How Long Will Your Cat Live?

Your cat will start to show signs of growing old when it gets to about 10 - 12 years of age. The slowing down process of aging is very gradual, so you may not notice. The  cats joints will become stiffer and the internal organs may not work as well. Your cat will become less playful and far more sedentary. Diabetes and arthritis are problems in old cats and will require constant supervision and medical intervention.

The oldest cat every recorded was 36 years old, although most cats normally only live to about 14 - 16 years, some may live for 20.

When you get your kitten at 12 weeks old, its life span is likely to be between 10 and 15 years. This could mean that the cat will become a companion for you and your children. Your cat may even live to see your grandchildren as well. It has to be understood that a cat is  lifetime commitment, before it joins your house.

Neutered cats live slightly longer than unneutered cats. An unneutered male cat will fight to defend its territory and the resulting infections and injuries may shorten his life. Females have a much quieter life, if her condition is well-maintained and a life of having kittens will not have much effect on her life span.

A cats nutritional requirements will change with age, and its physical responses will slow down and joints will become stiff. This not only as the effect of reducing suppleness and agility but the cat will find it difficult to groom itself, so it may need some help.