Comparison Of Cat Age To Human Age

It is a fact that cats age at a considerably faster rate than humans. And no matter how much we wish them to stay kittens, furries grow mature over the course of just one year.

Considering most cats often enjoy an average lifespan ranging between 13 to 15 years, it is not unusual for them to mature at an accelerated speed than humans. In fact, the majority of these fabulous felines reach the peak of their physical and cognitive maturity within the first two years of their lives, reaching the human equivalent of 24 years within such a short span.

And given how loved and cherished our majestic feline munchkins are, most cat parents are left to wonder how fast does a cat age in human years? Keeping in mind the questions that might arise, this article discusses how to calculate cat years to human years.

What is a cat year?

Cat age to human age is usually in a ratio of 13-15 years of cats to 75 years of humans. Therefore, kitties can already be considered adults when they are a couple of years, as cats undergo rapid physical and cognitive development in these first two years.  In fact, cats grow up to the human equivalent of 15 years within the first year, and 24 human years in the second, and understanding cat years to human years can be extremely beneficial for cat parents to be more aware of their level of maturity, discovering what cats like to eat and other lifestyle activities.

How to calculate cat years to human years?

Cat parents are often faced with the question, what’s the life span of a cat? This is because cats are famously known for putting up a magnificent appearance that masks their age, making it difficult to tell their age at first glance. However, as a cat parent, it is crucial to know the cat age to human age not only to be aware of their level of maturity and other diet-based requirements, but also to look out for any symptoms for age-related health concerns.

Cats mature at an accelerated rate, which means the cat age in human years is considerably higher than it is expected. Cats reach their physical maturity at the age of two, which is the human equivalent of 24 years. The proportion of cat age to human age in the first year of cat age can be as far as 15 human years, and gradually slows down after the second year. Following the second year, the proportion of cat age to human age drops to 4, meaning the passing of one human calendar year is equal to 4 years in cat age.

How do cats age in human years?

Cats undergo rapid development in the first two years of their life, and can be considered adults by the time they have reached the cat age of two. Within their first year, cats can attain the maturity cat age to human age equivalent of 15 years for a human, and by the time they turn two, the cat age in human years reaches almost 24. Following the second year, the process of ageing slows down, becoming more gradual, and can be determined based on the physical and behavioural changes in cats. 

How can you tell a cat’s age?

Being able to tell their cat age at a quick glance might not be quite as easy. However, as cat parents, it is still incredibly important to be able to tell the cat age in human years to make sure they are leading a healthy, happy life. So here are some tips to help you understand what cat years to human years your regal kitty might actually be!

1. Teeth

   Examining your cat’s teeth can provide you with sufficient vital information about its general health, as well as its age. The general appearance of your cat’s teeth, including their colouration, shape and number can inform you of its health. Gradual yellowing of a cat’s teeth can be a potential symptom indicating an accumulation of tartar around the gums and enamel of the teeth, which is commonly found in older and senior cats. Cats over the age of 10 are more likely to develop tartar accumulation, as is suggested by the yellowing of teeth.

2. Eyes

   In addition to their teeth, feline eyes can also reveal a lot. A cat’s eye can undergo significant change over the course of their lives. Looking out for such changes can allow you to be easily informed of the cat age. Most cats under the age of 6 have well-defined eyes, which begin to lose their density over the age of 7, and can even start to show signs of cloudiness. Over the age of 10, a cat’s eyes can grow cloudier, with a gradual change in the colour of their iris, also known as iris atrophy.

3. Grooming Habits

   Cats are often known for their exhaustive grooming rituals. But did you know that other than being able to keep their coats clean, grooming is a significant social practice in the feline culture, which can also allow you to tell your furry’s age? The flexible body allows cats to thoroughly groom themselves, even in the trickier spots. However, with progressing age, most cats lose the flexibility of their youth, which might reflect in their grooming habits. Older cats may also stop grooming if they find it difficult or painful to contort their bodies in order to groom.

4. Coat

   Considering senior cats find it difficult to groom themselves, it is no surprise that coarser, matted fur is a common occurrence in cats over the age of 10. In their kittenhood, as well as up to the cat age of 7, cats generally sport a luxurious, soft coat that they regularly groom to perfection. However, with progressing age, their coat may become matted and coarse, often losing hair in patches. For senior cats, grey hair may also appear in patches.

5. Weight

   Depending on their breed and diet, the average weight of cats can change across their lifespan. Weight is one of the major contributing factors to an average cat’s lifespan. Usually, cats gain a substantial amount of weight in the first two years of their life for sufficient physical development. However, following the age of 10, senior cats are known to lose weight, often resulting from age-related concerns. Avoiding physical activity in senior years can also result in a loss of muscle mass and weight reduction.

Average life span of cats

Cats generally enjoy an average lifespan ranging between 10 to 15 years. Although the lifespan of indoor cats is dependent on various environmental factors, such as their breed, diet, and general health, other factors such as their neuter/spay status and the level of activity can also contribute to a longer, healthier lifespan. With proper diet, exercise and healthcare, indoor cats are often known to live up to 20 years and beyond, making cat years to human years equivalent to 96.

FAQs