What are the signs before a cat dies? How long is the average life span of a cat?

Cats are very cute animals, and many people treat them as their pets. Cats' lifespan is not as long as that of humans, and they may spend their entire lives with their owners, so old cats should never be abandoned.

What are the signs of a cat dying?

Water-watching syndrome

The symptoms of water watching syndrome are standing in front of a basin or pool, staring at it absentmindedly, and appearing to want to drink the water but not doing so.

Some doctors say that the first organ to fail in old age is usually the kidneys, and kidney failure will show symptoms of thirst. However, after drinking water, the kidneys will fail and cannot detoxify, which will make the cat feel uncomfortable, so the cat will be thirsty but unable to drink. Complications of diabetes can also cause "thirst but not drinking".

Running away from home

We all know that cats will hide quietly when they are injured or unwell. It is said that they do not want their owners to be sad. In fact, this is also a cat's instinct. In the wild, if you are sick and walk outside, you can easily become prey to other animals!

Therefore, as an instinct, cats will hide quietly when they are vulnerable and would rather die quietly than become prey to others! However, this situation currently generally occurs in free-range cats.

Poor mental health

Before a cat dies, it is usually listless and weak, resists eating, moves slowly and becomes increasingly exhausted, and is completely uninterested in things around it. In severe cases, it may even fall into a coma. These are all signs of old age or critical illness.

How long is the average lifespan of a cat?

The average lifespan of cats is generally longer than that of dogs. The average age of cats kept indoors can reach 15-18 years old, which is equivalent to 70-80 years old in humans. A 25-year-old cat is equivalent to 108 years old in humans!

Cats raised in ordinary households are generally well-nourished. Under good medical conditions, the average lifespan of male cats fluctuates around 15 years. It is said that sterilized cats can live about 2 years longer. However, it is possible that cats may become overnourished and overweight, resulting in illness and shortening their lifespan.

The more official data now says that it is possible to live 10-25 years, it just depends on how you raise it.

The average age of cats of different breeds is also different. The average American Shorthair cat is 15-20 years old, while the British Shorthair cat is about 12 years old. The North American Shorthair cat has a maximum lifespan of 12 years, but the European Shorthair cat has an average lifespan of 15-22 years!

How to Care for an Elderly Cat

Replace the cat climbing frame suitable for older cats

Replace the low jumping platform. Old cats lack flexible jumping or movement ability, and it is very difficult for them to climb up the cat climbing frame and jump onto the high windowsill. So, place some low jumping platforms instead so that they can easily stretch their muscles. DIY using cardboard boxes is also a good choice.

Help him clean his body

Old cats cannot stretch their claws freely and sharpen their claws less, so cat owners should trim their cats' nails more often.

When cats get older, they may no longer clean or lick their fur on their own, so you should also comb their fur more often to remove dead hair.

Daily oral examinations and dental care are required. If the cat has developed the habit of brushing teeth, it should be noted that if the cat has not brushed teeth, it should be noted that oral cleaning products and teething sticks should be used to prevent the cat's teeth from falling out prematurely. Dental care should be started early. Ultrasonic teeth cleaning is more dangerous if the cat is too old.

Diversify food choices and supplement nutrition

(1) Feeding cats dry food, canned wet food, and homemade meat food alternately or mixed together will make them more appetizing. Canned and wet food can also make cats drink more water and prevent kidney problems in old age. Some old cats, especially those with dental problems, prefer soft food.

(2) Provide warm broth. Cats like warm food. You can heat canned food, cook broth and minced meat and mix it with cat food for your cat to eat. A large shallow bowl for food can make it easier for your cat to eat.

Because the physiological functions of old cats are aging, supplementing them with fish oil, joint health products, blood tonics, calcium tablets and other nutrients can also slow down aging. Osteoporosis is very common in old cats, so remember to supplement them with calcium, and choose easily digestible milk calcium.

Regular physical examinations are essential

Cats over 7 years old should be taken to the veterinary hospital for regular checkups once a year. Older cats are more susceptible to liver and kidney disease, as well as heart disease. You should also observe your cat's daily condition at home, and if there is any abnormality, take it to the hospital for treatment in time.

For example: loss of appetite, not eating for more than 2 days; significant weight loss; significantly increased or decreased water intake; obviously sleepier than usual; limping when walking; lumps on the body; excretion outside the litter box, difficulty defecating, etc.