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How long can my cat live?
These days, with improvements in nutrition, as well as regular vaccinations, veterinary medicine and therapeutic agents, cats are living past 15 years of age. Your cat's life expectancy depends on many things, including one important factor - whether he or she spends 100 per cent of its life indoors, or indoors as well as outdoors.
Indoor cats generally live from 12 to 18 years of age, while outdoor cats usually live much shorter lives. The lives of outdoor cats are often shortened by trauma such as motor vehicle accidents or dog attacks. Outdoor cats are also more susceptible to several deadly viruses, including the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukaemia Virus that are spread by fighting or close contact with an infected cat.
You can help keep your feline friend fit and healthy by:
1. Watching out for small changes to your cat's behaviour or general well-being (especially coughing, or lumps and bumps);
2. Looking out for any changes in water intake, appetite, breathing, coat quality, physical abilities, toilet and/or grooming habits;
3. Maintaining yearly vaccinations and veterinary check ups;
4. Neutering your cat at the appropriate age;
5. Feeding a balanced diet to suit your cat's age;
6. Maintaining a healthy weight for your cat;
7. Providing a stress-free environment
You can talk to your regular vet for more information on what's best for your cat and to get his or her general health plan mapped out to maximise the chance your cat will have at living a long and healthy life.
The views expressed here are those of the veterinarian answering general questions about pet-care. They are not intended to be a substitute for an in-person consultation with your regular vet. If your pet is unwell, please take it to a vet as soon as possible.
