Dogs have a reputation for being man’s best friend, but as many cat-lovers know, felines make fantastic companions, too; they are intelligent, independent, and affectionate in their own right. They also have one of the longest life spans of any pet, averaging about 15 to 20 years. As a pet owner, there are many things you can do to help your feline companion reach their full life span.

To learn how you can increase the length and quality of your cat’s life, continue reading as the veterinary staff from Dells Animal Hospital in Wisconsin lists their top pet care tips for cats:

1. Feed Them a Healthy Diet

Cats are obligatory carnivores and need a diet rich in meat and seafood to thrive. When selecting their food, take the time to read the ingredients and make sure they include plenty of whole meat and fish rather than meat byproducts and grain filler. This healthy diet will help your cat to stay active, maintain a healthy weight, and have a bright, shiny coat.

2. Get Your Cat Spayed & Neutered

Unless you are planning to breed your cat, get them spayed or neutered as early as possible. In addition to protecting against unwanted pregnancies, these procedures also help to protect your pet from potential illness. Female cats are susceptible to ovarian cancers if they are not spayed. You can get your cat spayed or neutered at any veterinary clinic or through the ASPCA.

3. Maintain Their Oral Hygiene

Like humans, cats can develop gum disease, experience tooth loss, or contract oral cancer if their teeth are not cared for on a routine basis. You can care for your cat’s teeth by wiping their mouth with special feline toothpaste and a rag. If your cat is resistant to this cleaning method, you can request dental care from your veterinarian or purchase snacks that help to clean their teeth.

4. Schedule Yearly Visits to the Veterinarian

You should take your cat to the vet at least once a year for a checkup. During your visit, the veterinarian will update your cat’s vaccines, examine them for any potential diseases, and assess their overall health. Staying up-to-date with these visits ensures that any developing conditions are caught and treated early, helping to extend your cat’s life expectancy.

5. Give Them Plenty of Playtime

Although cats can spend up to 18 hours a day sleeping, they do need their exercise. Make sure you include playtime in your cat’s pet care routine. Purchase toys, set up shelves where they can climb, and encourage them to run around the house from time to time.

If you are interested in more pet care tips for your cat, call Dells Animal Hospital at (608) 253-7361 to speak with a member of their veterinary staff. For a full list of services available at this animal clinic, visit the website to learn more.