We all idolise the basis our kitties walk on , but certainly they are n’t actually mythic beings capable of fantastic feats of survival . Right ?
Cats always land on their foot .
Curiosity killed the cat .
Photo: Jamie Grill / Getty
Cats have nine lives .
A lot can be state about a pussycat ’s lifespan , but these musing are reasonably contradictory . Most quat possessor have likely found their feline friends in a compromising position miraculously come out on top through masterful contortions . But sometimes mischief chair a curious pussy to get in over their head — is there a veteran cat owner out there who has n’t accidentally splish - splashed with Fluffy in the full bathtub when she ineluctably falls in ? Of of course , it ’s preferred to believe our feline sidekicks can reverberate back from anything , but is that really the case ?
Do CatsActuallyHave Nine Lives?
While no self - respecting cat would let in it , they are much like us mere mortal humans with only one biography to experience . Even worse for their pride , a long , well-chosen life is often dependent on human interference .
" Just like with hoi polloi , true cat who live a salubrious lifestyle and have access to medical guardianship have a greater hazard of living a longer , healthy , and happier life , " aver Michelle Lugones , DVM , a staff veterinary atBest Friends Animal Societyin N.Y.
Still , it ’s fun to think our cats will stick around for a while , and the nine lives myth certainly has a estimable seniority of its own , go out back to ancient Egypt .
How Did the Myth Start?
The exact parentage story of cats and their nine life history is unknown but is call back to halt from Egyptian goddess Bastet , who could tack between the soundbox of a cat-o'-nine-tails and human , implying she had multiple lifetime , Lugones sound out . bozo were highly sought after in ancient Egypt , revered for their double nature , graceful and gentle , while also fierce and imperil to their prey , according to theAmerican Research Center in Egypt . Many Egyptian gods shared these same traits and were depicted as felines .
However , other culture conceive kat to have six or seven life , rather than the nine unremarkably remarked on . With so much chatter surrounding cats ' supposed invincibility , there issometruth to a cat ’s preternatural ability to " always land on their foot , " if you will .
Cat Survival Instincts Explained
" Genetically speaking , there ’s not much divergence between our pet cats and wild cats , " Lugones says . " They have retained a lot of their wild characteristics and natural endurance instincts such as their ability to stalk , William Holman Hunt , and swoop their prey , whether it be pocket-sized animals outside , or toy dog that we have for them inside our habitation . "
Another of these instincts , known as the " righting physiological reaction , " excuse why many feline find themselves foot first after a decline . They are able to rectify their eubstance instinctively to land on their paws , so only their pridefulness is wounded . But depending on the stiffness of the fall , kitty-cat may not always be able to put her salutary foot frontward , and serious harm are possible . The righting reflex is an inherent aptitude only , and kitty are still susceptible to the danger around them .
How Long Do Cats Live on Average?
Typically , entirely indoor big cat hold out 12–15 years on average , while out-of-door cats live 2–5 twelvemonth . Indoor guy are protect from component of the outdoor populace that often abridge anoutdoor cat ’s lifespan , such as disease , being hit by a vehicle , consume poisonous substance , or fending off predators . However , genetic science , wellness , and admittance to veterinary care all come into dramatic play .
Guinness World Recordslists beloved Creme Puff of Texas as the oldest cat to ever live , passing by in 2005 at 38 years old . To give some perspective , a 1 - year - honest-to-god Caterpillar is tantamount to a 15 - year - sure-enough homo , a 2 - year - erstwhile qat mirror a 25 - year - old homo , and from then on , every class a cat lives is equivalent to four human year — i.e. , a 10 - class - honest-to-goodness big cat is 57 in human years . Most veterinarians begin designatingcats as seniorswhen they turn over 10 class honest-to-god . Crème Puff was what legends are made of .
So , how can you give your felid a fighting chance to conquer old age ? Lugones has a few tips .
Three Ways to Help Your Cat Live a Long, Happy Life
1. Environmental stimulation
toy , nutrient ( a healthy diet goes a long way ! ) , puzzler , cat Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , andscratching postsare just a few ways to enrich a cat ’s lifespan , provide ample opportunity for mental and physical physical exercise , while preventing emphasis and boredom .
2. “Cat-proof” your home
" ensure theplants and flowersin your homearen’t toxic to cats , that electrical cord are covered so they ca n’t be chew , and that small items like hair bands , needles , cosmic string , and newspaper publisher clips are out of reach so your cat ca n’t unexpectedly swallow up them and need a trip to the emergency elbow room , " Lugones says . Keeptoxic foodsandmedicationsout of reach as well .
3. Yearly vet visits
As soon as you dramatize a new cat , you should enter them to the family veterinarian to become familiar with their penury . As much as your cat might dissent , preventative aid through yearly examinationsensures any health headache are addressed early on .
Fluffy might only have one life story , but you could help her live it to the fullest .
