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 expected lifespan will vary depending on the impact of each of these factors, a well-cared for house cat should live to at least the age of fifteen. It's not all that uncommon, however, for a cat to live even longer and there are records of cats living to the distinguished, gray-haired age of thirty! Much like humans, cats live longest when they're fed a good nutritious diet. As a cat ages, its nutritional needs change.
Despite the recent scare about contaminated dog and cat food, most national cat food brands are now widely considered to be safe. They come in varieties specifically formulated for particular stages in a cat's life and are generally well liked by cats. Whether you choose a national brand or opt to make your own cat food at home, it's important not to overfeed your cat. Most cat food makers can supply you with literature, either on the Internet or in print form, that will give you the latest nutritional guidelines for raising a healthy animal. 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. 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, finding and establishing a good relationship with a qualified vet in your area is a must should your cat ever requires professional care. Periodic visits to the vet, even when there's no emergency, can extend the life of your cat by many happy years. So, make it a point to find a vet in your area.
Friends or relatives can sometimes make 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.
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.
