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Cat Forum / General Topics / January 2004Life expectency of a cat???
A little background first to get you up to speed. We moved a year ago and a couple who were friends of ours kept our then 2+ year old and 1+ year old cats for us while we stayed with our in-laws. Upon moving into our condo, we decided to let the couple keep the younger cat since the husband had bonded with Tyler and we hated to take him away... the husband was battling depression. Baby started to come out of her shell then, mainly because Tyler was soooo aggressive with everything but not in a mean way, just an aggressive attitude. After a couple of months we got concerned because she just layed around and did nothing but eat and sleep and was getting pretty big. We decided to get a 2nd cat so she would have some company when we saw an ad in the local paper. A couple was looking for homes for 2 Persians and 2 Burmans. We talked and found out one of them was very passive. We met and brought home a very skinny , scared and beautiful Cream Persian named Kalo. Kalo bonded with me immediately and and fit in like a champ. He has gone from 6 pounds when we got him to around 10 and has even let me brush out the knots he gets into his fur ( 3"-4" long ). My question is this, he is now 9 and a half years old, if he stays healthy how long can we expect him to be with us? He is healthy, just needs his teeth cleaned ( March ) and that's it. I have grown very attached to him and my wife is amazed at how he and I interact. So let's hope someone can give me some good news on this. Thanks, Dennis  SignaturePopping bubble wrap is much less expensive than professional therapy the life expectancy of an indoor cat is about 20 years. an outdoor cat.. 3 years. > A little background first to get you up to speed. We moved a year ago and a > couple who were friends of ours kept our then 2+ year old and 1+ year old [quoted text clipped - 26 lines] > -- > Popping bubble wrap is much less expensive than professional therapy >the life expectancy of an indoor cat is about 20 years. an outdoor cat.. 3 >years. Could you please supply us with some evidence regarding this claim? Or are you just parroting other people? JM > the life expectancy of an indoor cat is about 20 years. an outdoor cat.. 3 > years. Hmm, so my 4 cats who went outside whenever they liked and lived to around 17-18 years were the exception, were they..? Ivor >Re: Life expectency of a cat??? My male is 19 years old and is going to set the world record for the life expectancy of a cat. -------------------------------------------- "It took us 15 years to McGyver this thing." -------------------------Carter on Stargate To send me e-mail exorcise NO Spam from my e-mail address. Our himalyan cat (persian and siamese mix) lived up to 14 years old, he was an indoor cat and died from a common disease for himalyan male cats (a kidney problem). I am not sure about persians. My "common" cats I have now are indoor / outdoor cats and they are 11, 10, 9 years old and 9 months old. mia. > A little background first to get you up to speed. We moved a year ago and a > couple who were friends of ours kept our then 2+ year old and 1+ year old [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] > Thanks, > Dennis 20-25 years for an indoor cat,,10-15 for an outdoor cat I had a male tabby who was an outdoor cat...he lived to be 22 years old!! I had other outdoor cats who lived to 15 years. Whoever said 3 years for an outdoor cat musn't have their facts straight. I believe that the typical life expectancy is somewhere around 9-15 years...maybe more for indoor. > A little background first to get you up to speed. We moved a year ago and a > couple who were friends of ours kept our then 2+ year old and 1+ year old [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] > Thanks, > Dennis simply because YOUR cats lived that long, does NOT mean that they all do. For every cat that lives 20 years, that means that 7 cats died before their first birthday, and working at the vet clinic and spending as much time at my local animal shelter as I do, I can vouch for the fact that the AVERAGE life span of an outdoor cat is about 3 years of age... and I can't tell you how heart breaking it is.. and how disgusted with some people you can get when they continue to let their cats out after loosing five cats in as many years to local wildlife, or watching a kitten who's not even four months old die of FIP, watching their eyes become bloodshot, and feeling their kidneys enlarge knowing there isn't a (&#$(* thing you can do about it because some ignorant fool left their intact cat out to be exposed to FIP and get pregnant. its a HORRIBLE way to die, and if you want to see pictures of my beloved Kodi, who I fostered from the shelter and watched die, let me know, Ive got some very dramatic ones. http://www.webwmn.com/kittyblog/kodi.html the average lifespan of an indoor cat is 12-15 years. but someone who takes care of their cat, they can easily live into their 20s Google it yourself if you don't want to believe the facts check it out... http://www.thedailycat.com/bringing/habitat/archive/bringing_in/ http://www.cahs-lansing.org/petcare/pc14.html http://www.pet-tails.com/LPMArticle.asp?ID=145 http://www.runway.net/b/moonmaid/in-or-out.html One decision every cat owner must make is whether or not their feline friend will be allowed outdoors. Many people feel that keeping their kitties indoors deprives them of a full life. However, one must consider that the average life span of a totally outdoor cat is about a year and a half, while a totally indoor cat is expected to live upwards of 15 years. > I had a male tabby who was an outdoor cat...he lived to be 22 years old!! I > had other outdoor cats who lived to 15 years. Whoever said 3 years for an [quoted text clipped - 41 lines] > > -- > > Popping bubble wrap is much less expensive than professional therapy I thought for a long time about what to say about Kodi, nothing seemed adequate. How horrible. Dawn > simply because YOUR cats lived that long, does NOT mean that they all do. > For every cat that lives 20 years, that means that 7 cats died before their [quoted text clipped - 80 lines] > > > -- > > > Popping bubble wrap is much less expensive than professional therapy lol. My remark was not intended to spark any kind of argument regarding the life expectancy of cats...but since you brought it up I honestly have to say that I don't buy it! If you are saying that a cat that's not been neglected (which is the scenario here) only usually lives 3 years outside...yikes! I hope it's not your local drinking water. I have lived in the country my whole life...we have had and known many cats in that period of time who were entirely outdoor cats. The only ones that I knew of that had died within 3 years were due to unnatural causes (hit by a car, abused, or neglected in some way). Besides which we're not talking about survival rate...but life expectancy. I have never known a cat to just die from being outside after three years. Lets clear up one thing here as well while were at it...I don't agree with letting your cats go outside to roam in the city...in fact I wouldn't even let my cat out in the country...but a cat who has access to the outdoors is not automatically given a life sentence of 3 years. P.s I checked out your link about Kodi. He was an adorable kitten and sorry to hear that he didn't make it. I know that there are many dangers out there. All I'm saying is that they're not inevitable...it can happen to any cat/kitten who is exposed to the wrong environment. Melanie > simply because YOUR cats lived that long, does NOT mean that they all do. > For every cat that lives 20 years, that means that 7 cats died before their [quoted text clipped - 80 lines] > > > -- > > > Popping bubble wrap is much less expensive than professional therapy > some way). Besides which we're not talking about survival rate...but life > expectancy. I have never known a cat to just die from being outside after > three years. Lets clear up one thing here as well while were at it...I don't Life expentancy includes those who die of "unnatural" causes. Nobody is saying that outdoor cats just drop deat at 3 years old. What we are saying, is that if you average the age at which outdoor cats die, the number you come up with is 3. The reason why they die is not relevant to this dicussion, just the fact that they do. SignatureVictor Martinez Owned and operated by the Fantastic Seven (TM) Send your spam here: uce@ftc.gov Email me here: pistorLITTER@BOXaustin.rr.com >The reason why they die is not relevant to > this dicussion, just the fact that they do. Well there I am afraid that you are wrong...The person who originally asked the question wanted to know what the typical life expectancy of a cat was. By reading their post I would asume that they very much love their cat and give it proper shelter and care. So if you are arguing with me that a cat who is well cared for and loved who is allowed to go outside typically lives only three years...I can't imagine where you get this figure. I do understand what you are trying to say...However...My initial response: ("I had a male tabby who was an outdoor cat...he lived to be 22 years old!! I had other outdoor cats who lived to 15 years. Whoever said 3 years for an outdoor cat musn't have their facts straight. I believe that the typical life expectancy is somewhere around 9-15 years...maybe more for indoor.") Was based on personal experience. I personally have lived in the country most of my life. All the cats out there live outdoors...and they don't typically die before 3 years... they all usually lasted well past 7-8 years. Sorry...but just because some internet site says so...does not make it the norm. You have to ask yourself where they get their figures from...did they get this figure from one small town and averaged it out over 50 cats??? If they get this figure by averaging out the numbers of cats who've passed away and decide that most are 3 years old...Well that's not conclusive enough for me. What you need to do is compare the age of most outdoor cats (living ones) and with the age of the indoor cats (yet again the living ones). If you are basing it in the fact that most outdoor cats are more likely to die earlier in life...YES I agree! There are a hell of lot more dangers outside than inside...so yes...outdoor cats die more...maybe some of them have been 3 years old. But ask yourself...If you are saying that out of the dead cats most of them are outdoor cats and most of them are around 3 years old...I wont argue that...but what about the cats that are still living outside...they far outweigh the number who died at three years.You are talking with someone who has owned when I was young around 14 cats (who all lived outside-with access to shelter) and not one of them died before they were 8...unless you count my two cats that were hit by a car. Now based on that how could I possibly believe that they typically don't make it past 3 years??? Especially when my parents friends, my grandmother, my uncle, my aunt and numerous friends all had cats who lived outdoors and none of them died before 3 years. So tell me where they get 3 years from. In my personal experience...3 years is NOT the norm! On top of all that again....this is based on personal experience...I never claimed to be an expert and I've never conducted a study to find out...but honestly...who would know best...a vet that deals mainly with sick and injured animals (who unfortunately don't always make it) or someone who has dealt with numerous healthy outdoor cats?? My point...of course she's going to believe that they only live to about 3 years...most healthy outdoor cats who live in the country as barn cats and the like are not brought in to the vet on a regular basis. I know when I was young my parents never brought my cats to the vet. ( It bothers me...because I loved my cats...but my parents didn't really care) but guess what??? They all lived past 3 years. So help me understand why it is you feel they only live to 3 years...is it because they get run over?? or is it because they may contract some disease?? Either way there are ways that you can have a cat live well past three years outside...make sure that there shots are up to date and they're procected from contracting various diseases and do not let them have access to the road (a kitty pen if you will). Many people in the country own these cats primarily to hunt mice...they are not considered pets...now I don't agree with that. I believe every last cat deserves a nice warm loving home to live in...but not everyone does...and again...it does not automatically mean that they only live to about three years. Thats just bull!!! Sorry but I think we'll have to agree to disagree. :) Melanie > > some way). Besides which we're not talking about survival rate...but life > > expectancy. I have never known a cat to just die from being outside after [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > number you come up with is 3. The reason why they die is not relevant to > this dicussion, just the fact that they do. > Well there I am afraid that you are wrong...The person who originally asked I'm afraid you are the one who is wrong. > the question wanted to know what the typical life expectancy of a cat was. > By reading their post I would asume that they very much love their cat and > give it proper shelter and care. So if you are arguing with me that a cat Even if a cat is loved and cared for, if he goes outside he's at risk of the following: getting hit by a car, killed by a dog or a kid, getting into fights with other cats that can transmit deadly diseases (you know vaccines aren't 100% effective, right?), etc. > who is well cared for and loved who is allowed to go outside typically lives > only three years...I can't imagine where you get this figure. I can't remember the exact source, but I recall a couple of articles in scientific journals. > Was based on personal experience. I personally have lived in the country > most of my life. All Most people nowadays live in cities, not in the country. Your experiences might not be representative at all. > the cats out there live outdoors...and they don't typically die before 3 > years... they all usually lasted well past 7-8 years. Sorry...but just > because some internet site says so...does not make it the norm. You have to And just because the cats you've had had *all* survived longer doesn't mean it's not true. > ask yourself where they get their figures from...did they get this figure > from one small town and averaged it out over 50 cats??? If they get this In order for it to be statistically significant, the population has to be quite larger than that. > figure by averaging out the numbers of cats who've passed away and decide > that most are 3 years old...Well that's not conclusive enough for me. What > you need to do is compare the age of most outdoor cats (living ones) and > with the age of the indoor cats (yet again the living ones). If you are Your methodology is incorrect. To calculate the actual life expentancy, you don't just average the age of living cats. You need to take into consideration all those who have died. Otherwise, each young cat that dies *increases* the life expectancy calculation. This is obviously wrong. > basing it in the fact that most outdoor cats are more likely to die earlier > in life...YES I agree! There are a hell of lot more dangers outside than [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > wont argue that...but what about the cats that are still living > outside...they far outweigh the number who died at three years.You are You are incorrect. What they are saying is that *on average*, outdoor cats live to be 3 years old. That number is calculated by adding all the ages at which the cats in the population died, then dividing this number by the number of cats. > what??? They all lived past 3 years. So help me understand why it is you > feel they only live to 3 years...is it because they get run over?? or is it > because they may contract some disease?? Either way there are ways that you It's not a matter of feeling, it's a matter of statistics and science. > again...it does not automatically mean that they only live to about three > years. Thats just bull!!! No, it doesn't. It does mean however, that *on average*, outdoor cats live to be 3 years old. Do you understand what I mean by *on average*? SignatureVictor Martinez Owned and operated by the Fantastic Seven (TM) Send your spam here: uce@ftc.gov Email me here: pistorLITTER@BOXaustin.rr.com I'd like to know what country you live in. Here in Canada we have a VERY large majority that live in the country!!! So yes my experience IS relevant. My methodology as you so refer to it regarding the figures coming from calculations done on dead animals is mostly accurate! Think about it...if they're basing their figures on the fact that most outdoor cats that have died have been three years old...then that means nothing. How many cats lived past 3 years that are still living...that's what you need to look at. Just because some scientist says it's so doesn't make it true. For crying out loud they teach you that in high school...you have to think outside the box and ask yourself how their statistics were obtained. Example...lets just say it was based on 10,000 deceased cats...well lets say that the majority of those were outdoor cats and they died at the age of 3. What does that prove??...merely that most of the dead cats lived outside and that they were young when they died. So what??? What if there's millions of other outdoor cats living out there who are well passed 3 years old...I think that is more relevant to question of how long you should expect them to live. Besides...I still don't think that survival rate and life expectancy are the same. Same as with people we have a certain life expectancy...(I wont start a debate on what that figure is)...it's assumed that two people living under the same conditions would live to be approximately the same age. However...if you're talking survival rate...well now that varies...depending on different factors. One example would be where you live. A war torn country for example...well their deceased on average may be a lot younger than lets say our deceased here in Canada. I have to say though Victor that there is no point in you and me carrying on this argument. I know from past experience with you that neither one of us will give in. This may become a never ending debate. . Like I said here in Canada we have millions upon millions who live in the country...so we have by far a lot more outdoor barn cats then lets say a country that has a lot less agriculture and a lot more industrial buildings and neighborhoods. So lets agree to disagree...You read some articles that stated some statistics...I know from personal experience. You think you're right and I know I'm right. So lets leave it at that. By the way I just have to conclude that I get such a kick out these little debates. Thanks for the chuckle. :) Melanie (23 yrs) in Ontario Canada. :) > > Well there I am afraid that you are wrong...The person who originally asked > [quoted text clipped - 68 lines] > No, it doesn't. It does mean however, that *on average*, outdoor cats > live to be 3 years old. Do you understand what I mean by *on average*? > I'd like to know what country you live in. Here in Canada we have a VERY > large majority that live in the country!!! So yes my experience IS relevant. Not according to the UN: http://www.fao.org/docrep/003/w2612e/w2612eMap16-e.pdf I live in the US, btw. > My methodology as you so refer to it regarding the figures coming from > calculations done on dead animals is mostly accurate! Think about it...if No it's not. How do you think they calculate the life expectancy of people? Here's how: they add up the ages of all the people who died in one year. Then, they divide that number by the total number of people. That is why the life expectancy of people in developed nations is way higher than those in undeveloped nations (for the most part). You know what's a good indicator of high life expectancy? Low child mortality. Why? Basic math. > they're basing their figures on the fact that most outdoor cats that have > died have been three years old...then that means nothing. How many cats > lived past 3 years that are still living...that's what you need to look at. No it's not. > Just because some scientist says it's so doesn't make it true. For crying So who do you think is more qualified to define life expectancy? Yourself? Your vet? > relevant to question of how long you should expect them to live. Besides...I > still don't think that survival rate and life expectancy are the same. Same They're indeed not the same, but they are directly proportional to each other. > our deceased here in Canada. I have to say though Victor that there is no > point in you and me carrying on this argument. I know from past experience > with you that neither one of us will give in. This may become a never ending I have facts and science behind me, you just have stubborness. > debate. . Like I said here in Canada we have millions upon millions who live > in the country...so we have by far a lot more outdoor barn cats then lets But more people live in the cities, as proved by the map I refered to above. See? You don't even seem to know the demographics of your own country, yet you feel qualified to disregard statistical science! > buildings and neighborhoods. So lets agree to disagree...You read some > articles that stated some statistics...I know from personal experience. You Ahhh... yes, anecdotal evidence trumps science. > Melanie (23 yrs) in Ontario Canada. :) Victor (31 years and a PhD in Engineering) in Austin, Texas SignatureVictor Martinez Owned and operated by the Fantastic Seven (TM) Send your spam here: uce@ftc.gov Email me here: pistorLITTER@BOXaustin.rr.com Dear Melanie, the maker up of her own facts.. let me refer you to my original post.. Google it yourself if you don't want to believe the facts check it out... http://www.thedailycat.com/bringing/habitat/archive/bringing_in/ http://www.cahs-lansing.org/petcare/pc14.html http://www.pet-tails.com/LPMArticle.asp?ID=145 http://www.runway.net/b/moonmaid/in-or-out.html One decision every cat owner must make is whether or not their feline friend will be allowed outdoors. Many people feel that keeping their kitties indoors deprives them of a full life. However, one must consider that the average life span of a totally outdoor cat is about a year and a half, while a totally indoor cat is expected to live upwards of 15 years.\ and again.. simply because YOUR experience was that YOUR cat lived that long, does NOT mean that anyone who lets their cat out can expect THEIR cat to live that long. an outdoor cat has a DRAMATICALLY higher risk factors that can cut their lives short. The professionals have done the statistics.. you know statistics.. that really really hard math course that a lot of professionals go to school and get degrees in.. they looked outside of their own little reality and actually paid attention to these things and came up with a little thing called a fact! for every cat that lives to 20, seven cats can't make it past their first birthday, and I have STACKS AND STACKS of files of dead cats that were killed by wild animals, cars, disease and a wide variety of other reasons that prove you wrong. simply because your cat was lucky, does not make you right. this is NOT a giggling matter. > I'd like to know what country you live in. Here in Canada we have a VERY > large majority that live in the country!!! So yes my experience IS relevant. [quoted text clipped - 126 lines] > > Send your spam here: uce@ftc.gov > > Email me here: pistorLITTER@BOXaustin.rr.com First I would like to say that from the beginning I said that this was based on personal experience and I'm not merely making up facts. I simply stated that most outdoor cats in my experience (maybe I should have said in Canada) live past 3 years. I am merely trying to support my argument. I have no doubt that a scientist would have more knowledge of how these tests are conducted...but I also believe that there are a lot of variables. As said before I (emphasis on the I) have never known an outdoor cat to pass away before 3 years of age due to natural causes...and the unnatural ones have been very few and far between. You're right Victor...there are more people who live in the city than in the country...I think that's why there's a difference between the two. My point was that here in Canada there are more people who live in the country than perhaps in the U.S due to the fact that we are highly dependant on our agriculture. So I do know the own demographics of my country. I stand by what I said...only I have to modify it slightly after speaking with my mother who confirmed that our two cats who recently passed on where 22 and 17 years old and both of them lived outside all there lives. And I've known many and I mean many who lived past the age of 8, 9, 10 and onwards. Like I said the ones that didn't make it were typically ones that had been hit by a motorist or injured by some young punks who thought it would be fun to sling that cats in the air and use them as target practice. But of course there are people like that anywhere. So my answer to the person who asked the question originally is still the same. This is my last rebuttal on this one. I am merely speaking from experience. Did either of you grow up in the country with many outdoors cats growing up with you? I choose to believe that they can live longer than 3 years and they normally do. Of course as also said before if you live in a highly urban area...the chances of you cats survival is a lot lower for the simple fact that there are a lot more things for the cat to be weary of. Sorry if my relating my personal experience has pissed you guys off...but I guess if that's what you call making up facts...then guilty as charged. You obviously are very closed minded if you can't even consider the possibility that my own personal experiences are true. Believe what you chose to believe...I obviously can not convince you otherwise...but as said before...I never claimed to have a degree on the subject...I just offered up my own relevant (as I believe everyone's opinions and experiences are relevant) experiences for the persons reference. Is that so offending?? To Connie I must add...what is a giggling matter is that you both are so hell bent on shooting me down for relating my experience. The last time I checked this news group was for people to do just that...not just for proffessionals who refer merely to statistics. If someone here knows otherwise...let me know...and I'll stop relating my experiences. Melanie Lacasse (23) Collections Officer Canada Customs and Revenue Agency Ottawa, Ontario, Canada > Dear Melanie, the maker up of her own facts.. > [quoted text clipped - 186 lines] > > > Send your spam here: uce@ftc.gov > > > Email me here: pistorLITTER@BOXaustin.rr.com > difference between the two. My point was that here in Canada there are more > people who live in the country than perhaps in the U.S due to the fact that > we are highly dependant on our agriculture. So I do know the own Didn't you see the map I refered to? It clearly showed that in Canada, more people live in the cities than in the country. Or perhaps the map is wrong, because in your experience, more people live in the country? Perhaps you ought to call your census office and correct their numbers for them. > the age of 8, 9, 10 and onwards. Like I said the ones that didn't make it > were typically ones that had been hit by a motorist or injured by some young > punks who thought it would be fun to sling that cats in the air and use them > as target practice. But of course there are people like that anywhere. So my And you don't think that those are risks that should be taken into consideration? Nobody is saying that the 3 year figure applies only to cats who die of natural causes. Accidents probably make a good chunk of those early deaths. > Sorry if my relating my personal experience has pissed you guys off...but I > guess if that's what you call making up facts...then guilty as charged. You You are indeed guilty of assuming that your experience is the ultimate truth. You ought to get out more often. > obviously are very closed minded if you can't even consider the possibility > that my own personal experiences are true. Believe what you chose to I believe your experiences are as you describe them. I also *know* that just because you have had outdoor cats who lived to be 20+ years, that doesn't mean that the average lifespan of outdoor cats is not 3 years. My family had an outdoor cat (who never once saw a vet) who lived 15 years. The cat who came after him died at 6 months of age. > bent on shooting me down for relating my experience. The last time I checked > this news group was for people to do just that...not just for proffessionals > who refer merely to statistics. If someone here knows otherwise...let me > know...and I'll stop relating my experiences. You just don't get it, do you? It's not about dismissing your experience. It's about the fact that you believe that because your cats live long lives, that means the figure scientifically calculated is wrong. Do you understand this? SignatureVictor Martinez Owned and operated by the Fantastic Seven (TM) Send your spam here: uce@ftc.gov Email me here: pistorLITTER@BOXaustin.rr.com > > difference between the two. My point was that here in Canada there are more > > people who live in the country than perhaps in the U.S due to the fact that [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > Perhaps you ought to call your census office and correct their numbers > for them. Boy you really musn't have read my last response. I was not saying that more people here lived in the country than the city...I was saying that there are more people in Canada that live in the country than in lets say the U.S. N o w d o y o u u n d e r s t a n d ? ? ? ? > > the age of 8, 9, 10 and onwards. Like I said the ones that didn't make it > > were typically ones that had been hit by a motorist or injured by some young [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > You are indeed guilty of assuming that your experience is the ultimate > truth. You ought to get out more often. Wow again!! I never said that my experiences were the ultimate truth!! I said that they were just that...personal experiences. How the reader inturprets them is up to them. Like I said in my last post...I thought that's what this news group is for...so we can exchange personal experiences and learn from each other. Maybe you should re-read my last response because it obviously went right over your head!! I was teasing you when I said 'you think you're right and I know I'm right'...you know like a joke...ever heard of them? I was referring to our lovely little debate over breeding my cat...remember??? I think it's been clear from the beginning that I don't claim to know all and I don't have any degree that makes me a specialist with animals. I'm just someone who's lived on an equestrian center and has had more cats than I can count around me when I was growing up. So I feel I have something to contribute here. > > obviously are very closed minded if you can't even consider the possibility > > that my own personal experiences are true. Believe what you chose to [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > live long lives, that means the figure scientifically calculated is wrong. > Do you understand this? I'm afraid that you're the one not getting it! The only thing I am saying is that in MY experience all the cats I've known have lived longer than three years. I personally feel that they do because I have known a hell of a lot more of them have survived well over three years. I just wanted to know the variables...you know where these stastics came from...how many cats...who did the test...etc. Because if you just take things at face value then...you're a sucker. You have to ask questions to get the facts or learn anything. Like I said...it just depends on the variables. The links connie supplied were great...sure they backed up her argument...but who conducted these tests and how did they come up with those figures? Lets do a little survey of our own right here...I'm going to make a new post asking people to tell us how long their cats lived... indoor or outdoor. Lets see what happens! Melanie :) >Even if a cat is loved and cared for, if he goes outside he's at risk of >the following: getting hit by a car, killed by a dog or a kid, getting >into fights with other cats that can transmit deadly diseases (you know >vaccines aren't 100% effective, right?), etc. And if the cat stays inside it could be hit by the house falling down in an earthquake. >Most people nowadays live in cities, not in the country. Your >experiences might not be representative at all. I have a relaitve who just had their dog killed by a car. They live in an area that is about as rural as you can get. -------------------------------------------- "It took us 15 years to McGyver this thing." -------------------------Carter on Stargate To send me e-mail exorcise NO Spam from my e-mail address. I think there is a difference between a feral cat and a cat that is allowed to go outside. When I was growing up there was a feral cat colony in our neighborhood. Several times there was an attempt to catch and fix the cats. When we could catch the kittens in that short period between being weened and becoming untamable we found them homes. I can say the longest any of the cats in the colony lived was about 7 years (for the dominant male). Quite a few kittens never made it either because of inbreeding/deformaties, mother deserting the whole litter, or tom cats killing the litter. Those that did make it past kitten-hood usually lived 2 or 3 years at the most. A cold winter (I talked to an old neighbor and the whole colony except for 2 cats was whiped out by the massive snow last year), cars, neighbors who put out poison because they get tired of cat poop in their gardens, dogs, and disease don't give these poor animals much chance. So I completely believe three years is a long life for a feral cat. > lol. My remark was not intended to spark any kind of argument regarding the > life expectancy of cats...but since you brought it up I honestly have to say [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > wouldn't even let my cat out in the country...but a cat who has access to > the outdoors is not automatically given a life sentence of 3 years. Dawn...I wasn't referring to feral cats. I was referring to cats allowed to go outside. The original question "he is now 9 and a half years old, if he stays healthy how long can we expect him to be with us?" Operative words being 'if he stays healthy'. If a healthy cat (pet cat) is allowed to go outside...they tend to last longer than 3 years. However if we are referring to feral cats...then yes I'd say you're probably right...3 years would probably be the norm. But as I was answering someone's specific question...the truth be know that a cat who is well looked after and loved outside will live past three years. Thanks for the feedback...and I understand your reasoning for wanting to get your point across. I wouldn't want to encourage people to allow their cats to go outside because there are far too many dangers out there. I believe if you own a cat you should also love and protect it as if it were one of the family and hence what would be the point of locking it outside? I love my baby...she's like having a child. She's never been let out in the 2 years we've had her. If we were to allow her out...it would be with a small leash and with me by her side. Not only is there the risk of personal injury...but there's also the risk of her being stolen. Anyway...I think that's about all I have to say on the matter. Like I said...thanks for the feedback! Melanie > I think there is a difference between a feral cat and a cat that is > allowed to go outside. When I was growing up there was a feral cat [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] > > wouldn't even let my cat out in the country...but a cat who has access to > > the outdoors is not automatically given a life sentence of 3 years. >the average lifespan of an indoor cat is 12-15 years. Oops....someone forgot to tell my male who is 19. -------------------------------------------- "It took us 15 years to McGyver this thing." -------------------------Carter on Stargate To send me e-mail exorcise NO Spam from my e-mail address. Hi Everyone! I had one cat (male Russian Blue) that lived to be 23 and another who lived to be 14 (female Tabby). All of my cats are indoor cats, and yes all of my cats are spayed/neutered. K > I had a male tabby who was an outdoor cat...he lived to be 22 years old!! I > had other outdoor cats who lived to 15 years. Whoever said 3 years for an [quoted text clipped - 39 lines] > > Thanks, > > Dennis |
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