Cat Age Chart: How To Calculate Your Cat’s Age in Human Years

Whether you have an indoor or outdoor cat, it’s natural to want to know how many cat years are equivalent to people years. Having a human age reference point can help you understand how your kitty moves through the world. For example, if your kitty is under 2 years old and they shred your furniture, empathy comes easier if you know you’re dealing with a moody teenager. Likewise, if your old friend is getting a little stiff, you can get them a nice bed to ease their arthritis.

Ahead, we have a cat age chart that’ll help you calculate cat years to human years. We also discuss cat life stages, cat lifespans, and more.

Generally, when a cat is around 1 year old, they are considered adolescents, akin to a 13- to 15-year-old human.

After turning 2, cats begin to age at a rate roughly equivalent to 4–6 human years for every year in a cat’s life.

Unlike different dog breeds, who grow up at different rates, domestic cats age similarly across all breeds.

Use this cat age chart to find out your cat’s relative age in human years.

Next, you might be wondering: When are cats considered adults? And how do adult cats age?

Cats are considered adults at age 2, says Casey Seleman, a veterinary technician at Woodstock Animal Hospital in Woodstock, New York.

Mentally and physically, they develop exceptionally quickly from birth to about 6 months old.

By the time they’re 1 year old, they become fully grown, mischievous bundles of energy and instinct. They’ll stay that way until they’re at least 2 years old. From there, they’ll continue to bond with you and mature mentally.

The aging process really kicks into high gear around age 7.

Here are the cat life stages:

Kittens this age act on impulse: scratching, climbing, pouncing, and playing.

During this stage, it’s crucial to provide outlets for their energy, such as scratching posts and tall structures to climb, like cat trees.

As cats mature, they’ll solidify their bond with you. Support your young cat’s mental health with playtime, scritches, and toys.

Understand their food preferences and needs so they get adequate nutrition. Cats can gain weight quickly if you don’t keep them active, leading to health problems.

Regular vet checkups for adult cats are vital for catching any health issues early.

While always important, exercise and weight management are even more critical for senior cats to maintain their mobility and health.

Cats are fantastic at hiding pain, so be vigilant for unusual behaviors, like urinating outside the litter box, which can be signs of illness or discomfort.

You might also see some personality changes in older cats, and they might suddenly find routine things stressful, like a stranger’s visit.

They may get matting along their back end, and their coat can lose its luster as they develop arthritis and lose the ability to groom.

Senile cats may yowl at night or hide from you. If they’re behaving oddly, consult a vet to rule out age-related medical issues and find ways to support behavioral changes.

A cat’s lifespan can vary dramatically depending on the cat’s health. Some cats can live a healthy life into their 20s.

“We have a mentally intact cat that comes to the clinic that’s 21 years old!” Seleman says.

Currently, the oldest cat still living on record is 28-year-old Flossie.

Naturally, you may be wondering next how to tell how old a cat is. There are a few physical traits that give a general sense of the phase of life your cat is in, as well as their life expectancy.

Older cats often get tartar buildup on their back teeth. They’re likely over 7 years old if they have bad gums or missing teeth. However, not all cats are the same, so teeth alone may not tell the whole story.

Older cats might lose muscle mass, and may seem weak or stiff when they walk. If they present with arthritis and their coat is matted or dull, they’re likely older in age.

Scratching helps keep claws healthy. Some older cats lose the drive to scratch, which may lead to thicker claws because they’re not wearing them down. They’re probably senior cats if their claws are too long or if the claws grow into their paw pads.

Cloudiness from cataracts may mean they’re older, but it’s not a definitive sign of advanced age.

Kidney and thyroid problems can be linked to age. A blood test can help you understand their overall health.

How can I calculate my cat’s age in human years?

Unfortunately, there’s no cat age calculator that determines a cat’s age in human years. However, you can estimate your cat’s equivalent years of age in human years. Once they celebrate their first birthday, consider them 15. From there, refer to the cat age chart above.

How long do cats live on average?

While the average lifespan for a cat is 12–16 years, cats can live fewer or many more years than that, depending on their genes and health.

Do indoor and outdoor cats age the same way?

Cats who go outside may face more dangers, stressors, and diseases than indoor cats, making them age faster and decreasing their lifespan. Indoor cats usually live longer because they’re safer.

Knowing your cat’s life phase can help you better care for them. Giving them fun toys, high-quality cat food, and regular checkups at the vet can help them stay healthy. It’s essential to meet their needs as they grow older.

Expert input provided by Casey Seleman, veterinary technician at Woodstock Animal Hospital in Woodstock, New York; NYSDEC wildlife rehabilitator; and foster and companion animal behaviorist.

This content was medically reviewed by a veterinarian.