Helping Your Cat Live A Longer & Fuller Life

A cat is a wonderful companion in the home. Cats offer their owners love, hours of amusement and companionship and can be easier to care for than dogs are, which make them a favored choice of many pet owners. When you adopt a cat, you should be aware that you are making a lifetime commitment to that cat and that cats can live longer than 15 years. This means that you should always take the time to research whether getting a cat is right for you, and once you have a cat, you should take any steps necessary to help your companion live a long and healthy life.

There are many different things that cat owners can do to help ensure that their cats are able to live a happy and full life. Some of these things include refraining from declawing your cat, as this can upset your cat's balance and make it impossible for your cat to defend itself. Making the choice to keep your cat as an indoor cat is also a choice that many pet owners make if they want to ensure a long life since there are many dangers to cats outside including cars and other animals. There are also some things that every cat owner can do to help ensure that their cat lives a long, healthy and happy life. These include:

Feeding your cat a quality cat food. Cats must get enough protein in order to stay healthy. There are many quality cat foods available on the market, so be sure to do your research and buy a premium brand that contains ingredients that are good for your cat.
Having your cat vaccinated. All goods should be vaccinated for rabies, feline leukemia, and the 3-in-1 (panleukomenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus). Your veterinarian can explain the appropriate vaccination schedule to you. Vaccinations are normally administered in the leg area and can be administered at different locations on the cat to minimize the risk of complications at the injection site.
Ensuring your cat gets plenty of exercise. An overweight or fat cat might seem cute, but being too heavy can have an extremely adverse impact on your cat's life span. You should be sure to avoid letting your cat get overweight by helping your cat to get as much exercise as possible. Usually, this means taking the time to play with your car regularly. Cats often love to chase laser pointers or string and engaging your cats in this type of play not only helps to keep them healthy but also allows you and your cat to share fun bonding experience. Some people also find that it helps to have two cats- especially if you get them as kittens- so that they can play with each other.

These are just a few of the key tips to helping your cat to live a longer & fuller life. Being watchful of any signs of illness or abnormal behavior is also important and if you suspect that something is wrong with your cat, you should contact a veterinarian immediately. There are licensed vets available to answer questions online about cat health and problems that your cat may be experiencing, and using these services is a great way to get the answers you need without having to put your cat through the stress of an in-person vet visit.