Cats that are getting older

Age is just a number, right? A Human who is 60 years old may be active like a young adult, while a different human the same age may perform like he or she is on a deathbed. Cats are the same way! Your pet may act like a kitten for many years or may be aged and achy fairly young. Specific breed, surroundings, and heredity play a function, but in general, a well-cared for house cat usually lives to be at least 15 years old. Some cats live to be well over 30.

There are things you can do, however, to provide your cat with the probability of the longest life possible. For example, have your cat spayed or neutered. Figures show that fixed cats live longer, because this causes the cat to stay closer to home and be exposed to few unsafe situations and infection. Good nourishment is also important. Make sure that you are buying cat food that is suitable for your cat’s age.

As you cat ages, certain medical conditions may cause you to make special considerations for your cat. Examples include reduced tolerance to extreme temperatures, decreased sensory perception, vulnerability to infection, arthritis and joint stiffness, digestion problems, liver and kidney problems, weaker bones, cancer, muscle weakness, slow reaction, memory loss, high blood pressure, and tetchiness. As you can see, aging cats have many of the same problems as aging humans!

Along with a good diet, encourage healthy amounts of exercise in your cat. You can do this by allowing your cat to go outside and by playing with your cat every day. Toys and environmental pieces, like scratching posts, are great for encouraging your cat to exercise. Keep in mind, cats may spend a lot of the day sleeping, which is fine. If you are overly concerned, talk to your vet about your cat’s sleeping habits.

Pre-emptive health care is, of course, important. Make sure that your cat has regular checkups with the vet to make sure everything is in check. You should also brush your cat’s teeth daily and have your cat groomed regularly to prevent skin diseases. As cats age, most grow to love grooming. Monitor your cat for diet changes, changing sleep habits, and unsafe water consumption. The key to graceful aging in a cat is an owner who is well involved in his or her life. Make sure that you provide advanced care for your cat as he or she grows, and your pet should be a part of your life for a very long time.