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Outdoor cats are more likely to get stolen, lost, eat something harmful (like poisonous plants) and get into fights with other cats. Not to mention, being an outdoor cat means that cars are a risk. Cats often try to hide their pain or discomfort, but abnormal behavior is a clue that something’s wrong. “If you suspect that your cat is feeling ill, it is best to contact your veterinarian to ensure that they receive proper treatment,” Rutherford says. Poor genetics, immune-compromised cats, and cats that have compromised organ functions might not live as long as healthy cats.
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The length of your pet’s life depends on a number of factors, including healthcare, diet, and environment. Indoor cats need activity and exercise to stay fit and healthy. Cats with sedentary lifestyles are more likely to have health issues that can lead to a shortened lifespan. As cats grow and age, they go through five distinct life stages, according to the American Association of Feline Practitioners. While the timing and length of later stages can vary based on breed and other factors, here is what you can generally expect from the different stages throughout your cat’s life.
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How to Help Your Cat Live Longer
In fact, there are many proven accounts of cats living well into their 20s. Many factors can influence a cat’s life span, including her health, the quality of care she receives, and her genetics. Senior cats may require extra care as they age, including additional check-ups with the vet and supplements. Despite some risks like obesity, boredom, and litterbox issues, indoor lifestyles are strongly recommended by veterinarians and animal welfare experts for cat safety and longevity.
Proper nutrition and its impact on lifespan of a house cat
Over 90% of domestic cats in the UK are free to roam outdoors every day and these ‘outdoor cats’ generally live shorter lives than cats that are kept indoors all the time. This is because they are exposed to dangers such as road traffic accidents or attacks by other animals. Cats that go outdoors are more likely to encounter risks such as road traffic accidents, fights with other cats and other dangers that could affect their life expectancy.
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While annual health screenings are sufficient for young cats, visiting the vet twice a year for a checkup is recommended for senior cats. "As in humans, many of the changes that occur with ageing in cats are not considered pathological and do not negatively affect overall wellness or quality of life," the researchers explain. "However, ruling out disease is essential when attempting to determine whether an aged cat can be considered 'healthy'." Cats are born with an innate love for running around, climbing and jumping, batting toys around, and often getting into mischief. You can keep your cat's cognitive abilities high by giving them lots of playtime and toys. Their love for physical activity is something that needs to be supported in order to promote a long and healthy life for your cat.
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Most obviously, indoor cats have easier access to food and freshwater than outdoor cats do more often than not. Whether your cat is an indoor or outdoor cat, you probably still take them for their needed cat vaccinations. Creating a safe and stimulating environment is crucial for a cat’s longevity.
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It also helps to understand what health issues or behavioral quirks to look out for as your cat grows. Dutch is an online veterinary pet telehealth service, created by pet parents and board-certified veterinary specialists. We use a science-backed approach to provide pets relief for their everyday physical and behavioral health issues.
What is the average cat lifespan?
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According to Rutherford, good nutrition, regular veterinary checkups and health screenings are all key to extending your cat’s lifespan. Here are some more things you can focus on to help your cat live longer. 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.
How Long Do Cats Live? Understanding the Average Feline Lifespan
Daily exercise is great for your cat’s health, but you may need to encourage your cat to stay active, especially if they’re 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 satisfy their urges to climb, stretch, and scratch. Interactive play also helps cats express their natural instincts and provides mental stimulation. Give your cat toy balls, plush or catnip mice, teaser toys, or a laser pointer to provide entertainment. If you have a kitten, be mindful not to overstimulate them during playtime. Kittens (and even full-grown cats) can become aggressive toward humans or other animals if they get too worked up.
Obesity stresses the joints, heart, respiratory system, and more – taking its toll in the form of arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and other weight-related disorders. Jean Marie Bauhaus is a freelance writer, blogger and novelist based in the wilderness of the Ozarks. She's been writing mainly on pets and personal finance since 2013. Immunizations prepare your cat against potential infectious threats. After the cat reaches 12 months, they normally just need annual boosters.
Bengal cats have a wild appearance with distinctive leopard-like spots, rosettes, arrowheads, and marbling. If you have the energy to keep up with a Bengal, this could be the cat breed for you. That said, the data regarding the life expectancy of Bengals varies, and to date, there are no specific studies that have reviewed the longevity of this breed in detail. While it isn’t unusual for cats to live close to 20 years or more, you will need to make specific accommodations for them after a while.
First, it’s important to remember that cat life expectancies are really just a guideline — it’s best to just appreciate and enjoy each day you can share with your fur baby. Some purebred cats are known to have a shorter life expectancy than mixed breeds due to selective breeding. This can lead to a higher likelihood of certain diseases and ailments, as these cats can inherit health problems from their parents. You might be wondering how long you can expect your cat to live if they spend time both indoors and outdoors. This is a tougher question to answer because it depends on the area you live in, how much time your cat spends outside, and more.
Anyone with a cat in their life will know that they're probably going to stick around for a while, with the average lifespan of indoor house cats these days hitting an impressive 12 to 15 years. Not being able to run around and play often can lead to health problems with your cat. As the owner, you should provide your cat with space to run around and play as well as some cat toys that they can engage with in order to stay happy and active. Taking your cat to the vet regularly and whenever a potential problem arises is a great place to start when helping your cat live its happiest and longest life. Cat care should be taken seriously and having your vet as a second set of eyes on your cat’s health will definitely support them in living a long and healthy life with you. Cats are generally stubborn sorts of creatures, even when it comes to growing old.

Some feline fanciers have seen their pets live even longer, offering more than two decades of unconditional love. According to various studies, a crossbred house cat usually lives an average of 14 years, with a range of 9 to 17 years. However, it can be much longer, as it’s not unusual for cats to reach their late teens or even their twenties.
Still, any well-cared for cat can beat the odds and live a long life by avoiding obesity, inheriting lucky genes, and having diligent preventative healthcare. On the other hand, feral cats have much shorter lives spanning just 2-5 years on average. With proper healthcare, nutrition, exercise, enrichment, and preventative treatments from an early age, pet cats can achieve long, high-quality lives of 15 years or more. As cats near the end of their lives, they may experience cognitive decline and health issues that lead to changes in their behavior. The end-of-life stage can occur at any age, depending on the cat’s overall health.
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