How to Slow the Aging Process of Your Cat

Cats may not have nine lives, but they can live longer than
many people think. 18 to 20 years is common. Here's how to
keep your cat purring into advanced old age.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Diet Cat Food
• Heating Pads
• Cat Beds
• Cat Combs/brushes
• Cat Treats
• Kitty Toothbrushes
• Pet Vitamins
• Heating pads

1. Take your cat to the veterinarian at least once a year for a complete physical exam, and follow your veterinarian's advice regarding preventive health-care measures. Preventing disease and maintaining optimum health are the first steps toward a long, healthy life.

2. Spay or neuter your cat as soon as possible. Having kittens, especially repeated litters, is stressful and will contribute to premature aging.

3. Keep your cat inside at all times to reduce the risk of accidents, injuries from fights or disease.

4. Feed your cat high-quality food designed to meet the specific nutritional requirements during all stages of his life.

5. Prevent obesity at all costs by controlling your cat's diet and engaging him in play activities.

6. Talk to your veterinarian about adding vitamin and mineral supplements, antioxidants and extra fiber to your cat's diet.

7. Have your cat's teeth cleaned professionally. Good dental health will add years to his life.

8. Groom your cat daily, checking for abnormalities, and seek medical help promptly when you discover anything suspicious (see related eHow 'Detect Skin Cancer in Your Pet').

9. Make sure no harmful chemicals such as pesticides or household cleaners find their way onto your cat's fur, since cats groom themselves with their tongues constantly. Even small amounts of harmful chemicals on their bodies can have adverse effects if consumed over many years.

10. Protect your cat from environmental dangers such as household cleaners and secondhand smoke.

11. Help your cat avoid the stress of harassment from other animals by providing a quiet place for undisturbed catnaps.

12. Provide your older cat with a heat source such as a heating pad set on low, since cats more than 12 years old require extra heat. You'll notice a difference in his attitude and activity level.

13. Give your cat daily full-body massages and lots of love. Despite their aloof demeanor, cats thrive on affection.

Tips & Warnings

• Find a veterinarian with a special interest in aging who keeps abreast of advancements in this rapidly developing area of pet care.
• Research this subject on your own. Experts' understanding of the aging process is changing rapidly, and knowledge gained about humans is often applicable to animals.
• Call your veterinarian before giving your cat any product not specifically approved for cats. Some products, such as acetaminophen, commonly consumed safely by people or dogs, are poisonous to cats.

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on 8/8/2006 Keeping your cat strictly indoors will greatly increase the length and quality of his life. He will be warm, safe and dry. Outside, there are too many dangerous elements including: cars, cold, rain, snow, predators, dogs, disease and fighting with other cats.
Cats love to sit by the window and sun themselves. We have a "cat tree" or perch (available in many sizes and styles at most pet stores). It provides a perfect spot for a nap, as well as an unobstructed view of the outside world. With a little effort, your kitty can live a long and happy life in your house or apartment.

on 3/15/2006 It can be difficult to engage older cats in exercise, but it can be done -- you just need to find the right toy. Experiment with various kinds, not just the usual assortment you find at the pet store. My older female cat's favorite toy is a lump of feather boa and a jingle-bell at the end of a string that I dangle back and forth for her to hunt. My older male cat is too dignified to play while I watch, but I hear him battling jingly fur-covered mice at night. Cats tend to like toys that make rattling or jingling noises. Mine particularly love toys that incorporate animal products (feathers or rabbit fur) since they smell a little like prey and this will entice them off of the couch.

on 11/22/2005 Consider changing your cat's diet to an all-natural, raw diet! It's amazingly easy, safe, affordable and most importantly, the healthiest for your cat or dog! There are many books out on raw dieting and it will dramatically change your kitty forever! Never give your cat or dog cooked bones. Raw bones are safe and encouraged, but cooked ones are unhealthy and will splinter, causing internal damage. Raw is not to be confused with cooked!

on 11/22/2005 Make a little place on your computer desk for your cat to lay under your desk lamp. An L-shaped desk is ideal. My cats love to lie under my desk lamp with me sitting beside them for hours while I surf the Internet. I keep one hand free, to pat them while they lie there basking in the heat of my desk light.

on 11/22/2005 The best thing you could ever do is spend time with your cat. Playtime, relaxing or sleeping are all excellent ways to bond with your kitty and let him/her know that they are loved. This will, if nothing else, greatly improve your Cat's quality of life if not lengthen it as well. Just like the old saying goes "Your as young as you feel!"