Is your cat getting up there in years? Nobody wants to think that their fur baby won't be around forever, but knowing your pet's life expectancy is important. Read on for more pet care tips from TAG24!

It's painful to think about the fact that the family pet won't always be there. But in order to ensure that your beloved feline companion is able to enjoy many long years in your home, there are a few things cat owners can do to keep them as healthy and active as possible.

While a cat from Austin, Texas named Creme Puff did break world records and live to be 38 years old, this stately age is far beyond what the average cat will reach – all nine lives considered.

Most people don't realize that after just one year, cats are already in their teens. And by the age of 12, cats are basically senior citizens, with all of the accompanying struggles.

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Elderly cats are just like humans. When they enter their later years, their sight declines, and you might find they are unable to handle dry foods as well due to weaker teeth. Their fur will also pale and lose its shine.

How old do cats become on average?

Cats live on average 15 to 20 years, and are able to enjoy longer lifespans when they spend more time living indoors. Compared to feral cats which live just one to five years, domestic cats aren't exposed to the same dangers, such as roadways, animal attacks, or hunger.

A dog's lifespan, by the way, very much depends on the breed, but they tend to have shorter lifespans on average. Pooch live to be about 10 to 15 years old on average.

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How can make the best life for my cat?

Getting your cat neutered or spayed will decrease the risk of many types of cancer, as well as limit their desire to wander off in search of a mate. Offering your furry friend quality food and plenty of water is also vital. Many pet owners don't realize that some cheaper dry foods can cause increased insulin production, and can cause early-onset feline diabetes.

And how old do cats get in human years?

Assuming a life expectancy of 20 years, a cat would live to be 95 years old. If your floofy friend does get to that kind of age, there are some special things you'll have to consider when caring for your elderly cat.

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Your cat's life expectancy is also affected by genetics and breed. Mixed-breed cats tend to not struggle with the same genetic problems as pure-breeds, and they live longer statistically. This has to do with wider gene-pools and that some unregulated breeding programs accidentally breed genetic defects into new batches of kittens.

Here's a few other tips to help your cat live through all its nine lives:

• a healthy diet, without overdoing treats
• regular coat care, especially to treat matting and to prevent hairballs
• keeping your kitty active with daily play time and toys available for their entertainment
• regular check-ups at the vet, in order to be able to recognize and treat illnesses at an early stage