How old is old for cats?

Question

My cat Petey was born in October 1994, so that makes him about 13...is that considered old for cats? We adopted him when he was four and I love him so much. He sleeps more often and has a bit of arthritis in his right shoulder, but he's healthy. Still, I keep scaring myself and thinking "omg, omg, he's getting older. What if I only have one more year with him?" So how old is old for cats? Does it depend on certain types of cats? (He's a tabby...) How long are cat's lifespans usually if they are healthy?

Answer 1

The best thing to do is give him check ups once every six months, or at least a year. That way, many of the common diseases that start to show up like kidney disease, can be caught early and treated easily. You can also give him Salmon oil and other things that are healthy for his joints. Cats can live til they are 20 or longer, so my vet doesnt consider 13 old. But then, I did have a kitty die of an ailment at the age of 12, so it does range just like in humans. Just make sure you are on top of things, and make sure he drinks and eats well. Add one capsule of antibiotic-free salmon oil to his food. I also give Cq10 to my kitty to prevent blood pressure and tooth issues, but I would get advice from a vet about that. Feed healthy food like Wellness or California natural, which has heatlhier protein. My older cat's heatlh improved tremendously when I switched from Sceince Diet, which uses beaks for meat. And you can also buy one of those cute fountains that encourages a kitty to drink a lot, preventing one of the more common ailments of kidney disease. Otherwise, what I learned over the years is to not dwell on death BEFORE it happens or you MISS OUT ON LIFE. Just take good care of and enjoy your kitty. Get photos, etc. At some point, he will pass, but his spirit won't, and you will also have memories. I can tell you love your kitty, good luck!

PS, that person is wrong about cat years. Dogs don't live as long, so one human year is on average seven for a dog. It's five for a cat -- so a 13 year old cat is about 65. Up there in age and feeling some pains wtih age (that salmon oil can help) but not necessarily at the end, just like with humans.

Answer 2

*Cat Fancy* magazine recently held an 'oldest cat' contest. The results, and some good info on older cats, is in the latest issue (Aug. '07). The contest winner is 36, 2nd place is 30 & 3rd place was a tie w/ both cats 27 yrs. The oldest cats I've ever met were in their early 20's. We recently lost the oldest cat I've ever lived with, who was around 16, and we've had 2 others who lived to be 14. Our oldest now is about 10. No matter how long we're blessed with our kitties, it's never long enough, so all we can do is cherish the time that they're with us. May you & Petey have many great years ahead of you!

Answer 3

He's only 13, if he's healthy and you're obviously doing the right things since he's made it this far. : )

I do know that certain breeds will live longer than others, but for the most part if they are treated right (properly fed, check ups every now and then-it doesn't need to be every year like most vets try to sucker you into), they can live 20 plus years.
Three perfect examples of long life with the right treatment are my brothers siamese--he lived to be 18; and my sisters 2 tabbies--one lived ot be 18 and the other 19. So with a little pampering, and good food, and a loving home Petey will have many more happy years ahead of him.

Answer 4

That depends a lot on one question. Does your cat go outside or not? Cats who live indoors only and are well cared for (including being fixed, which prevents a lot of health problems) can live to be 15 to 20 years old. Cats who go outside face the hazards of fatal diseases, being mauled by other animals (mainly dogs), being run over and harm from humans that hate cats. Statistics vary, but most say that outdoor cats live an average of 4 to 5 years. I have known plenty of people who let their cats out and the cats have lived longer, but 4 to 5 years is just an average.

Answer 5

Your cat IS older, but there's no reason why he can't have quite a few more good years.
My oldest cat lived to be 19, and I've known cats that lived to be as old as 22. Currently, I have a 15-year-old; aside from the fact that she's got slight cataracts, she's healthy, happy and energetic, despite having a heart murmur.
Just get Petey checked out a couple times a year by your vet. He/she can also do bloodwork for geriatric cats to make sure everything's in order. Good luck to you and Petey!
>^..^<

Answer 6

The cats lifespan completely depends on his actions. I had a cat that lived too 18. Thats rare. If the cat is healthy, he could very well live past 13. Play with him. And 13 certainly isnt young, but its not really old.

Answer 7

Old depends on the breed or lack there of. Pure breed cats or those like mine who was from a litter of half-persian and half whatever generally don't last as long because their gene pool is smaller. My Alicia died at age 12 after getting an oral infection that prevented her from taking antibiotics. Generic regular housecats like the type you get free from the neighbor live as many as 6 to 10 years longer on average.

I would ask your vet if you can concerns about Petey's health.

Answer 8

my oldest cat still living was born in 1989.. in puuuuurefect shape . he is a syamies... my tabby is born in 1994 as well and is diabetic. i expect 5 more years of life for him ..and another cat i have is 16 years old .. he has lost some weight but otherwise he seems to be in good shape .. i seen a cat this year that was 24 years old.. if cats are inside and get proper care they can live for along time with check ups

Answer 9

He's definantly into his older years, although some cats live beyond 15 years. I've read of some living to be 18 and 20, but never personally seen it myself.
Just spend lots and lots of time with him (they say love goes a long way) Keep him healthy like you've done and you might have at least a couple of more years together.

Answer 10

Depends on whether your cat is 100% inside or an inside/outside cat or an outside cat. Average age for cats is 14 years. Indoor cats live longer, cats that go outside usually have shorter lives. If he's happy and seems healthy, just love him and he'll try to stay with you as long as he can.