The average lifespan of an indoor orange tabby cat is between 12 and 20 years. With proper care, some orange tabby cats can live up to 20-23 years or more.
Pretty cool, right?
My non-orange cat that I had before my two orange cats lived 19.5 years which is mind blowing.
Indoor cats tend to live longer than outdoor cats because they are not exposed to the same dangers such as disease, predators, and traffic accidents. For this reason, I advise keeping your orange tabby (and non-orange!) cats indoors because it can help to increase its lifespan.
In addition to keeping your cat indoors, there are other factors that can affect its lifespan. Providing your cat with proper nutrition, regular exercise, and routine veterinary care can help to extend its life.
Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for identifying and treating any health issues that may arise.
Genetic Factors Influencing Lifespan
The lifespan of an orange cat is heavily influenced by genetics.
The recessive orange gene is responsible for the orange coat color in cats. Orange cats have a unique genetic makeup, and their X chromosome plays a significant role in determining their lifespan.
Male orange cats only need to inherit one copy of the gene, while female orange cats need two copies to display the orange coat color.
PS. Find out if orange cats are hypoallergenic here.
The Role of Breed in Longevity
The breed of an orange cat can also affect its lifespan. Some breeds, such as Maine Coons, Persians, British Shorthairs, American Shorthairs, Exotic Shorthairs, Scottish Folds, and Ragdolls, are known to have a longer lifespan than others.
But please keep in mind that this is not a hard and fast rule and factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health play a significant role in determining how long an orange cat will live.
Typical Health Concerns and Care
Like all cats, orange cats are prone to certain health issues that can affect their lifespan. Conditions such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), obesity, and diabetes can impact the quality and length of a cat’s life.
Regular veterinary check-ups, neutering, and proper nutrition can help prevent or manage these conditions and extend the life of an orange cat.
Do male orange cats have a different lifespan than females?
Male and female orange tabby cats do not have a significant difference in lifespan.
Are there specific health issues that these felines are more prone to?
Orange cats are not more prone to specific health issues than other cats. They are more susceptible to various health problems such as obesity due to their o gene.
What factors can influence the lifespan of outdoor tabby cats?
Outdoor tabby cats have a shorter lifespan than indoor cats due to various factors such as exposure to parasites, infectious diseases, and the risk of injury or trauma.
Indoor cats tend to live longer, with an average lifespan of 12 to 23 years. With proper care and attention, some outdoor tabby cats can live well into their teens.
If you want to learn about the differences between orange and black cats, check out our latest article on that by clicking the link above.