
As we consider them as part of the family, they’re kept safe in our homes and given plenty of love and affection. They are fed regularly and have access to veterinary care and when required, will get check-ups and other necessary medical attention.
How Long Can Cats Live: Lifespan of Outdoor Cats
The average lifespan of outdoor cats is around 5-7 years. Since outdoor cats tend to roam around outside unsupervised, they face unpredictable situations daily.
Where they live is also a factor in determining what challenges they have to overcome to survive. Are they in an urban, suburban, rural or remote location? Are they roaming close to roads and thoroughfares? Is the weather suitable for an outdoor lifestyle?
For cats, the outdoors pose exposure to fleas, ticks and other parasites. They can get into catfights resulting to open wounds and injuries and are also at a higher risk of other accidents
How To Keep Your Cat Healthy And Living Longer
To help our furry felines live through their golden years, here are some useful tips:
- Do weekly physical examinations like checking their coat quality, ears, nose and other parts of their body. If you notice any lumps and bumps, take them to the vet right away.
- Pay close attention to even the smallest changes in their behaviour – their appetite, breathing patterns, toileting habits and grooming habits.
- Give them a well-balanced diet that suits your cat’s age.
- Engage in exercise and moderate playtime daily to maintain a healthy weight range.
- Bring them to your vet for routine vaccinations and regular check-ups and physicals.
- Provide them with a calm and stress-free environment.
Cats are marvellous and mysterious creatures. Having them as part of the family is always a delight. How long a cat lives depends on how well we take care of them. Our goal as pet parents is to provide our furry felines with a healthy, long and happy life to create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.
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