Question 1

How do you work out a cat’s age in human years?

Accepted Answer

Count her first year as about 15 people years and her second as about 9 more, so a 2-year-old cat is about 24. After that, add about 4 people years for every cat year. The calculator also spreads the months in between, so a cat of 3 and a half comes out at about 30.

Question 2

Is one cat year really seven human years?

Accepted Answer

No. The seven-year rule is a rough rule of thumb that does not fit cats. A cat grows up fast: at one she is roughly a 15-year-old, and at two roughly 24. After that she ages more slowly, about four people years for each year.

Question 3

When is a cat a senior?

Accepted Answer

The 2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines describe four stages: kitten up to 1 year, young adult from 1 to 6, mature adult from 7 to 10 and senior from 10 years. Cats age at different rates, so ask your vet what her stage means for her.

Question 4

What if I don’t know her exact age?

Accepted Answer

Use your best guess, or the estimate on her adoption papers. Your vet can also give you an estimate at her next visit. The result is a general guide either way, not a health check.

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