Average Life Span of a Persian Cat

The question on the mind of every intending cat parent or cat owner is the question of a cat’s life expectancy. We all want to know how long our dearly beloved cats can live with us, and this is a normal feeling not peculiar to you alone.

Although it is nearly impossible to know the exact days your cat will live, some breeds of cats have proven to live longer than others. Being equipped with this knowledge will help you have an idea of how long your cat will live.

Generally, a cat’s lifespan depends on several factors such as; lifestyle, environment, hereditary illness, and diets. Persian cats are a wonderful and beautiful breed of cat with an average lifespan of about 18 years. Are you already a Persian cat parent? Then consider yourself lucky because Persian cats’ endearing personality brings lots of joy and pleasure into our lives.

This post will show you some interesting facts about Persian cats that will help answer Persian cats’ life expectancy questions. Be sure to read to the end.

The Average Lifespan of Cats in General

Cats being domesticated from wild cats for the sole aim of controlling the population of rodents are now being kept as pets for many centuries. Cats tend to live for a very long time, so they usually outlive other animals being used as pets. On average, the lifespan of a cat is about 15 years. This has made them be labeled as having nine lives. But do they have nine lives?

Many factors are responsible for how long your cat would live. Usually, the cat breed is an important factor in their lifespan. Some domestic cats can live to 20 years depending on the environment, diet, lifestyle, and health conditions. Although you may not know precisely how long your cat would live, some breeds such as Burmese and Ragdoll have proven to outlive other species. Some cats have lived beyond 20 years, and a few have even reached 30 years. This has made the average lifespan of a cat to be pegged around 15 to 18 years.

Average Lifespan of a Persian Cat

With their loving round flat faces and fluffy, luxurious coats, Persian cats are a wonderful cat breed. Their endearing personality makes them super friendly and pleasant. So if you own one, consider yourself a lucky cat parent.

The average lifespan of a Persian cat is between 12 to 18 years, with a median of 14 years. However, there have been some uncommon situations where a Persian cat lived up to 20 years and others die before their 8th birthday.
Persian cats are usually pure breeds; thus, they require special care and are mostly kept as indoor cats.

A lot of factors play significant roles in the lifespan of a Persian cat. These factors include; Environment, diet, supplements, lifestyle, and hereditary illness.

Because Persian cats are pure breeds, they are prone to more hereditary diseases, which affects their life expectancy. This genetic health issue is what affects their life span the most. Mixed cat breeds live longer because of their genetic make-up, which prevents and protects them from hereditary diseases.

It is also important to note that if your Persian cat has a smaller nose and is more flat-faced, it is highly vulnerable to colds and allergies.

Health Challenges of a Persian Cat

Persian cats, although very beautiful and lovely, are faced with a lot of health challenges. Many illnesses affect a Persian cat, but chief amongst all is her genetic makeup.

Persian cats require special attention and more care as they grow older. As cute as they are, they usually and quickly develop health problems attributed to their facial structure, coat, and appearance.

Some of the health challenges that usually affects a Persian cat are;
Eye diseases such as glaucoma and eye conditions such as congenital ankyloblepharon (inherited abnormality). Sometimes they suffer blindness.
Breathing difficulties due to condensed nostrils from a flat face.
Obesity
Kidney disease
Diabetes
Parasites such as ringworm usually cause fungal infections.
Heat sensitivity due to haircoat disorders.
These and other health issues are the challenges faced by a Persian cat. However, these genetic diseases can be diagnosed through early testing and treated before they threaten the life of your cat.

Other factors that affect the lifespan of a Persian cat.

As mentioned earlier, some factors determine the lifespan of a Persian cat. Good knowledge of these factors will help you improve the lifespan of your Persian cat. Let’s look at these factors closely.
Environment (Indoors or outdoors)
The environment in which your Persian cat is kept is a significant determinant of their life expectancy. Outdoor Persian cats usually have a low lifespan compared to indoor Persian cats. According to research, it is noted that an outdoor cat is more exposed to dangers, and so their lifespan is between 2-5 years old. Persian cats are better suited as indoor cats because it is easier to monitor and give them special care when indoors rather than outdoor.
Diet
The diet of any living organism is of great importance as it plays a vital role in that organism’s general well-being. The diet of your Persian cat is an excellent determinant of her life expectancy. Feeding them with a well-balanced diet will ensure they have all the vitamins and minerals needed to keep them vitalized and healthy. Hence increasing their lifespan.
Eye Care
Persian cats are prone to suffer from many eye conditions. Although this eye condition does not directly affect the cats’ lifespan, it may compound when not taken care of and eventually result in your Persian cat’s short life.
Neutering
This is a very controversial subject matter that produces mixed reactions from various quarters. But research has shown that neutering your Persian cat gives it a longer lifespan. This is because spayed cats are safe from ovarian and testicular cancer, which are often prevalent in cats that are not neutered.
General healthcare
Always keeping your Persian cat in good condition will ensure an extended and healthy life. You should always be concerned about the general health of your Persian cat. Clean their teeth, eyes, nails and Always groom them. Vaccinate them also because vaccination will ensure their protection from all potential diseases.
Tips for improving the lifespan of your Persian cat
Persian cats generally require a lot of care and maintenance. Nevertheless, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure your Persian cat is healthy, more lively, and a happy cat that will live to old age. Some of these steps are;

Intense, proper, and regular grooming such as facial cleansing, brushing, trimming, and bathing.
You are feeding your Persian cat with nutritious, high-quality foods that are free from additives and artificial ingredients.
Always keep your Persian cat indoors as they are not well equipped for the dangers that exist outdoors.
Regular vaccinations to fight off and prevent them from infections
Regular medical checkups. This helps in the detection and cure of disorders that may cause death.
Your Persian cat’s teeth should be kept clean at all times by brushing or providing them with dry food to help prevent periodontal diseases and other oral infections.
Always use a wet, warm and soft cloth to clean the nose of your Persian cat regularly. This helps prevent respiratory infections.
You should avoid overfeeding your Persian cat, which could lead to obesity and eventually result in diabetes and death.
The highest recorded cause of death in Persian cats is kidney disease. Therefore be on the lookout for symptoms such as excessive thirst, low energy level, increased urination, and nausea. If any of these symptoms are seen in your Persian cat, consult your vet doctor immediately.
Always provide a clean, healthy, and safe environment for your Persian cat to live in. Because they are prone to much respiratory illness, make sure their environment is free from dust and other inhalants that may cause them to breathe.

Persian cats are amiable; they always look quiet and calm. They also love to cuddle and can be your best friend if you are a cat lover. However, their genetic make-up makes them susceptible and very prone to various forms of illness, which tends to shorten their lifespan compared to other breeds of cats.

Lastly
The average lifespan of a Persian cat ultimately depends on various factors, as mentioned earlier—factors such as; sex, diet, health issues, quality of lifestyle, and hereditary illnesses.

However, from the various studies carried out on the Persian cat, it is safe to conclude that a Persian cat’s average life span is between 12-17 years, with a more specific average of the period; 14 years.