Around the globe, cats are beloved pets - and as all cat lovers will tell you, there is something unique about the bond between human and cat.
A domestic cat can live anywhere between 12 and 18 years depending on its health and environment, but it’s not uncommon for cats that are well-cared for to become older than 20. A good portion of the chances are up to genetics, but if you are a cat owner wanting to ensure that you are doing everything possible to give your cat a long life, then this guide is for you.
These are our top tips for improving your cat’s lifespan:
Set Up a Balanced Diet
One of the major things that you can have an impact on is what your cat is eating. Good weight and diet are essential to your cat living a long healthy life, and you will need to ensure that you are giving them good quality cat food in the right amounts.
A bad diet can cause a variety of medical issues in cats, like diabetes or arthritis, both of which will drastically impact their lifespan and quality of life too.
Keep in mind that all cats are different, and your cat will have specific needs depending on its age, environment, and biological makeup. It might take a few goes to make sure you are giving them the right type of meals.
Provide Clean Water
Other than a good diet, your cat will need constant access to clean drinking water. Cats are notoriously picky drinkers, and if they go without water for too long they can quickly suffer from dehydration or further health issues like urinary tract disease.
Try to replenish your cat’s water regularly, and think about how you can stimulate them to drink even more. Some cat owners swear by the use of a cat drinking fountain since it simulates running water and is more enticing than water in a bowl.
Keep Your Vet In The Loop
Next on your list of responsible-cat-owner duties is making sure that your cat is regularly visiting the vet for checkups. It’s not just about checking out your cat’s health, but also about tracking changes over time and being able to talk to your vet for advice.
When it comes to many cat illnesses and ailments, early detection is key. Having regular vet visits arranged means you are more likely to catch problems as they arise, giving you more options for treatment.
How frequently you go will depend on the age of your cat. If it’s a kitten, then regular visits are suggested since they need to get all their vaccines and are likely to suffer from issues like worms or fleas that need to be treated and checked again in time.
As an adult cat, a yearly visit should be enough for your feline companion unless they are presenting any abnormal symptoms.
Lastly, senior cats need to see the vet at least twice a year for routine tests like blood screening to check how their internal organs are maintained with age.
Spay Your Cat
Research has shown that spaying your cat is likely to improve lifespan. One study found an improvement in the lifespan of over 50% when compared to their non-spayed counterparts.
This is because unspayed animals are more predisposed to specific health conditions than those that have been spayed. In females, not being spayed increases a cat’s chances of developing cancer or UTIs for example.
Providing Your Cat With The Best Care
When cared for properly, cats can live long and fulfilling lives. All it takes from you as an owner is to pay attention to their health and be proactive about dealing with any changes.
And if you notice something that has changed, or your pet seems to be under duress, make an appointment with Companion Veterinary Clinic in Bradenton, FL.
We are highly skilled at providing care for pets when they are sick, but we also recognize the importance of keeping pets healthy and preventing illness. We have a hybrid practice that allows us to emphasize a broad spectrum of care for both well and sick pets.