Debunking the Myth: How Cats Age Compared to Humans

Many believe one year of a cat’s life is the equivalent of seven human years. However, this myth has no basis in truth. The ratio has been applied to both cats and dogs to try to estimate how fast our pets age compared to us. The truth is that our feline friends age much differently than the myth implies. So, what’s the best way to accurately determine how old your cat is in relation to human years? Keep reading to find out.

How Long Do Cats Live?

The average lifespan of an indoor cat is around 14-17 years. However, cats can and do live longer. Some breeds are known to live longer than others. Ragdolls, Balinese, Russian Blues, and Burmese, among others, can live 20 years or more. Neutered and spayed cats also have longer lifespans because sterilization reduces the risk of reproductive diseases. It also keeps them from risky behavior when searching for a mate.

Unfortunately, outdoor cats live shorter lives, averaging only around 5-10 years. This is because outdoor cats are exposed to more danger. Traffic, predators, injuries, disease, poisoning, and inclement weather are just a few of the risks faced by outdoor cats.

Feline Life Stages

Cats have five life stages. These consist of the kitten stage, the junior stage, the young adult stage, the mature adult stage, and the senior stage.

The Kitten Stage

The kitten stage lasts from birth to six months. At around 4-6 weeks old, kittens transition from milk to solid foods. They grow very quickly and are full of energy. Scientists believe the first 12 weeks are critical when it comes to socialization. Vets recommend exposure to people, other animals, and a variety of stimuli so they learn the skills they need to be well-adjusted later in life. At this stage, a kitten’s physiological age in human years is less than ten years old.

The Junior Stage

The junior stage begins at six months old and lasts until age one. Their growth slows down as they gradually reach their adult size. Cats become increasingly territorial as they get closer to the age of sexual maturity, which is around six months old. Vets recommend spaying or neutering at six months to prevent spraying and unwanted pregnancies. At six months, a junior’s physiological age in human years is ten years old. By age one, their physiological age is 15 years old.

The Young Adult Stage

The young adult stage lasts from age one to age six. A cat is fully grown at age one. Their personality is typically fixed by this point, but some cats’ personalities can continue to develop. Young adults are in their best physical condition during these years. They can still be playful, but they are also more relaxed. By age two, a young adult’s physiological age is 24 years old in human years. By age six, their physiological age in human years is 40 years old.

The Mature Adult Stage

Mature adult cats are between 7-10 years old. In this stage, cats are less playful and start to slow down. They are more inclined to lounge around the house than run around. Because they are less active, mature adults can put on weight. Vets recommend helping manage their weight by switching to a food specifically for mature cats. At seven years, a cat’s physiological age is around 44 years old. By age 10, they are around 56 years old in human years.

The Senior Stage

Cats over the age of 11 are seniors. Senior cats are typically calm and spend more time relaxing and sleeping. However, they are prone to some of the same issues senior humans have, such as arthritis, kidney issues, or joint pain. Senior cats may also need a diet tailored to their needs. At age 11, a cat’s physiological age in human years is 60 years old.

How Do Cats Age?

As we’ve explained, cats do not age seven years for every human year. Although they age quickly during the first two years, they age more slowly after that. In the first year, a cat ages about 15 years. During their second year, they age nine years. So, in two years, your cat ages 24 years.

However, from year three and beyond, your cat only ages around four human years for every year. So a cat that is 10 years old is not physiologically 70 years old in human years. They would only be 56 years old in human years. Of course, your cat’s specific genetic issues and general health can impact how they mature, but the myth about how cats age is one mistake cat lovers can celebrate!