Everyone knows about ‘dog years’: that old adage that one human year is like seven years if you’re a dog, with myriad jokes related to ageing and claims of “I’m only eight in dog years”. But what about cats? How, exactly, do cat years compare to human years in terms of a kitty’s ‘age’?
Although it’s not a scientific measure, comparing cat years to human years is sometimes our only frame of reference for the care of our animal companions. The translation of age gives us a way to gauge not only their behaviour but their nutritional needs and activity recommendations.
Cat Years To Human Years
So, just how do cats age in terms of human years? Well, we’re talking cats here so, of course, there is no easy answer to this question. Because cats are complex creatures, there is no straight-up formula for comparing cat years to human years. What we can look at are some generalities that try and make a one-size-fits-all formula for a decidedly non-homogenous feline civilisation with extremely different genetics, standards of care, diets and living situations.
In general, the experts tell us the cat-to-human years conversion works something like this: cats age about 10 human years in their first six months of life, about 24 human years in their first two years of life, and after that, approximately four human years for every additional kitty year.
Cat To Human Years Calculator
This handy guide from the American Association of Feline Practitioners and American Animal Hospital Association can help you calculate more accurately your cat’s age in human years.
Your One-Year-Old Cat Is Like A Teenager
Compared to humans, cats have an accelerated start. To put it mildly—they go from neonate to hormonal teenager in one year. By the time they’re six months old, kittens have shed their baby teeth and have all their adult teeth. In fact, teeth are one of the best indicators of a kitten’s age when shelters have to estimate how old a new animal is (it’s less helpful in older cats).
After the first year, the age scale slows down a bit, and at year two we see cats that are more akin to a human in their early twenties. Still active and vibrant, yet mature. They’re not as impulsive as a zippy one-year-old with all that pent-up energy.
But even though playful behaviour continues for many years, that kind of zoomie-style energy decreases, as they settle into (mostly) mature adults. There are several fun age scales to check out online, with sliding scales you can manipulate and interesting facts that go with each stage.
When Cats Reach Maturity
Most cats begin to settle down after about age three. Cats are considered to be in their prime from about three to six years of age (28 to 40 in human years). They are active and athletic and, even though they seem to sleep 22 hours a day, are in good physical condition.
A cat is considered to be a mature cat from about age seven through age 10 (compared to a human age of 44 to 56). This is where age-related changes in behaviour are more noticeable, like slowing down and becoming less active. They still love to play, though. Getting out the feather wand, catnip mice or teaser toy is good fun for humans and kitties alike.
Caring For A Senior Cat
The age that a cat is considered a senior depends on several factors, including size, but in general, cats enter their senior years around age 12, according to Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in the USA. They tend to slow down and sleep even more (how is that possible?).
You can be sure they still love to eat, and this is where it’s important to watch for weight issues. With less activity and more sleep, you might need to cut back on their food or change to a product formulated especially for older cats.
This is also the life stage where age-related ailments tend to start to appear and regular vet checks are even more important. Some common issues seen in senior cats include:
- arthritis
- kidney disease
- dental disease
- hearing loss
- matted fur (they become less efficient at grooming)
- confusion related to senility
But every cat is individual, and you shouldn’t ever assume that a cat’s change in behaviour is age-related without checking with a veterinarian first.
Life Spans Of Indoor Vs. Outdoor Cats
A well-cared-for indoor cat can easily live to be 17 years or more. Outdoor cats may live shorter lifespans due to the added dangers and diseases they can encounter, though many have very long lives too.
Feral strays likely fare the worst, since they lack the comfort of regular meals, vaccines, and protection against internal and external parasites. Plus, there are the hazards any cat faces when outside, like cars and wild animals. But even indoor/outdoor cats are at greater risk for an early demise due to these same factors, nine lives or not.
Good Care Can Equal More Cat, And Human, Years
As with humans, exercise and a good diet are a big part of a long, healthy life for cats, along with regular health checks by a veterinarian.
The best care includes brushing their teeth regularly to prevent decay, which cats are prone to. As you can imagine, that can be a rough task—so try starting early in your cat’s life to get them used to it.
Long-haired cats also require regular hair brushing, although it’s a good habit to be in with short-haired cats, too.
Cat years? I say enjoy every single one of them, no matter how they compare to human years!
