While many assume that cats in the Philippines rarely reach their senior years, a growing number of local pet owners are quietly proving otherwise.
In an online community post that drew heartfelt replies and photos of whiskered elders, one owner asked if others had companions aged 15 or older, hoping her cat would reach a similar age. But how long do cats live?
Globally, domestic cats live an average of 12-18 years. With proper care, spayed/neutered cats often surpass 20 years. The current world record-holder, Creme Puff from Texas, lived an astonishing 38 years.
In the Philippines, native mixed-breed cats known as puspin (short for pusang Pinoy) generally have lifespans similar to other domestic cats, typically ranging from 13 to 20 years, according to the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).
However, many puspin cats face additional risks like roaming outdoors, limited access to regular veterinary care, road accidents, parasites, poor diets, and neglect. Yet, stories shared that many Filipino cats do live long lives, and are already reaching their senior years.
Meet the Filipino Senior Cats
Pepper (14, Quezon City)
“No, she’s immortal.” That’s Deborah’s go-to line every time her mom hints that Pepper, their 14-year-old cat, might be reaching her twilight years.
Deborah, a 34-year-old multimedia designer and video editor, met Pepper during her college K-pop phase. “I was obsessed with Super Junior’s Heechul and his cat Heebum. So I kept bugging my mom to get me a cat,” she said. “My mom got Pepper from someone she visits for Bible study.”
Named Sgt. Peppermint (yes, like the Beatles and mint), Pepper was originally mistaken for a male, but “she got pregnant before she even turned one. She gave birth the day before my thesis deliberations.” According to Deborah, it was a memorable moment with her cat, filled with stress and frustration as she kept thinking, “Why that time?”
Despite never having consistent vet visits or vaccines, Pepper’s thriving. “Maybe it’s because she got spayed early. Or maybe because she’s a homebody,” she said.
Pepper used to be a hyper kitten. Now, as she’s aged, she calmly lounges with Deborah’s senior parents. “Sometimes she just cries out of nowhere. I don’t know why,” Deborah said. “But she still eats well, drinks lots of water, and lets us pet her (with a time limit).”
Her advice to fellow cat owners? “Just treat them like your biological kids. Learn their language. Make harot when you can.”
Chuchi (14, Makati City)
Nicole, an engineer and proud cat mom of five, describes her oldest cat, Chuchi, as “just there, living his life.”
Adopted at three months old in 2011, Nicole was just a teen when Chuchi entered her life, and her parents had no clue how to “properly” raise a cat. “He’s never been to a vet. Not even for vaccines. We couldn’t afford it.” She explained that Chuchi’s neutering was done at home by a vet they called in because he was too wild to be put in a cage.
But despite all that? “He’s just there. Living his life. Maybe it’s the love. Maybe that’s really it,” Nicole said.
Chuchi used to scale rooftops and disappear for days. “One time, he didn’t come home for a whole week. I thought we lost him. Then at 2 AM, I heard a meow at my parents’ window. I was crying while hugging him — he was covered in dust and dirt but it was okay, I was just so happy he was back.”
“He was half-indoor, half-outdoor for most of his life,” Nicole said.
Now 14, Chuchi lives a slower life, sunbathing in the mornings and occasionally playing with his younger siblings. “We’re more gentle with him now. We hug him every day, knowing we’re on borrowed time.”
eisha (15, Quezon City)
Keisha became part of Andrian’s life when she was just about two months old. His father found her meowing under a car during a downpour and brought her home.
“My dad picked her up and brought her home. She was just about two months old,” Andrian shared.
Since then, Keisha has been the queen of their household. “She used to love food from our table — sinigang pork and chicken. But now, she prefers wet and dry cat food. She rarely touches human food.”
Now working in a BPO, Andrian sees Keisha as more than a pet— she’s grown up with him.
“From kid problems to existential adult struggles, she’s been there. It’s like having a sister who can’t talk,” he said.
Keisha had a health scare last year, a ruptured anal sac requireing surgery. But she bounced back.
“Spoil them [cats],” Andrian advised. “Loving your cat is a luxury you give freely. And they give it back just by staying.”
What kept her going all these years? “I think it’s because she’s always been an indoor cat. No dangerous adventures. And we feed her properly — nothing fancy, just cat-friendly food and lots of love,” he said.
Even as a senior, Keisha’s personality remains unchanged. “Still alert, still playful, still the same. Maybe she just lost interest in chasing insects.”
So Why Do Some Cats Live Longer?
Veterinary studies show longevity depends on many factors:
Spaying or neutering can increase a cat’s lifespan by reducing risks of diseases and aggressive behavior.
Indoor-only cats generally live longer than outdoor cats. In the Philippines, indoor cats may live around 12 to 16 years, while outdoor or free-roaming cats often live only 5 to 8 years due to higher risks of accidents, infections, and parasites.
A balanced diet, proper hydration, and regular veterinary care help detect and manage illnesses early, improving lifespan.
Stress reduction, consistent routines, and emotional care also contribute to cats living longer, healthier lives.
However, limited access to veterinary services and financial constraints in the Philippines can affect these factors. Still, many cats in the country have been known to reach senior age through consistent care and a loving environment.
“Just make them feel loved and important… We’re all they have.” — Deborah
“They may be just a part of our lives, but to them, we are already their whole life.” — Nicole
“Bombard them with love. That’s what keeps them alive.” — Andrian
