Could the cat gene pool in England be slightly different from in other countries, so that cats there

[raccoon]

have a longer life span?

The 3 cats mentioned in the article below all live(d) in England. I know you can't reach a conclusion based on three individuals, but I wonder if this is biologically possible.

Biology isn't my strong suit. If it's yours, please chime in

Lincolnshire cat could be world's oldest (BBC)
17 July 2014 Last updated at 02:55 BST

Two pet owners in Lincolnshire are vying for the title of world's oldest cat.

When the oldest puss in the world, Poppy, died in at the age of 24, Amanda Gray came forward and revealed her feline friend Maddie was also 24.

But she faces a challenger to the crown in Pinky - who is 28-years-old - and her owner has documentary proof.

video: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-28338439

[intaglio]

1. Not genes but a much better environment

No raccoons, porcupines, skunks, bears, wolves, coyotes, only one mildly poisonous snake.

Recently I got told off by one idiot when I reported the death of our young cat because we let it roam. I don't know of any private owner outside cities with "house only" cats so generally cats get more exercise and don't go "stir crazy"

[Hissyspit]

3. UK apparently has more effective policy to police stray domesticated animals, as well?

By the way, I live in the country and there is no way I could keep my cats inside. They spend the night inside and I keep them under close control, but they are stray rescues all, and would drive me insane if I never let them out.

[intaglio]

4. The various charities are pretty effective at collection of feral cats

and there are some that catch, neuter and release in cities.

The only living predators of cats generally are foxes and badgers; of those 2 foxes tend to avoid them (there are lots of things easier to catch that don't have 5 pointy ends). Badgers will take them but lack the speed to catch a halfway healthy cat.

There has been a BBC documentary "The Secret Life of Cats", unfortunately it is not yet on BBC iPlayer but here is the home page

[Hissyspit]

5. That was my impression on my two trips there.

I live in the Anerican South. It's a nightmare here.

Roadkill and stray animals everywhere.

[tanyev]

2. Kipper longevity diet?