Cats live longer than dogs

Cool and aloof, it will never been known as man’s best friend, but the cat’s independence may be the key to its long life.

In the battle of cats and dogs, cats clock up an extra three years, reaching the average age of 15.

This bucks the general rule of thumb in the animal kingdom – that larger creatures live longer.

Scientists say the secret of the cat’s success may lie in its haughty, solitary nature.

While dogs are sociable creatures, cats like to keep to themselves and this cuts the odds of them catching and spreading disease.

Steve Austad, a trainer turned biologist, said: ‘There is an evolutionary theory of ageing that has a lot of support that suggests that things live longer in safe conditions.

‘Think of cats’ solitary ways. Unlike dogs, which are pack animals, they live at low density and that tends to prevent them from catching infectious diseases.’

Cats also have more natural deference against attack.

In many species of animal, being larger has its advantages from attracting a mate to fighting off competitors, but this increased size can come at a price – a shorter lifespan.

Animals with shorter caps, known as telomeres, typically age faster, die sooner and are more prone to disease.

While dogs boast a fearsome set of gnashers, cats are have sharp claws and ‘tremendous’ agility.

Dr Austad, said: ‘Cats are less susceptible to predators because they are so well armed.

‘If you have ever tried to pick up a cat that didn’t want to be picked up, you will have discovered that they have all sorts of weaponry that dogs don’t.

‘Dogs can be fierce but they only have their mouth, they can’t hurt you with anything else.’

He believes these traits would have shaped the creatures’ lifespan over evolution, contributing to the 12 years enjoyed by the average dog today and the 15-year feline lifespan.

Dogs’ lives may also have been shortened by the creation of all sorts of exotic breeds, which might be more prone to ill-health.

Dr Austad said: ‘We haven’t changed cats nearly as much as we’ve changed dogs.

‘The real question is ‘How far can we can we go? Maybe a thousand years from now, you could have a dog that lives 300 years.’

‘After all, who wants to live forever if you can’t live with your best friend.’

Source :Daily Mail

N.H.Khider