From 9 To 12 Lives Of The 21st Century Cat Reprinted with Express Permission from Masterfoods. www.whiskas.co.uk With the many recent advances in cat care, nutrition and veterinary expertise cats are living longer healthier lives and they do not just have the nine lives that tradition states, but can now enjoy up to 12 lives. Twenty-first century cats are enjoying high-quality meals that are packed full of energy and nutrients to help maintain strong, healthy bones and teeth, a shiny coat and high levels of energy to feel enable them to feel young at heart well into senior ages of eight and above. Owners are now seeing their senior cats enjoying similar lifestyles to that of a young adult cat with their golden oldies climbing trees, hunting and getting into all sorts of moggy mischief! Abigail Stevenson of the Waltham Centre comments, "Cats are now living far longer than they used to and it is not unusual to hear of cats approaching astounding ages of more than 20 years, primarily because of improved diets and veterinary services." Research has shown that the average age of a cat in Britain is currently seven and a half years, with over 25 percent of cats being between four and seven years old (see graph below). The UK Feline Population - Average age (years): 7.54  Cats are now living longer, healthier lives thanks to improved feline care and nutrition. Extensive research by Whiskas show that 57% of cats are living to ripe old ages of 12 years or more - that is '61' in human years. UK Cat Mortality:  Through extensive research into cat palatability, digestion and behaviour, the experts at Whiskas have created a senior range for cats aged eight years and above, that provides older cats with all the essential nutrients, energy and levels of digestibility that helps cats to live to astounding ages. A great example is Whisky, Britain's oldest cat, who at a record-breaking old age of 34 is enjoying a good quality of life on a balanced daily diet of Whiskas Senior Rabbit. Sue Parslow, editor of Your Cat Magazine, comments, "Just as with humans, the foundation stones for a long and healthy life are laid down at an early age. A healthy diet and regular preventative healthcare will pay dividends in the long-term." |
