Do you sometimes wish that your kitty really did have nine lives? While your furry friend might not have those superpowers, there are a variety of things you can do to help her live a long and healthy life. Here are 12 tips on how to increase cat life expectancy:
1. Set up a balanced meal plan
It’s important to make sure that your pet’s diet incorporates all of the nutrients they need to grown big and strong. “Good premium commercial foods are the safest and best way to design a feeding program,” says Dr. Barry Kellogg, a senior veterinary advisor for the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA).
2. Don’t give your cat too many treats
Does your kitty always want treats? While it might be hard to turn your cat away when she comes to you with those adorable, begging eyes, it’s best to make sure that treats make up no more than 5 to 10% of their daily caloric intake, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
3. Provide clean water
If your kitty isn’t drinking enough water, she could become dehydrated or develop a urinary tract disease. As such, you should make sure that you provide your pet with a constant supply of clean water. If your pet is not interested in a typical water bowl, you could try buying a fountain, instead! “A water fountain helps ensure cats get the water they need,” says Shawn Simons, the founder of Kitty Bungalow Charm School for Wayward Cats, a Los Angeles feral cat rescue. “Most love the intrigue of a fountain.”
4. Make sure your cat’s vaccinations are up-to-date
One sure-fire way to increase cat life expectancy is to make sure that your pet has all of the required vaccinations. “Core vaccines are always recommended,” says Kellogg. But there are a variety of other vaccinations that your vet may recommend based on your cat’s risk factors for developing certain diseases.
5. Check their teeth
Your cat’s teeth say a lot about his general health. “Chronic tarter, gingivitis and plaque all contribute to bacterial growth and seeding to the rest of the body,” which may lead to further health issues, says Kellogg. According to the ASPCA, you can keep your pet’s teeth clean by brushing them with a toothpaste that is specifically formulated for cats.
6. Visit your vet regularly
In order to ensure that your kitty is in tip-top shape, you should take her to the vet for periodic checkups. “A yearly checkup can be a great opportunity to get advice from your veterinarian on how to keep your cat healthy,” says Dr. Denise Petryk, the director of veterinary services at Trupanion. By booking regular vet visits, you can also catch any potential problems as early as possible.
7. Treat hairballs
If your kitty is vomiting, it might simply be because she has a hairball. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to prevent your cat from developing these pesky lumps of hair. “Periodic treatment with a flavored laxative can help,” as can regular trips to a groomer, says Kellogg.
8. Be careful when using rat poison
Does your house or yard have a rat infestation? While it’s understandable to act by putting out rodenticides, it’s important to be aware of the fact that those poisons could also endanger your pet. “Cats can be poisoned by ingesting an ‘easily’ caught rodent that has ingested poison,” says Kellogg. If your cat can get at rats, you should try to come up with another solution to your rodent problem.
9. Keep your cat indoors
You can help to ensure that your pet has a long, safe life by keeping her indoors, as cats who roam freely can encounter a variety of new dangers. For instance, an outdoor cat may ingest a pesticide or get attacked by another animal.
10. Spay or neuter your pet
According to a report by the Banfield Pet Hospital, cats who are spayed or neutered may live a longer life. And there are other benefits, as well! “Spaying and neutering also reduce the risk of certain illnesses,” says Petryk.
11. Give your kitty vitamins (if they needs them)
Did you know that there are a wide variety of available vitamins for cats? For instance, if your pet has a vitamin A or vitamin D deficiency, you can provide her with the appropriate supplement! However, as the ASPCA points out, you should only give your pet these vitamins if your veterinarian has instructed you to do so.
12. Provide toys
Toys aren’t just for fun. They provide some much-needed exercise for a sedentary cat, and they help prevent boredom. “Keep your cat entertained with toys, treats, interaction, trees, climbing and excitement,” says Petryk.
