Follow These Tips and Keep Your Cat Purring With Health
Anyone who has a pet is concerned about the factors that impact the health and longevity of their animal companion.
For cat lovers, the three most important factors are breed, genetics and environment.
A well cared for cat has a normal lifespan of about fifteen years, although there are records of cats living to the very ripe old age of thirty! Although cat owners can't really control or influence the breed and genetic makeup of their favorite feline, they do have a great deal of control over environmental factors.
One good example is food, where many cat lovers have turned to making their own cat food.
This is largely in response to the scare of a few years ago, in which tainted cat food manufactured and imported from China showed signs of the dangerous chemical melamine.
Whether you prepare your own cat food or rely on store-bought brands, remember the cardinal rule of cat nutrition: For a long and healthy life, don't overfeed that tabby! Exercise is another area where we cat lovers can very positively influence the lifespan of our pets.
Cats can actually be walked like a dog, and this is a fabulous form of exercise.
For those who prefer indoor exercise for their cat, a scratching post or an indoor mini jungle gym can provide the exercise that Felix needs.
Take some time to play with your cat everyday, too.
Not only is it good exercise for your cat, it positively impacts the disposition and lifespan of both of you.
Statistics also show that spayed or neutered cats live a longer life, as do cats that are well groomed.
A cat that is brushed regularly is less likely to pick up a disease.
Teeth are also important and brushing your cat's teeth on a regular basis will help ward off the gum disease gingivitis.
Finally, watch out for excessive hairballs and disturbed sleeping patterns.
These can indicate more serious problems that require the attention of a trained veterinarian.
Ultimately, one of the best things you can do for your cat's well being is to develop a good relationship with a local veterinarian.
Taking your cat to the vet for an annual checkup can identify many potentially serious health issues before they become debilitating or life threatening.
Get a name or recommendation from a friend or family member, or check your local yellow pages for the names and addresses of veterinarians in your area.
Follow these simple tips and you'll have your favorite pet purring with good health for many years to come!
For cat lovers, the three most important factors are breed, genetics and environment.
A well cared for cat has a normal lifespan of about fifteen years, although there are records of cats living to the very ripe old age of thirty! Although cat owners can't really control or influence the breed and genetic makeup of their favorite feline, they do have a great deal of control over environmental factors.
One good example is food, where many cat lovers have turned to making their own cat food.
This is largely in response to the scare of a few years ago, in which tainted cat food manufactured and imported from China showed signs of the dangerous chemical melamine.
Whether you prepare your own cat food or rely on store-bought brands, remember the cardinal rule of cat nutrition: For a long and healthy life, don't overfeed that tabby! Exercise is another area where we cat lovers can very positively influence the lifespan of our pets.
Cats can actually be walked like a dog, and this is a fabulous form of exercise.
For those who prefer indoor exercise for their cat, a scratching post or an indoor mini jungle gym can provide the exercise that Felix needs.
Take some time to play with your cat everyday, too.
Not only is it good exercise for your cat, it positively impacts the disposition and lifespan of both of you.
Statistics also show that spayed or neutered cats live a longer life, as do cats that are well groomed.
A cat that is brushed regularly is less likely to pick up a disease.
Teeth are also important and brushing your cat's teeth on a regular basis will help ward off the gum disease gingivitis.
Finally, watch out for excessive hairballs and disturbed sleeping patterns.
These can indicate more serious problems that require the attention of a trained veterinarian.
Ultimately, one of the best things you can do for your cat's well being is to develop a good relationship with a local veterinarian.
Taking your cat to the vet for an annual checkup can identify many potentially serious health issues before they become debilitating or life threatening.
Get a name or recommendation from a friend or family member, or check your local yellow pages for the names and addresses of veterinarians in your area.
Follow these simple tips and you'll have your favorite pet purring with good health for many years to come!
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