07
Feb
Jacque Lynn Shultz from the ASPCA notes that indoor-only cats live an average of 10-12 years while outdoor-only cats survive only an average of 2 years. Outdoor cats live less as they are exposed to viruses bacteria accidents and fights which can endanger their health.
Cats like most creatures can adapt to almost any situation over time.
Do indoor cats live longer than 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. 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. Because of this and because they are fed better cats now live longer healthier lives than ever before. 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.
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 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 to see five years old. Defenders maintain that theres a tradeoff but studies report that indoor-only cats live several years longer than cats who sometimes navigate life outside.
Indoor cats are known to survive outside from 2 to 5 years. This is very different from being kept indoors. For example an indoor cat can expect to live up to 17 years.
This is mainly because of all the potential hazards available to an outdoor cat such as cars other animals etc. Whether your cat is outdoor or indoor if you want a healthy cat you need to make sure that it has all the necessary vaccines. Of course youll want to procure other preventatives from your vet as well.
Fleas are not only annoying. They can also potentially lead to your cat growing seriously ill. Furthermore its easier to keep your cat on a flea preventative than to keep applying multiple.
Cats love exploring and playing outdoors and while they might bring back the occasional present or pick up a scratch or two its more mentally stimulating for them than being indoors. If you follow the steps and safety precautions Ive outlined in this article Im sure the indoor cat to outdoor cat transition will go smoothly regardless of how long theyve lived indoors. Cats who stay indoors have longer lifespans than those who are left to roam outdoors.
In her article Should You Let Your Cat Go Outdoors. Jacque Lynn Shultz from the ASPCA notes that indoor-only cats live an average of 10-12 years while outdoor-only cats survive only an average of 2 years. On average female cats live one to two years longer than male cats.
On average indoor cats live longer than outdoor cats. On average wild homeless and feral cats live dramatically shorter. 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. 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.
Jeff Levy DVM CVA owner of House Call Vet NYC also discourages owners from keeping cats outdoors. 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. My cats are all in perfect health and dont go wandering in other peoples gardens I know since I am at home the whole time. 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. Studies show that indoor cats live on average 15-17 years while the life proximity of street cats is around 3-4 years.
One of the main reasons for this difference is the physical safety of homes. Inside cats are not threatened by natural predators such as dogs coyotes and in. 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.