Reply #50: Yes, I think that more ailments are arising

[Lorien]

in part due to the transient nature of our society (we have a new form of distemper here in Florida for example), but MOSTLY, IMO, due to commercial pet foods (see this thread: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=243&topic_id=4388&mesg_id=4388 )
fostering can be brutal, but foster "parents" are what rescue groups need more than monetary donations, so I try to help as I can.

I do adoptions at a local holistic pet food store, and many customers have 20-26 year old cats. My vet had one patient that just passed away at 28. With good genetics, the right food, and an indoor lifestyle, a cat can become a long term family member.