How many cats die from old age? - briefly
Most domestic cats that die naturally succumb to age-related illnesses, with a significant proportion passing away due to old age, though exact statistics vary based on care and environment.
How many cats die from old age? - in detail
Determining the exact number of cats that die from old age is challenging due to the lack of comprehensive global data on feline mortality. Cats, like all living beings, experience a natural aging process, and many do die from age-related causes, provided they are not affected by accidents, diseases, or other external factors. On average, domestic cats have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, though some can live into their late teens or even early twenties with proper care. As cats age, they become more susceptible to conditions such as kidney disease, heart failure, arthritis, and cancer, which are often the direct or indirect causes of death in older cats. In households where cats are well cared for, receive regular veterinary checkups, and are kept indoors, the likelihood of dying from old age increases significantly. However, in feral or stray cat populations, the chances of reaching old age are much lower due to environmental hazards, lack of medical care, and malnutrition. While precise statistics are unavailable, it is reasonable to estimate that a substantial portion of domestic cats that live in safe environments ultimately die from age-related causes. The exact number, however, remains difficult to quantify due to variations in living conditions, access to veterinary care, and individual health factors.