By : Matthew Paolini
When it comes to growing old gracefully, your favorite cat's life span is dictated 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 fifteen years of age. 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.
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 a cat live longer originally came as a surprise to me. Just before signing off, Bob Barker, the former host of the Price is Right, the popular TV game show, used to remind his audience to spay or neuter their cats. Although Barker's motivation was probably to reduce the number of stray cats and dogs roaming the streets of L.A., it turns out that spaying or neutering your cat can actually boost its life expectancy. Although the statistics on this don't lie, it's not exactly clear why the idea works. Some think a fixed cat will stay closer to home, reducing 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, a good relationship with a qualified veterinarian is important 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 often provide a recommendation, but if you're new to the neighborhood or don't know another cat owner you can ask, check your online yellow pages for a list of qualified vets in your neighborhood.
Article Source: http://www.articles4free.com
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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