Common Household Pets That Live The Longest
For many people, animals play an important role in their everyday lives. Pets reduce stress, offer companionship, and provide hours of entertainment in the form of cute videos on the internet. Yet for all they give us, one fact of pet-ownership remains less than ideal: Furry friends often experience much shorter lifespans than their human counterparts.
Animals like dogs and cats have a higher metabolic rate than humans, which means they age faster. For dogs, this amounts to an average lifespan of 13 years. Cats live slightly longertheir average lifespan is around 16 years. But what about animals that live longer?
Some pets, like the Lhasa Apso, have been bred to survive harsh conditions, and thus have longer average lifespans than other breeds of dogs. Other pets come by their longevity naturally. Turtles have slower metabolisms, and it simply takes them longer to grow old. Some pets have lifespans that vary wildly. Domestic goldfish may only live a couple of years, but goldfish in a garden pond will probably live over a decade. Their cousins, the wild carp, generally live twice as long. The oldest known captive goldfish lived to be 43.
Still, many people will put in the work if it means having a friend for life. With that in mind, Stacker compiled a list of the longest living household pets using a variety of scientific sources and pet owner resources, including Pet Helpful, Reptiles Magazine, Lafeber Company, and a Genetics paper on dog traits.
Meanwhile Cat Owners Are Apparently More Creative Than Dog Owners
They’re more likely to enjoy documentaries, musicals, books, and gardening than dog people, who prefer action movies and traveling as well as activities like running, yoga, and dancing.
The difference in activity levels could be explained by the fact that 45% of dog owners said that their lives are improved through exercise with their pets. Though cats aren’t great at hitting the downward dog or busting a move, more of their owners admitted that they tell their pets their thoughts and secrets, which in turn may be why more cat owners credit their pets for reducing their stress.
No matter the different pets’ best method of bonding, Jam Stewart, the vice president of corporate affairs at Mars Pet Nutrition NA, wants owners to remember that their pets play pivotal emotional roles in their lives.
“Whether you are hitting your fitness goals thanks to a bit of a push from your dog, or engaging in a little therapy talk with your cat, it’s obvious that no matter what furry friend you prefer, the benefits of pet ownership should not be overlooked,” Stewart said.
In fact, of both groups, over a fifth said that they take their pets on vacation with them. A quarter of them said that they don’t mind a little begging for food because they actually eat meals with their pets as company. And of course, over a third buy their pets presents on holidays or birthdays.
You can view more from the survey below:
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Heart Attack And Stroke
In a 20-year study that ended in 2009, neurologist Adnan Qureshi of the University of Minnesota Stroke Institute found that cat owners seemed much less likely to die of heart attack and stroke than people who had never known the love of a cat. Non-cat owners were 40 percent more likely to die of a heart attack and 30 percent more likely to die of another cardiovascular disease, including stroke, than people from cat families. People who owned dogs but no cats didn’t enjoy the same benefit — the research showed the heart attack discrepancy only in previous and current cat owners.
What Age What Stage
Cats can live for an amazingly long time considering their small size. In general, smaller mammals have shorter lifespans, but cats are a little different. For example, although cats are smaller than most dogs, they generally live longer. Also, they are only slightly larger than rabbits, yet again live a great deal longer. 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.
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 , , and dental disease. Supplementing your pet’s diet with , 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.
- , 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 are recommended to help your pet achieve maximum life expectancy.
Why Dont Dogs And Cats Live As Long As Humans
When youre a vet, its not uncommon for an owner with a sick or dying pet to look at you, usually with tears in their eyes, and tell you they wished their dog or cat could live as long as they did. Why is it that the lifespans of dogs and cats are so much shorter than those of humans? Why cant they stay with us longer?
To answer this, consider that everything about a dog or cats life, from their growth to their ability to learn, is accelerated.
Tooth development is a great example of this. Puppies and kittens are born with no teeth, begin to acquire their baby teeth in as little as 3 weeks, and have all their baby teeth by 45 days. Puppies and kittens generally have all of their adult teeth by the time they are 6 months old. Compare that to the development of humans, in which it can take 4 to 7 months for the immature teeth to start coming in.
Another way that growth is accelerated is in reproduction. Dogs and cats can be reproductively active as young as 6 months. When a dog or cat gets pregnant, they deliver their young in 60 to 65 days, often producing a litter ranging from a few to over a dozen offspring.
With all this acceleration, the senior years start early. For cats, it may be as early as age 8; for dogs, the senior age frequently starts at 4 or 5 years for large or giant breed dogs or 8 or more years for small breed dogs. The lifespan of some large breed dogs can be as little as 7 years, such as the case with Great Danes.
Best Dog Breeds With Long Lifespans
One of the toughest things about owning dogs is having to say goodbye. The average lifespan of a dog is around 10 to 13 years. Small dogs generally live longer than large breeds, reaching up to 16 years or more. So, if you want many years with a canine, don’t opt for a giant breed. They rarely live longer than eight years. can also play a role.
Here are 10 dog breeds known for their longevity.
They’re Better For The Environment
You may assume all of this wanton death leaves a negative impact on the environment, but ecosystems are well-adjusted by now. In fact, it’s not cats but dogs that aren’t so great for the planet. According to research conducted by New Zealand researchers in 2009, dogs have about 2.1 times the environmental impact of an SUV. Talk about a serious carbon paw print!
Signs Of Aging In Dogs
If you answered yes to any of the above, you may actually be quite familiar with how your dog is feeling as he heads towards old age. The signs of aging in dogs are quite similar to the signs of aging in people, so it’s often quite easy to pick up on the telltale signs that your dog is no longer young and full of beans.
Hearing loss and fading eyesight are common indicators, as is a general shift to a more sedentary lifestyle as your dog starts to slow down. The energy and enthusiasm of puppyhood are replaced with a more relaxed, laidback, and mature approach to life, but aching joints could also make your pooch reluctant to exercise or at least slow to get moving.
Increased urination and urinary incontinence may start to develop, while if you’ve neglected your dog’s oral hygiene over the years then dental disease problems might start to rear their ugly head. Your dog’s weight may also change some dogs have trouble maintaining their weight and need a higher-calorie diet, while others become less active and need to eat a little lighter as a result.
Body Language
- Panting
- Behavioral Changes
The Secret Behind Why Cats Live Longer Than Dogs
Learning more about ageing could help us – and our pets – live longer. Photo / iStock
Cool and aloof, the cat will never be known as man’s best friend. But its solitary nature may be the key to its long life, say scientists.
In the battle of cats and dogs, cats clock up an average age of 15 compared with a dog’s 12-year lifespan. This bucks the general rule of the animal kingdom that the larger a creature is the longer it lives.
US researchers say that while dogs are sociable creatures, cats like to keep to themselves – so cutting their odds of catching and spreading disease.
Dr Steve Austad, a lion trainer turned biologist, said: “There is an evolutionary theory of ageing … that suggests that things live longer in safe conditions. Think of cats’ solitary ways. Unlike dogs, which are pack animals, they live at low density and that tends to prevent them from catching infectious diseases.”
How Do Cat And Human Years Compare
Youâve probably heard the ââ 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.
Inbreeding Vs Cross Breeding
Inbreeding can reduce the lifespan of canines. Cross-breed dogs have a longer lifespan in comparison. Inbred dogs have a risk of carrying genes for illnesses that are common to that specific breed. Further, mutts who have at least two breeds and commonly more tend to have the least health problems and live longer than their purebred counterparts.
Not sure of your dogs breed mix? Order a DNA test kit to find out.
How To Help Your Dog Live A Long Life
Diet and exercise are two key pillars of canine health, so feeding a healthy, balanced diet and providing plenty of regular physical activity is essential. By helping your fur-kid stay in a healthy weight range, you can greatly reduce the odds of them suffering from a host of serious health problems.
Mental stimulation is crucial to your dog’s overall well-being, so always be on the lookout for activities that can challenge and exercise your dog’s mind. Parasite prevention is similarly vital, so speak to your vet about what you need to do to protect your pet against any of these nasties.
Speaking of your vet, one final thing to remember is the importance of regular check-ups. By taking your furry friend for regular vet visits, you’ll be able to catch health problems as they develop and hopefully control them before they turn into anything too serious. Your veterinarian will also be able to help you vaccinate and spay/neuter your pet two more simple tasks that could greatly increase a dog’s life expectancy.
How to Care For a Senior Dog:
Who Loves You More Your Cat Or Your Dog
News outlets are currently littered with headlines spouting that its finally been proven: dogs officially love you more than cats. This is based on unpublished research conducted by neuroeconomist Dr. Paul Zak as part of a new series on BBC2, titled Cats v Dogs, which found that dogs produce more of the love hormone oxytocin after playing with owners compared with their feline counterparts.
The experiment involved 20 human-pet pairs: 10 dogs and 10 cats alongside their owners. Since the brain chemical oxytocin has been strongly implicated in bonding, and cats are generally more independent than dogs, Zak wanted to find out whether its levels differed in these animals after interactions with humans.
Zak therefore took saliva samples from all of the companions, both shortly before and after a playful stint with their owners, and measured oxytocin levels. While studies have already shown that both dogs and their owners release oxytocin while gazing into one anothers eyes, likely facilitating the formation of and strengthening close relationships, fewer studies have looked at cats.
Which Is The Best Pet For Me
Cats and dogs aren’t the only ones with different temperament and personality traits. According to Psychology Today, cat parents and dog parents also differ significantly in these areas. The majority of people who keep cats exclusively tend to be more introverted, less sociable, and more self-contained, whereas dog parents are more social, interactive, and open to new experiences.
Whether your personality more closely aligns with that of the typical dog person or the typical cat person, the main thing to keep in mind is that a dog will likely require quite a bit more of your time and attention than a cat. If you’re looking for a companion that will sit by your side, then a dog might be your best bet. Cats can be quite affectionate and attentive, but only up to a point. They tend to become bored or overstimulated much more easily than dogs, and at that point they want to escape for a while. So, if you prefer a pet to keep you company but isn’t especially needy, consider a cat.
How To Increase Your Cats Lifespan
How long your cat will live will depend at least in part on the care it receives. To be happy and healthy, a cat needs:
- Good nutrition: Investing in a high-quality cat food is a direct investment in your pets health. Over the years, it may save you many additional trips to the vet. Low-end pet foods such as those sold in supermarkets can cause oral, digestive, and kidney problems in the long run, as well as a dull, unhealthy coat.
- Regular visits to the vet for health check-ups will allow you to detect any problems early on. In kittens, the first vaccines against panleukopenia or feline leukemia are vital. For older cats, annual blood tests are highly recommended.
- Environmental enrichment: Enrichment is very important for animals in captivity. It can help reduce stress levels which, as weve already mentioned, can have a negative impact on your pets health. Scratching posts, toys, windows, climbing trees, and hiding places are perfect for enriching a cats environment.
- Attention: While cats are largely branded as independent creatures, they still need great care and attention from their owners, whether that be in the form of play or cuddles. Some cats may also benefit from living with other animals. However, not all cats get along well with others, and the introductory process must be done gradually.
Why Do Small Dogs Live Longer Than Big Dogs
Larger animals tend to live longer than smaller ones, but within the dog kingdom it pays to be short. Heres why
You dont necessarily need a working knowledge of evolutionary theory to know that in the animal kingdom, larger beasts tend to live longer than smaller ones. An elephant lives longer than a mouse; a cat lives longer than a goldfish. Even among small animals birds, for instance the observation rings true; large birds tend to have longer lifespans than smaller ones.
A cockatoo can live up to 80 years, while sparrows generally live for about three. But dogs are different.
The larger the dog, the shorter their life expectancy. A large dog like a Saint Bernard will have a lifespan of between five to eight years, while smaller breeds can generally live as long as 12 to 15 years. Why dogs buck the trend creates a puzzle, says evolutionary biologist Professor Mark Elgar of the University of Melbournes School of Biosciences.
Theres a body of robust theory in evolutionary biology what we call life history theory about the way animals allocate their resources to different functions, he says. The bottom line is, there is no free lunch.
This reflects the relationship between the age of an individual and how susceptible it is to dying. So while larger species typically live longer than smaller species, within a species smaller individuals could outlive larger individuals.
Dog morbidity rate is also impacted as it is for humans by lifestyle.
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 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.
As Humans Live Longer So Do Their Pets: More Dogs And Cats Reaching Age 15 Or More Say Vets
Good news, pet lovers your furry friends are living longer.
Veterinarians say they’re seeing more and more dogs and cats reach the age of 15 years or more, reports.
“Just as the average life expectancy for people keeps reaching closer to the century mark, we’ll continue to see the same parallels in our pet population,” said Martha Smith, director of veterinary services at ‘s Animal Rescue League.
How long your pet lives can vary with breed though. Small to medium-sized pooches live longer than larger dogs. Toy dogs stick around for the longest time, while giant breeds like Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, Great Danes and Irish wolfhounds have the shortest life span.
In general, cats outlive dogs, with many indoor ones living long enough to celebrate their 20th birthday. Siamese and Abyssinians live the longest.
Owners hoping to keep their pets around for as long as possible should avoid overfeeding them. Studies show that slightly underweight dogs live an average of two years longer than pudgy pups, according to MSNBC.
They Love Humans More Than Food
Over the years, cats have earned a bad rap for being cold and distant. “They only love you because you feed them,” dog owners often tell cat owners. There’s also the persistent rumor thatwere you to diea cat wouldn’t care at all, and would, in fact, eat your deceased remains to survive. But research indicates all of this thinking is just plain hooey. According to a 2017 study in Behavioural Processes, cats prefer human interaction to all other stimuli, including food, toys, and . Can you say the same for dogs? We think not.
What Affects How Long My Pet Lives
One of the main things that will affect how long your pet lives is their health. The wrong diet or not enough exercise can sadly trim years off your pets life expectancy, which is why its so important to do everything you can to keep them happy and healthy. You can read more about caring for your pet in our free pet care guides.
Diseases and other illnesses can also reduce your pets life expectancy. Just like us, our pets can get poorly at any time. Some breeds of dog and cat will have a higher chance of getting certain life-limiting conditions , so its important to research thoroughly before choosing the pet for you. You can find out more on our breed pages.
Another thing that could affect how long your pet lives is simple chance. If you have an outdoor-roaming cat, for example, they could get into a road traffic accident. Were not saying you should wrap your pet in cotton wool and never let them leave the house, but make the most of all the time you get to spend with them because you never know what may happen next.
The Value Of Relationships
Friedman and Martin concluded that being connected to other people in their community did, in fact, enhance the subjects’ longevity. These findings seem to conflict with other data about the value of social relationships for people as they age. For example, research published in 1980 found that the one-year survival rate for people discharged from a coronary care unit was greater for those with a pet.
Ground-breaking research in the late 1970s by psychologists Ellen Langer and Judith Rodin found that just having to care for a houseplant kept elderly nursing home residents happier and alive longer. Though that finding was cited as a reason to give residents more control over their environment, it follows that a sense of responsibility and emotional interaction the same emotions involved for pet owners might account for the improved longevity.
Cat Vs Dog: Which Is The Best Pet For Me
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Cats and dogs living together is not necessarily a sign of the end of times. These two species can actually get along quite well despite their significant differences. But how might those differences impact your relationship with your pet or your decision to adopt a companion if you can choose only one? Here’s the scoop on the cat vs. dog dilemma to help you answer the question, “Which is the best pet for me?”
Best Dog Breeds That Get Along With Cats
If you wish to share your home with both cats and dogs, look for a dog breed that’s typically friendly with felines. While it ultimately comes down to the individual dog , certain breeds have tendencies that help them get along with other species. For example, many working dogs were bred to watch over and protect their family members, including other animals. And some hounds, especially scent hounds, were bred to work closely in packs, so they are usually with other furry family members. Sporting dogs, such as retrievers and spaniels, typically get along with anyone, including cats. And toy dogs were mostly bred to be loving companions even to other species.
Here are 10 dog breeds that often get along with cats.
Now Who Lives Longer Cats Or Dogs
- With a deeper understanding of cats and the misconception that cats don’t get sick, we also understand that there are many pet hospitals for cats in recent years, so this point is back to the same starting line as dogs.
- The cat’s survival advantage, after becoming a pet cat, in addition to the occasional bully dogs and owners, but also basically no effect, and dogs and dogs are the same starting line.