Did you know that the average life span of cats is about 15 years? Of course, some kitties live much longer than that. Take Creme Puff, a furball that lived to be 38. That’s really impressive! These days, many pets are living longer than they used to, on average. In this article, a McHenry, IL vet offers some advice on helping your kitty live longer.
Keep Kitty In
One of the best ways to keep your feline pal safe is to simply keep her indoors. As soon as Fluffy sets her cute little paws outdoors, she’s exposed to some very serious dangers, such as traffic, weather, predators, other kitties, and chemical exposure.
Good Food
Proper nutrition will go a long way towards keeping your furball healthy. Offer Fluffy a high-quality, nourishing food. Don’t go overboard, though: if your furry friend becomes obese, she could face some very serious health issues. For personalized advice on your cat’s diet, consider our vet nutrition & weight management service.
Veterinary Care
Medical care is just as important for kitties as it is for people. We recommend that all cats be spayed or neutered, microchipped, and kept current on their vaccines and parasite control. Regular exams are also very important, as they could reveal a health issue long before your pet shows any signs. In between appointments, keep an eye out for signs of illness. Some common ones are hiding, poor grooming, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and changes in behavior or vocalization. If you notice any of these issues, contact your vet right away. For information on a common feline health issue, check out our article on Your Cat and Hairballs.
Petproofing
Never underestimate your cat’s ability to make mischief! Make your home safe for Fluffy by removing anything that could hurt her. This includes things like toxic plants, plastic bags and ties, and anything small or sharp. Ropes and threads are also dangerous, as are medicines and chemicals.
Purrs And Love
Fluffy’s emotional well-being is just as important as her physical health. Keep her happy and purring by offering her lots of toys and playing with her regularly. Also, give your furball some kitty furniture to climb and explore, as well as plenty of comfy beds and napping spots.
Playtime
As we all know, kitties are very sleepy. This makes it easy for them to get out of shape! Take time to play with your cat every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Please contact us, your McHenry, IL vet clinic, anytime. We’re here to help!