7 Simple Ways to Raise a Healthy Cat ...

One of the most important ways to raise a healthy cat, is to be sure to take your darling to the vet at least once a year. Your cat will need to have a full 'medical' which will help determine its health needs and your vet will be able to give you advice about preventative measures to help you keep your kitty happy and healthy into old age. It's also a good idea to spay or neuter your cat as soon as possible as having repeated litters will contribute to your cat's aging and can be quite stressful for her.

Of course, I let my cats outdoors but they don't really leave the garden. They love to play in the garden and I'm glad about that because there is less chance of them catching any nasty diseases, fighting with other cats or worse, becoming well-acquainted with the tires of a passing car. I'm not saying they should never go out, that would be cruel. But If you want to avoid costly vet bills and want to keep your cat healthy, try to minimize the time your cats spend outside.

Be sure to feed your cat high quality food. Choose a reputable brand and ask your vet if you're unsure. Cats should eat both wet and dry food. The dry food will help them to keep their teeth nice and clean. Cats are snackers who will graze throughout the day so leave some dry food out for them. As cats age, their digestive system will begin to slow down so be sure to feed your cat food which is age appropriate to ensure they can get the right amount of vitamins and minerals for how old they are.

I love playing with my cats and spend some time each day entertaining them with ribbons, balls and lasers. It's so important to keep them active and happy so ensure you spend some time playing with your kitty each day. You'll get some exercise at the same time too! It will also prevent pet obesity, a growing problem for both cats and dogs. The 'eat right and exercise' mantra also applies to our pets!

As your cat gets older, their capacity to absorb and retain the vitamins and minerals it needs will diminish and they may therefore need some supplements. Talk to your vet about which vitamin supplement or antioxidants they would recommend for your cat to keep it healthy in its older age. My older cat, Tiger, takes a special fish oil supplement for cats to keep her joints supple in old age. Avoid giving your pet any vitamins you would normally give to dogs or to humans, as they may contain ingredients which are harmful for your cat.

Make sure you protect your cat from hazardous household cleaners and other environmental dangers in the home and back yard. Remember, cats are constantly grooming themselves so make sure no pesticides or household cleaners find their way onto Felix's fur, as they will lick this off and potentially ingest some harmful chemicals.

Remember, cats love cuddles and affection. They might seem aloof and play it cool with you but secretly they're hoping you'll stroke and fuss over them aplenty. This is the first thing I do when I get home from work. It can be very therapeutic and calming to hear them purr and in some countries, pets are used as therapy and taken to rest homes for the elderly and the sick to benefit from their calming influence.

These are just a few important things to note when looking after and raising your cute kitty. Are there any other cat enthusiasts out there who want to share how they keep their cats healthy and purring into old age?