If you’re thinking of getting a cat, you may wonder how long they’re likely to be in your life. Cats Protection’s central veterinary officer Sarah Elliott explains all.
Thanks to better veterinary treatments and care, cats are now living longer and happier lives than ever. While the average cat’s lifespan is somewhere between 12 and 14 years, it’s not uncommon for some cats to live into their late teens.
How old is the world’s oldest cat?
The Guinness World Records™ title for the oldest cat alive is currently held by Flossie, who is 28 years old. She’d been handed into Cats Protection for rehoming and is now living out her twilight years with new owner Vicki Green in Orpington in south-east London. Cats Protection veterinary officer Sarah Elliott says: “Despite being deaf and having failing eyesight, Flossie is still playful, affectionate and enjoys a good quality of life. She’s a wonderful example of why older cats make great pets.”
When do cats stop being playful?
“It’s a myth that only kittens and young cats like to play, and many older cats will still enjoy chasing toys and having fun with their owners,” explains Sarah. In fact, if a playful cat is top of your wish list, you may be best to choose an older cat, says Sarah. “All kittens are playful, as it’s how they learn important life skills, but just as with humans, they’ll all grow up to have different personalities. Some may grow up to be more independent and outdoorsy, some may become lap cats and others will remain fun-loving and exuberant. If playfulness is important for you in a pet, you’re best to go to a rehoming charity and ask to be matched with a fun-loving adult cat rather than a kitten.”
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What are the life stages of a cat?
The first year of a cat’s life is when they grow the quickest and learn the most, and a one-year-old kitten will be around 15 in human years. They’ll then enter the junior phase of their life before reaching their prime years, between three and six – this is when cats are normally at peak fitness.
When they’re seven years old, cats move into the mature phase and may start to slow down a little and be more susceptible to weight gain.
At age 11, cats are considered to be senior and at 14 a cat will have a human age of around 70. Anything over 15 is considered ‘super senior’ and while some will still have the energy of a kitten, others will be enjoying a quieter pace of life. At 15 years old they’re 76 in human years and reach 100 in human years when they turn 21.
How to help your cat live longer
“As owners, there’s lots we can do to help our cats lead longer, healthier and happier lives,” says Sarah. “Neutering is particularly important as neutered cats tend to live longer.” Regular vet checks, vaccinations and a healthy diet are all important, as is encouraging exercise. Finally, keeping cats in at night will keep them safer.
More advice on caring for cats is available at www.cats.org.uk
Love cats? Check out our pets section for advice on cat care from How to take your cat to the vet without stress to how to get rid of fleas
Cats Protection is the UK’s largest cat charity – to find more tips from the charity about humane ways of keeping cats out of your garden, visit cats.org.uk