Typical Lifespan of Cats
The average lifespan of cats varies significantly based on whether they live indoors or outdoors. According to Cat Care for Life, the average lifespan for an indoor cat is 12-18 years, while the lifespan for an outdoor cat is only 2-5 years on average (https://www.catcare4life.org/cat-owners/lifestages/).
Indoor cats generally live much longer than outdoor cats because they are not exposed to the dangers and diseases present outside. Indoor cats are protected from things like cars, predators, uncontrolled breeding, and infectious diseases spread by other cats. Their food, water, shelter, and health care is also carefully controlled and monitored by their owners.
In contrast, outdoor and feral cats face numerous threats and have a high mortality rate, especially in the first few years of life. Only about 50% of kittens born outdoors survive beyond 6 months of age. However, an outdoor cat that survives to adulthood may reach 10-12 years on average.
Overall, keeping a cat strictly indoors significantly increases their chances of reaching the upper end of a cat’s natural lifespan, which is 15-20 years for the average healthy cat.
What Determines a Cat’s Lifespan
There are several key factors that determine how long a cat will live, including breed, nutrition, whether they live indoors or outdoors, veterinary care, and genetics.
Some breeds, like Siamese and Persians, tend to live longer than other breeds on average. Proper nutrition with a balanced, high-quality diet supports a cat’s health and can add years to their life. Indoor cats typically live significantly longer than outdoor cats, since they are not exposed to dangers like cars, other animals, diseases from other cats, etc. Regular veterinary care helps catch any health issues early and ensures the cat stays up to date on things like vaccines. Finally, genetics play a role, with some cats being predisposed to live longer lives.
According to the ASPCA, “The average lifespan of an indoor cat is 15-20 years, while the average lifespan of an indoor/outdoor cat is 5-8 years.” Providing a safe, enriched environment indoors along with proper medical care helps cats reach the higher end of their natural lifespan.
Sources:
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/general-cat-care
https://www.thesprucepets.com/cat-years-4588408
Signs of Aging in Cats
As cats get older, there are some common signs of aging that cat owners may notice. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, some signs of aging in cats include meowing more frequently, avoiding favorite resting places, urinating outside the litter box, changes in appetite, and decreased mobility.
Some key signs of aging in cats include:
- Weight loss – It’s common for older cats to lose weight as their metabolism slows down. Make sure your vet monitors your cat’s weight regularly.
- Decreased activity – Older cats tend to sleep more and be less active. Provide ramps and limit stairs to make it easier for them to get around.
- Vision or hearing issues – Your cat may have cloudy eyes, limited vision or hearing loss. Adjust their environment to accommodate any declines.
- Cognitive decline – Your cat may seem confused or forget previously learned behaviors. Use routines and consistent cues to help them.
According to Papaya Pet, other signs of aging include bad breath, changes in vocalization, and urinary incontinence. If you notice any of these signs of aging in your senior cat, consult your vet.
Caring for an Older Cat
As cats reach their senior years, typically after the age of 7, they require some additional care and attention from their owners. It’s important to schedule more frequent veterinarian checkups, usually every 6 months, to monitor your cat’s overall health and wellbeing. Bloodwork and dental exams help identify any issues early on.
You may need to adapt your home environment to meet your aging cat’s needs. Adding ramps, keeping food and litter boxes on the main level, and providing easy access to their favorite spots allows them to navigate comfortably. Soft beds, grooming aids, night lights, and heating pads help them rest more easily.
An older cat’s diet may need some adjustments too. Feeding smaller, more frequent high protein and low carb meals is ideal. Prescription food or supplements help address conditions like kidney disease. Keeping water fresh and available encourages proper hydration.
It’s wise to monitor your senior cat’s behavior and movements to identify any concerning changes right away. Increased vocalizing, changes in litter box habits, less mobility, or less interest in play can indicate pain or illness needing veterinary attention. With some care and attention, you can keep your older feline family member content.
Is 7 Years Old for a Cat?
The age when a cat is considered “senior” or “geriatric” depends somewhat on breed, but generally cats are not thought of as old at 7 years (source). For most cats, the geriatric period starts around 9-14 years old. While 7 is not old for a cat, you may start to notice some subtle signs of aging.
Cats are considered middle-aged between 7-10 years. During this time, their metabolism begins slowing down and they may gain weight more easily. You may notice they sleep a bit more and play less energetically. However, most cats in this age range still act youthful and healthy.
So while 7 years old is not over the hill for a cat, you’ll want to monitor their health closely for any age-related changes. But with good care and nutrition, most cats remain active and playful well beyond 7 years old.
Tips for Cats Over 7
A cat is considered a senior starting at age 7. Here are some tips for caring for your feline friend once they pass this age milestone:
Schedule a yearly exam or wellness checkup with the veterinarian. Vets recommend annual visits for cats over 7 years old to monitor health, spot issues early, and maintain wellness. Bloodwork, urinalysis, dental checks, and other preventative care can help extend your cat’s life.[1]
Brush your cat’s teeth daily. Dental disease is common in older cats and can impact their health. Brushing helps remove plaque and tartar to protect their teeth and gums.[2]
Enrich their environment with cat trees, toys, scratching posts to keep them active and stimulated. Prevent boredom by rotating toys, providing interactive playtime, and creating “kitty obstacle courses.” Mental and physical activity is important for senior cats.[3]
Consider joint supplements if they show signs of arthritis or discomfort moving around. Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin can support and protect aging joints.[2]
Monitoring Health at 7
It is important to monitor your cat’s health closely starting at around 7 years old. You should keep an eye out for any changes in their weight, activity level, litter box use, appetite, coat, or vomiting.
Weigh your cat regularly to check for weight loss or gain, which could indicate illness. Look for changes in your cat’s daily activity, like moving around less or sleeping more often. Monitor their litter box use for increased frequency or difficulty eliminating (Vetstreet). Note any decrease in appetite or new incidents of vomiting.
Pay attention to your cat’s coat condition – a poor, unkempt coat can signal health problems. Schedule an annual exam with your vet to check your cat’s overall health during this transitional period into their senior years.
Best Diet for 7 Year Old Cats
As cats reach 7 years old, their metabolism starts to slow down and their activity levels tend to decrease. It’s important to adjust their diet to account for these changes. The best diets for 7 year old cats have moderate calorie levels to avoid obesity, increased protein to maintain muscle mass, and antioxidant supplements to support their aging immune systems.
Look for cat foods designed for mature or senior cats, as these will have appropriate nutrient levels. The calories should be moderate, around 300-350 calories per cup for an average activity level. Increased protein levels around 35-45% are ideal. Look for quality protein sources like chicken, turkey, salmon, or egg.[1]
Antioxidants like vitamin E and lutein can help counteract some impacts of aging. Taurine is also beneficial for senior cat heart health. Look for foods that contain antioxidants and supplements tailored for aging cats.[2] Wet or canned food can be easier for some older cats to chew and digest.
It’s also important to monitor portion sizes and your cat’s weight. Track any changes and adjust food amounts accordingly. Feeding puzzles, balls, and slow feeders can encourage activity during meals.
Talk to your vet for personalized diet recommendations based on your cat’s health and ideal weight. With the right senior diet, 7 year old cats can continue to thrive and enjoy their golden years.
Exercising Older Cats
Exercising older cats can help keep them agile, improve strength and balance, and stimulate their mind and senses. But special care needs to be taken with senior cats to avoid injury due to natural wear and tear that comes with age. Low impact activities and playtime should be encouraged.
Try interactive toys like feather wands or laser pointers that get cats moving without putting too much strain on their joints. You can also set up obstacles courses or hiding treats to encourage light exercise and mental stimulation. Just be sure to monitor your senior cat closely and stop playtime if they seem to be getting tired or struggling. Let them rest as needed.
Feeding puzzles like food dispensing balls or hidden feeders are another great way to keep older cats active, engaged, and entertained at mealtime. The physical and mental effort needed to “hunt” for food mimics natural behaviors and satisfies their inner predator. Just introduce puzzles gradually to avoid frustrating cats who are used to free feeding. According to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, these types of food games are excellent for exercising aging brains.
The key is providing regular activities tailored for your senior cat’s abilities and preferences. Monitor their health closely and adjust the exercise routine as needed to keep their golden years active while avoiding injury or exhaustion.
Enriching Life for Senior Cats
As cats grow older, it’s important to enrich their lives by providing mental and physical stimulation. This can help keep senior cats active and engaged. Some great ways to enrich a 7 year old cat’s life include:
Regular brushing and massages – Grooming is soothing and helps circulation. Give your cat a good brushing daily if possible and gentle massages. This mimics natural bonding behaviors.
New toys – Rotate toys to spark curiosity. Interactive toys like feather wands and laser pointers engage their prey drive. Puzzles and treat balls provide mental exercise.
Cat furniture and perches – Place ramps, steps, or sturdy cat trees to allow easy access to beds and perches. Cats like to survey their territory from up high as they age.
According to experts, playing with food puzzles, simulating prey with wands, and having access to different levels and perches are all great ways to enrich senior cats’ lives (Zoetis). Keep things interesting by switching up toys and activities. An enriched environment nurtures your cat’s mind and body.