Like all living creatures, there comes a time when we simply must say goodbye to our beloved cat no matter how much we don’t want to. Your cat might still behave like it is a kitten but time has already taken its toll on its body and it can no longer function the way it used to. A well looked after family cat usually lives for about 15 years but there are cases of cats living up to 30 years of age. No pet owner wants to think of the day they have to part with their beloved cat. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to ensure that your cat stays in good health and give it the highest chance possible for a long life.
First of all, do try to make it a point to get your cat de-sexed. Studies have shown that such cats have higher longevity, they stay closer to home and have a lesser chance of getting into dangerous situations and catching diseases. Apart from this, ascertain that you get your cat the proper food. A nutritious diet can go a long way towards prolonging your cat’s life.
Not unlike human beings, cats suffer from specific medical conditions as they grow older. There are a few symptoms you will want to look out for that might tell you that your cat is showing signs of ageing. Less tolerance to extreme temperatures, reduced sensory perception, vulnerability to infection, arthritis and joint stiffness are some of these signs. Apart from those, ageing cats also have slower reflexes, memory loss, high blood pressure, weaker bones and might even suffer from liver and kidney diseases. Many of the other signs and symptoms that can affect older humans also affect cats.
In order to keep your cat healthy and long-lived, try to promote healthy diets and sufficient exercise. This can easily be accomplished by letting your cat out to play on a daily basis. Toys and other pieces of equipment that encourage cats to move around are also great for getting them to exercise. However, do bear in mind that cats spend a good part of their day sleeping and that is normal. Do not deliberately wake them all the time. If you are truly concerned, consult your cat’s vet about its sleeping patterns.
In addition to a healthy diet and good exercise, ensure that your cat has enough preventive care. Similar to human beings, it will do much good to give your cat regular checkups at the vet to make certain that everything is alright. Constantly ensure that your cat is getting enough exercise and watch what you feed him. Water is another very important factor so try to give your cat fresh, clean water to drink. Regular cleaning and grooming will also help to keep your cat away from diseases and other harmful illnesses.
Always remember that the key to a cat’s lifespan is how much the owner cares for him and is involved in his life.
I certainly agree that this thing happens to everyone. Be back for more reading updates about this post. Thanks for sharing this post.
You’re welcome 🙂
Hi,
good article. How often should i clean my cat?
Cats are usually very good at grooming themselves so they don’t need to have a bath that often. If your cat has long hair, you should brush him at least once a week, or everyday if you can to avoid his hair to become matted into dreadlocks.