This article was reviewed by Natalie Punt, DVM and by wikiHow staff writer, Cheyenne Main. Dr. Natalie Punt is a Veterinarian and the Founder and CEO of mPet- a smart phone app for pet owners to store, manage and transfer their pets medical records and health information. She specializes in small animal emergency and general medicine and veterinary practice economics. Dr. Punt holds a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of California, Davis, an MS in Biochemistry from The University at Buffalo, and a DVM from Western University of Health Sciences.
There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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It can be tough to tell how old a cat is unless you were there when it was born. Luckily, you can make an educated guess by examining their physical characteristics, including their teeth, eyes, and coat. Just keep in mind that the best way to determine your cat’s age is by having a trusted veterinarian perform an exam.
Things You Should Know
- Kittens start to get teeth around 2 to 4 weeks old and have all their adult teeth by 6 months. Young cats have sharp, white teeth and older cats' teeth are dull and yellow.
- Older cats (ages 9+) might have clouded eyes with tearing or discharge, while younger cats tend to have clear, bright eyes.
- Kittens have tighter skin and toned muscles, while middle-aged cats have a more round body shape. Seniors may have saggy skin and defined shoulder bones.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow old is a 16-year-old cat in human years?Pippa Elliott, MRCVSDr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
VeterinarianA 16 year old cat is equivalent to an 80 year old individual in human years. -
QuestionWhat is the human equivalent of a 25-year-old cat, and how can I prove this is my cat's age?Pippa Elliott, MRCVSDr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
VeterinarianA 25-year-old cat is so old that it's off the scale, but you're looking at the equivalent of well over 110 - 125 years for a person. To prove its age, look and see if you have an original vaccination certificate that has its kitten injections on it. Alternatively, look through the family photo album to see if there are kitten pictures that can be dated back.
Tips
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Some signs of old age can also be signs of illness. Schedule an appointment with your vet if you suspect your cat has any health issues, such as if they experience fur loss.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
- Pay attention to your pet's daily habits and routine. Contact your vet if you notice significant changes in your pet's schedule. Cats have extremely high pain tolerances, so a chance in their routine may indicate they're not feeling well.
References
- ↑ https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/digestive-disorders-of-cats/dental-development-of-cats
- ↑ https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/digestive-disorders-of-cats/dental-development-of-cats
- ↑ https://www.ruralareavet.org/PDF/Physical_Exam-How_to_Determine_Age.pdf
- ↑ https://www.ruralareavet.org/PDF/Physical_Exam-How_to_Determine_Age.pdf
- ↑ https://www.ruralareavet.org/PDF/Physical_Exam-How_to_Determine_Age.pdf
- ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-vision-problems-host-possible-causes
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7158189/
- ↑ https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/pregnancy-and-kitten-care/cat-reproduction
- ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/spaying-and-neutering
- ↑ https://pets.thenest.com/cats-whiskers-longer-older-8643.html
- ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/special-needs-senior-cat
- ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/loving-care-older-cats
- ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/loving-care-older-cats
- ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/loving-care-older-cats
- ↑ https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/telling-kittens-age-four-steps
- ↑ https://www.petmd.com/cat/slideshows/6-tips-determining-your-cats-age
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7337209/
About This Article
It can be hard to know how old your cat is, but you may be able to tell its age by its teeth. If your cat is less than 6 months to a year, it may not yet have all of its teeth, which consist of incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Between 2-5 years of age, the cat’s teeth will start to yellow, and between the ages of 5-10, the yellowing will be easily visible and the teeth will start showing signs of wear. If your cat is over 10 years old, all of its teeth will likely show signs of yellowing, and they may be worn significantly. If that doesn’t help, you may be able to tell the cat’s age by examining its fur, body, and eyes. To learn tips from our veterinary reviewer on how your cat’s eyes can help you tell its age, read on!
Reader Success Stories
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"Nice to know of another older cat. Our 23 year old male tuxedo just passed in Jan./2020. Only last fall 2019 he came up on the lawn with a mouse. A little while later he arrived with a vole. Was active until the very last but got progressively skinnier, finally dying naturally in our arms with a final mew. Thanks for the info."..." more