Contents
- Average life expectancy for cats
- Domestic cat lifespan
- Tabby cat lifespan
- How long do Siamese cats live
- Savannah cat lifespan
- How long do Persian cats live
- Bengal cat lifespan
- How long do Himalayan cats live
- Ragdoll cat lifespan
- Life expectancy of Maine coon cats
- How to Make Your Cat Live Longer
Though most would say that they are more of a dog person than a cat person, some would still prefer having a cat as their buddies. Known to be great companions and their ability to hunt household pests, cats are loved to be kept as a pet.
They are domesticated mammal often small, usually furry and carnivorous. Since most are kept as an indoor pet, they are called a housecat or simply, a cat.
Like any other animals that you want to have as a pet, they need your care and time. Since you want them as a companion, it is good to know the life expectancy of your chosen pet.
How Long Do Cats Live? Theirlife expectancy differs in many factors. It depends on whether your petis a domestic one or it is allowed to go outdoors unsupervised. Since outdoor felinesare more exposed to many risks like infectious diseases, foreign elements, vehicles, dogs and other wild animals, even people.
It also depends on the breed or heredity and veterinary care you give your cat. The more you care and give attention to them, the greater the probability that they have better longevity.
Average life expectancy for cats
The physiology of cats has been given attention through studies. As mentioned, commonly resembles other carnivorous mammals, even so, theydisplay several unusual features which may be attributed to their descent from desert-dwelling species.
They reduce the flow of blood to their skin so that they conserve heat. They lose heat by evaporation through their mouths. Their ability to sweat is minimal because their glands are located primarily in their paw pads.
In general, cats can have long, healthy lives if given proper nutrition and veterinary attention.On average, they age from 12-20 years.
A study found that to increase life expectancy, spaying and neutering can be considered. The study showed that neutered male cats live twice as long as intact males, while female oneswhich were spayed live 62% longer than intact males.
Some of the benefits of a cat being neutered are that castrated males are not to develop testicular cancer. Spayed females, on the other hand, cannot develop uterine or ovarian cancer. Both male and female have also reduced the risk of mammary cancer.
You may check this video that discussesWhat is the Lifespan of a Cat.
Domestic cat lifespan
Domestic cats since they are mainly carnivorous, they have a simple gut and rough tongue that aids them in cleaning up to the last morsel from animal bones which they prey. They also use this to groom themselves.
The small intestine is only about three times the length of their body. Their diet depends on the choice of humans though they may supplement it by hunting their own prey.
The household oneaverages from 6 to 10 pounds. Among non-pedigreed breeds, however, it can weigh up to 28 pounds. On average, their length is 28 inches for males and 20 inches for females.
Their skin composed of dermis and epidermis is capable of regeneration and can fight off infection quickly. It’s their tiny erector muscles attached to the hair follicles that enable them to bristle over.
Domestic cats have an average life span of 15 years.
Tabby cat lifespan
Tabby is a dark-striped coat coloring found in wild cats and domestic cats. It is also known as the grey tiger. It features distinctive stripes, dots, lines or swirling patterns usually together with a mark resembling “M” on its forehead.
Tabbies are sometimes erroneously assumed to be a cat breed.
Tabbies usually live an average of 15-20 years, taking in consideration how they are being taken care of since most of them are indoor.
How long do Siamese cats live
The Siamese is one of the first distinctly recognized breeds of Oriental cat. The Siamese became one of the most popular breeds in Europe and North America in the 20th century.
Their appearance is of elongated, tubular and muscular body and a triangular head which forms a perfect triangle from the tip of the nose to each tip of the ear. The eyes of the Siamese are almond-shaped and light blue.
Swedish insurance data reveals that Siamese and those derived breeds have a higher mortality rate compared to other breeds. The lifespan of Siamese group averages between 10 to 12.5 years.
Savannah cat lifespan
Savannah is a cross breed of Serval and Domestic cat. Their tall and slim body gives them the appearance that they are of greater size than their actual weight. Their size depends primarily on generation and sex.
Since Savannah is a product of crossbreeding between Servals and Domestic cats, each generation of Savannahs is marked with a filial number.
Savannah cat’s lifespan could be as long as 17-20 years like Serval cats from which they are crossed. It cannot be said that their longevity could be any less even if they are a crossed breed.
How long do Persian cats live
The Persian is also called Longhair or Persian Longhair. Persian is a long-haired breed of cat characterized by its round face and short muzzle. In the Middle East, they are also known as Shiraz or Shirazi.
The longhair differs in a number of color varieties. The solid colors include white, black, blue, red and cream. A patterned coat, on the other hand, is composed of shaded silver and black, silver, brown, blue or red with darker markings.
Generally, a Persian is described as a quiet. It adapts quite well to apartment life because they are typically placid in nature.
When it comes to grooming, they need your help to be kept clean because they cannot effectively clean themselves due to their thick dense fur.
They need to be bathed regularly, dried carefully and their fur to be brushed thoroughly afterward. You may opt to shave their coat. Regular grooming is necessary for them to prevent matting.
How long do Persian cats live? The median lifespan of the Persian group, based on Pet insurance Data from Sweden is 12.5 years.
Bengal cat lifespan
“Bengal” was derived from the taxonomic name of the Asian leopard cat. They have a wild appearance with large spots, rosettes, and a light/white belly and their body structure are reminiscent of the ALC.
Bengal cats are also a hybrid of a domestic cat. They result from crossing a domestic feline with an ALC, Prionailurusbengalensis. Its origin is the United States.
With respect to their appearance, their rosette spots are only seen at the back and sides with stripes elsewhere. They also have mascara, a horizontal striping alongside the eyes and foreleg striping.
Usually, Bengals are either brown-spotted or snow-spotted. Classified under brown Bengals, there are either marble or spotted markings. Snow Bengals are also either marble or spotted, but are also divided into blue-eyed or any other eye color.
When it comes to health, since hybridization of Asian Leopard cats and domestic cats, it has gained huge popularity. However, recent years show an onset of autosomal recessive disorder which leads to blindness within the first year of age.
The Bengal cat lifespan is 12 to 16 years.
How long do Himalayan cats live
Also named as Himalayan Persian or Colourpoint Persian in Europe, the Himalayan is a sub-breed of long-haired cat identical to Persian except that its blue eyes and its point coloration.
Commonly like Persians, these Himalayan cats tend to be rounded and have short legs. Because of their short legs, it is hard for them to jump as high as other cats do.
Healthwise however, some Himalayans may have in their genes the cause of PKD or Polycystic Kidney Disease, but a generic test can reveal which cats carry the PKD gene, knowing such, you may choose them to be spayed or neutered.
Himalayan cats are medium-sized and weigh from 7 to 12 pounds. Himalayan cats live from 9 to 15 years.
Ragdoll cat lifespan
Ragdoll is called such because of its tendency to flop happily into the arms of anyone who picked it up. Ragdolls were first developed by Ann Baker, a breeder from Riverside California in the 1960s.
The crossbreed was selected from cats with gentle, placid personalities, large size and beautiful long coats characterized by a Himalayan pattern. Later some contributions were made to Ragdolls development such as considering Persians, Birmans, and Burmese.
Female ragdolls cats usually are 10 to 15 pounds and some males weigh more than 20 pounds. Ragdoll cat lifespan is 12 to 17 years.
Considering the genetics of this breed there are varying incidences of health concerns in both pedigreed and mixed-breed. Some of these concerns are 1) Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; it’s a form of heart disease that is inherited in Ragdolls, 2) Increased risk for calcium oxalate bladder stones and 3) A predisposition of Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Life expectancy of Maine coon cats
Maine coon, one of the oldest natural breeds in North America, specifically in Maine where it has been regarded as a state cat, is the largest domesticated breed.
Male Maine coon weighs from 15 to 25 pounds and females, on the other hand, weighs 10 to 15 pounds. The height varies from 10 to 16 inches for adults and can reach a length up to 48 inches including the tail which can reach a length of 14 inches.
Maine Coons’ body is solid and muscular which is necessary to support their own weight. Their chest is broad. They have a rectangular body shape and are slow to physically mature. Normally, their full potential size is reached when they are three to five years old, while one year.
Life expectancy of Main Coon cats is 12.5 years. In general, Maine Coons are healthy and hardy breed and are capable to survive the New England climate.
The most common heart disease, Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is the most severe threat to their health.
How to Make Your Cat Live Longer
For additional information on How to Make Your Cat Live Longer, some important factors to note as presented in Pet MD:
- Buy quality cat food
As a good cat owner, you should provide a high-quality, balanced and complete diet. This is one of the most important things you can do to keep can healthy and ensure long life. It is also good that the diet should be appropriate for your pet’s life stage and lifestyle.
- Water consumption
When it comes to their water consumption, encouragement is important since they are not fond of consuming an adequate amount of water. You may do so through the use of canned foods which have moisture content than kibble.
- Don’t forget to exercise
Because overweight animalsare prone to diseases including diabetes, heart disease, skin and respiratory disease among others, it is important that you keep your petlean and fit.
You may encourage your cat to be lean and fit through interactive play.
- Considering spaying/neutering your cat
Being spayed or neutered, your pethas a lower tendency for developing annoying or even intolerable behavioral issues such as marking or spraying. It is said that spaying and neutering increase the life span.
- Provide environmental enrichment
This is most important to indoor breeds. Since they can mostly be bored, you may do enrichment through the use of toys and other things that stimulate your cat’s mind and alleviate boredom.
- Keep your cat’s teeth clean
It is extremely important to look after your cat’s teeth and mouth. Proper oral care involves both home care and veterinary attention. Dental disease can be painful and may even prevent your feline companion from eating normally.
- Regular veterinary visits are necessary
Your cat needs not only veterinary attention for dental care but for a thorough examination from their nose to tail. All petsrequire regular visits to the veterinarian.
Further, you may check another pointer on how to make your catdisease free and make their longevity better. See Ways to Help Keep your Cat Disease Free.
Mirko Nuli
I’m a dog food judge. I specialize in examining dog food nutrition so that I can recommend you food that will preserve your dog’s health and extend his life.
Good food will help you prevent dog health problems like obesity, diabetes, pancreatitis, gastroenteritis, nutritional imbalance, and many others.
Also, by preventing serious illnesses you won’t have to pay huge veterinarian bill later.
FAQs
Can a house cat live 20 years? ›
Average cat lifespan
While dependent on many things, including luck, some domestic cats can live to up to 20 years old. During their life they will go through six key life stages which may help owners understand certain health/behavioural problems that could arise and things to keep an eye on.
As in humans, female cats tend to live for longer than male cats. Neutered cats are also likely to live for longer than intact ones, and pure breed cats are less likely to live as long as crossbreeds.
Is 15 old for a cat? ›In recent years, feline ages and life-stages have been redefined, cats are considered to be elderly once they reach 11 years with senior cats defined as those aged between 11-14 years and super-senior cats 15 years and upwards. When caring for older cats it sometimes helps to appreciate their age in human terms.
What is the average life expectancy of an indoor cat? ›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!
A 14 year old cat is the equivalent to 72 human years old.
How old is my 16 year old cat? ›Cat Age | Human Age |
---|---|
15 years | 76 years |
16 years | 80 years |
17 years | 84 years |
18+ years | 88 years |
Cats that come in pairs tend to be healthier and live longer than single cats because they often get more exercise, which keeps their hearts healthy and reduces their stress. Additionally, exercise lessens the risk of having an overweight pet, and can add years to their life.
Which breed of cat lives longest? ›Burmese. The official record of the oldest living cat holder is a 35-year-old Burmese cat. Of course, most Burmese cats don't live that long. The average lifespan of Burmese cats is 18 to 25 years and that is certainly much longer than most cats.
How old is a 17 year old cat? ›Cat Years (cat's age according to the calendar) | Human Years (cat's age in equivalent human years, based on stage of development/aging) |
---|---|
16 | 80 |
17 | 84 |
18 | 88 |
19 | 92 |
- Terminal Disease. ...
- Uncontrolled Pain or Loss of Mobility. ...
- Untreatable Aggression or Behavioral Disease. ...
- More Bad Days Than Good Days.
What are signs of old age in cats? ›
Older cats tend to be less active and playful, they may sleep more, gain or lose weight, and have trouble reaching their favorite places. Don't chalk up health or behavior changes - often gradual - to old age, however.
Is 20 a good age for a cat? ›The average lifespan for a pet cat is probably around 13 to 14 years. However, although their lifespan varies, a well cared for cat may commonly live to 15 or beyond, some make it to 18 or 20 and a few extraordinary felines even pass 25 or 30 years of age.
What is the oldest age of a house cat? ›Flossie is usually found curled up in her favorite yellow blanket. The oldest cat who ever lived, Crème Puff, reached the age of 38 years and three days. They died on August 6, 2005.
How do I make sure my cat has a long life? ›- Keep Up with Those Vet Visits. Regular nose-to-tail examinations are a must for keeping your feline in tip-top shape. ...
- Keep Them Inside. ...
- Keep Them Hydrated. ...
- Spay or Neuter. ...
- Improve Their Diet. ...
- Manage Their Weight. ...
- Dental Hygiene. ...
- Fend Off Boredom.
When it comes to short-term memory and your cat, cats do have short-term memory and are known to recognize and remember humans (as well as other animals) even after only one interaction.
Why do cats lick you? ›Your cat is expressing her affection for you.
Your cat's licking may be an affiliative behavior, which is a friendly, altruistic behavior. Mothers groom their kittens, and cats may groom one another, which is called allogrooming.
The good news is, despite their reputations for being antisocial, cats love bonding and they do forgive and forget. So, if you're at a loss as to how you're going to rebuild trust and affection with your cat, don't fret.
Why does my 17 year old cat keep meowing? ›Excessive Vocalization
Older cats may vocalize excessively for a number of reasons, including disorientation, loss of hearing and pain due to one or more medical conditions. (Please see our article, Meowing and Yowling, for more information about excessive vocalizing and how to resolve it.)
Indoor cats generally live from 12-18 years of age. Many may live to be in their early 20s. The oldest reported cat, Creme Puff lived to be an amazing 38 years old.
Do cats mourn other cats? ›When a cat loses a companion, whether animal or human, she most certainly grieves and reacts to the changes in her life. Cats alter their behavior when they mourn much like people do: They may become depressed and listless. They may have a decreased appetite and decline to play.
Do cats get lonely without other cats? ›
Although cats have a reputation as solitary animals, they are social creatures and can thrive on forming close bonds with other creatures. Certain changes in behavior, such as irregular sleeping, eating, or grooming habits, may indicate that a cat is lonely and could benefit from some feline companionship.
Is it better to have 2 female cats or 1 of each? ›Two littermates from a shelter are the ideal choice here. If you have a young cat at home and want a second, consider adopting one kitten of the opposite sex, as same-sex cats are much more prone to fight each other for dominance.
Do female cats get along better with male or female cats? ›Gender. Male (neutered) cats are generally believed to be more accepting of other cats, both male and female. Even though this has not been my experience, female cats may not get along as well with each other.
What cat has a short lifespan? ›Some cat breeds fall slightly short of the average cat lifespan of 15 years. For instance, Manx cats only live around eight to 14 years on average, and Singapura cats live around nine to 15 years. Munchkin cats have an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years.
Why do cats pick a favorite person? ›Why cats choose a favorite person. The reason a cat will gravitate toward one person, in particular, may come down to communication. Though cats are often portrayed as aloof and independent, they are quite the communicators, and they have a special appreciation for people who can understand their needs.
Is a 13 year old cat geriatric? ›Cats are considered to be 'seniors' when they are between 11-14 years and are the equivalent of a human 'senior' between the age of 60-72 years old. Cats over 14 years of age are considered to be 'geriatric' and are comparable to humans that are 76-100 years or more!
Do old cats get sad? ›Changes in Physical Health
If an active cat starts to develop arthritis and can no longer jump up to their comfy spot on the couch, bed, or window, it can be depressing and lead to a loss of enrichment. As a result, your cat can become depressed.
- DO make sure that the pet is deceased. Animals often sleep very still for long periods. ...
- DO contact your vet as soon as possible. ...
- DO place a towel under the tail and mouth of your pet. ...
- DO let other pets smell the deceased pet.
Aging cats may have behavior changes like forgetting where you put their litter box, being less active, or acting more aggressive. If your older cat starts acting differently, it might be a sign of an aging problem such as feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD).
What strange behavior do older cats have? ›In humans, aging changes in the brain contribute to a loss of memory and alterations in personality commonly referred to as senility. Similar symptoms may be seen in elderly cats: wandering, excessive meowing, apparent disorientation, and avoidance of social interaction.
How old would a 12 year old cat be? ›
10 human years = 60 cat years. 12 human years = 70 cat years.
What is a senior cat? ›Do You Have a Senior or Geriatric Cat? The average age of a domestic indoor cat is 12 to 16 years. By the time your cat reaches the age of seven, they're officially a senior cat. Senior cats have the same needs as adult cats, but a few dietary and behavior changes can help your cat live their best life into old age.
Why is my elderly cat suddenly clingy? ›Cognitive dysfunction or disability
As senior cats age, they're more likely to become clingy. This could be a sign of cognitive dysfunction. Older cats may experience a range of symptoms, including loss of sight, hearing, balance and coordination.
Protein-rich, wet foods are best
Cats live longer and have less health issues when they eat optimal nutrition. Makes sense, right? In fact, many of the common cat diseases are very preventable with smart food choices. Protein-rich, wet foods with kitty-specific vitamins and minerals are the best diets.
- Plenty of exercise — read playtime. A healthy adult cat needs 15-20 minutes of play each day. ...
- A view to the outdoors. Cats are inquisitive. ...
- A place to scratch. Scratching posts are a personal preference. ...
- A dark place to sleep. ...
- A private toilet area.
They aren't going to think about the minutes or hours you're gone. Instead, your cat is going to think about the number of mealtimes you've been gone, how long they've slept, the cycle of the sun, and other natural factors that tell them the time.
Is a 20 year old cat normal? ›The average lifespan for a pet cat is probably around 13 to 14 years. However, although their lifespan varies, a well cared for cat may commonly live to 15 or beyond, some make it to 18 or 20 and a few extraordinary felines even pass 25 or 30 years of age.
Can a house cat live to be 30 years old? ›What's the Average Lifespan of a Cat? The average cat lifespan is between 13-17 years. Some lucky felines have been known to live 20 years or more—the world record holder for oldest cat on record, adorably named Creme Puff, lived to be a whopping 38 years old. Many factors contribute to how long a cat will live.
How can I get my cat to live for 20 years? ›...
The Secret to Cat Longevity!
- Feed your cat WET food. Raw is best, canned will do. ...
- Keep your cat INDOORS. Indoor cats typically live longer than outdoor cats for many reasons. ...
- Spay or neuter your cat. ...
- Exercise your cat's BODY and MIND. ...
- Lots of LOVE.
At the age of 26 years and 329 day, Flossie has been recognized as the oldest cat alive. Flossie, at the age of almost 27 – which is the feline equivalent of being 120 human years old, according to Guinness World Records – has been crowned the world's oldest living cat.
Is 14 old for a house cat? ›
What age is a cat considered old? Cats are generally considered to be "mature" when they reach 7-10 years of age and "senior" when they are 11-14 years old. At this stage of life, cats may start to show signs of aging, such as decreased activity levels, changes in appetite or weight, and changes in their coat or skin.
Why is my senior cat so clingy? ›Cognitive dysfunction or disability
As senior cats age, they're more likely to become clingy. This could be a sign of cognitive dysfunction. Older cats may experience a range of symptoms, including loss of sight, hearing, balance and coordination.
...
7 signs your cat will live a long life
- Sleep. ...
- Play. ...
- Grooming. ...
- Senses. ...
- Teeth. ...
- Weight. ...
- Appetite decline.