Persian Cat Lifespan, Ways to Increase Life Expectancy

Do you have a Persian cat? If so, then at some point, you may wonder how long your little guy will live. Persian cat lifespan varies anywhere from 12 to 18 years.

Persian cats are known for their beauty and their luxurious fur. These cats are very popular among cat lovers. They are a beautiful breed of long-haired cats. These furry friends also have large eyes with heavy eyelids and various colors and patterns. 

They’re well-known as breeds that typically have a longer lifespan than most other breeds. That makes them an excellent choice for people who want a cuddly companion that will last more than just 10 or 15 years.

The short answer is that there isn’t any concrete answer on how old your Persian cat will be when it passes away due to its genetics, what you feed it, etc. But if you’re looking for some general information about the average age of Persian cats, then consider it 13.5 years. However, multiple factors affect their life expectancy; be sure to read the full article for an in-depth answer.

Persian Cat Life Expectancy Factors

I have learned that you can do some key things to help your Persian cat live a long and happy life. One way is to ensure they always get plenty of water, food, exercise, and love! 

Another thing that helps them stay alive longer is being spayed or neutered because it prevents unwanted pregnancies or diseases. However, this does come with risks, such as an increased chance of urinary tract.

No worries! We’ll look closely at the factors that increase the lifespan of the Persian cat.

Persian Cat Life Expectancy Factors

Outdoor/ indoor parenting

Iran-originated cat breed Persian tends to live longer when they are brought up indoors rather than outdoors. They are indeed more prone to diseases when they’re allowed outside. According to the health and medical resource website, WebMD cats who are left outside have an average lifespan of 2-5 years only.

Most Persian cat owners I know keep their cats inside as they are easier to care for. These cute little lazy friends of yours are best suited for an indoor lifestyle. They’re known for pampering themselves with napping, scratching furniture, and lounging in sunny spots, making them happy. It doesn’t mean a Persian can’t have a healthy life outside. The thing is, they require more care than an indoor cat.

Breeding Heritage and Genetic Makeup

Merely by genetics, it is possible for Persian cats to have health issues. The heredity of the cat plays a massive role in life expectancy, living conditions, and other factors that may lead to death. Genetics can also impact the immune system of the Persian cat, which will influence susceptibility to infectious diseases, cancer, and kidney disease. 

The most common hereditary disease in Persian is polycystic kidney disease (PKD), breathing issues, excessive tearing, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).

Preventive breeding is another way to avoid disease and increase the life expectancy of the Persian cat. By selecting mates that are free from genetic abnormalities, it is possible to decrease the frequency of hereditary diseases in offspring. 

Food and Diet

A Persian cat’s overall health is largely dependent on the type of food that it consumes. It isn’t just about meals, but also about snacks. Cats should be given a high-quality diet that includes nutrition and has low amounts of carbohydrates.

The best way to monitor your feline friend’s health is to take note of what they’re eating as well as how much they’re eating. If your cat begins to refuse food or starts losing weight, you should consult with a veterinarian for help.

Water Intake 

Water is an important aspect of everyone’s life, and the Persian cat is no different. They need clean water at all times and must be able to drink from their bowl without difficulty. A clean and sufficient amount of water contributes to good health.

Like another cat breed, the Persian cat drinks the same amount of water. On average, a Persian cat should be drinking 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight to maintain health and hydration levels. 

Eyecare

There are a few common eye diseases that Persian cats can get. The first is cataracts, which cloud the lens in the eye. This can make it difficult for the cat to see clearly. Another common eye disease is glaucoma, which is an increase in pressure within the eye. This can damage the optic nerve and lead to blindness. Lastly, Persian cats can also get conjunctivitis, which is an infection of the lining of the eyelid. This can cause inflammation, discharge, and redness in the eyes. All these are due to the brachycephalic, commonly referred to as ‘flat-faced,’ shaped heads of these cats.

It is important to clean your cat’s eyes daily to prevent any of the above diseases from occurring. You can use a cotton ball or a piece of gauze to clean the eyes, making sure to remove any discharge or debris. If you notice that your cat’s eyes are red, inflamed, or weeping, take them to the veterinarian immediately.

Grooming

Grooming is an important part of a cat’s life and helps to keep them healthy and looking their best. It also has the added benefit of increasing their life span. Grooming not only removes dirt, dead hair, and parasites but also stimulates the cat’s skin and hair follicles, which helps to keep them healthy. In addition, grooming helps to strengthen the bond between the cat and the owner.

General Healthcare

In general, healthcare for Persian cats is important to keep them away from getting sick. Every cat loves being taken care of, and it’s a great way for a cat owner to get a bond with their pet. Often, when cats feel loved and cared for, they start to have more confidence and develop their personality, making them happy and healthy.

General health care includes routine vaccinations, an annual medical examination, dental check-ups, and parasite prevention. It is one of the best ways to decrease the mortality rate, promote better fitness, or increase the life span of your Persian.

Spaying/Neutering

Spaying and neutering cats is an important part of pet ownership. It helps to keep cats healthy and can add years to their life.

Cats that are spayed or neutered are less likely to develop cancer, and they are also less likely to roam the neighborhood in search of a mate, which can often lead to accidents, fights, or contracting diseases.

A study conducted by Dr. Leslie A. Lyons, an epidemiologist from the University of California, Davis, found that spaying and neutering increases a cat’s life expectancy by two to four years. 

Conclusion

It’s hard to put exact numbers on Persian cat lifespan, but different research has hinted at 12-18 years, whereas an average would be 13.5 years.

Similarly, there are different proofs of Persians surviving more than 20 years, whereas some didn’t even make it to their 10th birthday.

Moreover, the factor mentioned above also helps increase the life expectancy of the Persian cat. But as long as your little fellow is happy and healthy, you should enjoy its company and care for it. 

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Esme Watson
Esme Watson

Esme Watson, the founder of Cat Queries, is a passionate cat lover driven by a deep love for felines. Inspired by her own furry companions, Minnie and Mickey, Esme created a platform dedicated to empowering cat owners with comprehensive and reliable information on feline health and behavior.

Cat Queries combines Esme's personal experiences with expert insights, offering a valuable resource that caters to all aspects of cat care. This inclusive approach fosters a welcoming community for cat lovers, making Cat Queries a trusted source for information, support, and guidance. Ultimately, Esme's mission is to enrich the lives of both cats and their human companions through knowledge and understanding.

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