Diet, exercise, and genetic conditions all have an effect on a cat’s general health and lifespan. The length of a cat’s life is unaffected by its coat color or patterns, such as tabby stripes.
You should continue to enjoy your tabby cat’s company for 12 to 18 years, maybe longer, if she is well and stays indoors. If she’s an outside cat, the time could be significantly reduced.
Cats that possess tabby markings are likely to have the same average lifespan as any other normal cat has, which is around 10 to 16 years. Whereas some breeds can live longer than others, markings do not have any significant impact on the lifespan of the cat.
To begin with, tabby is a phrase used to denote a certain type of color that domestic cats may have. The color of a cat’s fur has nothing to do with its life expectancy; it’s all about the human.
And I hope you will discover that cat varieties do not. An animal, like us people, is a cat. We can’t guess how long cats will live because they are special.
Discover the Secrets to a Happy Cat!
Discover the secrets to creating a happy and healthy daily routine for your feline friend. From playtime to mealtime, sleep to grooming, our expert guide will show you how to make every day a purrfect day for your cat.
Give Your Cat the Perfect Day – Get the Ebook!
Free e-book for a HAPPIER Cat!
Lifespan Of Tabby Cats
To clear it up, Tabby isn’t a breed. Tabby is a design. While certain cat breeds do not resemble tabbies, they do carry the “tabby” gene.
Tabby refers to the cat’s body style of stripes, spots, and swirls, as well as the characteristic “M” on the cat’s forehead. Many of these are descended from domestic cats’ wild ancestors.
Cats with tabby markings and patterns have the same estimated lifetime as any other cat breed – 14 to 16 years.
Although some breeds survive longer than others, tabby marks have no bearing on a cat’s life expectancy.
Female cats live longer than male cats, according to studies; but, unlike tortoiseshell cats, tabbies may be either male or female.
Find out more details: Do Female Cats Live Longer Than Male Cats?
The amount of healthy food, exercise, and treatment that cats need, much like humans, determines their remarkably long life span.
The more they live, the more you feed and care for them. Otherwise, even though they are not exposed to outdoor cats’ mortality causes, they will live shorter lives.
This is because, if they are not properly cared for, they will experience heart conditions such as heart disease, asthma, diabetes, and even leukemia if they are not properly cared for.
These illnesses are the leading causes of indoor cats living shorter lives. We cannot stress enough how dangerous it is for cats to be allowed to wander freely outdoors.
Sure, it’ll be a fun way to get more exercise, but it’ll probably do more harm than good.
Speeding cars, dogs, and viruses from other feral animals are also threats to outdoor cats. This means that cats that are kept indoors live longer.
Lifespan Of General Cats
Domestic cats have a life expectancy of 14 to 16 years on average. This is assuming they don’t leave the house.
Because of the dangers they face as they go outside, cats that have access to the outside and are free to roam have a shorter lifespan.
They could be struck by a vehicle, attacked by other creatures, or afflicted with leukemia or other lethal diseases.
Because of the care and security, they get from their owners, indoor cats live twice as long as outdoor cats.
There are also cats that live to be 20 years old.
Crème Puff was the world’s longest-living cat, according to The Guinness Book of World Records. Crème Puff was born in 1967 and died three days after turning 38 in Austin, Texas.
Also, check out why are orange tabby cats so affectionate
Factors That Influence The Lifespan Of A Tabby Cat
Tabby cats will live for up to 20 years, depending on a variety of conditions. The following are some of the most important factors that influence a tabby cat’s survival and lifespan:
1. Your Tabby Cat’s Breed And Genetics
Burmese, Siamese, Savannah, and British Shorthair tabby cats have longer lifespans than most tabby cat breeds.
These cats are much healthier and have fewer health problems. Burmese tabbies, for example, have a lifetime of 18 to 25 years.
Unfortunately, certain cats have shorter lifespans, such as the Selkirk Rex and Manx tabbies, who only survive for eight to fourteen years on average.
Many factors affect cat longevity, but certain genes are recessive in some species or have been engineered by selective breeding to develop or dilute distinct traits.
Colour and pattern are two genes that can mutate and show unexpected results because even a pure black cat can be a tabby with the pattern contained within the color.
On a black cat sitting in bright light, such underlying tabby marks are often seen.
Must Read: Do Outdoor Cats Live Longer?
2. Spending Much Of Its Time Indoors But Also Ventures Outside
Since she is healthy inside your house, an indoor cat has a greater chance of surviving for 20 years or more.
Cats that spend much of their time indoors, or even those who live with pet owners but are allowed to go outside unsupervised, live much shorter lives on average.
This is because their lives are often disrupted by racing vehicles, dogs, or battles with wild cats.
Try to keep the tabby cats indoors as much as possible to guarantee that they enjoy a long and comfortable life.
A little fun excitement now and then won’t hurt, as long as your pets have access to a safe cat enclosure or catio.
3. Food And Proper Treatment
If your tabby cat is getting balanced meals and adequate physical and emotional treatment, this is a vital consideration that decides her lifespan.
You must serve your pet foods that have been accepted and recommended by your veterinarian. Don’t overfeed her with sweets to avoid spoiling her. You should still have clean water on hand.
You can also ensure that your pet receives her shots and has routine check-ups from your veterinarian, including dental examinations. Installing a cat tree or cat perch will encourage your tabby to be more involved.
Tabby cats are still very intelligent, so it’s important to spend a lot of time playing with her and using engaging toys to mentally challenge her.
Keep poisonous household things out of the control of your pet cat. Most significantly, showing your pet your time and energy would help them.
You might also like to check out how big tabby cats get
4. Dieting And Proper Exercise
Most cats, including tabby cats, live for 15 to 20 years, with some living much longer. Diet and exercise have a huge effect on longevity, just as they do in humans and other animals.
A cat that drinks too much, has a nutritionally deficient diet, or does not get enough exercise is at risk for health conditions such as heart disease, asthma, and diabetes, both of which can lead to early death.
Give your cat the longest life possible based on his biology by feeding him a safe, veterinarian-recommended diet and making sure he gets lots of indoor exercise even though you can’t be there.
Interesting Read: Do Indoor Cats Live Longer?
What Is The Best Way To Keep Tabby Kittens Healthy?
Sickness and infections can affect any kitten. They should be with their mother before they are 12 to 14 weeks old at the very least.
They become more sociable and emotionally secure as they enter this level, allowing them to cope with and succeed in a new world.
If you want to adopt a tabby kitten, be sure to spay or neuter it and send it to the doctor for the requisite vaccines, which begin at the age of six weeks.
When your tabby kitten is about four to five weeks old, eventually introduce solid food to your tabby kitten by providing tiny amounts of tasty, protein-rich food.
Be sure to mash your kitten’s food and mix it with milk or water to make it feel of a broth consistency, and gradually adapt until your pet is accustomed to solid cat food, just as you would with baby food.
Tabby adult cats, like tabby kittens, need special care and treatment to remain safe and live to be 20 years old or more. Be sure you take the tabby to the veterinarian for routine check-ups and vaccines.
You might also like to read about are orange cats always male
Stop feeding your tabby human or dog food to make sure she has a well-balanced diet designed for animals.
There’s a wide variety of cat wet food on the market these days to keep your cat’s mealtimes as tasty as ever, just make sure it’s grain-free and made with meat to meet her protein needs.
Overfeeding the tabby will lead to obesity, which can lead to serious problems like diabetes.
Grooming and hygiene should always be followed, and comb the fur on a regular basis to prevent matted fur, particularly if your tabby has a long coat.
Wash your tabby’s teeth at least once a week, but if she despises it, a simple rub with a damp cloth will suffice.
Nonetheless, provide the tabby with engaging games such as a cat perch and treats such as treat balls and fishing pole teasers to keep her busy and amused.
Schedule at least 15 minutes of playtime with your tabby twice a day to keep your pet involved and establish a healthy relationship with you.
You might also like to know more about tabby cat personality
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age do tabby cats die?
Although an indoor cat’s life expectancy ranges from 13 to 17 years, some live much shorter lives while others live well into their 20s. Crème Puff, one of the cats, lived to be 38 years old!
Do tabby cats have health problems?
Tabby cat well-being varies depending on the breed, but most cats survive for up to 15 years. Hyperthyroidism, dehydration, urinary problems, sore stomach, and weight loss are the most common health issues recorded by ASPCA Pet Health Insurance pet parents of Tabby cats.
Do tabby cats live longer than normal cats?
Most cats, including tabby cats, live for 15 to 20 years, with some living much longer. Diet and exercise have a huge effect on longevity, just as they do in humans and other animals.
What is the average lifespan of a tabby?
If you have a tabby, you are one lucky pet parent because tabbies are known for being affectionate, intellectual, and sweet. They also have a long life expectancy of 12 to 20 years, particularly if well-cared-for.
Final Words
Proper treatment and diet are the keys to a healthy life for any animal, Tabby or not. As they move through and stage of life, ensure that they are receiving the same degree of treatment.
Regular check-ups, a healthy diet, vaccines, and regular exercise are all essential for them to live longer.
If you have a tabby, you are one lucky pet parent because tabbies are known for being affectionate, intellectual, and sweet. They also have a 12- to 20-year lifetime, particularly if they are well-cared-for.
A tabby will thrive and live a full and happy life if she receives tender loving care, affection, and proper nutritional support from you.
While their survival is dictated by the breed and whether they have been mainly indoors or outdoors, a tabby will survive and live a full and happy life if she receives tender loving care, attention, and proper nutritional support from you.
Now, it’s time to show some love by commenting on your thoughts in the comments section below and also share this article to the maximum!
You might also like to read about Do Black Cats Live Longer? Myth or Fact?
IS YOUR ROUTINE STRESSING YOUR CAT?
We’ve developed a step-by-step guide to creating a stress-free schedule that brings out your cat’s best.
DOWNLOAD THE FREE GUIDE TODAY.
Need assistance? Ask a Veterinarian Now
Abigail Clarke
Writer, Author & Mommy of 3 furr babies
Writer and Mommy of 3 furr babies:
Simba, Snowball and Oreo: My 3 musKITTYeers!
Author of Book: Secrets To Keep Your Cat Healthy
Find out more about my story
FAQs
How Long Do Tabby Cats Live? Know About Tabby Cat Lifespan? ›
Tabby cats are popular felines, so how long do tabby cats live? The average life expectancy of a tabby cat is between 12 and 15 years, but some can live until they are 18 or older.
Do tabby cats live longer? ›On average, tabby cats live between 12-18 years. This is relatively long when compared to outdoor cats. Cats that live out on the streets have been known to survive for 2-5 years at best.
What is the lifespan of a tabby cat? ›The health of Tabby cats can vary depending on their breed, but their average life expectancy can be upward of 15 years. The most common health conditions reported by ASPCA Pet Health Insurance pet parents with Tabby cats are hyperthyroidism, vomiting, urinary trouble, upset stomach, and weight loss.
What are the 4 types of tabby cats? ›There are actually four basic tabby cat coat patterns: mackerel, ticked, spotted, and classic, which is also referred to as marbled. The mackerel pattern is the most commonly occurring one, and is the pattern most people think of when they think of tabby cats.
What do tabby cats need to survive? ›Cats are carnivores, so you'll need to feed them a diet that's packed with meat. To keep them out of mischief, tabby cats need daily exercise and toys to play with. You can keep your pet safe by keeping them indoors and taking them for regular vet checks. Tabbies are low maintenance, but some grooming is required.
Is 14 old for a tabby cat? ›Tabby cats are popular felines, so how long do tabby cats live? The average life expectancy of a tabby cat is between 12 and 15 years, but some can live until they are 18 or older.
How old is the oldest tabby cat? ›Creme Puff (38 years and 3 days)
Guinness World Records lists Creme Puff, a tabby mix, as the oldest cat ever to live.
Tabbies Are Affectionate and Intelligent
These unique creatures are incredibly affectionate and intelligent. They love cuddles and a whole lot of attention. However, tabbies can get pretty cranky if they don't get their way; since as a rule they are very bright, they usually end up getting what they want.
Cats sleep an average of 15 hours per day. However, they can sleep as much as 20 hours within a 24-hour period. In general, cats do the majority of their sleeping during the day, since they are most active overnight. If you've wondered why that is, the answer lies in their physiology.
How often do tabby cats sleep? ›On average, throughout a 24-hour period, cats sleep for about 79 out of every 104 minutes. Unlike humans, who tend to sleep in one long time period at night, cats have a polyphasic sleep schedule that is marked by multiple shorter bouts of sleep across both day and night.
What is the rarest tabby cat color? ›
Rosette Pattern. The rosette pattern is also known as the spotted tabby pattern, and it is determined by the agouti gene. This is a rarer variant of the pattern, and it is commonly observed among Bengals, Serengetis, Egyptian Maus, Arabian Maus, Maine Coons and other breeds.
Is tabby a rare breed? ›The tabby pattern is found in many official cat breeds and is a hallmark of the landrace extremely common among the general population of cats around the world.
What is a ghost tabby? ›A ghost tabby is a genetically solid (aka not tabby) smoke cat who still shows faint tabby markings. Ghost tabby may also apply to young kittens, who often show ghost markings when they're younger even though they aren't smoke.
How long can you leave a tabby cat alone? ›Many cats will be fine on their own for up to two days. However, you need to ensure they have access to fresh food and water. For a one-day trip, filling up their food and water before you leave should be sufficient. But for anything longer, you'll probably want an automatic feeder and waterer.
What food is best for tabby cats? ›Canned and raw foods, as well as kibbles with a low grain content, are all good options for your cat's diet. Use interactive cat toys to encourage your cat to play. If your cat is always sleeping, cuddling, or gazing out the window, they likely aren't burning the amount of calories they are eating each day.
What do tabby cats drink? ›Give your tabby plenty of clean and freshwater.
If the water your furry friend drinks is stale or smells bad, it can make the cat sick. Oppositely, the cat might also avoid drinking it and become dehydrated. Just make sure to change the water regularly and your feline will be fine.
Burmese. The official record of the oldest living cat holder is a 35-year-old Burmese cat. Of course, most Burmese cats don't live that long. The average lifespan of Burmese cats is 18 to 25 years and that is certainly much longer than most cats.
How big can a tabby cat get? ›Depending on the breed, these cats can grow up to 16 inches in height and weigh around 18lbs. However, on average a tabby cat will grow to around 9-10 inches and weigh roughly 10lbs. If you're planning on bringing a tabby into your life, educate yourself first on how big that particular breed can grow.
Is a 20 year old cat rare? ›Cats usually live longer than most dogs and it is no longer unusual for them to live until 20 years of age or beyond. How long an individual cat will live depends on many factors such as genetics, whether kept indoors or not, type of diet and of course the appropriate veterinary care he/she receives.
How old is really old for a cat? ›In recent years, feline ages and life-stages have been redefined, cats are considered to be elderly once they reach 11 years with senior cats defined as those aged between 11-14 years and super-senior cats 15 years and upwards.
What's the oldest indoor cat? ›
The Guinness Book of World grants that honor to a Maine Coon named Creme Puff. She was born in 1967 and died in 2005, surviving to the ripe old age of 38. Creme Puff reportedly enjoyed bacon, eggs, and asparagus every morning along with an eye dropper of red wine every other day.
Can a cat live 30 years? ›The average lifespan for a pet cat is probably around 13 to 14 years. However, although their lifespan varies, a well cared for cat may commonly live to 15 or beyond, some make it to 18 or 20 and a few extraordinary felines even pass 25 or 30 years of age.
Do tabby cats pick one person? ›Cats tend to favor one person over others even if they were well-socialized as kittens. Cats are expert communicators and gravitate towards people that they communicate well with. Look for communication cues from your cat, such as your cat approaching you in search of food or petting.
Do cats know their names? ›According to a study1 published in 2019 in the journal Scientific Reports, cats do, in fact, recognize their own names. The lead author of the study is a behavioral scientist named Atsuko Saito from Sophia University in Tokyo, whose prior research2 demonstrated that cats can recognize their owners' voices.
Why do tabby cats meow so much? ›Cats may meow excessively when they are in pain, or when they have neurological problems or sensory deficits such as hearing or vision loss or cognitive dysfunction. Anxiety, aggression, frustration and other behavioral problems can also cause cats to vocalize repeatedly.
Do cats get sad when you leave? ›Short answer: yes. When their needs for companionship are not met, cats can become depressed. They can also get separation anxiety. Unfortunately, feline separation anxiety often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe.
Why do cats lick you? ›From a young age a cat's mother would not only lick them as a way of grooming them, but also to show affection. Cats then replicate this behaviour with you as a way of showing their own affection – it simply comes naturally. This licking behaviour is not just exclusive between pet and owner.
Why do cats stare at you? ›As well as being a method of communication, staring is also a sign of a close bond between you and your cat, as they are unlikely to hold eye contact with someone they don't like or trust.
How often should you bathe a tabby cat? ›Cats do a good job of cleaning most debris from their coat, but their self-grooming won't get everything out, nor will it make them smell any nicer. The National Cat Groomers Institute of America recommends a bath once every 4-6 weeks.
Where your cat sleeps on your bed and what it means? ›PetMD also points out that cats are territorial creatures. They claim their turf by marking it with their scent. So when they sleep on top of you, they're actually marking you—and your bed—as theirs. We should be flattered by this behavior, apparently.
How many times a day should I feed my tabby cat? ›
"From age six months to maturity, most cats will do well when fed two times a day." Once the cat becomes an adult, at about one year, feeding once or twice a day is appropriate in most cases. Senior cats, age seven and above, should maintain the same feeding regimen.
What color cat is the friendliest? ›Orange cats were regarded as the friendliest by respondents, while white cats were labeled aloof, and tortoiseshell cats were thought to have too much "attitude." The subject was revisited in a University of California Davis study a few years later. This time, results were tabulated from 1,274 completed surveys.
How much is a tabby cat worth? ›Here are a few pointers when it comes to tabby cats' price: “Randomly” bred tabby cats can cost as little as $100 or less. Purebred tabbies can set you back with $700-$1500. Designer tabbies like the Bengal cost around $2k and more.
What is the prettiest cat color? ›Tuxedo cats (black/white, gray/white) topped the rankings, scoring in the top percentile of all categories. Beautiful and loving, tuxedos enjoy humans, respect their surroundings, and never miss when nature calls!
What race are tabby cats? ›Tabby is not a breed of cat, but many cat breeds sport tabby patterns. "A tabby's genes can be traced back to ancient African wild cats who had similar patterns as your tabby does today," says Angelica Dimock, DVM, managing shelter veterinarian at Animal Humane Society in Minnesota.
Do all tabby cats have an M on their forehead? ›Cats with 'M' on forehead: the mark of a true tabby cat
As we've seen, Tabby cats can have very different looks, but there is one defining feature that they all bear: the 'M' mark on their foreheads. This distinguishing feature is the stuff of legends and myths surrounding tabby cats around the world.
Mackerel tabby cat
Striped, a.k.a.“mackerel,” is the most common tabby pattern. Narrow stripes run parallel on the cat's body coat, sometimes gently curving, other times breaking up into bars and spots. Sometimes referred to as “tiger” cats, mackerel tabbies also feature an “M” shape on the center of the forehead.
No, cats are not monochromatic color blind. Monochromatism is the type of colorblindness in which one can only see black and white. Monochromatic animals and people can see the world only in shades of gray that range from white to black. Individuals with monochromatic vision see light intensity rather than color.
What is a smoke kitten? ›A smoke cat, instead of having fully-colored hairs, only has the tips of its hairs which are colored, while the roots are white. When you part the fur of your cat, if the roots are bright white your cat is very probably smoke. The term smoke applies only to cats that are solid (not tabby).
Why do tabby cats have an M? ›Cat eyes reflect light and at night their eyes appeared so luminous the Egyptians associated cat eyes with the moon. According to legend, the “M” on the tabby's forehead is a mark of that relationship. The Egyptian Mau is the original naturally spotted tabby and a direct descendant of ancient Egyptian cats.
Do cats miss their owners? ›
Cats will miss their owners when they are gone, but the response to a cat missing you may vary. Some kitties may express their sadness through purring, meowing, or following their owner around, while others may show no outward signs of sadness. Here are some common signs your cat missed you: Meowing and Crying.
Can I leave my 2 cats alone for 3 days? ›No matter how independent your cat is, we do not recommend leaving your cat alone without daily visits from a friend or a professional cat-sitter for more than two or three days. Today, there are many options to care for your cat while you are away. Keep in mind that, cats tend to be independent, territorial animals.
Where should kittens sleep at night? ›Your kitten will sleep best if they have a cosy, snug bed or blanket, placed somewhere they can sleep undisturbed while life goes on around them. Although adult cats like to climb and sleep on high perches, such as on top of furniture, it's safest for young kittens if their beds are low down to begin with.
What is tabby favorite color? ›Most cats don't need baths, they are good at keeping themselves clean. As a rule, cats don't like standing in water or getting wet, so please don't bathe your cat without a good reason. Reasons for bathing your cat include: A coat thick with flea dirt.
Can tabby cats eat peanut butter? ›The good news is, the ASPCA does not list peanut butter as toxic to cats.
Do cats like cold water? ›Cats sometimes prefer drinking water that is cold, because they might perceive cold water to be fresher. Keep your cat's water cold by replenishing it regularly. You could even pop a few ice cubes in the bowl if the weather is particularly warm.
Can tabby cats eat bananas? ›Can cats eat bananas too? The short answer is yes—bananas are generally considered to be safe for cats.
Can cats eat cheese? ›Cheese and dairy are not good for cats. They aren't toxic to cats, but eating too much cheese can upset their stomach and lead to diarrhoea or vomiting. Eating cheese over a prolonged period can also lead to obesity. Some cheeses are also very high in salt, which can cause problems in excess just as it does in humans.
Are tabby cats more loving? ›Tabbies Are Affectionate and Intelligent
These unique creatures are incredibly affectionate and intelligent. They love cuddles and a whole lot of attention. However, tabbies can get pretty cranky if they don't get their way; since as a rule they are very bright, they usually end up getting what they want.
How old is a 2 year old tabby cat in human years? ›
In recent years, feline ages and life-stages have been redefined, cats are considered to be elderly once they reach 11 years with senior cats defined as those aged between 11-14 years and super-senior cats 15 years and upwards.
What is the lifespan of an indoor cat? ›The answer is clear when you realize that the average lifespan of an indoor cat ranges from 10 to 20 years, whereas cats who go outdoors typically live only 2 to 5 years.
Do tabby cats pick a favorite person? ›Cats tend to favor one person over others even if they were well-socialized as kittens. Cats are expert communicators and gravitate towards people that they communicate well with. Look for communication cues from your cat, such as your cat approaching you in search of food or petting.
What gender are most tabby cats? ›About 80% of orange tabby cats are male. The orange coloring is a recessive gene, found on the X chromosome. Females have XX chromosomes to the male's XY. Thus, both the mother and father cat must pass on the genes to the female, but males only need the trait from their mothers.
At what age is a cat a senior? ›You'll be the proud owner of a senior cat by the time it hit about 11 years old. If a cat lives beyond 15 years of age, it'd be a "super-senior". When caring for older cats, it sometimes helps to think of their age in human terms.
How can you tell a cat's age? ›A cat reaches the approximate human age of 15 during its first year, then 24 at age two. Each year after, it ages approximately four "cat years" for every calendar year. This means that a five-year-old feline would be approximately 36 in cat years.
How old is a 13 year old cat in human years? ›How old is a 13 year old cat in human years? A 13 year old cat is the equivalent to 68 human years old.
Why do tabby cats not like being held? ›Being picked up and held can make some cats nervous, as they are being restrained in your arms. This limits their options for escape if anything were to startle them. Cats are independent creatures, and although they often like to be up high, they like to choose their own perch and not be restrained whilst doing so.