17
Dec
If you have an indoor cat a kitten or have adopted a cat thats now ready to start going outside there are a few things to consider and be aware of if you want the transaction to be smooth and successful. When you keep your cat indoors.
These outdoor kitties can be carries of various diseases and illnesses due to lack of proper veterinary care.
Do indoor cats live as long as outdoor cats. On average indoor cats live almost three times as long as outdoor cats. According to this study the average age of an indoor cat is about 14 years old while the average age of an outdoor cat is just under 6 years old. The more comfortable life of an indoor cat significantly increases his lifespan.
An indoor cat may live 15-17 years while the life expectancy for outdoor cats is only 2-5 years according to researchers at University of California-Davis. To put this into context the average lifespan of an indoor cat could be anywhere from 15 to 17 years. However an outdoor cat could be as low as 2 to 3 years.
So as you can see it is quite a big difference. Should an indoor cat even be allowed outside. Indoor cats tend to live longer than their outdoor counterparts typically reaching 10 to 15 years of age.
Cats who spend their lives exclusively outdoors live an average of just 2 to 5 years. Outdoor cats live less as they are exposed to viruses bacteria accidents and fights which can endanger their health. A pet that spends more time outdoors may live on average 2 to 3 years less than a cat that lives exclusively indoors.
In addition unexpected accidents may end an outdoor cats life at any time. Indoor cats tend to live much longer lives than outdoor catsabout 10 to 15 years instead of just two to five years according to UC Davis Veterinary Medicine. Thats because there are a lot of outdoor hazards that cats can be exposed to ranging from parasites and disease to cars toxins and other animals.
When you keep your cat indoors. Cats like most creatures can adapt to almost any situation over time. Because of this an outdoor cat can successfully become an indoor cat and the reverse can happen as well.
That being said there are many risks to allowing your cat regardless of their history outside. The average life span of indoor cats is about 14 years though this is reduced to 4 years in cats that are allowed to roam free exposing themselves to the hazards of outdoor life. Family structure has changed so that both owners often work spending long hours away from the home.
This is so chock full of useful information about indoor cats and outdoor cats and I love this topic. The lifespan of an indoor cat tends to be longer as it is protected from external factors like bad weather other predatory animals road accidents etc. The outdoor cat has to be cautious and street smart to survive the harsh conditions outside.
An indoor cat to outdoor cat transition doesnt have to be stressful or difficult as I will explain in this article. If you have an indoor cat a kitten or have adopted a cat thats now ready to start going outside there are a few things to consider and be aware of if you want the transaction to be smooth and successful. The great outdoors presents a whole new environment to explore.
Indoor cats live longer lives than cats allowed to free roam but do need the opportunity to climb and scratch as well as physical and mental stimulation with toys and interactive games. Striking a compromise with a catio or outdoor cat enclosure is the perfect solution which provides access to outside areas but in a safe and controlled environment. In fact the average lifespan of an indoor cat ranges from 10 to 15 years whereas the lifespan of outdoor cats are way shorter averaging just 2 to 5 years.
This is due to the many dangers cats face outdoors like cars or predators. Even raccoons will frequently try and hunt cats. Indooroutdoor cats have a far longer lifespan than you have stated as millions of us know since we have taught our animals about cars and dogs and people.
ALL my indooroutdoor cats have lived beyond 15 years and I am no exception. Your estimation is out. One of the facts often quoted in favor of indoor cats is they live longer than outdoor cats.
But this argument is flawed because once young cats who die in traffic accidents are taken out of the equation the statistics level out. Indeed outdoor cats who live beyond 1 year have a life expectancy into the high teens just like indoor cats. Indoor cats are most likely to get cared for.
They tend to eat nutritious food good water shelter and medications. These all together are the major reasons why indoor cats live longer than outdoor cats. Indoor cats live for an average of 12 to 15 years.
Cats that live indoors live longer because they are not as exposed to the dangers of outside. If the cat often goes outdoors they have the exposure to diseases and illness that other outside cats may carry. In the US there are approximately 60 million outdoor feral cats.
These outdoor kitties can be carries of various diseases and illnesses due to lack of proper veterinary care. If your cat goes. Indoor cats also live much longer than outdoor cats.
In fact the record for the oldest house cat is over thirty years while outdoor cats are sometimes lucky. Feeding outdoors can attract wildlife and other cats. It can also eliminate a desire for your cat to come inside.
Establishing a feeding schedule can help train your cat to an indoor outdoor routine. Start with slow increments of time outside only ten minutes at first. Let them get a feel for the smells sounds and sights in their new outdoor.