So, I just got the Vet records for Jean Luc from my cousin, and I'm a bit distraught

[Hugh_Lebowski]

Not because there's terrible stuff in it (though UTI's appear to be a problem in the past on a few occasions), but because my mom told me she thought he was 8 or maybe 9 ... turns out ... on 12/5 ... he's TWELVE!

Bit of a gut punch really, 12 is a lot different than 8 for a cat!

Fortunately Burmese are known to be able to live a long time, but still ... cats die at 12-15 old pretty regularly, so it's possible I've gotten all attached and he might not be around that much longer.

I'm kinda bummed ...

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Well, of course you're bummed, my dear Hugh_Lebowski!

Finding this out, at this moment, is a shock. You're understandably upset.

After the shock wears off (and it will) you might find that things don't look so dire.

I sure hope so.

[Random Boomer]

2. Learn a lesson from your cat

They don't think about anything but the moment. They don't worry about what may or may not happen tomorrow or next year. And to put things in perspective, I've had too many cats who died young, while others lived more than 18 years, so there's no point in holding expectations of any kind.

[Polly Hennessey]

3. I have a fifteen year old cat named Millie.

She is doing fine, so far. She was found wandering the streets and ended up with me. I have had her for over 12 years. She is not quite as elegant as a Burmese. She is just a street-smart mixed breed that got lucky. Treasure all the time you have with Jean Luc.

[iwillalwayswonderwhy]

4. This is so easy to do

My westie is 4 and my golden is almost 2. My brain still thinks of them as puppies. I have to forcefully remember their ages.

[tblue37]

5. My cats often live to 18-20. Make sure to get him senior blood tests each year. Around 15,

kidneys start to have problems, and that used to put a 15-year limit on most cats. But now they can treat kidney problems. My Lila lived 3 1/2 years after her kidney disease was diagnosed at 15.

There are, of course, other things that can kill elderly cats, but kidney disease is a biggie if not treated.

[Backseat Driver]

6. No "animal" is guaranteed a long life, including Hugh

so don't be bummed for long. If, indeed, you've become attached or have promised, enjoy the joy, challenges, and comfort you'll bring to each other in the time you have with each other. My daughters' cats, a Maine Coon and two Russian Blue kitties lived treasured lives of close to two decades, give or take. Both kids filled the hole in their hearts in time with other pups/kittens. Just have a loving plan for that other final eventuality, if and when that would present itself. Keep in mind that humans come to an acceptance of grief and loss; pets, especially domesticated pet cats, are very flexible and adaptable to their environments.

[blm]

7. My Pawl Newman lived almost 21years

[Sanity Claws]

8. Don't be distraught

Think about making his golden years wonderful.
Senior cats often start having health problems around 12 but still live many years longer.

[Ocelot II]

9. My cats have lived well past twelve. One made it to 21.

Regular vet visits and a healthful diet should keep him going for a good long time. Twelve isn't all that old any more.

[Karadeniz]

10. I'd recommend a blood analysis that gives kidney and liver functions. Also, A good canned food

(I buy large cans of Tractor Supply's 4Health) is healthier than the best dry food.

[slightlv]

11. Several of my cats

have lived to be over 21; in fact, after losing one a few months ago to cancer at age 20, my 2 seniors right now are aged 22 and 24, respectively. The 24 y.o. is a tabby who's as feisty now as she was when she first found us at 4. She's beginning to look her age, but her eating and other life habits are still good and we're giving her supplements to ensure she gets the vitamins and supplements she needs to help with any aches she might have. She also gets regular vet visits. I'm probably over protective of her with these. First cough or sneeze, off she goes to the vet (gryn). I'm afraid of respiratory infections in her because of her age.

The 22 y.o. is a Japanese Bobtail who looks as sleek today as the day I rescued her from the pound when she was a year old. She doesn't know how old she is, and she rules the roost around here. She's the smallest of my cats; she only weighs 5 pounds. I'm overprotective of her, too.

Oh, hell... I'm overprotective of them all! I've got 10, and they're all spoiled as hell. Most of my money goes into these guys. I've also got an enormous puppy. He's 2 years old, but has spent most of his life roaming the streets or in a cage in the pound. This is his first Xmas with a family. So, all in all, life is interesting in this zoo...

I've lost cats as young as 8, but that's been for cause, usually genetics. But either I've been lucky as hell, or I'll say just love 'em to death, spoil them like crazy, keep them in good health, lots of trips to the vet for checkups, watch the recalls on food and toys, and ask Bast to bless them every night before you kiss them "goodnight." (gryn) That's been my formula for nigh on 50 years now.

Blessings on you and Jean Luc!

[catbyte]

12. Most of my cats have lived to 19-20.

And my dearly departed Tuxedo boy, Junior, lived until age 24. My grandparents had an orange boy named Babe that lived to age 32. I know it's a shock to lose 4 years you thought you'd have, but there's every reason to believe that you and Jean Luc will have many happy years together!

[LisaL]

14. 32?

That has to be some sort of record?

[catbyte]

16. It's close, but the oldest living cat was named Creme Puff & lived 38 years 3 days.

She lived in Austin, Texas. She was born in 1967 and died in 2005.

Babe was a wonder -- he never got sick and never ate cat food. He was born in the 1940s before the pet food industry boom. He'd eat table scraps and mice (ew.) My grandma was a bird lover and trained him to leave them alone when he was outside.

[LisaL]

17. Wow.

It's like living to 200 in human years. Unheard of.

[LisaL]

13. He might have more than a few good years left.

My purebred Persian is almost 18 right now.

[Hugh_Lebowski]

15. Thanks to everyone ... I'm starting to come to terms with it all ...

My last boy I had to put down Jan-2021 was 17.5 (Snowshoe Siamese) ... I know Siamese-type cats can make it to 15-20 pretty commonly, it's just ... 4 years less than I thought is kinda a lot.

Thanks again, I feel better now than earlier

[LisaL]

18. He is adorable and looks to be in good shape.

NT

[wackadoo wabbit]

19. I had a Burmese; and, even though he had kidney disease when I got him when he was 8, he lived to 19

The first vet we took him to after we got him, for a checkup and tooth cleaning, refused to do the tooth cleaning because his kidneys were so bad. But with lots of love and pretty good care, he went on to live to 19. His BUN and creatinine values were always a bit hinky, but they did improve markedly during the time we had with him. Alas, he did ultimately die of kidney disease, but that was 11 years after we got him.

Burmese are known to be long-lived, so don't worry. You'll likely have plenty of time with your new friend. Congratulations!

[niyad]

20. My dear Hugh, none of us know how much time

we, or our beloved furchildren, have. We treasure each and every moment, as I know you are doing, and will do. Measure in love and joy, not time.

May Lady Bast bless you and Jean Luc with many happy years.