Gaby
A tortoiseshell cat named Millie, who lives with her owner Leslie Greenhalf in the British town of Stockport, recently celebrated her 30th birthday. This milestone made headlines, since such an age is rare for cats. There’s an old rule of thumb that one human year equals seven cat years. If that were true, Millie would be 210 years old in human terms. But we calculate cat years differently. So how do you determine a cat’s age?
According to zoologists and veterinarians, the first year of a cat’s life is equivalent to 15 human years. The second year adds another nine human years. By the time a cat reaches two, it is comparable to a 24-year-old human. Starting with the third year, each additional cat year equals four human years. So a three-year-old cat would be like a 28-year-old person. By six years, a cat is comparable to a 40-year-old human, according to the Daily Mail. Cats mature quickly in their first two years, then the process slows. But how can you reasonably estimate the age of a cat that arrives in your home as an adult?
Teeth
Teeth can’t give an exact birthdate, but they’re a useful age indicator. Kittens usually start to get their first teeth between two and four weeks of age, and permanent teeth appear around four months. If you see a few yellow spots on a cat’s teeth, the cat is likely around one to two years old. If the spots cover all the teeth, the cat is probably three to five years old. If some teeth are missing, the cat may be a “distinguished elder” of about 10 to 15 years. Keep in mind that some cats have worse teeth than others regardless of age, due to breed, care, diet, or health conditions.
Eyes
In young cats, the iris (the colored part of the eye) is usually smooth. After about age 12, a cat’s eyes typically begin to cloud. You may also notice increased tearing and discharge from the eyes.
Muscles and Bones
Young cats are usually very active, so their muscles are well-defined. When a cat begins to sleep more and loses muscle mass, that signals aging. Older cats tend to appear bonier and may develop loose skin.
Coat
A soft, fine coat is typical of young cats. In older cats, the fur often becomes thicker and coarser and may show patches of gray hair.
Why is it important to know your cat’s age?
Knowing your cat’s age helps you prepare for age-related health issues. Recognizing when a cat has entered its mature or senior years prompts owners to provide appropriate care for their pets.
