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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 well-cared for house cat should live to 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. As cats grow older, so does their susceptibility to disease. There are many things you can do to help prevent disease in your cat. Cats love to be groomed and regular brushing will promote the health of your cat's fur and help prevent skin diseases. Brushing your cat's teeth on a regular basis can also ward off any number of common oral health problems, ranging from bad breath and gingivitis to more serious issues like resorption lesions. Watch your cat for any changes in eating or sleeping habits, including an abnormal occurrence of hairballs, as these may be symptoms of more serious conditions that require the care of a veterinarian. Last but not least, finding and establishing a good relationship with a qualified vet in your area is important 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 make 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.
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About the Article Author
Matt Paolini is a cat lover and Managing Editor of CityBook, the Internet's leading family-safe yellow pages directory. Locate a veterinarian in your neighborhood using CityBook's online yellow pages.
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