Life Expectancy of Cats

Domestic cats have been part of the human homes since time immortal. They belong to the family Felidae and are small, agile carnivores. These elusive felines have a very keen sense of hearing and a night vision that is one of the best in the world. They have retractable claws and a muscular supple body. They are known to have an excellent memory and can learn by observing and experience.

What is the Average Life Expectancy of Cats
'What is the average life expectancy of cats?', is a very common question, that is asked by many cat lovers and cat owners. The answer to this question depends on weather it is an indoor cat or an outdoor cat. The average life expectancy of cats 20 years ago was just four to six years. But with the advancement in good veterinary care, their life expectancy has increased considerably up to 15 years or more.

Diet plays an important role in increasing the average life expectancy of cats. The pet food offered to them and their lifestyle play a major part in increasing the chances of a longer life for your cat. If you overfeed your cat, you are lowering its chances of living a healthy, long and satisfying life.

The genetic make up of each individual cat also help in increasing the life expectancy of cats. Cat breeds that are genetically prone to certain diseases are known to have a lower life span. The moggie or mouser and similar mixed breeds of cats have a mix genetic make up, that makes the average life expectancy of cats longer than the pure breed cats.

When cats are kept indoors they tend to live through a ripe old age of over 15 years. They are less prone to accidents, poisoning, attacks from animals like other cats, dogs, etc. These cats do not succumb to infectious feline diseases, as they are less exposed to other cats. It has been seen that they can live to over 20 years

Regular exercises and play time will also help in increasing the average life expectancy of cats. Older cats should be given some gentle exercises and playtime, to remain healthy and agile. Also, take your cat for regular visits to the vet. This will help prevent any disease and keep your cat fit and fine. Old cats, just like us humans, need a lot of care and attention regarding their health issues. Read more on pet health.

Life Expectancy of Cats with CRF
Chronic Renal Failure or CRF in cats is a very common condition that affects old cats. This is a natural aging process, where the kidney slowly and gradually begins to function less accurately. Cats need only 25% of one kidney function to be normal and by the time CRF becomes symptomatic, even this 25% capacity is diminished. CRF has variable rate of progress in different cats. The life expectancy of cats with CRF does not have any fixed answer. The life expectancy of cats with CRF is totally dependent on the progress of the disease and the damage caused to the kidney. The cat health is affected greatly when end stage renal failure sets in. Taking care of your cat with CRF will help it live it through this difficult time with ease.

Life Expectancy of Cats with Kidney Disease
Kidney disease in cats means that, it is unable to clear all the toxic waste from the blood. Many people think that a chronic kidney failure means the inability to produce urine. Though, it is not the case. Many cats suffering from chronic kidney disease produce more urine than normal, with improper blood purification. The average life expectancy of cats with kidney disease, with proper treatment and care will be up to 4 years.

Life Expectancy of Cats with Diabetes
A common endocrine disease of cats, diabetes has symptoms that range from excessive thirst to frequent urination and weight loss. It is seen that the early detection of diabetes in cats increases the life expectancy. I have heard of many cats with diabetes that have managed to survive for over 4 years after detection of diabetes. They just need the correct diabetes management to help them survive.

This is a little about the average life expectancy of cats. We can safely say that an average life expectancy of cats is around 15 to 21 years. The outdoor cats have average life expectancy of 4-5 years. What is the average life expectancy of cats is a very difficult question for every cat owner. I know, it is heart wrenching for me to even think about life expectancy of my cat. Whatever may be his life expectancy, I hope my cat has a healthy and stress-free life. Good pet care is the basis of an increased life expectancy of cats. Give your cat all your love and care and enjoy long and happy years of companionship with your 'purry' majesty.