How to Help Your Cat Live Longer ?

The average life expectancy of a cat is 15-20 years. Too bad cats don't live as long as we do... Fortunately, we can remedy that. Every cat parent knows one universal truth about living with cats: you'll most likely survive every one of your cats. Cats live to an average of 15-18 years, record-breaking 20. Fortunately, we can extend their lives significantly and here are four tips to do so.

1. A happy life without stress

Vets have long since discovered how important it is for cats' health and life to avoid stress. 

Stress disrupts the functioning of the body, affects the immune system, reduces the body's ability to fight diseases. 

Stress is the main trigger of many serious cat diseases such as FIP. Stress can be a result of either a visit to a clinic, redecoration of the apartment, or boredom. The most common boredom in the world gives rise to frustration and even depression.

A cat needs its life to be normal and regular as clockwork on the one hand, and to surprise with something new on the other. 

Nothing will make your cat as happy as the time spent with you in a fascinating game. Sometimes an ordinary paper ball is better than an old ball just because it is new. 

It's more fun rustling, carries so many smells, is like a pirate's treasure, although unfortunately, we won't be able to sense or hear these qualities. 

The cat will see the difference, believe me!

2. Keep your indoor cat happy and protected

Any cat can be happy, whether outgoing or not. All you have to do is give it the right conditions. Toys and games are effective tools to help your cat live better because it keeps them mentally and physically active.

If you’re keeping your cat indoors, teach him that the apartment is his territory and that the area is full of attractions. 

Secure the balcony with a net, put the stops on the tilt windows. 

On the balcony create a catio-miniature for your cat, with a bed, plants, baskets, catnip, herbs, and maybe even a real tree branch scratcher.

3. Monitor your cat's health

A cat of any age can get sick. Some diseases mainly affect kittens and there’s illnesses  that affect seniors. 

Unfortunately, your cat won't tell you that something hurts, that something bad is happening to its health. Cats are masters at hiding diseases, but the sooner an illness is detected, the more effective the cure is. 

So you'll need to take things into your own hands and regularly visit the clinic with your cat and test your cat's blood.

4. Proper nutrition

Proper nutrition means that it is adapted to the age, activity, and lifestyle of your cat. Common principles: a ready-made food or home-made food must contain a prevalent amount of good quality meat, properly balanced, supplemented with the vitamins, minerals, and fats your cat needs for life.

 

Carbohydrates are of secondary importance in cat food - they provide energy and if they are not burned by the body, unfortunately, they will mainly accumulate in the form of fat folds. 

A cat is carnivorous by nature. Not every meat, however, contains enough taurine and omega acids. If you want to feed your cat with home-made food, take an interest in the BARF diet. 

If you prefer a ready-to-eat food, try a high-protein, animal protein diet, preferably wet or, if dry, make sure your cat drinks more water. 

A top- and mid-range dry food alone is well balanced, but it's dry, and the latest research shows that cats on dry food are more likely to develop kidney disease and diabetes. 

So maybe a compromise: one meal is dry, the other wet or meat. Avoid giving your cat table scraps, hams, smoked fish, and so on.

Don't change the food too often - it can cause pancreatic irritation and gastrointestinal problems, manifested by diarrhea or vomiting. 

If you're already changing the type of food, do so gradually, mixing the old food with the new food in increasing proportions for the new food.