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Every once in a while, I receive an unsolicited e-mail that isn’t about taking a pill to improve my life between the sheets. The other day, I got a message from Cat Age that challenged me to find out the “real” age of my cat. Being a curious cat owner and wanting to avoid doing the bills, I tried it out.
The questionnaire is fairly long but it’s also very thorough and informative. It considers current age, weight, physical activity, diet and feeding practices, health care, behavioral issues, social interaction, possible disease and health conditions, and safety. It also provides detailed information about your answers and some interesting cat data such as the fact that 35 to 45 percent of cats are obese. I am proud to sat that my cat Ed is 13.1 years younger than the average cat age for his breed (mixed). Considering that the average cat lives 15 to 17 years, he should be around another nine years or so, especially if I start brushing his teeth. Kelly is a pet writer. She lives in the Boston area with her three pit bulls and one neurotic cat. |
November 5th, 2009
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Your cat might live longer if you brush her teeth but I wouldn’t give a penny for how much longer YOU will live. How many cat owners have commented on that?
It’s cool I guess, but it doesn’t take into consideration that some people have kittens. One of my kittens isn’t old enough to have a rabies shot or be spayed. And I don’t think calling Science Diet or Iams “Super Premium” is appropriate either, obviously this site get money for listing those foods. I feed my cats the best foods like EVO and Before Grain, but those are not listed, and then whoever created this has the audacity to list poor feeding practices as making my cat older. My cats are ideals weights for their ages and it’s from eating the best foods available not grocery store crap that this questionnaire talks about.
I have a 16 -1/2 year old kitty. I have always felt that “you are what you eat” and have feed him with top of the line foods that only vets can prescribe. He is at a good weight, healthy, runs like the wind around the house, can climb and jump like a kitten and is alround feisty. People dont always realize that very good nutrition is important for not only themselves but their animals too.
Good question about living through brushing your cat’s teeth.
Another option is something you add to your cat’s water that fights plaque like Pet Kiss Plaque & Tartar Control Liquid.
Looking back at the questionnaire, I agree about the Science Diet/Iams comment except they are a notch above a brand like Meow Mix (my opinion). There are statistics that show feeding your cat top of the line food can extend their life. I have a question for those who do, though – how do you get your cat to eat it? My cat Ed turns his nose up at everything but Fancy Feast.
Nutrition is definitely important. However, I truely believe that your relationship with your pet is most important. My companion of almost 18 years, lived with diabetes and various complications for 6 years. Her activity may have slowed with age, but her personality and strength kept growing. Unconditional love and vigilance are what gives them their character. The Cat Age questionnaire makes us more aware of various health issues – but our kitties develop their strengths from years of love and attention.
Linda – what an excellent point.