Many ways are there to keep your cat healthy and happy throughout their life. They deserve the best care as a member in your family and that would be through the most inclusive comprehension about their life, needs and basic requirements.

Meeting their life requirements can significantly affect their longevity. Additionally, it’s essential to know that their needs change as they age. Generally speaking, cats’ lives are divided into four stages: kittens, young adults, mature adults, and seniors. Each stage requires special attention to specific health and behavioral areas. In this article, we’ll guide you toward a better understanding of your feline.

The Four Life Stages of a Cat

Kittens (Birth up to 1 year)

This stage is the best time for gradual, positive introductions to people and other pets. It’s also an ideal time to help your cat become comfortable with nail trims, tooth and coat brushing, their cat carrier, and transportation to the veterinary clinic.

Young Adult (1 year – 6 years)

In this stage, aggression between cats may develop along with sexual maturity. Ensure you engage in appropriate play with your cat to help manage their energy and maintain a strong bond. Try to Provide outlets like interactive toys or scratching posts. This can help reduce stress and prevent any aggressive behaviors.

Mature Adult (7 – 10 years)

In this stage, play activity starts to decrease, and your cat becomes more prone to weight gain. Many people assume these are signs of youth and health, but a lot can change in just one cat year, which is equivalent to four human years. Regular veterinary checkups are essential to keeping your cat healthy and preventing diseases or illnesses.

Senior (over 10 years)

For humans, the beginning of this stage is roughly equivalent to being about 60 years old. Senior cats may exhibit behavioral changes (e.g., vocalization, changes in litter box usage, difficulty going up and down stairs). It is recommended that they visit the veterinarian at least every six months, as much can change in a year, and your veterinarian can catch issues early before they become more advanced or costly to treat.

Factors That Affect Cat Longevity

While some factors will always be beyond our control, there are precautions we can take to protect our cats from sickness, stress, diseases, and dangerous situations.

Feed Them Appropriately

To help your feline friend live a long, healthy life, it’s essential to provide a balanced diet with high moisture content and species-appropriate food containing all the necessary nutrients. If you have more than one cat, monitor each one’s food consumption and feed them separately to ensure they are eating adequately. If your cat avoids food, this could indicate dental problems or a medical issue that requires attention.

For kittens and mother cats, specialized nutrition is key. MALLY Multivitamin Paste provides essential vitamins and minerals to support growth and immunity. It contains Taurine for heart and eye health, Calcium and Phosphorus for bone and muscle development, and L-Carnitine for energy. Omega-6 helps regulate the immune system, ensuring your cat stays healthy and strong at every stage

It’s also important to prevent weight gain. Veterinarians caution that carrying extra pounds can lead to liver problems, diabetes, arthritis, and other serious health issues. Being overweight also places unnecessary stress on your cat’s joints and organs, potentially shortening their lifespan.

Read also: Caring for Your Feline Friend: A Guide to Happy, Healthy Cats

Daily Grooming

Not all cats require daily grooming due to differences in shedding; however, many veterinarians consider daily grooming essential. It keeps your cat’s coat shiny and allows you to become familiar with their body, helping you notice any changes in shape, texture, or tenderness. If you spot any lumps, bumps, or sore spots, consult your veterinarian, as they could indicate painful or potentially serious conditions.

Clean the litter box

Cleaning the litter box is another crucial part of daily cat care. It keeps your home smelling fresh and allows you to quickly recognize any changes in your cat's bowel or urine habits, such as diarrhea, blood in the urine, or unusual stools. It’s very important to call your vet immediately, as these could be symptoms of serious conditions.

It's important to notice any other symptoms, such as coughing or sneezing, which could be signs of asthma or cardiac disease. Vomiting may indicate bowel issues, kidney problems, or pancreatitis. Additionally, peeing outside the litter box might suggest urinary tract problems or painful bladder issues, which could lead to blockages and even death if left untreated.

Preventive Actions

Cats that are fully vaccinated and receive routine blood work are more likely to have health issues detected and treated early. Regular preventive medications, such as those for fleas, ticks, and heartworm, contribute to longer lifespans by protecting cats from illnesses caused by parasites.

Cat’s Lifestyle

A cat’s lifespan is directly influenced by its lifestyle. Indoor cats typically live 12-15 years, significantly longer than outdoor cats, whose average lifespan is only 5-7 years. This difference is due to reduced exposure to environmental risks such as predators, traffic, and diseases. Additionally, indoor cats benefit from regular preventive care provided by their attentive pet parents.

Cat Breed

A cat’s lifespan is closely tied to its breed. For instance, Siamese cats tend to live longer than Maine Coons, which are more prone to health issues due to their larger size. Additionally, mixed-breed cats often outlive purebred cats. This is because when two genetically different breeds mate, their offspring tend to be healthier with fewer genetic problems. For example, tabby cats—though not a specific breed but rather a fur pattern—can have an impressive lifespan of 15-20 years.

Read also: Which Cat Breed is Right for You? Meet the Maine Coon, Bengal, Siamese, and More

Why Do People Say Cats Have Nine Lives?

Cats are considered one of the most nimble, sharp, and independent pets. They can survive falls that easily kill a human, probably explaining the source of the idea that the cat has nine lives. In a documented case, a cat survived a fall of 32 stories with relatively minor injuries in New York. This is thanks to a cat’s impressive anatomy:

•  They evolved to live in trees, and many wild felines still do. Millions of years of springing or falling from a height ensure they have adapted to handle it well.
• They have outstanding reflexes that enable them to twist their bodies around while falling to land squarely on all four feet.
• Cats benefit from their relatively large body surface area compared with their weight, which also helps reduce the force of their landing.

Even with the myth of nine lives and their remarkable flexibility, a cat’s joints and muscles require special care, especially as they age. MALLY Move+G Joint and Muscle is specifically formulated to enhance your cat's mobility and overall well-being. This supplement is ideal for keeping your cat active, healthy, and comfortable during their senior years.