Cat Age Chart: Cat Years to Human Years Calculator

The first year of your cat’s life is considered the equivalent of 15 human years. The second year adds nine more human years, so 2 cat years are approximately 24 human years. After this, each additional human year is four ‘cat years’, i.e., age 3 will be 28 human years, or if your cat is six years old, it is equivalent to a 41-year-old human.

Cat Years to Human Years Chart

If we think like a cat, here’s how a cat’s age compares to a human’s. There are some variations in age conversion depending on breed, weight, and other elements. This cat age chart provides a general overview.

How Many Cat Years Are in a Human Year?

You’ll often hear that there are 7 cat years in a single human year. The “7-year” rule is simple for a broad answer. However, it is not entirely accurate. 

Cats age faster during the first 2 years of life. In a feline’s first year, he or she reaches the human age equivalent of 15. By a feline’s second year, he or she is the equivalent of age 24.

Cat Life Expectancy 

So, how long do cats live anyway? According to the American Animal Hospital Association, your feline friend is considered to be a senior after they reach 10 years of age. However, many cats live well into their golden years, with an average lifespan of 13-17 years old. We have even heard of cats living well into their 20s … you know what they say, cats have nine lives!

How to Figure Out Your Cat’s Age

How old is your cat? Adopting a cat or taking in a stray can make it difficult to estimate their age. To figure out how old they are, you may need to look for other clues. Below are a few general guidelines, but these characteristics will vary between cats, depending on health, previous care, and circumstances. For the best advice, consult a veterinarian.

• A cat’s teeth: In general, the older the cat, the more stained the teeth. White teeth mean that the cat is probably younger than 1 year. If there is some yellowing, the cat might be between 1 and 2 years. 
  Tartar buildup on all the teeth may translate to age 3 to 5, but keep in mind that certain cats are more prone to tartar buildup than others; certain diets may promote tartar; and the lack of tartar may just be an indication of previous dental care. Missing teeth or tooth decay may mean that the cat is senior, although health issues and other causes (such as previous dental surgeries) may also result in the loss of teeth.
• A cat’s coat: The older the cat, usually the thicker and coarser the fur. (Keep in mind that different breeds/mixes will have different coat thicknesses and may naturally have fine or thick fur at any age.) Senior cats may have patches of white or gray.
• A cat’s muscle tone: Younger cats are muscular, and older cats often are bonier with extra skin; as they age, their shoulder bones may protrude more.
• A cat’s eyes: Young cats have very bright, clear eyes, usually without any discharge, depending on health and breed. As the cat ages, the cat’s irises may appear jagged. 
  A cat with eye cloudiness may indicate a senior, but there are health conditions, some of which require immediate care, that also can cause cloudiness. (If your kitty’s eyes are cloudy or watery, or if she is squinting often, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. Certain eye conditions can get worse quickly, and cause more discomfort, if not treated soon.)

Have a dog? See our Dog Age Chart!

Do you wish your cat could talk? Learn more about what your cat is saying to you.

How old is your feline friend? Tell us all about your kitty in the comments!