Many factors can determine your cat’s lifespan and quality of life. And most of them are things that you, as a pet owner, can actively influence, such as diet, exercise, living conditions, and exposure to the outside world. When well taken care of, a pet cat can live up until its 20s. Or even in its late 30s, as proven by Creme Puff, the oldest cat ever.
So, if you want to take good care of your feline family member, here are 5 facts you need to know to help them live a long and happy life.
What you see isn’t always what you get
Cats aren’t as expressive as dogs. They don’t usually complain when something is wrong with them. Sometimes, discomforts or symptoms of illnesses only manifest when it is too late to be effectively treated. That is why a routine check-up with your vet is crucial, especially when your cat is getting older. They lose their vigor and become more susceptible to ailments. An annual check-up at least is recommended if you want them to help them live their life to the fullest.
Don’t let them stray, make them stay
Cats who are kept outdoors or left to stray are at risk for accidents. Injuries due to fights with other cats are part of the reason. But an often overlooked cause of high mortality in outdoor cats is the range of diseases they can contract in their explorations outside your home. Common among these are feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)—not to mention parasites like worms and fleas.
As such, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends families to keep their furry friends off the streets and within the safety of their homes.
Entertainment is essential
Of course, it’s hard to get your cat to stay indoors if they’re bored. They may seem lazy and sleepy all the time, but your feline friend also needs adequate mental stimulation to keep fit and healthy. Motivate them to move around with toys like balls, yarns, feathers, or lasers. Some families even take their cat’s fitness to the next level with playtime equipment like a cat treadmill or an entire obstacle course.
Breed matters
Life spans among cats also vary among different breeds. The reason for this is mostly evolutionary. However, not all of these breeds are natural. Some of them (mainly the designer breeds) are artificially generated, resulting in weaker offsprings that are more prone to disease and shorter lifespans. So when choosing a feline friend to adopt into your family, you may want to keep these in mind.
To help you with that, here is a list of some of the most popular cat breeds and their average lifespans:
- Siamese: 12 to 20 years
- Calico: 12 to 15 years
- Bengal: 14 to 16 years
- Burmese: 16 to 18 years
- Savannah: 12 to 20 years
- Ragdoll: 15 to 18 years
- Russian Blue: 15 to 20 years
- American Shorthair: 15 to 20 years
- Sphynx: 10 to 15 years
- Manx: 8 to 14 years
- Persian: 10 to 17 years
- Maine Coon: 10 to 13 years
- Munchkin: 12 to 15 years
A wholesome diet is a must
Photo from @cherishedkitties’ Instagram page
Just like everyone else in the family, a healthy, balanced, and wholesome diet is key to a long and happy life for your furry friend. Cats need food high in protein and packed with the right amount of essential vitamins, minerals, and moisture—not to mention delicious and enjoyable for them to eat!
Such food is Wishbone. Wishbone’s meats are free-range and cage-free to ensure quality. Our blends are 90% animal protein boosted by herbs and fruits that pack additional vitamins and minerals. With a choice between Beef, Chicken, and Lamb, your cat can feast on a meal thoughtfully prepared with their nutrition and enjoyment in mind.
In addition to providing them a hearty meal, you also have to be very mindful when it comes to your cat’s eating habits. Observe them as they feed and if they struggle to eat or don’t eat at all, it could indicate a dental or medical problem.
Because we love our pets, we can’t help but wish for them to outlive their lifespans. Good thing that nowadays, it’s easier to make it happen. With proper nutrition and lots of love, we can help our cats live longer, healthier lives. – Wishbonepet.com
Recent Comments