How to Add Years to a Cat's Life

Whether you have a cat or are in the process of obtaining a kitten, there are many simple steps you can take to increase a cat's life significantly. Without extra care, the average cat lives approximately six years. With the utmost care and attention, a cat can live well into its late teens. Cats that are kept indoors, well groomed, spayed or neutered and vaccinated, as well as provided with solid nutrition and attention, enjoy the longest lifespans.

Things You'll Need

  • Nonclumping litter
  • Animal protein cat food
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Instructions

    • 1
      Moving a cat indoors is the number-one thing you can do.

      Move your cat indoors. According to the HumaneSociety.org, keeping your cat inside is the number-one thing you can do to increase kitty's lifespan. Indoor cats live at least twice as long as outdoor cats.

    • 2
      Spayed and neutered cats are less likely to roam.

      Spay and neuter your cats. According to the ASPCA.org, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a spayed or neutered cat lives longer. Spaying and neutering reduces, if not eliminating, certain cancer that cats fall prey to, including ovarian and prostate cancer.

    • 3
      Vaccinating prevents repiratory infections.

      Get your cat vaccinated. According to TheCatHealthGuide.org, a cat that receives all its shots is a healthier cat, more likely to live a long life. Vaccinations are given in the first few months of life and up to about three years of age.

    • 4
      Animal protein is what your cat needs.

      Provide good nutrition with animal protein for your cat. Feed your pet pure foods with animal protein as their first ingredient. Cats need the amino acids taurine and arginine only found in animal proteins to maintain optimum health and have the immune system to ward off and fight disease.

    • 5
      Avoid clumping litter.

      Use nonclumping litter. Clumping litter clumps when wet, and also creates a fine dust that can cause respiratory issues and even death in cats.

    • 6

      Keep your cat's litter box clean. Remove waste at least every other day, and change your cat's litter entirely every week to avoid ammonia buildup and bacteria ingestion.