Mary Allen
Cats literally have seven lives, but in reality, it is of course different. How old can cats get? You can get the answer to this here – along with an explanation of why outdoor cats usually die earlier.
First of all, the most important thing: How old your cat will be is of course very individual and depends on various factors. What matters is the breed of your kitty, her health, whether she is neutered or neutered, the diet, and the environment.
Chronic diseases like asthma can reduce a cat’s life expectancy by a few years, for example. On the other hand, good nutrition and a safe, low-risk environment contribute to a long, healthy cat life.
Outdoor Cats Have a Lower Life Expectancy
But another factor can also influence the life expectancy of your cat: whether your cat is a house tiger or an outdoor cat. At least statistically, the life expectancy of outdoor cats is lower. The reason: They are at greater risk of injury, illness, or parasite infestation. That is why indoor cats are on average three to five years older than outdoor cats. The “Alliance” provides information about this.
While indoor cats live on average around 15 years old, the life expectancy of outdoor cats varies. The “Catster” blog even assumes that outdoor cats only live to be around five years old on average – around ten years less than house cats.
Life expectancy drops even further for feral or stray cats that go through life without the care of a keeper.
So Even Outdoorsmen Lead a Long Life
However, all of this does not necessarily mean that you should only keep your cat in the apartment from now on. You can help ensure that your outdoor cat has the longest possible life expectancy: You should definitely check your kitty regularly for wounds or injuries. Also, be extra vigilant for unusual behavior that could indicate poisoning from prepared bait.
Correct protection against ticks, fleas, and worms is particularly important for outdoor animals. In addition, you should sterilize your cat – whether it’s a house tiger or not – if possible. Neutering and sterilization have a positive effect on the life expectancy of cats. Among other things, this reduces the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, and sterilized cats release fewer stress hormones.
Some Cats Grow Old
By the way: According to the “Guinness Book of Records”, the world’s oldest cat is 38 years and three days old. Creme Puff died in Austin, Texas. The record holders in the category of the oldest living cat, on the other hand, are of course constantly changing. At the age of 31, the last, oldest cat recently died – converted into human years, it would have been 150 years old.