Humans always want their cats to live forever, and if we could, we would! But since no one’s figured out a way (yet) for that to happen, I have some tips to help kitties live longer, and healthier lives. And surprise! These tips work for humans too.
Yes, all those same things doctors and health magazines tell you about diet and exercise also go for your cat. Here’s what I mean, comparing humans and cats.
Eat a minimally processed, species appropriate diet
It doesn’t matter what diet a human adheres to — low carb, Mediterranean, vegan, or anything in between — the most important part is that the food they eat is fresh and has as little processing as possible. The closer you can get to the source, the better.
The same goes for cats, with the big exception being that cats are obligate carnivores. That means that animal protein must be their main food source. And the best animal protein for cats is as fresh and unprocessed as possible.
Although everyone’s budget for cat food is different, it’s important to do the research within what you can afford. Not all cat food is created equal, and each price point has healthier choices, along with the not-so-healthy ones.
The basic rule is that canned, pouch, fresh and fresh frozen food is always better than dry, if you can swing it. (The exception to this is freeze dried raw cat food, which is way less processed than other dry foods.) Most dry cat food is highly processed and contains more carbs and chemicals than a cat should have in their diet. When it comes to the canned food, check the macros for a high protein content, and the ingredient list to see what else is being added.
Fresh and fresh frozen are best, but they are high priced options. If you can afford it, go for it! Raw diets are great for many cats, and some people even buy meat from the butcher shop and make it themselves, or at least supplement their cat’s normal diet with it. If you want to go in that direction, do your research to guarantee your cat is getting all the necessary nutrients.
People who eat fast food every day are less healthy over time. Same with cats who eat a highly processed diet. So keep it as clean as you can.
Have daily exercise
Even moderate exercise like walking will add years to a human’s lifespan. Add in strength training, and it will also keep them independent and active for those extra years.
Cats need exercise too, but they’re built a little differently than humans. Whereas humans are built for marathons, cats are built for sprints. So short bursts of exercise work best for them, whereas humans do better with 30 minutes or so of cardio most days.
So pull out some cat toys and get your cat to chase them vigorously for 10 minutes. If you can get them to wear themselves out, even better. This might be harder with young adult cats, and maybe almost impossible with kittens, but do your best. It’s even more important to get mature cats up and exercising to help them stay active and engaged in life in general.
And if you have stairs or a cat tree, you can really help them with muscle tone by having them run up the stairs or the tree. My human will toss a treat up and down our spiral staircase for my exercise and that really helps to keep me conditioned.
Engage in mental stimulation
Mental health and physical health go hand in hand (or paw in paw). Older people who are more active physically are also more alert mentally. And the same goes for cats. Take that a step further by doing things to keep your cat’s mind engaged.
Of course, your cat can’t read books, learn new languages, or do crossword puzzles. But they can keep their minds active with puzzle and treat toys. And teaching your cat tricks is another way to keep them engaged mentally. Make these part of your cat’s routine.
Manage stress
Stress can really do a number on your wellbeing, and your cat’s too. In fact, it may be even worse for your cat. A stressed out cat becomes sick way more easily than a cat who has a calmer life.
Of course your cat can’t meditate, or learn deep breathing. But you can. And surprise! This can actually help your cat’s stress level. Cats are emotional sponges, and they sense and absorb your moods. If you are stressed out, it has a negative effect on them. So teaching yourself to destress is one good step to take, for both you and your cat.
Also keep in mind that your cat (if they are like most cats) spend the majority of their lives inside their home. They never leave it, except for trips to the vet, or the backyard. So the more of a haven your house is, the more you can create a sense of peace there, the better it is for your cat. A high stress household is bad for both of you.
Another thing you can do to manage your cat’s stress is to create routines. Cats thrive on predictability, and if you have daily routines and rituals involving them, they find it comforting.
You can also manage situations that are high stress for your cat, such as vet visits or traveling in the car. Do home vet visits if you can. Get your cat accustomed to the carrier. Take your cat on short trips in the car, and reward them with treats, praise and affection. Anything you can do to lessen stress for them is helpful.
Regular health check ups
Humans and cats both should have regular check ups to make sure there are no big changes in their numbers. Keeping track of all your stats gives a baseline that shows how things are going over time. Both you and your cat need these.
Yes, veterinarian visits are expensive these days! Which is why pet insurance is more important than ever. Figure out a way to budget them in, if you can. Although I am healthy, I have a few weird things that look harmless (like my eye freckle) that it’s good to keep an eye on.
A couple of other things to keep in mind:
- Maintain a healthy weight
All the same illnesses that develop in people who are overweight, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure can happen to overweight cats too. If you can keep your cat’s weight in a healthy range, it will help increase their longevity and overall health.
- Dental health is really important
Inflammation from gum disease leads to a host of other issues in both humans and cats such as heart disease, respiratory issues and gastrointestinal disorders. In cats, gum disease has been linked to kidney disease. So if your cat will let you, learn how to brush their teeth. My human uses Ryercat’s toothbrushes (affiliate link) and swears by them. They are pricey, but worth it because they are designed for a cat’s small mouth — and keep human hands from having to get too close to the teeth!
Learning how to brush your cat’s teeth keeps them healthier in the long run — and saves you a lot of money because they won’t need dental procedures as often, if at all. Your cat will be a lot happier too.
Taking steps to keep your cat happy and healthy now has loads of longterm benefits. And the same goes for you!
I hope you found these tips helpful. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
The post Your Cat Will Live Longer (and You Will Too!) With These Tips appeared first on Summer’s Fabulous Cat Life.
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