The average lifespan of cats is 12-14 years, while many cats with proper care are known to live 18 years. You might be surprised that the oldest cat alive today is “Flossie,” turning 26 years old in 2022, while the oldest cat ever recorded is “crème Puff,” who died aged 38 in 2005.
Yes, cats can accompany you for decades if you know how to take care of a cat and meet all its needs. Naturally, every cat lover wants to keep their pet happy and healthy. However, looking at the numbers above, you may be wondering how you can help your cat live a happy and long life.
So, in this article, we have explained the different factors that affect a cat's lifespan. Considering these aspects, you can greatly improve your cat's quality of life and help them live as long as possible.
Keep Your Cat Indoors
Data collected from different sources proves that cats who live indoors live longer than those who are often outside. Cats that go out are often at higher risk of being stolen, attacked by predators, and infected with infections and parasites. Also, don't forget to fight other cats or animals and get injured.
While a 15-20 minute walk is necessary for your cat's health, you should only allow him to go outside with other people. You must buy a collar and leash or harness for the cat and walk the cat.
Also, in the winter, cats love to sit at the window to bask in the sun, so make sure that the window is closed properly for your feline friend's safety.
Select Cat Safe Plants
Since your feline friend must spend most of the time indoors, the interior of your home should be cat-friendly. One of the most important aspects in this regard are houseplants.
Although cats are carnivores, they can sometimes nibble on plants. So make sure you don't have any houseplants that are unsafe for your cat. To learn more about plants that are toxic to cats, you can check out our article on the most common poisonous plants for cats.
Provide Quality Cat Food
No one can deny the importance of a high-quality and balanced diet. It is a basic need for cats and all living things, including humans. While it may seem a bit expensive at first in terms of lbs, the cost per day will be much less because cats can eat less nutritious food (about 1/3) than regular cat food.
As a result, it will produce fewer feces, thus saving your litter. Above all, your priority is your cat’s health, so it doesn’t matter, even if it’s expensive.
Keep Your Cat Hydrated
Sufficient hydration is crucial to keeping a cat healthy; the same goes for you. So you must provide fresh water in a clean water bowl 24/7.
Since cats are more attracted to moving water, buying a cat fountain is a good idea to attract the cat toward the water.
Maintain A Healthy Weight
In addition, to provide a quality diet, you must keep an eye on the weight of your fluffy friend. Weight your cat often (at least once a month) and maintain weight within the healthy range because obese cats are prone to many health issues.
Physical Stimulation
Keeping your cat physically active is as necessary and crucial as in humans. So you must spare at least 15 to 20 minutes daily to play with your cat.
You can train your cat to play simple games or get the benefit of their chasing instinct and make them chase laser light, a feather, a mouse, a bird attached to a string, etc.
You can also take it out for a walk on a leash. The idea is to provide physical exercise and help our cats burn extra calories. It will help our cats avoid obesity and other health problems and enjoy a healthy and happy life.
Mental Stimulation
Since cats spend most of their time indoors and alone, it's important to make arrangements to keep our cats mentally stimulated. A lone cat with nothing to do can quickly develop symptoms of boredom and anxiety.
You should arrange many toys for the cat and rotate them often to keep the cat interested. Cat puzzles, cat plants, cat balls, scratch poles, and hiding food or treats in different places are all great ways to keep your cat busy.
Regular Grooming
Regular brushing will keep your cat's coat nice and allow you to get a close look at your pet's body. You can easily detect any abnormalities, such as lumps, wounds, bumps, sores, etc., before the condition gets worse. The sooner you recognize the problem, the sooner your cat will return to a healthy and happy life.
Maintain Good Hygiene
Be sure to follow hygiene measures, including bathing regularly, cleaning ears, and clipping fingernails. You should also wash the dishes that hold food and water regularly, clean the litter box regularly, and change the litter box on time when necessary.
Oral & Dental Care
Oral and dental care is the most ignored aspect of cat guardianship. Suppose anything is wrong inside your kitty’s mouth. In that case, it leads to reduced intake that can further cause many complications like weakness, nutritional deficiency, etc.
Know The Illness Signs
Cats intuitively hide their illness signs, and they do it perfectly. Generally, most cat guardians cannot detect their cat’s illness or need help until the condition worsens.
So if you want your cat to live long, you must enable yourself to learn the early signs of illness in cats. Some common symptoms your cat may exhibit when he is ill, diseased, or uncomfortable and needs your help are listed below.
Change in physical appearance
Changes in social behavior
Not using the litter box.
Increased or decreased food and water intake
Change in sleeping routine
Unexpected weight loss or gain
Changes in vocalization
Showing stress signs
Abnormal discharge
Bad breath
Regularly Visit Your Veterinarian
Plan a visit to your vet at least once in six months. The vet is the right person who can detect any underlying disease and may perform some blood tests for confirmation. In addition, the vet can guide you about the changes in feeding, grooming, and care requirements as your cat grows.
Final Words
We hope these tips will help you to improve your cat’s health and quality of life. Obviously, a healthy cat will live a long and happy life. And who knows, your kitty may win the “oldest cat alive” or “oldest cat ever” award in the years to come.
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