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How Long Should a Cat Live?

Picture of Siamese Kitten, Nicky

A reader wants to know the average lifespan of a cat, a question that can't be answered adequately with numbers. A strong genetic background for longevity can't be discounted, and some breeds, such as the Siamese, are said to live longer than others.

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Why is my geriatric cat vomiting?

Thursday July 3, 2008
Question:Why is my geriatric cat vomiting so much? Despite using daily hair-ball remedy, he is vomiting at least two to three times a week. If I miss one day of this routine, he is guaranteed to vomit. I don't know what else to do. He has had a 4 lb. weight loss over the last couple of years. His geriatric feline profile is normal. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Answer: I'm not sure what was included in his "geriatric feline profile." How long ago was it done? I assume it was a blood panel, testing kidney function, pancreatic values, hemoglobin, etc.

IMO, a cat should not need hairball remedy on a daily basis. Is he vomiting hairballs every time, or is it food or liquid with some hair mixed in? Many hairball remedies are based on petroleum products, which leach vitamins from the body (most notably, Vitamin A). For this reason, if he is getting the hairball remedy more than once or twice a week, he probably should have some kind of supplement.

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Related Reading:

CRF (Feline Chronic Renal Failure)
Hyperthyroidism in Cats
Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver Disease)
Pictured is Raleigh, in her third year of CRF Photo Credit: © Pat Wolesky

Wordless Wednesday: Where's my Masseuse?

Wednesday July 2, 2008

Bell Bottoms, Photo Credit: © Kellie Cranmer

More Wordless Wednesday:

Wordless Wednesday on About.com
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