How to Maximize Cat Life Expectancy
Responsible owners know that a pet is a lifelong responsibility. As such, you want your cat to live a long and healthy life. Obviously, genetics do play a role in this. Care and environment, however, play a larger part in your cat's longevity and well-being. There are some fairly routine ways to help maximize your cat's lifespan as much as possible. They basically come down to loving care.
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Instructions
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How to Maximize Cat Life Expectancy
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Keep your cat inside. This is one of the most important things you can do for your cat. Outdoor cats are susceptible to injury, disease, attack by other animals and human cruelty. Therefore, they tend to lead shorter lives than indoor cats.
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Have your cat spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. Spaying and neutering prevent unwanted litters, but they also prevent reproductive cancers in both genders. Vaccinations prevent life-shortening illnesses. Microchips are tiny devices inserted under the skin, usually at the time of spaying or neutering. They are registered in databases with the pet's and owner's information. This can be detected with a device veterinarians have. If your cat should ever get lost, you stand a much better chance of getting it back.
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Feed properly. Feed your cat the right food for its age and lifestyle in the right amounts. Kittens 6 to 12 weeks old should eat kitten food four times a day. Kittens 3 to 6 months old should be fed kitten food three times a day. Kittens should be fed kitten food until they are a year old. Adult cats should be fed one large or two or three smaller meals of adult cat food per day. Choose a food based on your cat's health and lifestyle. For example, indoor formulas help prevent obesity in indoor cats. Cats 7 years of age or older are seniors and should be fed senior formulas. Give fresh water daily at all stages.
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Tips & Warnings
Obviously, cleanliness helps maintain health. Keep your cat's litter, litter box and bedding as clean as possible.
If you notice any changes in your cat's appetite, habits, behavior or temperament, see your veterinarian immediately. These are usually indications of illness and should never be ignored.
References
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