Can An Outdoor Cat Become An Indoor Cat
If you want to help an outdoor cat become an indoor cat, itâs important to know if heâs a feral or a stray cat. Feral cats have never been cared for by humans and act terrified if you come near. Ferals are unlikely to adjust to indoor living. Stray cats might act similarly at first, but at one point, theyâve known human companionship. Theyâll eventually warm up to you if you give them food and spend time outside with them while theyâre eating. Let the stray cat make the first move, allowing him to sniff your hand before you try to pet him. With time and patience, your bond will grow.3 Eventually, you can allow him inside for increasingly longer visits. But if you have another cat, get the stray cat a vet checkup first.
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Which Cat Breeds Have A Longer Lifespan
While most cats cannot even live for 10 years, others can live up to 20 years, and some can even live more than that. There are many cats breeds that stand-out as long-lived companions. However, no one can ensure that your feline will live 20 years or more as nature and nurture are determining factors.
But choosing a cat with a long life expectancy and taking great care of your kitty can improve your odds of having a loving feline for many years. Here are some of the longest-living cat breeds.
| Cat Breed |
| 15 – 20 Years |
How Long Do Outdoor Persian Cats Live
Where you keep your Persian cat is another factor that plays significant role in your cats life expectancy.
Persian cats are domesticated cats and should be kept indoors.
If you keep your Persian cat outside then you need to know that her life expectancy will be significantly reduced.
The average lifespan of an outdoor Persian cat is anywhere from 2 to 5 years old.
This is mainly as a result of the dangers Persian cats are exposed to in the outside environment.
Such factors include extreme temperatures, traffic, attacks from other animals, feral diseases, loud noises, and stress.
Keeping your Persian cat indoors will help you identify any health problems early, so you could treat them on time.
There is another reason why most Persian cat owners keep their cats inside. Its easier to maintain their fur and brushing wont be as painful for both you and your cat.
Another good reason why Persians are meant to be kept indoors is simply because of their nose structure. Due to their small and flat nose, your Persian cat is more vulnerable to filth and dust.
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The Role Of Vet Care In Your Cats Lifespan
With advances today in vet science and medicine, cats are living longer, healthier lives. Your role as a pet owner to help extend your cats life as long as possible is to make sure your cat receives the vet care he needs. Regular check-ups can help monitor your cats health and catch any kind of chronic or underlying health issues early. Blood tests can detect diseases like hyperthyroidism and kidney disease in cats early so that it can be treated properly.
Your cat should also be vaccinated against diseases that are known to be problematic, and receive regular wellness exams. Fecal exams can detect intestinal parasites, while dental cleaning and care and proper grooming can keep your cat not only feeling good but looking good too. As cats age, they can suffer from age-related disease and degeneration, like feline arthritis, tumors, respiratory issues, cat cancers, vision and hearing problems like cataracts and disorders in the ear canal, and more. Wellness exams and regular checkups can help you identify these things early and begin treatment and management before they begin to really decrease your cats quality of life.
Why You Should Choose Cats As Emotional Support Animals
Dogs may be our best friends, but cats are vying for the title as well. Cats are the second most common pet in the US and undoubtedly hold a special place in many peoples lives. Talking about emotional support animals, cats can indeed be a great companion and a perfect ESA.
There is a variety of animals ranging from rabbits to horses to be chosen as ESA. However, dogs and cats are the most common animals people choose as emotional support animals. Though it may be a dog world when it comes to service animals or ESA, cats are becoming as popular as dogs. They play the same role as service or ESA dogs play for people suffering from mental or emotional issues. 1
Cats can indeed become great emotional support animals as they can provide love and affection to their owners in the same ways the dogs can. Cats not just bring comfort for their owner but help them cope with mental illness like stress, anxiety, etc.
Here are the top 10 benefits you get from an ESA cat:
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What You Need To Know Before You Buy A Persian Cat
Before you go on and buy a Persian cat because you think they look adorable and not that fussy, you need to know several things:
- They may become your new best friend, and you will always have someone to cuddle with.
- Persian cats are domesticated cats and should be kept indoors.
- If you keep your Persian cat outdoors, it is smart to get them spayed and neutered. These cats live longer because there is no risk to develop ovarian or testicular cancers.
- Persian cats are really expensive. A healthy kitten will cost you about $800.
- Persians require daily brushing, which means daily care. Are you ready to take care of your cat on a regular basis?
- Although they are calm in nature, Persian cats may get stressed out and annoyed by loud noises, loud children or pets.
- You may find yourself cleaning your house more often as Persian cats shed a lot.
- Persian cats may have many health problems due to their genetic makeup. Are you ready to spend some money on all those visits to the vet?
- You can avoid purchasing a Persian with potential genetic problems that may appear from poor breeding if you look for a reputable Persian cat breeder.
How Long Do Fixed Tabby Cats Live
Research shows that about 80% of domestic cats are neutered or spayed. The most obvious reason to get your tabby cat fixed is so that you dont have to worry about litters of kittens, spraying, or the near-monthly heat cycles . But the latest research shows that a spayed female cat will live 39% longer, and a neutered male cat will live 62% longer.
Getting your tabby cat fixed as soon as possible can lower the risk of:
- Cancerous breast tumors
- Behavioral issues
- Running away from home
Remember that cats reach a point of sexual maturity between 4-10 months old. With that in mind, the longer you wait to fix your tabby, the more likely your female cat will fall pregnant , and the health benefits may not be as significant.
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When Are Cats Considered Old
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
Diseases That Are More Common In Older Cats
Certain diseases are much more prevalent as cats age. Don’t assume your cat’s signs are just from old age and therefore inevitable. They may indicate a common medical problem that is quite treatable. Examples include:
Dental Disease. This is the most common disease affecting older cats, and its significance is often underestimated. In fact, one study showed that 80 percent of cats already have a form of dental disease by just 3 years of age. Dental problems can cause pain, difficulty eating, and gum line infections that can travel via the bloodstream and affect vital organs. Your veterinarian will recommend a dental care plan that may include home care , special diets, and professional cleanings. Learn more: “Home Dental Care for Cats.”
Chronic Kidney Disease. Cats’ kidneys commonly undergo several aging changes that can eventually lead to decreased function. Signs vary widely but can include increased thirst and urination, weight loss, vomiting, and lethargy. The disease itself is irreversible, but early detection and modern advances in treatment can dramatically improve quality and length of life for these kitties. Learn more: “Kidney Disease in Cats.”
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Life Expectancy For Cats With Diabetes
stefania957163262 over a year ago
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lrjsassy over a year ago
ray siri over a year ago
njoynlifeover a year ago
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I recently was forced to put my cat down because her diabetes got too bad. I first learned of her diabetes when she was 5 and had it pretty under control for 9 years. She found it well, but with her again her body could not maintain it anymore and she became very weak and a failing liver. My vet told me that only option would be to put her down, and even though I tried to push for some kind of medicine or surgery, but the vet said nothing would help, so I put her down. If correctly treated and maintained, the cat can live a long life with diabetes.
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Feral Cats Are Vicious And Mean
From a feral-behaving cats point of view, they are the potential prey and people are predators. A healthy free-roaming cat will not stalk and attack a person. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Cats remain quiet and hide from view when unfamiliar people approach. When feral-behaving cats are caged at the clinic, they still try to hide. They dont leap at people, growl, strike or hiss they keep a low profile. However, if provoked or given a chance to escape, a free-roaming cat puts all its energy into defense. The cat understandably risks everything, biting and scratching to get away, as any animal would who is frightened. They are not vicious and mean, but will fight for their lives, if threatened.
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Mobility And Activity Levels
As a cat matures, the more it becomes sedentary. So while kittens are more active and love playing, the older ones prefer sleeping, specifically the senior felines.
Senior cats and kittens spend approximately 20 hours of sleep per day while adults rest for around 12-15 hours per day.
Although it could vary from cat to cat, by observing how long your feline pet rests, you’ll get a rough idea if it’s an adult or senior one.
How Can I Help Expand My Cats Lifespan
Just like humans, cats who live a healthy lifestyle improve their chances of marking more birthdays. Your cat needs proper nutrition and enough exercise. Sometimes an indoor cat needs to be encouraged to exercise which can involve
Visiting the vet on a regular basis is also essential to a longer life. Cats are really good at disguising disguises. However, your veterinarian will be able to look for signs that you have missed. Also, oral care is often overlooked when it comes to cats. In fact, statistics show that most cats already have early signs of dental disease at the age of three.
Dr. Jennifer Coates from PetMD sums it up well: the best way to maximize your cats life expectancy is to provide excellent nutrition, ample exercise, plenty of mental stimulation, preventive medicine, protection from the outdoors, and best of all, lots of love and attention.
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The Life Expectancy Of A House Cat
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denice said:I have a cat who is now 17 and for that age is still going strong. She is in the early stages of CKD but it has been controlled for 2 1/2 years now with prescription food. We can add to longevity and quality of life with regular checkups and quality food but a lot has to do with genetics. The same is true for humans.
Katie M said:I think the average life expectancy is 15-18 years. A cat’s lifespan can be increased by getting them fixed. They’re not nearly as willing to roam, a male won’t get into hormone-driven fights, and a female will never experience the stress of giving birth. Certain cancers, like testicular and uterine, just can’t happen.
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On Average How Long Do Cats Live
In our recent article, Whats the Average Life of a Dog, we found out that our canine companions live an average of 10 to 13 years. So how do our kitty companions compare?
If youre a Cat Owner, youll be glad to know that our feline friends have a pretty long life expectancy. Specifically, the average kitty can live to between 13 and 17 years. In fact, many cats live to be around 20 years old, with some of the oldest cats on record living into their early 30s!
But, for a kitty to live beyond the average cat lifespan, there are a few factors to consider. Lifestyle, genetics, diet, and past experiences can all affect how long a cat will live. Lets explore a few of the most influential factors in a cats expected lifespan.
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Do Male Or Female Cats Live Longer
While its not by much, female cats on average live around one or two years longer than males. It might be that males are more apt to roam, fight, or experience health problems such as a blocked urethra. Whatever the reason is, a cats gender may still be an important factor in a cats life expectancy.
Nutrition And Lifespan Of A Cat
Cat derive most of their nutrition from meat. They are essentially carnivores in nature and therefore their diet must be maintained as such.
Now it may seem like a long time but in terms of evolution of cats from wilderness to domestication it is still not that long.
So this means nutrition needs to be on point with cats. You just cant be ignorant and indifferent with your cats nutrition requirement or it will have a direct impact on the lifespan of a cat.
Dont worry a lot of research has gone into dietary requirements of a cat and therefore the food option available to cat owners are more than sufficient.
Having said that there are certain things that we need to understand about cat food.
Adult cat diet should not contain carbohydrates and lactose in excess amount as they cant digest them.
Their foods must be rich in proteins owing to there unique digestive mechanisms.
An average weighted cat needs somewhere around 20 grams of proteins every single day.
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Indoor Cats Vs Outdoor Cats: Making The Decision
The consensus among veterinarians and organizations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association is to keep cats confined, whether indoors or outdoors. Outdoor enclosures or leash walking for cats that are comfortable with it can keep them stimulated and safe while protecting humans, wildlife, and the environment.
Indoor cats tend to live longer than their outdoor counterparts, typically reaching 10 to 15 years of age. Cats who spend their lives exclusively outdoors live an average of just 2 to 5 years.
Gina Gentilozzi never thought twice about keeping her three cats indoors, particularly because she has some unpleasant memories about her own childhood pets. When I was little, I had indoor-outdoor cats and they all had fleas, she recalls. And outdoor cats bring you home dead things and I dont like that either.
McWhorter is well aware that Hobbes and his sister, Calvin, lead a riskier life than her two indoor cats, Lucy and Ricky, but she inherited them from her homes previous owner and was afraid it would be hard for them to make the transition from outdoor to indoor cats. I really didnt want four cats in the house, and they were accustomed to being outside, she says.
Continued
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