Nine lives

Do cats really have nine lives? What is the life span of the common cat?

My friend and cat lover, Shawn Umsted, says that cats can live up to 12-15 years (this was based on his experience on taking care of cats). He added that given proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary visits, a cat kept indoors can live as long as 21 years or more. This is, of course, barring any serious medical conditions or untimely accidents.

On the other hand, kitties that are indoors-outdoors usually don't last to the average age because of traffic accidents, fighting with other cats, intentional acts of violence, poisoning (accidental or intentional), diseases caught from other cats, being picked up by animal control and subsequently euthanized if not claimed, and death caused by predators.

Stray cats AKA "feral cats" usually don't live more than a couple of years because of starvation or all of the above.

According to the Guinness Book of Records, the oldest living cat is a Burmese called Kataleena Lady who lives in Melbourne, Australia. Kataleena Lady was born on March 11th, 1977, making her 25, a mere youngster, compared to other claims.

An unofficial report says that the oldest living cat is Creme Puff of Austin Texas. Born on August 3rd 1967, Creme Puff celebrated her 38th birthday in August 2005. Also deserving a mention are Puss, who was born in 1903. Puss was owned by Mrs T. Holway of Devon. Puss passed away on 29th November, 1939, one day after his 36th birthday.

The Manx and Siamese breeds have been mentioned as being among the longest-lived pedigreed cats. The Jaguar is said to be the longest-lived species of cat, sometimes reaching 30 years.