People want their cats to live forever, and if we can, we will! But since no one has figured out a way (yet) to make that happen, I have some tips to help kittens live longer, healthier lives. And surprise! These tips work for humans too.
Yes, all the same things doctors and health magazines tell you about diet and exercise are 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 someone follows – 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 are to the source, the better.
The same goes for cats, with the big exception that cats are obligate carnivores. That means animal protein must be their main food source. And the best animal protein for cats is as fresh and unprocessed as possible.
While everyone’s budget for cat food is different, it’s important to do as much research as you can. Not all cat food is created equal, and every price point has healthier options, along with some not-so-healthy ones.
The rule of thumb 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 less processed than other dry foods.) Most dry cat foods are highly processed and contain more carbs and chemicals than a cat. that should have in their diet. When it comes to canned food, check the macros for high protein content, and the ingredients list to see what else is added.
Fresh and fresh frozen are best, but these are high-priced options. If you can, 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 make sure your cat is getting all the necessary nutrients.
People who eat fast food every day are less healthy over time. Same goes for cats that eat a highly processed diet. So keep it as clean as possible.
Exercise every day
Even moderate exercise such as walking will add years to a person’s lifespan. Add in strength training, and it will also keep them independent and active for years to come.
Cats need exercise too, but they are built a little differently than humans. Whereas humans are built for marathons, cats are built for sprints. Short bursts of exercise work best for them, whereas people do better with 30 minutes or more of cardio most days.
So put out some cat toys and let your cat chase them vigorously for 10 minutes. If you can tire them out, even better. This may be more difficult with young adult cats, and may be nearly impossible with kittens, but do your best. It’s even more important for mature cats to grow and exercise to help them stay active and engaged in life in general.
And if you have a ladder or cat tree, you can help them tone their muscles by running them up the ladder or tree. My human will throw 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 hand in hand). Older people who are more physically active are also more mentally alert. And the same goes for cats. Add to that 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 mentally engaged. Make this part of your cat’s routine.
Manage stress
Stress can really affect your health, and your cat’s as well. In fact, it could be worse for your cat. A stressed cat becomes sick more easily than a cat with a calmer life.
Of course your cat cannot meditate, or learn deep breathing. But you can. And surprise! This can really help with your cat’s stress level. Cats are emotional sponges, and they sense and absorb your moods. If you are stressed, it has a negative effect on them. So teaching yourself to destress is a good step to take, both for you and your cat.
Also remember that your cat (if they are like most cats) spends most of their life inside their home. They never leave it, except for trips to the vet, or the backyard. So the more of a haven your home 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 that involve them, they find it comforting.
You can also manage stressful situations for your cat, such as vet visits or car trips. Make home vet visits if you can. Train your cat in the carrier. Take your cat on short car trips, and reward them with treats, praise and affection. Anything you can do to reduce stress for them helps.
Regular health checkups
People and cats should both have regular check ups to make sure there are no major changes in their numbers. Keeping track of all your stats provides a baseline that shows how things are going over time. Both you and your cat need them.
Yes, vet visits are expensive these days! That’s why pet insurance is more important than ever. Figure out a way to budget for them, if you can. Although I’m healthy, I have a few odd things that seem harmless (like my eye freckle) that are good to watch out for.
A few other things to note:
- Maintain a healthy weight
All the same diseases that develop in overweight people, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure can also occur in overweight cats. 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 many other issues in both humans and cats such as heart disease, respiratory issues and gastrointestinal disorders. In cats, gum disease is associated with kidney disease. So if your cat will let you, learn how to brush their teeth. My guy uses Ryercat toothbrushes (affiliate link) and swears by them. They’re expensive, but worth it because they’re designed for a cat’s small mouth — and keep human hands out of the teeth!
Learning how to brush your cat’s teeth will keep them healthier in the long run — and save you a lot of money because they won’t need dental procedures as often, if at all. Your cat will be happier too.
Taking steps to keep your cat happy and healthy now has many long-term benefits. And the same goes for you!
I hope these tips were helpful. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
