While the cats Those living on the streets have a life expectancy of 2 to 4 years, while those living indoors can live between 12 and 13 years. This spectacular improvement basically depends on three key factors: no exposure to potentially lethal risks (cars, fights, viral infections, etc.), to your diet (continuous, effortless and quality) now the health care they receiveHowever, cats that live indoors tend to develop certain pathologies related to their sedentary lifestyle, due to low levels of physical exercise and their tendency to excessive grooming, encouraged by their healthy physical condition.
The problem of obesity in sedentary cats
Among the most common pathologies, the following stands out: obesity. Cats that live indoors often lack the motivation to exercise, spending most of the day sleeping or lying down. Also, since they do not need to fight for their food, since it is always available in their feeder, they tend to consume more Calories of those who spend. This can lead to a vicious circle in which obesity promotes more sedentary lifestyle, increasing the risk of diseases such as:
- Cardiorespiratory: heart and respiratory conditions that affect their quality of life.
- Arterial hypertension: high blood pressure, which is harmful to your vital organs.
- Mellitus diabetes: a chronic disease that requires ongoing medical care.
- Joint processes: problems such as osteoarthritis or arthritis that limit your mobility.
- Reproductive difficulties: reduced fertility.
In addition, an overweight cat often has a scruffy appearance, with a dirty and disheveled coat. This is because, due to its excess weight, it cannot properly groom itself in certain areas, especially in the back third of its body. To prevent and control this condition, it is essential to follow a series of actions preventive:
Tips to prevent obesity
- Control feeding: Measures the amount of food they eat per day and provides food with low calorie level and moderate fiber. This also helps prevent diseases related to the digestive system.
- Encourage the game: stimulates exercise through interactive toys that awaken their hunting instinct. Options such as laser pointers, toy mice or agility circuits are excellent alternatives to maintain their physical activity.
- Visit the vet: performs constant check-ups to assess your physical condition, adjust your nutritional needs and rule out metabolic or hormonal problems such as hypothyroidism.
- Create a rich environment: Add elements such as scratching posts, shelves or hiding places that encourage physical and mental activity.
The impact of sedentary lifestyle on cat mental health
Not only physical health is affected; a sedentary lifestyle can influence cats' mood. Felines without sufficient physical or mental stimulation are more prone to Stress, anxiety or even depression. Stress can manifest itself in forms such as excessive grooming (which causes alopecia), aggression or loss of appetite.
Therefore, it is essential to offer an environment that stimulates their senses and allows them to express natural behaviors such as climbing, hunting and exploring. toys Changing positions, rewarding activities or small daily challenges can make a big difference in their quality of life.
Continuous shedding in domestic cats
Hair shedding in the cats is regulated by photoperiods, i.e. the amount of light received. Cats living outdoors experience less frequent shedding due to seasonal changes and exposure to natural light. In contrast, domestic cats, which are exposed to artificial light and constant temperatures, tend to shed hair throughout the year. This causes a continuous shedding which can deteriorate the health of the coat if not managed properly.
Tips to improve coat health
- Foods rich in essential fatty acids: They include Omega 3 and Omega 6, which promote a shiny and healthy coat.
- Frequent brushing: removes dead hair and reduces the amount ingested during grooming.
- Routinization in feeding: Proper nutrition not only prevents hairballs, but also helps improve the shine and strength of the coat.
Hairballs: A common condition
In addition to constant hair loss, domestic cats often face the following: trichobezoars, commonly known as hair balls. These form in the digestive tract due to hair accumulated during grooming. Although ingested hair is usually excreted in the feces or regurgitated, in some cases hairballs can cause complications such as:
- Gastrointestinal obstruction: which may require surgical intervention.
- Vomiting and diarrhea: common symptoms when the hairball is not eliminated.
- Anorexia and weight loss: indicative of a larger problem.
Preventing hairballs
- Using malt for cats: stimulates digestion and helps expel accumulated hair.
- Fiber-enriched diet: promotes bowel movement and prevents hair build-up.
- Regular hairstyle: significantly reduces dead hair that the cat could ingest during grooming.
Take care of the physical needs Taking care of our domestic felines’ emotional and physical health is essential to ensure they enjoy a long and healthy life. From a balanced diet and coat care to physical and mental stimulation, every little bit of effort counts. With dedication and attention, we can combat the risks of a sedentary lifestyle and provide them with a more fulfilling and active environment.