Besides the obvious benefit of population control, "fixing" your pet is proven to dramatically improve behavior, especially in males. In 9 out of 10 animals, alteration reduces fighting, roaming/yowling, and spraying. In females, you can also virtually eliminate the risk of number of life-threatening health problems, including breast cancer.

  
     The average life span for indoor cats is 13 years, though we have seen many indoor cats live well beyond 20 years. Outdoor cats, on the other hand, live an average of less than 3 years. Contributing to the shorter life of outdoor cats are a host of dogs, wild animals or other cats - all potential sparring partners or carriers of disease. To let your indoor cat enjoy the great outdoors safely, consider a portable outdoor containment system.

     Stay current on all vaccinations. Many of the diseases that have killed a large number of cats in the past are no longer a threat if you adhere to a proper vaccination schedule. Vaccinating at home makes it very affordable (around $15 and five minutes of your time) to provide this protection to your cat, particularly for your adult cats that require only periodic boosters of combination vaccines.

  
     In cats over 2 years old, dental problems from lack of proper care rank among the top reasons for veterinary visits... even though many of
these expensive bills can be avoided with simple, preventative dental care performed regularly at home.

  
     Don't let your cat get overweight. Many life-ending health problems are caused by obesity, particularly
in older cats. Don't overfeed or give too many treats. Consider using a light cat food and keep your cat active by playing with her every day. Play also keeps your cat's mind active, which keeps her from becoming lethargic.
Keep their minds and bodies active. The pet market has exploded with cat toys that were not even dreamed of ten years ago.

     Provide good nutrition by feeding a high quality premium food. Though they are more expensive, they are worth it for the nutrition they provide.

 
     Veterinarian recommend giving multivitamins to ensure your pet is getting the vitamins and minerals needed for good health. If your cat has dry, flaky skin, you can use Vitacaps; if her coat is dull, use VitacoaC for cats. They both contain Essential Fatty Acids to help with these conditions. If your older cat has an arthritic condition, try a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement like Joint Care.

     Remember to take your cat in for annual checkups and whenever behavior makes you suspect something is wrong, take her to a veterinarian.