Cats live a very long time. Cats typically outlive the bulk of our companion dogs because average lifespan of the common cat about 15 years. Cats living into their teens or even 20s are common. Your cat’s lifespan will likely depend on a number of factors.
A Brief History of Domestic Cats
Cats have been a popular pet for countless years. In the countries of the Near East, wild cats were domesticated to help control rodent infestations. Cat owners have access to a wide range of food options because the dietary needs of a home cat have been thoroughly examined. The initial fundamental cat breeds were created using cats from four significant geographic regions: the Arabian Sea, the Eastern Mediterranean, South Asia, and Western Europe. These four places have generated cats with different genetic markers depending on the location or race.
Lifespan and Breeds of Cats
A cat’s precise lifespan cannot be predicted, but some breeds are known to normally live longer than others. Some types, however, have been seen to live into their 20s and even 30s. Two cat breeds that commonly outlive their competitors are the Siamese and Manx. Regardless of whether they are purebred or domestic mixed breeds, cats can live longer than the average cat.
Cats’ lifespans and diets
Since they like eating meat, cats are obligate carnivores, thus the food we provide them should reflect this. Because of the widespread adoption of these cats as pets, people eventually started deliberately breeding them to create different breeds.
But not every food is created equally. Since adult cats cannot digest lactose, large amounts of carbohydrates are unnecessary in a cat’s diet. In fact, because they might limit how much protein is absorbed, carbs are bad for cats. 4 A cat’s lifespan may be shortened and may suffer long-term effects from certain illnesses. Cats often need more protein than dogs need because of their unique digestive system. At the very least, adult cats need 5.5 g/kg of protein every day. The average eight-pound cat therefore needs to consume at least 20 grams of protein per day, and sometimes much more.
Essential amino acids, which are also very important, are required by cats. Taurine, methionine, and cystine are a few of these essential amino acids; without these, important vitamins, and the correct amount of protein, a cat’s health may suffer substantially.
Lifespan and Health of Cats
Naturally, if a cat doesn’t eat a healthy diet, its health may suffer, but parasites and infections can also be harmful. A cat, on the other hand, values proteins highly.
Cats with bad genetics, weakened immune systems, and diminished organ functioning may not live as long as healthy cats.
Cats’ lifespan and way of life
Some cats are considered to be indoor pets, while others are only considered to be outdoor pets, and yet others are considered to be indoor/outdoor pets that switch between the two locations. The daily risks that an outdoor cat endures are significantly more than those that an indoor cat encounters, which frequently shortens its lifespan. An outdoor or indoor/outdoor cat may face daily difficulties such as locating food, enduring the elements, and avoiding exposure to several parasites and diseases, in addition to avoiding being hit by cars, injured by wild animals, and ingesting harmful substances. 6 The more time a cat spends outside, the greater the risk of an accident or illness brought on by the environment.
Indoor cats are less vulnerable to dangers since they are shielded inside a secure setting. An indoor cat’s nutrition is typically under control, their exposure to toxins, parasites, and diseases is limited, especially if they are inoculated and receiving preventative treatments, and they are not at risk from wild animals or moving cars.
The same process happens to large cats like lions, tigers, ocelots, and other wild cats. Compared to their wild counterparts, these zoo cats live longer.
Oldest Cat Ever Known
According to Guinness World Records, the oldest cat lived for 38 years and three days. Crème Puff, a domestic shorthair cat, was occasionally fed unusual delicacies including asparagus, eggs, and heavy cream. She was born in 1967 in Austin, Texas, and died in 2005. Although Crème Puff’s exact length of life is unknown, a combination of tender treatment, sound genetics, and a safe environment undoubtedly had a significant role.
Even while we can never entirely control their lives, if we give our cats a safe, healthy, and loving environment, the likelihood that they will live a long life is boosted.
