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The average cat’s lifespan is around 15 years. While a cat’s lifespan indoors can range from 12 to 18 years, some pet cats even live for up to 20 years. Outdoor cats lead significantly riskier lives as they are more prone to accidents and being attacked by other outdoor animals. Moreover, they often cannot receive medical attention in cases of ailments or injuries. This leads to them have a shorter life expectancy in comparison to their indoor counterparts.
As a pet parent, you would want your fur baby to live a long and healthy life. It’s common sense that feeding your cat a high-quality diet has its benefits. But when it comes to maximizing your cat’s lifespan, diet is only part of the equation. Read up on everything you need to do to ensure your cat lives happily for a long time to come.
A cat’s age span is divided into six stages. To understand how you can maximise your cat’s life expectancy, it is necessary to understand these life stages.
From birth till 6 months, the cats are in their earliest years and are called ‘kittens’. They undergo quick development during this time and require a lot of nutrients.
From 6 months to 2 years of age, cats are considered ‘juniors’. During this time, they reach sexual maturity and develop a personality. When your cat is about a year old, they can be switched from kitten food to adult cat food.
Between the age of 3 to 6 years, cats are considered to have reached their ‘prime’ age. They will be in their best physical condition during this time. However, do make sure that you still take your cat to the vet for regular check-ups.
Cats are considered to be in their ‘mature’ life stage between 7 to 10 years of age. During this time, they might become less active. This might even cause them to put on some extra weight, so you may have to make changes to their diet. You may also have to add some extra vitamins to meals to improve immunity. This will be an important step in maximizing cat life expectancy.
Between 11 to 14 years of age, cats are considered seniors and are at a higher risk of catching an illness. Ensure that you make regular visits to the vet and consult them frequently to ensure that your fur baby is not missing out on nutrition.
At the age of 15 years or higher, cats are at the ‘geriatric’ life stage. During this time, they may remain mostly inactive and need more attention.
Here is a brief guide to explain what the average age of cats is in human years:
When a cat turns 2 years of age, it is considered equivalent to a human turning 24 years old.
After a cat turns 2, each following year in their life amounts to 4 human years. So, when a cat is 3 years old, it amounts to 28 human years; when 4 years old, it amounts to 32 human years, and so on.
Knowing what affects your pet’s lifespan can help you take the right steps to prolong longevity.
Let’s start with something you do every day: feed your cat. There are several healthy options to choose from, so we’ll help you zero in on the formula that’s best for your cat. It’s important to note that cats are natural carnivores. Therefore, a formula with meat as the primary ingredient is a great place to start. Meat as a protein source has certain nutrients, such as taurine, that non-meat protein sources simply do not. Also, along with a proper diet, ensure your cat stays hydrated.
Regular visits to the veterinarian can help nip health issues in the bud. For instance, a vet will be able to tell if your cat is gaining too much weight and can recommend a diet and fitness program to get your kitty back to a healthy size.
You may even want to bring a fresh faecal sample along to your next appointment. Your vet can use this sample to search for ringworms. This tip can save you extra trips to the vet’s office in case your cat does not cooperate, so to speak, during their appointment.
Also, vets provide your cat with the vaccinations they need to fight off diseases such as feline rabies. Some vaccinations are required annually, while others should be administered every three years. Your vet’s office can help you keep track of it all, so remember to schedule that appointment!
Your cat relies on you for more than just healthy food and fresh water. They need stimulation. Sure, cats love their independence, but let’s be honest, they love getting attention. By playing with your cat for even 10 to 15 minutes a day, you are doing wonders for their lifespan. Some great games to play don’t even require fancy toys. Get a piece of string and tie it around a clean sock, then yank the string whenever your cat comes in close to investigate. Voila! Instant fun!
Cats don’t go on runs as dogs do, so keeping your cat active with games and toys is the best way to help keep them fit. About 30 minutes of exercise or playing in a day is enough to have a significantly positive impact on maximizing your cat’s lifespan.
If your pet’s teeth are left unclean, they can develop plaque and tartar which can cause severe problems like pain, tooth loss, or kidney ailments. So, ensure that you take your cat for regular dental check-ups.
Follow these tips and your cat will be on her way to a long and happy life with you. You’re a great owner for taking the time to read this article. It shows how much you really care about her. Now step away from the computer and show your cat some attention!
When you snuggle up to your new feline friend and notice them scratching a tad too often, it might be a sign of kitten fleas. Along with causing itching and discomfort, this dreaded parasite can also transmit diseases. In fact, during extreme cases, fleas can even cause anaemia, especially in little ones like kittens. However, don't worry, we have the purrfect guide for you to handle these pesky invaders.
Before jumping to any kitten flea remedy, you must evaluate the situation. Depending on your kitten's age and weight, your approach will vary.
Points to remember:
Kittens under 12 weeks should not be introduced to chemical flea prevention products.
Always check product guidelines to ensure they are suitable for your kitten’s age and weight.
Only use products designed for cats, as our feline friends process chemicals differently than dogs.
Comb your kitten: A fine comb can effectively remove visible fleas.
Bathe your kitten: If your kitten is of suitable age, use a flea and tick shampoo made for sensitive skin. For younger kittens, you might want to try non-medicated, tear-free soaps like a baby shampoo.
Clean the environment: Your battle against fleas isn't just on your kitten. Wash all bedding in hot soapy water and vacuum carpeted areas thoroughly. Empty vacuum bags or canisters outside. Sprays can help eradicate fleas and their eggs indoors.
Protect the Yard: Even if your kitten is an indoor kitty, fleas might sneak in from outside. Using sprays can be an effective way to safeguard your yard.
When it comes to flea treatment for kittens under 12 weeks, options can be limited. Young kittens are particularly sensitive, and many treatments suited for adult cats can be harmful to them. Here's how to proceed:
For kittens under 8 weeks old, your safest bet is to use a flea comb. This tool, when dipped in hot, soapy water between brushes, can help you physically remove and kill off adult fleas.
Another effective method for very young kittens is bathing. A gentle bath with warm water and a fragrance-free dish liquid or natural baby shampoo can be effective in reducing the flea population. However, be sure to make this a quick affair to prevent your kitten from getting overly cold or scared.
Natural sounds great, doesn't it? But here's a cat-sized caution: Avoid essential oils as a kitten flea remedy. Many essential oils are toxic to cats, even in minimal doses. Some flea treatments boasting 'natural' ingredients might contain these oils, which could pose risks for your kitten. Always read labels and, when in doubt, consult with your vet.
For kittens older than 8-10 weeks and weighing more than 1.5-2 pounds, topical treatments become an option. A golden rule here is always to ensure the chosen product matches your kitten's age and weight.
It's essential to strike a balance between effectiveness and safety. Prescription treatments from your veterinarian typically offer the most robust protection against fleas. However, there are over-the-counter options available, which might be more accessible for some pet owners. No matter your choice, the key is to read labels carefully and avoid harmful ingredients, such as permethrin and certain essential oils.
Fleas might be pesky, but with knowledge, patience, and the right tools, you can keep your kitten flea-free and happy. Always keep your veterinarian in the loop and ensure any treatment or remedy you use is age and weight appropriate. Remember, a flea-free kitten is a happy kitten!
