[H1222]How To Give A Cat Bath

Breed, environment and genetics are the three most important factors to influence the aging process and lifespan of your favorite cat. While a cat's longevity will vary depending on the contribution made by each of these factors, a healthy house cat should reach at least the age of fifteen. It's not unusual, however, for a cat to live even longer and there are records of cats living to the distinguished, gray-haired age of thirty!

Just like humans, cats live the longest on a good nutritious diet. As cats grow older, their nutritional needs change and it's important to feed them an appropriately balanced diet. Despite the recent scare about contaminated cat food made with ingredients imported from China, most national cat food brands are now considered safe. These are available in different formulas matched to particular stages in a cat's life and are usually well liked by cats. If you're concerned about food safety, you can always make you own cat food at home. Whether your choose a national brand or make your own food, it's important not to overfeed your cat so it can maintain a healthy weight.

Humans and cats have other things in common, too. Regular exercise is part of a healthy life style for both cats and humans. One way to keep your cat healthy and fit is to allow it some time outdoors everyday. Indoors, give your cat a scratching post and a selection of toys. Setting aside some time to play with your cat everyday is a great way to improve your own quality of life and give your cat the exercise it needs to stay healthy.

Another way to help a cat live longer originally came as a surprise to me. Just before signing off, Bob Barker, the former host of the Price is Right, the popular TV game show, used to remind his audience to spay or neuter their cats. Although Barker's motivation was probably to reduce the number of stray cats and dogs roaming the streets of L.A., it turns out that spaying or neutering your cat can actually boost its life expectancy. Although the statistics on this don't lie, it's not exactly clear why the idea works. Some think a fixed cat will stay closer to home, reducing its exposure to disease and other dangers.

Cats grow more susceptible to disease as they grow older, but there are many things you can do to help keep you cat healthy. Regular brushing will satisfy your cat's instinct for regular grooming and also help to prevent common skin diseases. Remember, too, that a cat can't care for its own teeth. Brushing your tabby's teeth everyday will help ward off conditions like chronic cat breath, gum disease and more serious conditions like resorption lesions. You should also watch for changes in your cat's eating or sleeping patterns or an abnormal incidence of hairballs, all of which can point to more serious health issues that may require treatment by a veterinarian.

Finally, a good relationship with a qualified veterinarian is a must should your cat ever requires the care of a veterinarian. Periodic visits to the vet, even when there's no emergency, can extend the life of your cat by many happy years. So, make it a point to find a vet in your area. Friends or relatives can sometimes provide a recommendation, but if you're new to the neighborhood or don't know another cat owner you can ask, check your online yellow pages for a list of qualified vets in your neighborhood.