History Of Domesticated Cats
Cats have been kept as pets for thousands of years. They;originate from the Near East countries where they were domesticated from wild cats to help control rodent populations. These cats spread throughout the world as pets, and we eventually started selectively breeding them for specific traits, thus creating different breeds. The primary cat breeds were originally bred using cats from four major regions; the Arabian Sea, the Eastern Mediterranean, South Asia, and Western Europe. These four regions have produced cats that have different genetic markers based on what region, or race, they are from.
Why Do Outdoor Cats Live Shorter Lives
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.
Cats Can Live For Many Years After A Cancer Diagnosis
Depending on the type of cancer, with timely treatment you might have many more years with your cat. What I think is really important if your pet is diagnosed with cancer is that you go see a cancer specialist. They can break it down for you about that cancer in general and then the specifics going on with your pet, Dr. Ettinger says.
Many cancers are treatable and it really depends on the type of cancer. There are some cancers where ;with or without treatment its only going to be a couple of months, but there are some cancers that we can potentially cure with surgery, Dr. Ettinger continues. There are some that we treat with combinations of maybe surgery and then radiation or chemo, and cats can live one, two, three years, or even longer, depending on the cancer.
Tell us: Have any of your cats ever had cancer before? What tips would you add for dealing with cancer in cats?
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How Much Will My Pet Cost Over Their Lifetime
If the potential lifespan of your pet has come as a surprise, youll definitely want to research into how much they could cost over their lifetime!
We have some approximate figures to get you started:
- Dogs could cost up to £30,800
- Cats could cost up to £24,300
- Rabbits could cost up to £15,000 .
You can find out more about how much your pet may cost you over their lifetime in our free guides:
Average Lifespans Of Popular Cat Breeds
A catâs average lifespan depends on a number of factors. Among these are genetic ones, passed down by a catâs ancestors. As the examples below make clear, some breeds live longer than others:
- American Shorthair: 15 to 20 years
- Bengal: 14 to 16 years
- Burmese: 16 to 18 years
- Maine Coon: 10 to 13 years
- Manx: 8 to 14 years
- Persian: 10 to 17 years
- Ragdoll: 15 to 18 years
- Russian Blue: 15 to 20 years
- Savannah: 12 to 20 years
- Siamese: 12 to 20 years
- Sphynx: 10 to 15 years
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Working Out The Average Cat Lifespan: How Old Is My Cat Cat Years Vs Human Years
Trying to figure out your cats age can be quite tricky. Often a trained veterinary professional can determine a cats age.
Before we give you some tips on how to tell how old your cat isin cat yearsyou will first need to familiarize yourself with their growth cycle.
Female cats become sexually mature when they reach about 80% of their adult weight. Now, this can be anywhere from 6 to 10 months. Males, on the other hand, reach sexual maturity at 5 months of age. During these few months, both male and female cats are considered to be in their teenage years!
According to the American Animal Hospital Association, a cat can be considered a senior when they pass 10 years old.
So, how do we tell how old our cat is?
The best and most trusted way of determining a cats age is by looking at their teeth. Now, if you dont know the anatomy of the feline jaw, then chances are you wont be able to determine their age. However, if you do a little anatomy, then heres how you can tell a cats age.
Average Lifespan Of An Outdoor Cat
Typical Indoor Cat Lifespan. If a cat resides indoors exclusively, the typical lifespan ranges somewhere between 13 and 17 years, according to the ASPCA. However, it isn’t uncommon for indoor cats to live to at least 20. The lifespan always depends on the individual cat. Some cats pass away well before 13, while others live long past 17.
The cat may be completely asymptomatic for a long time . If this happens, it means they are a carrier and have the potential to pass it on to others. If your cat is FIV positive, it means they have tested positive for the feline immunodeficiency virus.
how long do cats live. What Is the Average Lifespan of a Cat. 27 rows Aug 08, Continue to add four years for every year a cat is fortunate enough to live past the age of Author Jennifer Coates, DVM.
In my experience the Tonkinese generally live between 13 and 18 years, whereas the average life expectancy of an indoor cat is between 9 to 15 years. Sadly some breeds now have a shorter life expectancy than they used to – possibly due to excessive breeding for type and/or in-breeding. .
The official record of the oldest living cat holder is a 35-year-old Burmese cat. Of course, most Burmese cats dont live quite that long. The average lifespan of Burmese cats is 18 to 25 years and that is certainly much longer than most of the cats. Burmese cats are often being confused with Birman cats.
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When Do Cats Go Out Of The House Before Death
If your cat is a frequent wanderer and goes out of the house very often, it will seek a cool and shaded place outside the house to rest comfortably before death. If this disappearing act is frequent than normal, its a sign that your kitty is nearing death, and you should investigate the dark and cool places,
Which Breeds Live The Longest And Shortest
Surprisingly enough, theres not much reliable data on this point. Different sources will give you different answers, but the breeds that are commonly cited as living the longest include the Siamese, Burmese, Balinese, and American Shorthair.
It should be noted, however, that mixed breeds often live longer than their purebred counterparts. We wouldnt be surprised if a mix of any of the above breeds outlived them all.
On the other side of the spectrum, theres no definitive answer to the cats with shortest lifespans question either. Typically, though, Manx, Singapura, and Munchkin cats all have fairly short lives, as they rarely live past 14.
These lifespans assume that the cat is kept indoors and is well taken care of. If you let your cat roam around outside or feed them junk food and never give them any exercise, their life expectancy will plummet.
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What Is Kidney Disease
Kidney disease in cats is the deterioration of the normal function of the kidneys.
Healthy kidneys work to flush out toxins in the body and aid in regulating urine production. When the kidneys are compromised in any way, the body struggles to perform these tasks, leading to a waterfall of dangerous symptoms and illness. When a major organ system such as the kidneys begin to fail, the cats overall health will begin to decline.
Chronic kidney disease: In chronic kidney disease, the kidneys will begin to struggle over time. Cats can compensate for months to years in chronic disease, and owners can usually note changes in their health that have happened over time.
Diagnosing the early stages of chronic kidney disease in cats is the goal, as this disease can be managed. Unlike acute kidney disease, chronic kidney disease is not an immediate threat when it is caught in the early stages.
Acute kidney disease: Acute kidney disease is the sudden onset of kidney function decline in a cat. This usually occurs in situations such as kidney injury, urethral obstruction , infectious disease, or toxin ingestion. This can also happen in cats that have congenital kidney abnormalities.
Acute kidney disease is especially dangerous, as cats will experience sudden and severe symptoms. These cases are much more difficult to manage since the function of the kidneys is usually severely impaired in such a short amount of time.
Life Expectancy Of Cats
Do you know what the average lifespan of cats is, and how you can give your cat the best chance of living along and happy life? Read on to find out more. The average life expectancy of cats. Taking into account all factors, breeds and causes of death, the average lifespan of the cat is between fifteen and seventeen years.
Under extreme stress, cats, like humans, face a reduced quality of life and a shortened lifespan. Lifespans range among some pedigree cats as well. While Munchkins have an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, Siamese cats live between 14 and 20 years. 1. Environmental Conditions.
Cats can live up to 20 or more years depending on how well they are treated, stated many bloggers and online sites. They also mentioned that A domesticated cat can live up to 15.1 years. Many other factors are also considered while evaluating the lifespan of a cat. One such factor could be the breed of the cat.
In this article we are going to share about how long do house cats live and how long do indoor cats live. The life expectancy of a domestic cat is on average 15 years, which is equivalent to 76 human years. Thanks to current veterinary advances. However, todays felines cat lifespan can hope to reach the age of 20.
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Average Cat Lifespan: How Long Do Indoor Cats Live
If youve got an outdoor cat, then your veterinarian has probably already scolded you about keeping cats indoors.
You should listen to your vet!
Indoor cats do indeed live much longer than outdoor. And, it doesnt take a lot of science to prove it!
Cats kept indoors are generally kept in a clean and safe environment. For the most part, they are less likely to come into contact with deadly pathogens, viruses, and parasites. In addition, they are less likely to encounter a traumatic injury.
Cats who are free to roam the outdoors, are more at risk of contracting deadly pathogens. Viral diseases like the Feline Calicivirus or the Rabies virus will be prevalent in other cats or mammals. An outdoor cat who encounters such a virus will undoubtedly, contract these viral diseases.
Aside from viral diseases, outdoor cats also have an increased risk of contracting bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. For instance, a few diseases an outdoor cat can acquire is:
- Ringworm
- Campylobacter, and
- Toxoplasmosis
Outdoor cats are a lot more likely to come home withor diefrom a severe injury. Cars, other cats, dogs, and even wild animals can all cause injury and death to a cat.
The Life Expectancy Of Indoor Cats
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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Cat Breeds And Lifespan
While it is impossible to know exactly how long a cat will live, some breeds of cats are known to often live longer than others. The Siamese and Manx cat breeds are two that often outlive their cat competition, but other breeds have been recorded as living into their 20s and even 30s. Both purebred and domestic mixed-breed cats have the potential to surpass the average lifespan of the species.
Other Health Threats To Worry About If Your Cat Doesnt Eat
One long term damage is fatty liver disease or hepatic lipidosis . When a cats body does not have enough water or if she does not eat for an extended period of time, she may become susceptible to acquiring HL.
A larger or fatter cat would be more prone to it, as the body loses weight, the first to go would be fat and liver fat would not be affected.
This may cause an imbalance in the body and eventually lead to the onset of the disease. Only a vet can determine this for sure, by means of a liver biopsy.
There are several reasons why cats don’t eat. It could be because of depression, or your cat may just be looking for variety in her diet.
If after trying something new, your pet is still not interested in food, it may be time to bring her to the vet for a checkup and tests.
Your pet may have diabetes, liver problem, or a heart condition. Either way, only lab tests and scans can confirm your suspicion.
The important thing is to be observant and try to be as responsive as you can to your pets needs.
The sooner you spot the signs and symptoms the better, so your cat can receive treatment as soon as possible and thus prevent any further damage to her body.
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How Do Cat And Human Years Compare
Youâve probably heard the âfactâ that dogs age seven human years every 365 days, but what about cats? According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the American Animal Hospital Association , hereâs how your catâs age in âcat yearsâ compares to their age in human years:
- A cat ages roughly 15 human years during their first year.
- Then, they age another nine years during their second year.
- Each additional year of age is equal to around four human years.
Do Most Cats Die Of Old Age
First off, dying of old age isnt a thing, at least as far as vets are concerned. A cat who dies at an old age will have died from something, and that something wont be the turning of the pages on a calendar. Dying of old age usually means that they passed due to a natural ailment, like heart disease or cancer, when they were extremely old.
Even with that clarification out of the way, this question is hard to answer. It depends on the cats level of care.
If your cat spends most of their time outside, then no, they wont die of old age. Sadly, outdoor cats often die violently, usually by being hit by cars or eaten by predators.
Indoor cats have much better prospects. Most indoor cats die of something like kidney disease, heart disease, or cancer, and these usually happen toward the latter stages of their lifespan.
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How Long Do Cats Live If Theyre Outdoor Cats
A number of challenges tend to limit the average cat lifespan of an outdoor cat. Of course, outside means different things depending on where a cat lives and when were answering How long do cats live?
Do you live in an urban, suburban, rural or remote location? How many neighbors have outdoor cats? Do you live in a place with an abundance of predatory wildlife? Are there feral or stray animals nearby? Is the weather amenable year-round to an outdoor lifestyle? How close do you live to roads and thoroughfares?
These are all limiting factors, as are increased exposure to fleas, ticks, and other parasites and illnesses. Outdoors, cats can also get into cat fights and scrapes with other cats and are at increased risk of accidents.
However, they also have the freedom to explore, mark out favored perches and get natural exercise. Because there are so many more unpredictable variables, the numbers are generally not good, and cat lifespan ranges much more widely, anywhere from three to 10 years. The average cat lifespan outdoors is 5.625 years.
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.
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Symptoms Of Renal Failure
Cat kidney failure symptoms include weight loss, vomiting, increased water consumption, diarrhea, and constipation.
Behavioral changes accompany renal failure and include restlessness, nighttime vocalizing, and sometimes dementia.
Advanced cases result in severe weight loss, severe dehydration, and vomiting blood.
You must be aware of the signs of kidney failure in cats and visit your veterinarian for examination and treatment if needed.
Treatment for kidney disease includes renoprotective therapies, such as nutritional support, food therapy, electrolyte treatment, and other holistic options.
Truths And Myths About Feline Leukemia
How much do you know about feline leukemia? As it is a complex condition that, for many years, has raised many doubts even among specialist veterinarians, it is understandable that there are many fanciful ideas about leukemia in cats. In order to be better aware of this pathology, we invite you to know some myths and truths.
- Feline leukemia and blood cancer are synonymous: MYTH!
Feline Leukemia Virus is actually a type of oncological virus that can cause tumors, but not all cats diagnosed with leukemia develop blood cancer. It is important to clarify that feline leukemia is also not synonymous of feline AIDS, which is caused by Feline Immunodeficiency Virus .
- Cats can easily get feline leukemia: TRUTH!
Unfortunately, cats can easily contract the Feline Leukemia Virus through direct contact with the bodily fluids of other infected cats. FeLV is mostly found in the saliva of sick cats, but it can also be deposited in their urine, blood, milk and feces. This is why cats that live in groups are usually more susceptible to this pathology, since they are in permanent contact with possibly sick animals.
- Humans can get feline leukemia: MYTH!
As we said, feline leukemia is not transmitted to humans, nor to dogs, birds, turtles and other “non feline” pets. It is a typical cat pathology, although it may show similarities in their symptomatology and prognosis with leukemia in dogs.
- Feline leukemia has no cure: TRUTH!
- A cat diagnosed with feline leukemia dies quickly: MYTH!
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