How long do cats live? This is a common question from cat owners. Since many factors can affect the cat lifespan, there is no single answer. However, a healthy indoor cat can live up to twenty-one years.
If the cat is allowed to spend time outdoors without confinement or supervision, the cat lifespan is often drastically decreased. Pat cats who roam outdoors are susceptible to accidents such as being struck by a car, disease contracted from other cats, and poisoning which is usually accidental.
The hazards of being outdoors all the time drastically affects the lifespan of stray cats and feral cats. A large percentage of stray and feral cats only live a few years due to these dangers and starvation.
Cat owners can take on certain responsibilities to help the cat live a long life. One thing a cat owner can do is to give the cat a healthy diet.
Cats need to have proper nutrition without having excess food which can make the cat obese. Obesity can make the cat susceptible to some cat illnesses. Obesity can also cause arthritis which may not decrease the cat’s life but can cause discomfort and pain.
Exercise in the form of active play is something that should be encouraged by the cat owner. Older cats are often less inclined to engage in active play on their own. Therefore, cat owners should play with the cat and encourage active play.
Some cat owners believe that they should feed their cat antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and supplements. While there are many products on the market which may be helpful in maintaining cat health, the cat owner should always consult their veterinarian before giving their cat any supplements.
Cat diseases pose a risk to cat longevity which may be caused by genetics and therefore out of the cat owner’s control. Taking the cat for regular veterinary exams is very important by having a positive impact on the cat’s lifespan. Even if the cat is not ill, a veterinary exam can help catch illnesses in the early stages when they are often most treatable. Therefore, the illnesses less likely to cut the cats lifespan short when it is caught early.
