Do you know how long a cat lives and what factors influence its life expectancy? Our small felines become another member of the family. They always lie down in the best place, ignore you when you approach and look for you to play at the least opportune moments. They also force you to be more organized and do without black clothing, but above all, they are loved like one more member of the house. Advances in veterinary medicine, care and greater information and attention to their feeding needs mean that they live longer and longer and we can enjoy their company more. In today's article we tell you how to understand the age of your cat, what factors intervene in the animal's longevity and how we can contribute to its quality of life.
How many years does a domestic cat and a stray cat live?
When asked how long a cat lives, it seems evident that there is no single correct answer. A domestic cat that does not leave the house or whose exits are very controlled can live for about twelve years, although it is increasingly common for these animals to live up to twenty. The oldest cat declared by the Guinness Book of Records was called Nutmeg and reached the age of 32. This average decreases in cats whose outings cannot be controlled, such as those that live in country houses, chalets or towns, since they are more likely to suffer an accident, a run over or a fight. At the opposite extreme are the strays, where the situation is very different. Malnutrition or poor diet and the lack of protection against diseases mean that these animals, although it is difficult to calculate exactly, have a significantly lower life expectancy, which is estimated between three and six years. To know how old your cat is, you can calculate it in the following way. In the first 12 months, your kitten will become a teenager, which would be equivalent to about 15 years in human age. The second year, he reaches adulthood, about 25 years old. From there it can be multiplied by four each cat year. Therefore, a 10-year-old cat would have reached the age of 56 for a person. Of course, it is an approximate calculation, but it allows us to understand the growth and age of our pet.
Factors that influence the years of life of our cat
Let's look at some of the factors that can help your little feline live longer.
Good nutrition
The animal's diet will largely determine its health. Obesity, liver problems and a long list of pathologies are caused by poor diet.
Choosing the correct feed based on its age, size and the specific needs of the animal will help maintain the natural balance of its body and strengthen its immune system. At Lobo Azul we have different feeds adapted to the specific needs of each cat: feed for adults, for neutered cats and for puppies, because at each stage of their life they need a specific type of food.
Visits to the vet
Advances in medicine have evolved a lot, allowing your furry friends to live longer and healthier. The veterinarian becomes another companion throughout your cat's life. You will go to him not only for the different vaccines, but also for any health problems you may have. Choose a center that inspires confidence and where you feel comfortable asking any questions that concern you about your condition.
Cat breed and genetics
Genetically there are breeds that have a longer life expectancy than others. For example, Siberians, Persians or Siamese are breeds that tend to last longer than average. It is something that nothing can be done about. On many occasions we do not even know what breed our kitten is and nothing happens, love and care do not depend on it. But if you're curious, you can check the average lifespan of your cat's breed.
How long does a cat live: tips to make it healthier and live longer
The factors we have just seen are some of the main ones, but not the only ones that determine the life expectancy of cats. By knowing your pet well and putting these tips into practice, you can help your small feline have a healthier, happier and longer life.
1. Know your cat's language and character
A cat is not going to tell you that it feels bad or start crying, but in its own way it will convey its state of mind to you at all times. Knowing its peculiarities and signs will be of great help when detecting when something is not quite right. Character also plays a key role. Like people, each animal is different, which will determine its way of relating to its environment. Thus, there are those who are more independent, more affectionate or more sociable. Understanding their way of being will help you provide them with the most appropriate care.
2. Avoid stress
They are animals with a high degree of stress that can be harmful to their health. Make them feel comfortable at home, leave them their own space and integrate them into the family. Furthermore, they are not very fond of changes, try to avoid them as much as possible.
3. Understand their needs
Cats are extremely agile, independent and clean animals. They need to play, explore and also sleep many hours. Depending on his age, he will require more play and sleep time. For example, young cats sleep less and need more physical activity while an adult cat needs more hours of sleep. Of course, on average these small cats rest and snooze for more than half the day to regain energy.
4. Cleanliness is essential
Cats are very clean and they spend a lot of time washing themselves. But incorporating brushing once or twice a week at least, depending on the type of coat, is highly advisable. Even if it has short hair and you think it doesn't need it, it has many advantages for the animal's health. It will help you groom yourself, improve your circulation, and prevent the dreaded hairballs in your stomach. Cats are excellent companions, apparently less expressive and more independent than dogs, but they also need your time and care to have a healthy life. At the beginning of the article we wondered how long a cat lives. We don't have a magic ball, but we do have good advice. Enjoy the time he is with you, make sure he is healthy and happy and, above all, give him a lot of love.
