Making sure your cat lives a long and happy life is easier than you think.
In this post, we’ll share some tips that will help keep your feline friend healthy and content. From providing the right food to ensuring they get enough exercise, following these simple tips can make a big difference.
The Average Life Expectancy of Cats
A domestic cat’s average lifespan is around 12-18 years. However, this can vary depending on the cat breed and whether they are indoor or outdoor cats.
For example, Siamese cats tend to live longer compared to other breeds. They have an average lifespan of 15-20 years. Conversely, outdoor cats have a shorter life expectancy of around 9-12 years.
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, and some cats have been known to live into their twenties!
10 Tips to Make Your Cat Live A Long and Happy Life
As a cat owner, it’s natural to want your feline friend to have a long and happy life. Thankfully, there are some simple things you can do to help make this a reality.
Here are 10 tips to help your cat live a long and healthy life:
1. Provide A Nutritious, Balanced Meal Plan
One of the best things you can do for your cat is to provide them with a nutritious and balanced diet. This means feeding them food designed for cats rather than human food or table scraps.
While it might be tempting to give in to those pleading eyes and share your dinner with your furry friend, it’s important to remember that cats have different nutritional needs than humans.
For instance, did you know that cats are obligate carnivores? This means that their bodies are designed to digest and use protein from animal sources much more efficiently than plant-based proteins.
So, when choosing the right food for your cat, make sure you opt for high-quality, meat-based cat food. This will help ensure they get all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy.
2. Give Them Plenty of Fresh, Clean Water
In addition to providing a nutritious diet, it’s also important to ensure that your cat has access to plenty of fresh, clean water. Water is essential for all life, and cats are no exception.
In fact, water makes up around 60% of an adult cat’s body weight.
It’s important to remember that cats can be fussy drinkers, so you might need to experiment with different locations and types of water bowls to find what works best for your cat.
For example, some cats prefer running water and drink more from a water fountain than a bowl. Others might prefer a bowl in a quiet spot away from their food bowl.
No matter what type of water bowl you choose, it’s essential to clean it regularly and refill it with fresh water to keep your cat hydrated.
3. Give Them a Safe, Comfortable Place to Sleep
Cats need around 14-16 hours of sleep each day, so providing them with a safe and comfortable place to sleep is crucial.
Many cats prefer having their own space to sleep in, so a cat bed or a blanket in a quiet spot can be ideal. Some cats also like to sleep in boxes or small spaces, so feel free to get creative!
Make sure that wherever you choose for your cat to sleep is clean, warm, and free from drafts.
4. Provide Them With Plenty of Stimulation and Playtime
In addition to plenty of sleep, cats also need plenty of stimulation and playtime. This is important for both their physical and mental health.
Cats are naturally curious creatures, so it is important to provide them with plenty of toys and things to explore. Things like climbing trees, scratching posts, and catnip-filled toys can be great for keeping them entertained.
It’s also important to ensure they have plenty of space to run and play. This might mean setting up a small pet playground in your home if you have an indoor cat. For outdoor cats, simply making sure they have access to a safe outdoor area can suffice.
5. Give Them Regular Checkups With the Vet
Another important way to help your cat live a long and healthy life is to make sure they get regular checkups with the vet. This includes both routine checkups as well as annual vaccinations.
Vets can not only help keep your cat healthy, but they can also help catch any health problems early on before they have a chance to become serious.
6. Trim Their Claws Regularly
Cats need their claws for climbing, scratching, and hunting, so it’s important not to trim them too short. However, it is still necessary to trim them regularly to keep them from becoming too long and sharp.
You can take your cat to the vet for a claw trimming or do it yourself at home using a special claw trimmer designed for cats.
7. Keep Them Inside
One of the best things you can do for your cat’s health is to keep them indoors. Indoor cats live longer than those that spend time outdoors.
There are many dangers that outdoor cats face, including cars, predators, and diseases. Keeping your cat indoors can help them avoid these dangers and live a long and healthy life.
8. Check their Teeth Regularly
Like humans, cats need to have their teeth checked and cleaned regularly to avoid health problems. The best way to do this is to take them to the vet for a professional cleaning.
However, you can also help keep their teeth clean at home by brushing them with a special cat toothbrush and toothpaste designed for their delicate teeth.
You can also buy at-home DNA test kits for your cat. These tests allows you to screen for common dental conditions and genetic conditions in cats from the comfort of your home.
9. Manage Their Weight
Cats, like humans, can suffer from weight gain if they eat too much and don’t get enough exercise. This can lead to several health problems, including diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.
That’s why it’s important to ensure that your cat stays at a healthy weight by feeding them nutritious food and getting plenty of exercise.
You can talk to your vet about how much your cat should be eating and what type of food is best for them. You can also get creative with their exercise by playing games or setting up a small obstacle course for them to run through.
10. Give Them Plenty of Love and Affection
Lastly, giving your cat plenty of love and affection is important. Cats are social creatures. They thrive on interaction with their humans.
Make sure to spend time each day petting, cuddling, and playing with your cat to help them feel loved and secure. This will go a long way in helping them live a long, happy, and healthy life.
Now that you know some of the best ways to help your cat live a long and healthy life, put them into practice and enjoy spending many happy years with your furry friend!
