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Our understanding of veterinary medicine and science is advancing further than ever before, and with that comes the ability to extend our cat’s lifespans and improve their quality of life. The lifespan of any cat can depend on uncontrollable factors, such as breed and genetic history. However, many controllable factors, such as lifestyle and diet, may influence your cat’s lifespan. You can expect a tortoiseshell cat to live up to 12-14 years. To learn more about the Tortoiseshell cat’s lifespan, keep reading below.
What’s the Average Lifespan of a Tortoiseshell Cat?
On average, Tortoiseshell cats live anywhere from 12–14 years. Still, several influencing factors could cause your Tortoiseshell cat to have a longer-than-average lifespan.
The 7 Reasons Why Tortoiseshell Cats Live Longer Than Other Cat Breeds
1. Nutrition
Your Tortoiseshell cat’s diet significantly contributes to the length of your cat’s lifespan, and it is one that you can control. A high-quality, balanced diet will likely lead to your cat living a longer, healthier life. On the other hand, a poor or imbalanced diet can lead to health complications.
2. Environment and Conditions
The cleanliness of your cat’s environment and conditions can contribute to a longer, happier life. If your Tortoiseshell cat lives in a clean, well-kept environment, it is less likely to develop infestations or infections that can negatively impact its health.
3. Living Space
Whether your Tortoiseshell cat lives indoors or outdoors can also have varying impacts on its lifespan. Indoor cats may be more prone to obesity, whereas outdoor cats are at a higher risk of developing infections or suffering attacks from animals.
4. Sex
The sex of your Tortoiseshell cat can play a huge role in determining lifespan. Most Tortoiseshell cats are female, but if yours is male, there is a chance he may have Klinefelter Syndrome1.
5. Genes
The genetic history of your Tortoiseshell cat can impact her lifespan. If there is a history of health issues in her lineage, then the chances of her developing those same issues may increase.
6. Breeding History
Your Tortoiseshell cat’s breeding history can determine her lifespan. If you received your Tortoiseshell cat from a reputable, responsible breeder, the chances that your cat will develop genetic conditions would decrease.
7. Healthcare
Tortoiseshell cats that are given proper healthcare and are taken to regular check-ups have a better chance of living long and happy lives. On the other hand, if a Tortoiseshell cat is neglected the healthcare that she needs, her chances of living a longer life decrease.
The 4 Life Stages of a Tortoiseshell Cat
1. Kitten
A Tortoiseshell will be in the kitten stage from birth to 1 year of age. Kittens tend to be active, playful, and curious but may also be susceptible to illnesses and infections. While your Tortoiseshell cat is still a kitten, take the time to socialize her and help her grow accustomed to new experiences.
2. Young Adult
After your Tortoiseshell cat reaches her first birthday, she will officially be a young adult. She will stay in this stage of life until she is 6 years old. During this life stage, consider sterilizing your Tortoiseshell cat to prevent her from trying to escape.
3. Mature AdultÂ
Between 7 and 10 years, your Tortoiseshell cat will be a mature adult. You may notice that she is less playful and active than she used to be, so extra weight gain will be something to watch out for.
4. Senior
Once your Tortoiseshell cat surpasses 10 years of age, she is officially a senior. Her activity will decrease even more, and she will begin to sleep more. You may also notice an increase in health issues. To keep your elderly Tortoiseshell cat healthy and happy, increase your regular vet visits to stay vigilant against health issues.
How to Tell Your Tortoiseshell Cat’s Age
There are many ways to determine the general age of your Tortoiseshell cat, although it may require a visit to the vet to determine a more specific age. One way you can determine your cat’s age on your own is to observe her grooming habits. If your Tortoiseshell cat is grooming herself less frequently than usual, it could be due to arthritis or dental issues, which could indicate that she is growing older.
If you take your cat to the vet, your vet can examine her teeth to determine her age. If your Tortoiseshell cat still has kitten teeth, your vet will be able to pinpoint how young she is. If your Tortoiseshell cat is an adult, your vet can examine the wear and tear on her teeth to estimate her age.
Cloudiness of the eyes may be another way your vet can determine your cat’s age. As your Tortoiseshell cat grows older, the lens of her eye will grow denser. If your cat is a senior, the lens may be thick enough to appear slightly cloudy. Another ocular change that may occur as your cat ages is in the iris. The iris (the colorful portion of the eye) may become somewhat wavy over time.
Conclusion
Tortoiseshell cats are relatively healthy cats that have the potential to live for a long time. Although certain factors contributing to your cat’s lifespan are out of your control, there are some that you can take charge of, such as healthcare, nutrition, and the environment. As your Tortoiseshell cat grows older, be sure to cater to the needs of whatever life stage she is in. By doing so, you will be able to help her have a long, happy life.
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Featured Image Credit: Pixabay, Pexels
