Domestic cats are the most common pet in the world, with an estimated 600 million of them living inside homes across the globe. Cats have been domesticated for roughly 10,000 years, and it’s thought that they were first tamed by the ancient Egyptians. The domestic cat likely evolved from wild cats like the African wildcat and Asian jungle cat.
Today’s domestic cats are descended from at least five subspecies: the European wildcat (Felis sylvestris), the African wildcat (Felis lybica), Asiatic wildcat (F. ornata), Southern African wildcat (F. cafra), and Near Eastern wildcat (F. silvestris lybica). Cat breeds vary greatly in size and shape, with some being very short-legged while others are long-bodied.
Domestic cats are not a species, but rather a subspecies of the wildcat. They are members of the Felidae family and are often known as house cats. For thousands of years people have domesticated these animals to help around the house, hunt vermin and predators, keep rodents at bay, and for companionship.
Cats are small carnivores that belong to the family Felidae. They are the only species in the family that is domesticated. They can live for up to 20 years, depending on their health and environment. Cats that are neutered tend to live longer. Cats can also be troublesome because they get into fights with other cats and can be plagued with fleas.
Neutered cats tend to live longer
According to statistics, neutered domestic cats tend to live longer than non-neutered ones. Spayed or neutered cats have fewer health problems, including cancers and reproductive problems. In addition, spayed or neutered cats are less likely to roam and suffer from dangerous diseases. Some cats live as long as 20 years, depending on their care and lifestyle. Whether you choose a male or a female cat, spaying or neutering is an excellent choice.
One of the most compelling reasons to spay your pet is that he or she will be healthier and live longer. Many cats are at a higher risk of contracting cancer if they are not sterilized, and the chemical processes involved in reproduction can have adverse effects on the health of the cat or dog.
In fact, neutered male cats live 62 percent longer than their unaltered counterparts. Female cats tend to live about 40 percent longer than their unaltered counterparts. The study also found that spayed or neutered female cats live longer than unaltered female cats. Unaltered animals, on the other hand, tend to be more likely to get into fights, have accidents, and be exposed to various infections and diseases.
Another benefit of spaying or neutering cats is that they are less likely to contract certain cancers, such as mammary and ovarian cancer. They also have less risk of catching an infection in the uterus, which can be fatal if left untreated. Additionally, a spayed or neutered cat is less likely to roam, which means less stress for it.
Spayed and neutered cats also tend to be better companions. Spayed cats are less likely to spray territory and less likely to bite. They are also less likely to suffer from uterine infections and can reduce the incidence of breast tumors. Around 90 percent of cats and 50 percent of dogs suffer from breast tumors. The best protection against these problems is to get your cat spayed before they have its first heat.
They can live up to 20 years
A domestic cat’s lifespan is dependent on many factors, including its genetics and health. The average life expectancy of a house cat is between 12 and 14 years, although some breeds can reach 20 years of age or more. Medical care has improved over the years, making it possible for cats to live longer than ever.
Several factors can affect a cat’s lifespan, including nutrition, exercise, mental stimulation, and environmental risks. The best way to maximize your cat’s lifespan is to provide excellent nutrition, plenty of exercises, and proper mental stimulation. Proper veterinary care will help detect underlying health issues before they worsen. With proper care, domestic cats can live as long as 20 years or more.
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine reports that an average house cat lives between 10 and 15 years. Cats living outdoors, however, have a shorter life expectancy of only two to five years. Outdoor cats face a variety of risks and are more susceptible to accidents and diseases. As a result, owners should consider neutering their cats at an early age to protect them from these risks.
The Egyptian Mau Cat is a gorgeous species with characteristic spotted coats. Another rare domestic cat breed, the Nebelung, has long bodies and wide green eyes. The Nebelung is a very calm and gentle animal and lives for 12 to 15 years. Another popular breed is the Japanese Bobtail cat. This breed is active, has a long tail, and can live for fifteen to 18 years.
The average lifespan of an indoor cat is around thirteen to 17 years, but there are many breeds that can live longer. Veterinary care and diet can make a big difference in the length of a cat’s life. Compared to an outdoor cats, indoor cats typically have a more complete diet than their outdoor counterparts.
They can get into fights with other cats
Domestic cats can get into fights with other cat species for a number of reasons. Some fight over territory and objects. Others may become aggressive after an unpleasant event. Cats can be particularly territorial when they sense another cat is intruding on their territory. Some cats may tolerate other cats as long as they are socialized daily. But if you are planning to introduce a new cat, be careful: a fight can break out if the new cat does not get along with the existing cats.
The first step to preventing fights is separating your new cat from your current pets. Using a large dog crate is the best choice if you have multiple cats. One of the cats should stay inside the crate while the other is out of it. Repeat the process for a week or so and alternate the cats. Crate-sharing should last until the cats get along without fighting.
Once the fight has started, the two cats should be separated and kept indoors. If possible, do not approach the fighting cats or try to calm them down by removing their toys. While scratches and superficial cuts are easily seen, bite wounds are often difficult to notice. Cat teeth puncture the skin, leaving deep and narrow holes that contain bacteria. If this happens repeatedly, the cat may be suffering from bite abscesses.
Cats are territorial creatures, and allowing one to fight another can lead to serious injury. It is important to separate your cats’ territories, especially if they share a litter box. Keeping them apart with their litter boxes and food bowls will help prevent any territorial aggression.
Cat fights are heartbreaking, and you need to do something to prevent them from getting out of hand. While you should try to distract the cats with toys and distractions, the problem may get worse if you do not intervene quickly. You can also seek the help of a pet behaviorist if you suspect your cat of being aggressive. The pet behaviorist will help you teach your feline companions to get along without fighting.
Regardless of the reasons behind the fights, it’s important to seek veterinary attention if you suspect your cat is experiencing a medical or psychological problem. A vet can help you identify the cause of your cat’s aggression and suggest a course of action.
They can get fleas
Fleas can be a common problem for your domestic cat. This common parasitic insect attacks cats and dogs. The cat flea is very different from the “dog” flea that has been around for a very long time. If your cat has fleas, it may be time to have a flea treatment.
A flea infestation may not be obvious to you, but your cat may scratch its body to get rid of the fleas. You may notice your cat scratching its neck, back, or base of the tail. You can prevent flea infestation by thoroughly cleaning your home. Keeping your home clean is an important step in keeping your cat and your family safe from fleas.
Fleas can easily sneak into your home on your clothes or pets. They can also jump onto you and cause severe discomfort. Besides itching, fleas can transmit diseases. If your cat scratches excessively, it can cause an infection. You can prevent flea infestations by following an effective flea treatment program.
Fleas are parasitic insects. They live on hosts and feed on blood. If your cat is infected with fleas, it can lead to anemia and severe blood loss. Fleas are also intermediate hosts for one species of tapeworm. Tapeworm eggs are consumed by flea larvae, which develop into adult fleas.
Fleas can infest indoor cats. These insects multiply and feed on the cat’s blood. They also can spread to other pets in your home. These fleas can cause a variety of skin problems. They can cause your cat to scratch itself unnecessarily, and they can spread to other pets.
Flea treatment is a quick and easy solution. Topical treatments such as Frontline and Advantage can kill fleas fast. The medicine can kill fleas for up to three months, and you can repeat the application every few weeks if necessary. However, you must be prepared to spend up to three months cleaning up an infestation.
Fleas are spread by people and pets, so indoor cats can get them from neighbors and other pets. Also, fleas can be carried from used furniture and even moving houses.