Did you know that the Blue Cross has found that domesticated cats can live to 20 years of age? That’s great news for all of us in the cat-crazy crowd but, as veterinarians, these findings also motivate us to share awareness on how to care for senior cats. Age is not a disease, so we don’t want cat owners to think, “Well, the cat is 13, so illness and slowing down is to be expected.” While that is true to a certain extent, regular wellness exams and effort on your part can reduce the impact of aging on cats.

Listen up—we veterinarians are human beings! We understand that just about everyone turns to Google for answers to questions they have these days, as we do the same thing. But when it comes to your precious fur babies, there are far too many instances when “Dr. Google” gives a misleading or downright wrong answer. This can lead to a prolonged illness that could have been nipped in the bud, possibly painful scenarios for your pet, or even death.

Dog ownership still outnumbers cat ownership in the US. Who knows why this is? There could be many reasons. Some people feel that part of growing up and becoming independent includes having a dog, and recent studies have even shown that some are substituting dogs for companionship. On the other hand, careers are a huge priority for many individuals and couples, making cats an excellent pet option due to their independence.

You may have some cats in your neighborhood that have adopted you, or if you really understand the nature of these kitties, you know that they go where they get their food. Some of these cats have been lost, abandoned, or they may even be from a cat colony. Whether you call them alley cats or feral cats, these animals have likely found a way to your (admittedly bleeding) heart, despite their hissing and standoffish nature. As veterinarians, we can completely appreciate that, and we know you want to help them stay safe during the winter months.

When it comes to nutrition and pets, dogs seem to hog the spotlight. The truth is, though, cats are just as prone to obesity if not more so than dogs, so proper feline nutrition is a must for cat wellness. This is especially true because more and more cats are becoming indoor pets to keep them safe from outdoor predators, which is all well and good, but that's also why we, as veterinarians, are seeing more and more obese cats with health issues like diabetes and arthritis.

We’ve all seen the memes about dogs fawning all over their owners while cats are a bit more MEH. And while there surely is some truth to the stereotype of cats being more independent, there are plenty of them who are quite attached to their owners. And yes, some cats even get separation anxiety. No matter what your cat’s personality, they will need you to plan for the times you won’t be around them. The holidays are approaching, which means you may be traveling. And with traveling comes decision time on what to do with your beloved kitty if you are not able to take them with you.

Let's get one thing straight—kittens are universally adored because, dang, they're cute. They are playful, mischievous, and there always seems to be a smile associated with watching a kitten play with a paper ball or following a laser pointer. But here you sit, thinking about adopting a senior cat? How did I know this? You would not have clicked on this blog if you weren’t debating the idea. There are many senior cats to choose from when you go to your local shelter, all of which are in desperate need of a furever home.

Cats are natural predators and take immense pleasure in the thrill of the hunt...along with belly scratches, of course. In fact, if you’ve got an outdoor cat, you’ve likely received the occasional or more-than-occasional gift of a dead mouse. However, research shows that cats do tend to live longer as indoor cats and, as many of us live in areas that are teeming with coyotes and other wildlife, it’s often the only alternative. So how do you keep your indoor cat happy and healthy? There are plenty of ways, and we share seven of them below.