How Long Do Tabby Cats Live?
How long do tabby cats live? The facts are, every cat has the tabby gene and it is not exclusive to those with the distinct tabby markings of stripes, swirls and spots. Even the ‘M’ marking on their forehead doesn't make it unique to any breed, tabby is a term used to describe the patterns and features.
Genes and How Long Do Tabby Cats Live?
This is one of the most important factors when discussing how long anything will live. Tabby mostly refers to cats that have the prevalent and distinctive markings that haven't been lost through controlled breeding.
Tabbies have a longer life expectancy
A tabby is often considered similar to the original wild cats of which later became the domestic type we know and love today. These cats for the most part, live longer than specialist breeds such as Siamese that has been bred to be a certain way.
So tabbies are just as they were intended and have a longer life expectancy.
Lifestyle - Factors Decides How Long Tabby Cats Live
There are a lot of factors that can be the difference between a long life for a tabby and one that is not so long, much like humans. A lot of this is defined by how much exercise your cat gets, as well as their diet.
This being said, most tabbies will live between 15 - 20 years if they live a healthy lifestyle.
Quality food and opportunities to exercise can ensure your tabby lives a long happy life
This consists of the right food and correct amount. A cat that has been overfed and under-exercised for most of its life can expect to live a shorter life, much like any animal.
A cat with a poor diet is often thought to live around 6 months less than a cat who has a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Most commonly a poor lifestyle for a cat will result in heart problems or diabetes. The best way you can ensure your tabby lives a long and happy life is by selecting a quality food and give them plenty of opportunities to exercise with things to climb, toys to play with etc.
How Long do Tabby Cats Live Indoor or Outdoor?
This is a question we are often asked, and it is clear that an indoor life is more likely to leave you with more years to share with your cat.
The average lifespan of an outdoor cat is only 2 -3 years which is such a lower amount than the 15-20 years we mentioned earlier.
There are multiple reasons for this and they are often things an indoor cat will never experience such as hazardous traffic, diseases, human traps, predators, poor weather conditions, even theft.
The outdoor cats have the lower lifespan than the indoor cats
It is easy to avoid all of these when you are an indoor cat. Although this isn't how everyone wants their furry friends to live, the facts do not lie.
In terms of predators, if you live in the USA this is more of a concern for your outdoor cat than if you live in the UK.
Weather conditions are more likely to be a worry for anyone whose cat hasn't returned at the regular time in the UK.
Vet Checkups
This is often something that is underrated when it comes to longevity.
By getting an expert to have a look over your cat every once in a while you can ensure that there is nothing untoward that you might have missed. Sometimes we don't always get to see things such as gum disease until it has become pretty formed.
Your cats need vet checkup more regularly when they are 9 years old and above
A Cat is considered to be in its senior years from around the age of 9, so this is when you might wish to take them to the vet more regularly, just to check on their wellbeing.
Vaccinations
Ensure your cat is well looked after by keeping their vaccinations in check. Depending on where you live of course or where you are taking your cat if you travel with them but rabies is something you will need to protect your cat against for one.
Even worming and flea prevention will help your cat to live a more content and happy life.
Conditions
Cats can not live longer if they have to suffer the stressful environment
Something that might not be as apparent to how long your tabby cat might live is their home life.
Giving them a loving and stable atmosphere at home and they are more likely to live longer. Even moving can be stressful for your cat and strangers can sometimes make them wary.
Another tip for a long life is to keep an eye on young children around your tabby cat. This is especially the case when someone else's child is in your home, if they are excitable and chase your cat around the house, this can be very stressful for your pet.
