When it comes to growing old gracefully, the lifespan of your favorite feline is influenced by a number of factors, including breed, environment and genetics. While a cat's lifespan will vary depending on these contributing factors, a good rule of thumb is that a healthy house cat will live to at least the age of fifteen. That being said, it's not uncommon for a cat to live longer and some cats are known to have reached the ripe old 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.
Humans and cats have other things in common, too. Regular exercise is part of a healthy life style for both cats and humans. One way to keep your cat healthy and fit is to allow it some time outdoors everyday. Indoors, give your cat a scratching post and a selection of toys. Setting aside some time to play with your cat everyday is a great way to improve your own quality of life and give your cat the exercise it needs to stay healthy.
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.
Cats grow more susceptible to disease as they grow older, but there are many things you can do to help keep you cat healthy. Regular brushing will satisfy your cat's instinct for regular grooming and also help to prevent common skin diseases. Remember, too, that a cat can't care for its own teeth. Brushing your tabby's teeth everyday will help ward off conditions like chronic cat breath, gum disease and more serious conditions like resorption lesions. You should also watch for changes in your cat's eating or sleeping patterns or an abnormal incidence of hairballs, all of which can point to more serious health issues that may require treatment by a veterinarian.
Finally, a good relationship with a qualified veterinarian is a must in the event your cat ever requires the care of a veterinarian. 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 sometimes 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.
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