Cats Thrive On Proper Diet, Exercise And Human Interaction
Tips On Helping Your Cat To Live Long And Prosper
Breed, environment and genetics are the three most important factors to influence the aging process and lifespan of your favorite cat. While a cat's longevity will vary depending on the impact of each of these factors, a healthy house cat should reach at least the age of fifteen. It's not unusual, however, for a cat to live even longer and there are records of cats living to the distinguished, gray-haired age of thirty!
Just like humans, cats live the longest on a good nutritious diet. As cats grow older, their nutritional needs change and it's important to feed them an appropriately balanced diet. Despite the recent scare about contaminated cat food made with ingredients imported from China, most national cat food brands are now considered safe. These are available in different formulas matched to particular stages in a cat's life and are usually well liked by cats. If you're concerned about food safety, you can always make you own cat food at home. Whether your choose a national brand or make your own food, it's important not to overfeed your cat so it can maintain a healthy weight.
Cats are like humans in another way, too. Both respond well to an active life with regular exercise. Allowing your pet to go outside everyday is a great way to keep your cat healthy and fit. A scratching post and a judicious selection of toys can also keep your cat active indoors. Set aside some time everyday to play with your cat. Not only will you and your cat become better friends, the exercise will also contribute to a long, healthy life for your cat and even improve your own quality of life!
Another way to help your cat live longer may come as a surprise. I used to think Bob Barker, the former host of the popular TV game show, The Price is Right, reminded viewers to spay or neuter their cats and dogs because of the sheer number of animals roaming the streets of Los Angeles. While that may very well have been Barker's primary motive, it turns out that spaying or neutering your cat can actually increase its life expectancy. While statistics show that a fixed cat lives longer on average, it's not necessarily clear why. One theory speculates that a fixed cat is less likely to roam far from home, which reduces its exposure to disease and other dangers.
As cats grow older, so does their susceptibility to disease. There are many things you can do to help prevent disease in your cat. Cats love to be groomed and regular brushing will promote the health of your cat's fur and help prevent skin diseases. Brushing your cat's teeth on a regular basis can also ward off any number of common oral health problems, ranging from bad breath and gingivitis to more serious issues like resorption lesions. Watch your cat for any changes in eating or sleeping habits, including an abnormal occurrence of hairballs, as these may be symptoms of more serious conditions that require the care of a veterinarian.
Finally, finding and establishing a good relationship with a qualified vet in your area is important should your cat ever requires professional care. Regular visits to the vet, even when there's no emergency, can extend the life of your cat by many happy years. So, make the effort to find a vet in your area. Friends or relatives can often provide a recommendation, but if you've recently moved or don't know another cat owner you can ask, check your online yellow pages for a list of qualified vets in your neighborhood.
About the Author
Matt Paolini is a cat lover and Managing Editor of CityBook, the Internet's leading family-safe yellow pages directory. Locate a veterinarian in your neighborhood using CityBook's online yellow pages
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