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Cats/Cat Life Expectancy

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Expert: - 8/31/2008


Question
What is the average life expectancy of an EXCLUSIVELY INDOOR
cat?  An INDOOR/OUTDOOR cat?  An ExCLUSIVELY OUTDOOR cat?

Thank You So Very Much!

Doug

Answer
Douglas,

An exclusively indoor cat that is properly cared for can live between 15-20+ years. I recently heard about a cat in the UK that was 23 years old and she was still in great health. Indoor/outdoor cats often have significantly reduced life expectancy because they can be hit by cars, poisoned, attacked by larger animals including domestic dogs. I believe that the life expectancy of an indoor/outdoor cat is somewhere around 5 years of age or so if they are properly cared for and well fed. There have been cases of indoor/outdoor cats living for 15+ years if their owners have proper vet care including sterilization which usually means that a cat won't stray as far from home or be as likely to fight. An indoor/outdoor cat doesn't usually live as long as an indoor only cat because of factors like parasites, road accidents, accidental poisoning, human cruelty and many other issues. An exclusively outdoor cat's life expectancy is usually around 18 months to two years especially if they aren't sterilized or owned and cared for. This is because a percentage of outdoor only cats aren't properly cared for. These cats face serious risks ranging from poisoning, human cruelty, being attacked by predators, dehydration, starvation and of course the elements. Depending on climate outdoor cats can suffer from heatstroke or hypothermia, both of these conditions have the potential to be lethal if left untreated.

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Ali

Expertise

I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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