Living on the Street


drawing by Ali Noel Vyain

I was once an indoor and outdoor cat. I had the freedom to roam between the house and outside as well. I was born in a woodpile in a backyard. My mother, after she abandoned my brothers and me, went to live across the street. So, I have never lived on the street as other cats, such as Nuri, have.

From their stories, it sounds like a nightmare to me. To have to worry where your next meal will come from. Perhaps you’ll find mice or rats to eat. But what if there is no prey around? I guess they get into the human’s garbage to find some food. That’s not a good diet for a cat and it’s messy.

Then there are territorial disputes which could be fought to the death. Or more kittens get born than we could take care of. I don’t want to think about it. I urge humans to help those cats and at least put them in shelters where the cats have a chance at an actual home.

My girl tells me we saved Spot from living on the street. He and his mother and siblings were living on the street until someone gave the little fur ball to her. So, I hope there are plenty of happy stories such as that to those cats who are born on the street.

How Long Can Cats Live?


graphic by Ali Noel Vyain

I find it interesting that human scientists like to study cats. Sometimes I wonder how they could ever understand us, but they do at times. They do their best to back up their research on us as they do with any other kind of research. Some cats do their best to explain and use the scientific methods to get a better understanding of ourselves as well.

So, how long can cats live? Well, it varies. One factor is if the cat lives solely outside or solely inside. I used to be an indoor and outdoor cat until after I lived with my girl. Eventually, I could feel old age set in and knew how good I had it with her. So, I stayed in.

The average lifespan is about 10-15 years. Some cats can live to 20 years and beyond. I wouldn’t know for sure. I just know that I lived a long time and gave much joy and love to my girl who took great care of me until I got too sick and was ready to cross the rainbow bridge.

Sometimes it doesn’t work out that well for some cats. I don’t know why, and Isis doesn’t either, she didn’t live a long time. She was much too young. It wasn’t fair. So, I look out for her these days as best I can.

For those of you who want to live with cats, please keep in mind how long we can live and take good care of us. Give us good food and spend time with us. Be sure to keep us safe. A catico is a safe way for us to go outside without having to worry about any unsavory characters who might harm us. It doesn’t matter if they are human or other animals. That way we have better chances of staying healthy and won’t get lonely or depressed. All of which can increase our chances of living a long life.

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