The Secret to Cat Longevity
Cats are very peculiar animals, and William and Tibby Forever, Lynda Hamblen book with an indomitable kitten, proves just that. There’s no question that cats are one of the popular choices for pets for that reason. These unique little creatures are just fun to be around. They are playful and cheerful, then grumpy and naughty the next. Yet, they can get away with their behavior easily because of their adorable looks. Their mischievous streak might disturb you from work, like laying across your keyboard or just smacking things on your desk, but that’s entirely part of their charm—and one of the reasons why we love them so much.
Not only are they cuddly and adorable, but they’re also fiercely independent, curious, and loyal, making them excellent lifelong companions for you and your family. However, they don’t live long as humans. They accompany us only half of our life. So, why can’t cats live as long as we do? Why is that their lifespan so much shorter than those of humans? Why can’t they stay with us longer?
We all want our cats to live forever, and while feline immortality is out of grasp, it’s not unusual for them to live into their 20s. Guinness Book of Records recorded Creme Puff as the oldest cat, living a ripe old age of 38 years and three days. This is beyond the average life expectancy of 13 to 17 years for an indoor cat. This is good news for cat owners, but how can you help your feline friend have a good shot at making it to its 20s? Below are some tips for increasing cat longevity.
Mentally and Physically Fit
Creme Puff lived more than twice the average feline life expectancy. Before holding the oldest cat on record, Grandpa Rex Allen was the titleholder who lived for 34 years. The owner implied that his cats lived a long life due to the array of mental and physical stimulation he provided. Vets agree to this. They even recommend cat exercises to keep them healthy into their old age. After all, mental and physical fitness is essential to feline well-being.
Most indoor cats are notoriously lazy, and it’s hard to get them to exercise. Therefore, make sure they have plenty of toys to play with and play areas like perches, shelves, cat towers, and cat trees. Cats tend to keep to themselves much more than dogs, and giving them options in the form of the aforementioned is the best strategy to have your cats work out.
A Good Diet
An old saying goes, “you are what you eat.” The food we intake contributes to our overall health. The same goes for cats, which is why it’s crucial to choose the best diet for them carefully. A good diet for cats should contain essential nutrients, such as protein and amino acids. Illness and diseases are the leading causes of most felines’ early demise. Supplementing them with essential nutrients will support their immune system and assist their function and vision.
Figuring out the volume of food that will keep your cat lean and healthy may take some trial and error. Consulting with your veterinarian is the only way to understand the appropriate diet for your cat. When choosing the right food, you have to consider your cat’s age, metabolic needs, allergies, and underlying medical issues, which only a professional can determine.
Environmental Enrichment
While indoor cats generally live longer and are at less risk for contracting infectious diseases and injuries, they are at greater risk of behavioral problems. These can be anxiety, eating disorders, aggression, self-injury, and compulsive disorders. Providing them an enriched environment can increase brain activity and prevent mental stagnation and these issues. An enriched environment will allow your cat to create a positive experience in an enclosed space. The goal is to create an environment of plenty, meaning plenty of options and opportunities for play, exploration, and interaction with you.
Spending time with their favorite human can strengthen the feelings of trust and safety for many cats. They’ll feel less vulnerable in a stress-free and loving environment and will be much happier. In essence, a happy feline lives a long life.
All the Love You Can Give
Happy people and animals both live longer, so lavish as much affection on your cat as you like. As long as it does not include overfeeding them with treats and snacks. Spoil your cat with love and care all day long. This bond does not only benefit your cat but also you to live longer lives. Give your cat lots of attention and affection, but also understand their need for space most of the time. Provide them the best life you can, and you will be rewarded with many years of companionship. Even if lots of love won’t directly increase your cat’s lifespan, it will definitely make time more enjoyable. A happy cat is a healthier cat.
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