Cats are wonderful additions to our families and can quickly become beloved members of the family. but like most pets, cats have shorter time spans than humans. You naturally want to spend as many years as possible with your cat, and there are many ways you can help increase your cat’s chances of a long and healthy life.
but it’s also important to be realistic about your cat’s lifespan. how long do cats live? First, it’s important to remember that the life expectancy of cats is only a guide – it’s best to cherish and enjoy each day you get to share with your fur baby.
how long do cats live as pets?
so how long do cats live exactly? There is no hard data on how long cats live as pets, but it is well known that indoor cats live longer than outdoor cats. a 2015 study examining the deaths of 4,009 cats found that cats that live outdoors tend to live shorter lives than cats that live only indoors. those outdoor cats are exposed to many dangers, including road traffic and animal attacks.
The study also found a difference in lifespan between mixed and purebred cats. the life expectancy of mixed breed cats was 14 years, while purebred cats had a shorter life expectancy of 12.5 years.
at what average age does a cat die?
According to a report by the University of California Davis College of Veterinary Medicine, indoor cats live an average of 10 to 15 years. On the other hand, cats that live outdoors live an average of two to five years.
The good news is that with veterinary advances and more knowledge about feline health, we can provide our cats with better quality food and better veterinary care than ever before.
can a cat live up to 20 years?
Cats can live up to 20 years and more. there are many accounts of cats living well into their 20s. Many factors can influence a cat’s lifespan, including its health, the quality of care it receives, and its genetics. older cats may require additional care as they age, including additional vet checkups and supplements.
how to maximize your cat’s chances of a long life
While your cat’s genetics will play an important role in her lifespan, there is much you can do to increase the chances that you and your cat will enjoy many wonderful years together. To get started, establish routine veterinary care for your cat. Keeping consistent and regular vet appointments means your vet will get to know your fur baby well. those routine appointments give your vet a chance to catch potential problems before they become bigger problems. Your vet can also help you address challenges, such as weight management, early on so you can maximize your cat’s health.
Also focus on developing good habits at home. Provide your cat with plenty of playtime each day to help him stay active and prevent obesity. Daily exercise is great for your cat’s health, but you may need to encourage him to stay active, especially if he’s an indoor-only cat. try experimenting with different toys to see what piques your cat’s interest, and invest in a cat tree so your cat can indulge her urges to climb, stretch, and scratch.
Carefully choosing the food you feed your cat can also promote good health and longevity. discuss your cat’s nutrition with your vet. Your vet can help you choose the most appropriate food and eating plan for your cat’s age, breed, lifestyle, and overall health.
How long do cats live? the answer varies. however, when you share your life with a cat, you naturally want to extend its life as much as possible. providing adequate and attentive care can help achieve this. One of the best ways you can maximize your cat’s lifespan is to make sure you have planned for potential veterinary expenses. For example, if your cat is diagnosed with a serious health condition, she may need medication or other treatment. the same is true if your cat ever becomes seriously ill or injured. These emergency vet bills can add up, so plan for them. Put money in a savings account or consider getting pet health insurance, just in case. making sure your cat can quickly get the veterinary care he needs can help keep him healthy and allow him to live as long as possible.
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