Cats Live Longer With Proper Diet And Exercise

Breed, environment and genetics are the three most important factors to influence the aging process and lifespan of your favorite cat. While a cat's longevity will vary depending on the contribution made by each of these factors, a healthy house cat should live to at least the age of fifteen. It's not all that uncommon, however, for a cat to live even longer and there are records of cats living to the distinguished, gray-haired age of thirty!

Much like humans, cats live longest when they're fed a good nutritious diet. As a cat ages, its nutritional needs change. Despite the recent scare about contaminated dog and cat food, most national cat food brands are now widely considered to be safe. They come in varieties specifically formulated for particular stages in a cat's life and are generally well liked by cats. Whether you choose a national brand or opt to make your own cat food at home, it's important not to overfeed your cat. Most cat food makers can supply you with literature, either on the Internet or in print form, that will give you the latest nutritional guidelines for raising a healthy animal.

Humans and cats have other things in common, too. Regular exercise is part of a healthy life style for both cats and humans. One way to keep your cat healthy and fit is to allow it some time outdoors everyday. Indoors, give your cat a scratching post and a selection of toys. Setting aside some time to play with your cat everyday is a great way to improve your own quality of life and give your cat the exercise it needs to stay healthy.

Another way to help your cat live longer may come as a surprise. I used to think Bob Barker, the former host of the popular TV game show, The Price is Right, reminded viewers to spay or neuter their cats and dogs because of the sheer number of animals roaming the streets of Los Angeles. While that may very well have been Barker's primary motive, it turns out that spaying or neutering your cat can actually increase its life expectancy. While statistics show that a fixed cat lives longer on average, it's not necessarily clear why. One theory speculates that a fixed cat is less likely to roam far from home, which reduces its exposure to disease and other dangers.

As cats grow older, so does their susceptibility to disease. There are many things you can do to help prevent disease in your cat. Cats love to be groomed and regular brushing will promote the health of your cat's fur and help prevent skin diseases. Brushing your cat's teeth on a regular basis can also ward off any number of common oral health problems, ranging from bad breath and gingivitis to more serious issues like resorption lesions. Watch your cat for any changes in eating or sleeping habits, including an abnormal occurrence of hairballs, as these may be symptoms of more serious conditions that require the care of a veterinarian.

Last but not least, a good relationship with a qualified veterinarian is a must should your cat ever requires the care of a veterinarian. Periodic visits to the vet, even when there's no emergency, can add many years to the life of your favorite feline. So, make it a point to find a vet in your area. Friends or relatives can sometimes provide a recommendation, but if you're new to the neighborhood or don't know another cat owner you can ask, check your online yellow pages for a list of qualified vets in your neighborhood.

Matt Paolini is a cat lover and Managing Editor of CityBook, the Internet's leading family-safe yellow pages directory. Locate a veterinarian in your neighborhood using CityBook's online yellow pages.