What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Domestic Cat - LoveCatsTalk.com (2023)

When Are Cats Considered Old

Whats the Lifespan of a Norwegian Forest Cat? #Shorts

Cats go through six life stages as they grow, and they start to be considered old when they reach the mature stage at age seven. However, they typically don’t start slowing down until they reach the ‘senior’ stage at 11 years old. The six life stages of a cat are:

  • Kitten This is when cats grow quickest and learn the most about what is safe and unsafe in their environment. A six-month-old kitten is 10 years old in human years
  • Cats grow to their full size during this period and continue learning important skills such as playing/hunting. A two-year-old cat is 24 in human years
  • Prime This is when cats are in the prime of their lives and usually at their peak of physical fitness. This period covers age 24-40 in human years
  • Mature Cats start to be considered old when they reach this stage, and may start to slow down a bit and put on weight. This is when theyre the human equivalent of being in their mid-40s to mid-50s
  • Senior At 14 cats reach the human age of 70, so they may not be as agile as they used to be and their health will need monitoring closely
  • Super senior/geriatric Some cats will reach this stage still with the energy of a kitten, but others will prefer a slower pace of life with lots of comfy spots for snoozing. At 15 years old theyre 76 in human years and reach 100 in human years when theyre 21

Domestic Shorthair Cat Lifespan

According to most reliable resources, the average lifespan of a domestic shorthair cat is around 13 years. Some resources are more specific, listing 12 to 14 years. In fact, lifespans can vary significantly. Unlike pedigree breeds like the American Shorthair or British Shorthair, its hard to make specific predictions about domestic shorthairs. Much depends on how the cat is looked after, from the beginning of their lives through to their senior years.

Good care starts in kittenhood. Kittens should stay with their mother until theyre at least 12 weeks old, preferably sixteen. They should be spayed or neutered as soon as theyre big enough. Early de-sexing may be performed when the cat is as young as six to eight weeks common among breeders, who dont want to hand over an entire cat. Many vets prefer to wait until the cat is around five months old. If you do wait, you will need to make absolutely certain that male and female cats are kept separate once they are old enough to breed. For females, this is around four months.

Kittens should receive their scheduled vaccinations in order to prevent disease. All these vaccines are well-tested, safe and effective. Your vet should look over the kittens shortly after you get them to make sure theyre healthy and have no parasites or infections.

The Average Lifespan Of Cats Vs Dogs

Owning a cat not only is a major privilege, it’s also a serious commitment and responsibility. After all, these fluffy beauties are living, breathing creatures. They require a lot of care that ranges from frequent feedings to scheduling of veterinary appointments. Indoor cats generally have longer lifespans than outdoor cats do.

Read Also: How Long Do Tuxedo Cats Live

Breed And Genetics Can Impact A Cats Lifespan

Breed and genetic makeup can impact a cats lifespan, just like it can influence their size, coat, and physical attributes. Purebred cats are known to have a shorter life expectancy than mixed breeds due to selective breeding. And some cats can inherit health problems passed down from their parents due to breeding or genetics.

How Long Do Cats Live

What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Domestic Cat - LoveCatsTalk.com (1)

  • Domestic cats can live for up to 20 years
  • Factors such as diet, healthcare and environment can have an impact
  • Neutered cats tend to live longer
  • Cats have six key life stages which can help to understand certain health/behavioural problems

Understanding your cat can take time. Cats have a complex set of behaviours that can leave even the most experienced cat owner baffled.

However, the one question that can be answered with some certainty is how long on average a cat can live.

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Indoor Cats Versus Outdoor Cats

Whether your cat resides completely indoors or goes in and out throughout the day can have more of an impact on their lifespan than some cat owners may realize. There are some more obvious reasons why indoor cats live longer lives than their outdoor counterparts. Some that you may already be able to guess.

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.

Even with proper vaccines, outdoor cats are exposed to far more dangers than indoor cats lives are. Dangers that vaccines and other medicines cannot protect them from. A few of the lifespan threatening dangers that outdoor cats may encounter include ticks, cars, other animals, and many other stressful encounters that can shorten a cats lifespan.

The Oldest Cat Of All Time

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, an Austin, Texas cat named Creme Puff lived longer than any pet cat in history. Born in 1967, the American Shorthair was a devoted family companion for more than three decades, living to a whopping 38 years of age. The elderly catâs doting family reported feeding him an unusual diet including such items as asparagus and heavy cream.

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When Does A Tabby Cat Become A Kitten

Size 1 Newborn Kittens. The first stage of any cats life is the newborn kitten stage. 2 Two To Six Months Old. 3 Six Months To Ten Months Old. 4 Eleven Months To Twelve Months Old. 5 Prime Years Of Cat Life. 6 Later Years Of Cat Life. 7 Senior Years Of Cat Life. 8 Common Questions About Tabby Cat Growth.

Cat Breeds With The Longest Lifespans

35 American cat breeds and Lifespan (US originating) ! Cat Health Tips ! Pet Lovers 2021

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While it’s not uncommon for cats to reach 15 years old, some cat breeds stand out as long-lived companions. There’s no guarantee that your cat will live into its 20s, as nature and nurture both are determining factors. But picking a cat breed with a longer lifespan and taking great care of your cat improves your odds of having a loving feline for many years.

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Thanks To Better Care And Veterinary Treatments Our Pet Cats Are Living Longer Than Ever Before But What Is A Cats Average Lifespan

If youve got a pet cat, or are thinking about getting one, you might be wondering how long do pet cats live for in human years?

A cats life expectancy will depend on many factors, including health, diet and their environment, but the average lifespan for a domestic cat is about 12-14 years. However, some pet cats can live to be around 20 years old.

The world record for the oldest cat is held by Crème Puff, a cat from Texas in the USA who lived to be 38 years and three days old, but thats incredibly rare!

The good news is that advances in veterinary care and awareness of good cat welfare mean that pet cats are living longer than they used to. According to our Cats and Their Stats 2020 report, almost half of the UKs owned cats are considered old.

Sadly though, cats in our care aged 11 years and older take an average of one month to find their new forever homes, over three times longer than kittens who take just eight days.

To show that these senior kitizens still have a lot to give, Cats Protection is launching Mature Moggies Day on 16 June, encouraging people to share inspiring stories of their older cats with #MatureMoggiesDay.

Have You Ever Wondered How Long Do Cats Live For

Theres a familiar tale youve probably heard aboutthe Nine Lives of a Cat. This common bedtime story has been told by parents for almost a hundred years. Written by Charles Bennet, this seemingly dark story, tells the tale of a sweet kitty who was able to escape death nine times.

Putting aside the crude humor depicted in this storywouldnt it be great if our cats had nine lives? So, if cats dont have nine lives, how long do cats live for?

Although your feline friend cant reach a ripe old age of 90 years! They can still live for a pretty long time. Veterinarians and long-time cat enthusiasts state that domestic cats can live up to 16 years old. In fact, many well-cared for felines can live until 19 years old.

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How Long Do Outside Cats Live

A large percentage of domestic cats in the UK live outdoors. This means theyre allowed to wander around outside, and generally come and go as they please. Unfortunately, while this way of living certainly has its perks, it also shortens their life expectancy. This is because they are exposed to various risks, including being hit on the road and attacks from other animals. Depending on where it lives, an outdoor cat will have an average lifespan of between two and five years.

The Life Expectancy Of Indoor Cats

What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Domestic Cat - LoveCatsTalk.com (2)

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. Thats the average for all cats kept indoors, but there are many variables that can shorten or lengthen a cats life.

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What Can You Do To Extend The Average Lifespan Of A Cat Cuddles Count

Perhaps the easiest and most enjoyable way to help extend the average lifespan of a cat is simply to give him lots of attention and cuddles. Like humans, cats thrive when theyre given plenty of affection and loving care. Still, even if your feline friend vastly surpasses the average lifespan of a cat and lives, like my Bubba Lee Kinsey, to be a wizened old man, odds are it still wont be long enough.

Tell us: How old was the oldest cat youve ever had or met?

Which Cat Breed Lives The Longest

They say the Manx and Siamese are the breeds that, on average, live the longest but that surely wasnt the breed of the oldest cat on record. Below is a cat breed lifespan chart from PetCareRX:

Breeds
12-17

Having a pet carries a big responsibility.

Certainly, giving her the best life is a top priority. Keeping your cat indoors is the best way to ensure she has a good quality of life.

As long as he has plenty of stimulation and opportunities to exercise, it is the wisest choice.

And with a little creativity and flexibility, you can help almost any cat live a longer, happier, healthier life.

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Health Conditions Affecting Domestic Shorthair Cats

The good news is that most Domestic Shorthair cats are extremely healthy. Unlike many purebred cat breeds, theyre not predisposed to any particular diseases or illnesses. Thats not to say that they wont suffer from any health conditions, but the likelihood is far lower compared to many purebred cats.

Since the gene pool of any Domestic Shorthair cat is far larger than most purebred cats, the chances of them suffering from hereditary conditions are reduced. If both parent cats suffer from the same health conditions, as is the case with certain purebred varieties, the chances of the kittens suffering from the same condition are increased. As Domestic Shorthair cats often have different purebred parents, though, theres less chance of a health condition being passed on.

That said, its still important to get your kittens health tested by their breeder, so you can feel reassured that theyre as healthy as possible.

For any cat breed, it is important to keep up a regular schedule of annual vet checks so your cat can stay up to date with their annual vaccinations and your vet can give them a clean bill of health. Depending on the age of your cat, they may need slightly different types of care, both at home and from vet checks.

Why Do Outdoor Cats Live Shorter Lives

How Long Do Cats Live? Explained.

Outdoor felines face a range of potentially life-threatening dangers, including:

  • Cars, trucks, and other vehicles
  • Cats, dogs, and wild animals
  • Parasites like fleas and ticks
  • Poisons, including pesticides and fertilizers
  • Toxic plants like lilies

Cats who wander outdoors also risk theft or capture by animal control authorities. The chances of returning home increase dramatically when pets are microchipped and registered in the appropriate database.

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Cat Lifestyle And Lifespan

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.

What Is Considered Old For A Cat

There is no hard and fast rule about when a cat is considered old. Vets consider cats to be middle-aged from about 5 years old, though cats themselves may show few signs of being aged until they reach their teens. Definite age-related changes occur in the cats body from about 7 years.

There is no hard and fast rule about when a cat is considered old. Vets consider cats to be middle-aged from about 5 years old, though cats themselves may show few signs of being aged until they reach their teens. Definite age-related changes occur in the cats body from about 7 years.

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Average Lifespan Of A Cat The Basics

In the wild, the average lifespan of a cat is anywhere from 2 to 16 years. A house cat has a longer average lifespan of 12 to 18 years, though its not uncommon for domestic kitties to live into their 20s. According to Guinness World Records, the oldest cat ever, named Creme Puff, lived to be 38 years old. Keeping in mind that cats are considered seniors when theyre approximately 7 years old, the average lifespan of a cat contains a whole lot of golden years.

How Old Is Your Cat

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  • 0 to 1 month: 1 human year
  • 2 to 3 months: 2 to 4 human years
  • 4 months: 6 to 8 human years
  • 6 months: 10 human years
  • 7 months: 12 human years
  • 12 months: 15 human years
  • 18 months: 21 human years
  • 2 years: 24 human years
  • 3 years: 28 human years
  • 4 years: 32 human years
  • 5 years: 36 human years
  • 10 years: 56 human years
  • 15 years: 76 human years
  • 20 years: 96 human years

The average life expectancy of a cat suggests that many live the equivalent of a full human life. In 2019, the United Nations estimated that the average global life expectancy is 72.9 years. Thatâs a little more than 14 cat years.

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Longest Living Pets: Meet The Oldest Cat In The World

Sometimes, some kitties do get nine lives. There is an incredible list of feline friends whove made their owners proud, by winning the Guinness World Book of Records for the Worlds Oldest Cat!

So, who are these famous cats that were able to live for so long?

  • Creme Puff: A mixed breed kitty born in 1967 was able to reach the ripe old age of 38 years old.
  • Baby: A sweet black cat born in 1970 was able to reach 38 years old too!
  • Puss: A loveable tabby cat born in 1903 passed away in November 1939. This furry old girl was 36 years old!
  • Today, Rubble is considered the Worlds Oldest Cat alive. Rubble the cat is currently 31 years old!

    Life Expectancy Of Dogs And Cats

    We hope our pets will be a part of our lives for many, many years but the fact is that the average life expectancy is 10-12 years for dogs and 10-14 years for cats. Older pets have very specific needs and are particularly susceptible in later years to cancer, arthritis, and dental disease. Supplementing your pet’s diet with antioxidants, phytonutrients, and Omega 3 fatty acids will help support brain function and minimize behavior changes as your pet ages.

    • Almost half of senior dogs develop cancer and a third will die from it.
    • Arthritis, dental disease, and constipation are common in senior dogs and cats.

    A giant-breed dog is a senior pet at six years of age, but a medium-sized dog is a senior at eight years of age. The average dog lives 10-12 years. Dogs that have good nutrition, daily care at home, and veterinary care, live the longest. Dogs that are allowed to roam and are not confined to their home and yard, and dogs that remain sexually intact do not live as long.

    Cats have been documented to live over 30 years. In the Guinness Book of World Records, the oldest cat is 34-36 years old. In human years, a 30-year-old cat is over 130, and a 34-36-year-old cat is between 150-160. In Scotland, a cat is reported to have lived to be over 40 years old.

    Omega 3 fatty acids, joint supplements, and vitamins are recommended to help your pet achieve maximum life expectancy.

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    FAQs

    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!

    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.

    How long do indoor domestic shorthair cats live? ›

    They are generally healthy cats with relatively long life spans. The expected Domestic Shorthair cat lifespan is anywhere from 12 to 14 years or more. That's not to say they can't get hurt or sick unexpectedly or that they don't need routine wellness care, like regular exams and vaccines.

    Do male or female cats live longer? ›

    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.

    At what age is a cat considered a senior? ›

    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.

    How old is a 13 year old cat in human years? ›

    A 13 year old cat is the equivalent to 68 human years old.

    How do I know if my cat is suffering? ›

    Cats who are painful may withdraw from their usual family interactions, may become less engaged in their surroundings, and may start hiding. You may notice decreased eating and/or drinking. You may also notice changes in sleeping patterns. Some may sleep more, while others may sleep less.

    What does it mean when a cat follows you? ›

    Your cat is following you because they want your attention

    Perhaps they're afraid of something or they may be feeling ill and this has caused a change in their behaviour. Sometimes cats experiencing distress will also want to keep as close to their owner as possible.

    Is 17 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 breed of house cat lives the 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.

    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.

    What is the oldest living domestic house cat? ›

    Some of the ages reported here are approximate. Others are based on estimates or hearsay. Few of them have been confirmed by any authoritative agency. Creme Puff (1967-2005) of Austin, Texas is the oldest verified cat ever, while Flossie (born 29 December 1995) is the oldest living cat as of 2022.

    How old is a 20 year old cat in human years? ›

    If your cat gets to 20, she's around 97 human years old. Unlike dogs—who have different human age equivalents depending on their size—the formula for cats is universal because they're all roughly the same size.

    How can I increase my cats lifespan? ›

    9 Tips to Help Your Cat Live Longer
    1. Keep Up with Those Vet Visits. Regular nose-to-tail examinations are a must for keeping your feline in tip-top shape. ...
    2. Keep Them Inside. ...
    3. Keep Them Hydrated. ...
    4. Spay or Neuter. ...
    5. Improve Their Diet. ...
    6. Manage Their Weight. ...
    7. Dental Hygiene. ...
    8. Fend Off Boredom.
    May 31, 2018

    Do spayed cats live longer? ›

    Data revealed neutered male cats live, on average, 62 percent longer than unneutered males and spayed female cats live, on average, 39 percent longer than unspayed female cats. An increase in longevity was also seen in dogs.

    What are signs that your cat is getting old? ›

    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.

    What age do cats slow down? ›

    From 7-10 years of age, your cat begins to lose their drive to play and is less active. This is a normal shift in activity as your cat is comfortable in their environment and routine. As your cat slows down, it is crucial to monitor your pet's eating habits.

    Do cats remember previous owners? ›

    As mentioned above, cats have associative memory, so they don't remember their old owners as a person. Instead, they associate you with the events you had with them (like feeding, grooming, playing games, care, love, affection, etc.).

    How long do cats remember their owners? ›

    If you only have one interaction with a cat, she's likely to remember you up to 16 hours later. However, a cat's long term memory is quite strong (about 200 times better than that of a dog). This means that a cat can remember someone they are familiar with for years.

    How old is my cat if she is 18 in human years? ›

    1-year-old cat = adulthood, the equivalent of 18 human years.

    How do you know if your cat is crying for help? ›

    Signs Of Obvious Distress

    Cats are typically very stoic animals, so if your cat suddenly seems to be in distress, it is a cause for concern. Howling, crying, hiding, and otherwise acting in a way that is out of character for your pet should alert you that something may be seriously wrong.

    How do cats act when they sense death? ›

    They may become depressed and listless. They may have a decreased appetite and decline to play. They may sleep more than usual and move more slowly, sulking around. They may hide under the bed, choosing to be alone even more than usual for cats.

    Where your cat sleeps on your bed and what it means? ›

    If your cat sleeps on your bed, he may choose a position that lets him see out your bedroom door more easily. If he's curled up in a ball under your bed or in a quiet corner, then he may be hiding. Cats who sleep under the covers might love being close to you, or they might be hiding to feel safer.

    What does it mean when a cat follows you to the bathroom? ›

    He's thirsty. Your cat follows you into the bathroom because he needs fresh water. Cats are crazy about moving water and the bathroom is a room where they find the most opportunities for water fun. Bidet taps, shower taps, toilet water, etc.

    Why do cats follow you to the bathroom? ›

    The bathroom is full of the smells of you: your cat's favorite human! You spend time there doing important things, or at least it may seem that way to your cat. Your cat may be intrigued by watching you do all the little things humans do in there.

    Why do cats walk towards you? ›

    Basically, your feline friend sees you as one big cushion she can relax on. As Chewy puts it, "your lap is a cat bed." Much as she does with a pile of blankets, a pillow or the couch, your kitty needs to make sure she chooses the perfect napping spot, and walking all over you fulfills this goal.

    Why do older cats cry so much? ›

    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.)

    Why do old cats get bony? ›

    As they age, cats are not able to digest their food as well resulting in increased nutrition requirements. If their nutrition does not meet their requirements, they will lose muscle mass resulting in the ability to easily feel the bones of their spine and hips when petting them.

    Do indoor only cats live longer? ›

    The answer is clear when you realize that the average lifespan of an indoor cat ranges from 10 to 20 years, whereas cats who go outdoors typically live only 2 to 5 years. Cats who are allowed to roam outdoors face huge safety and health risks, and sadly, some pay for that freedom with their lives.

    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 is my cat sleeping next to me all of a sudden? ›

    Your Cat Is Looking for Security

    Because of their position in the middle of the food chain, they may feel vulnerable while they're sleeping. Sleeping next to you helps them feel more secure in their ability to sleep because they know they have an extra layer of defense if a predator comes their way.

    Do cats get mean with old age? ›

    Aging cats sometimes experience behavior changes such as forgetting where you put their litter box, being less active, and being more aggressive. If your older cat starts acting differently, it might be a sign of aging problems such as feline cognitive decline (FCD).

    What is the oldest cat name? ›

    Earliest cat to have a name The first known cat with a name was called Nedjem meaning `sweet' or `pleasant' and dates from the reign of Thutmose III (1479-1425 BC).

    Why does my indoor cat keep wanting to go outside? ›

    If your cat is escaping constantly, getting them spayed or neutered might be necessary. When a young cat suddenly wants to go outside, it could be because they are searching for a mate (this is particularly true for male cats).

    How do you tell if your cat will live long? ›

    While it's very normal to see behavioural and cognitive changes in your feline friend, a healthy cat should not show any 'DISHA' signs: Disorientation and memory: getting lost, being confused, becoming trapped in corners.
    ...
    7 signs your cat will live a long life
    • Sleep. ...
    • Play. ...
    • Grooming. ...
    • Senses. ...
    • Teeth. ...
    • Weight. ...
    • Appetite decline.
    Jul 7, 2016

    What does a cat need to be happy? ›

    5 essential things your cat needs to be happy
    • 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.
    Apr 5, 2022

    Do neutered indoor cats live longer? ›

    Spayed female cats in the study lived 39% longer and neutered male cats lived 62% longer. The reduced lifespan of unaltered pets can, in part, be attributed to an increased urge to roam.

    Are cats happier spayed? ›

    Spaying makes for a calmer cat. Without the drive to mate, your cat may be quieter and won't be prone to cat calls and the incessant need to seek out a mate. The spayed pet no longer attracts males and their annoying advances and serenades. Spayed cats are also easier to get along with.

    Do cats get sad when they are spayed? ›

    “They might experience tenderness, be a little less active and have a bit of a decreased appetite for a day or two, but in two to three days, the cat should bounce back to her normal self. “There is no statistical evidence of behavior change due to surgery,” she adds.

    Is it worth spaying an older cat? ›

    Just like with spaying or neutering your kitten, getting your older cat fixed helps lower the risk of health issues that are common in intact cats. “Some of the risks of leaving an older cat intact include pyometra, which is a life-threatening infection of the uterus and is more common in older cats,” Dr. Satchu said.

    Is 17 years old 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.

    Is 10 old for a cat? ›

    According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) Senior Care Guidelines, older cats are classified as mature or middle-aged at 7 to 10 years old, as senior cats at 11 to 14 years old, and geriatric from 15 to 25 years old.

    Is 13 years a long life for a cat? ›

    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.

    What is the longest living indoor cat? ›

    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.

    At what age do cats slow down? ›

    From 7-10 years of age, your cat begins to lose their drive to play and is less active. This is a normal shift in activity as your cat is comfortable in their environment and routine. As your cat slows down, it is crucial to monitor your pet's eating habits.

    What are the signs of an aging cat? ›

    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.

    Do cats pick a favorite person? ›

    In a multi-human household, it seems that cats will choose one family member they want to spend more of their time with. According to a study done by the nutrition company, Canadae, they discovered that the person who makes the most effort is the favorite.

    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.)

    How can I make sure my cat lives longer? ›

    Here are my top five tips for increasing cat longevity:
    1. Feed your cat WET food. Raw is best, canned will do. ...
    2. Keep your cat INDOORS. Indoor cats typically live longer than outdoor cats for many reasons. ...
    3. Spay or neuter your cat. ...
    4. Exercise your cat's BODY and MIND. ...
    5. Lots of LOVE.

    Who lives Longer indoor or outdoor cats? ›

    The answer is clear when you realize that the average lifespan of an indoor cat ranges from 10 to 20 years, whereas cats who go outdoors typically live only 2 to 5 years. Cats who are allowed to roam outdoors face huge safety and health risks, and sadly, some pay for that freedom with their lives.

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