In October, 1998, Jon Weaver posted the following to the rec.pets.cats.misc newsgroup:

"I know that its a morbid discussion, but I have been trying to find out the 'average' life of cats...
I know of cats who have lived for 15 years if not more, but it this an achievement or the norm.
I know that they are many variables where a cat could meet an untimely end (i.e. accident or illness), but if a cat was perfectly health and lived out its whole life.. What age would/should it live until?
Any info appreciated (By email if possible)
Best regards
Jon"

To which Henry R. Christensen replied:

What's the average life of a cat? Well, of the cats I've known, it consists of getting themselves born, then enjoying everything they encounter. This consists of wondrous things such as:

• dust in a sunbeam
  
• gossamer on a gentle breeze
  
• their own reflection in their water dish
  
• the tail of another cat, especially if that tail is hanging over a window sill
  
• being anywhere where another cat wants to be
  
• knowing how long the dog's chain is
  
• jumping from the window sill just when you thought you had the bathroom to yourself
  
• attacking your feet whenever they move under the sheet
  
• drinking from the faucet just when your ready to rinse after brushing
  
• using your head as a stepping stone to the top of the drapes
  
• looking indignant when your head is not available for the descent from the top of the drapes
  
• unwrapping Christmas presents as soon as they are deposited beneath the tree
  
• leaving tongue prints in the butter
  
• adopting dust bunnies
  
• occupying any open drawer
  
• placing dirty sox in the litter box
  
• playing with Q-tips
  
• never admitting anything is their fault
  

That, Jon, is the average life of a cat. And a wonderful life it is as it makes the life of the cat's person well above average!

Copyright © Henry Christensen, 1998
Visit Henry's Website

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Special thanks go to Mr. Jon Weaver, as it was his question which inspired Henry's keytaps.