Cat Age Calculator

Enter your cat age in years and months to calculate their age equivalent to human years.

Understanding Your Cat's Age: Beyond the Myth of 7 Cat Years

For pup parents, the "one cat year equals seven human years" rule has been a familiar, if inaccurate, way to estimate our fur babies’ age. Thankfully, recent advancements offer a more nuanced understanding of canine aging, taking into account factors like size, breed, and even DNA.

Where the 7-Year Myth Came From

The 7-year conversion myth most likely got its start with the fact that cats do mature incredibly rapidly in the first couple years of their life. For instance, a puppy’s first year is equivalent to roughly 15 human years, developmentally-speaking!

The 5 Life Stages for Cats

The American Animal Hospital Association outlines five life stages for cats:

  • Puppy (birth to 6-9 months)
  • Young adult (6-9 months to 3-4 years)
  • Mature adult (3-4 years to the beginning of the last quarter of their lifespan)
  • Senior (last quarter of lifespan to end-of-life)
  • And end-of-life

Just like humans, cats will experience physical changes as they age. In their senior years, a cat will often begin to have less energy, get up with stiffness, or develop vision problems. These signs can vary depending on breed size, with smaller cats showing them later in life compared to larger breeds.

Factors Affecting a Cat's Lifespan

While breed size and genetics play major roles in cat lifespan, there are other factors that also help to determine how long your pup will live:

Lifestyle

Serious injuries, infections, and obesity can shorten a cat's life. Regular vet checkups, a healthy diet, and proper exercise are crucial for promoting longevity. Mental stimulation and social interaction are also important for overall well-being.

Diet

Providing a balanced diet rich in high-quality protein, essential fats, and complex carbohydrates fuels your cat's body and supports healthy aging. Freshwater should always be readily available.

Dental Care

Dental disease is a common problem in cats and can contribute to other health issues. Regular teeth brushing and professional cleanings are important for maintaining good oral health.

Spaying or Neutering

Spaying and neutering your cat can offer several health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain cancers and infections. This can potentially contribute to a longer lifespan.

Knowing Your Cat's Age: Why it Matters

Understanding your cat's age allows you to tailor their care accordingly. Look for signs of aging in smaller cats around 7-8 years old and in larger breeds around 5-6 years old. Early detection of age-related issues like vision problems, hearing loss, or cognitive decline can significantly improve your cat's well-being. Veterinarians can recommend age-appropriate adjustments to diet, exercise routines, and preventative healthcare measures.

Pet Insurance: Helping Your Cat Live a Long and Healthy Life

While pet insurance isn't a magic bullet for canine longevity, it can significantly impact your ability to provide the best possible care throughout your cat's life. Pet insurance removes financial barriers that might otherwise prevent you from seeking necessary treatment by covering unexpected vet bills, from accidents and illnesses to surgeries and diagnostic tests. This allows for early intervention in health issues, potentially leading to better outcomes and a longer lifespan.

Some pet insurance plans also offer wellness benefits that reimburse costs for routine checkups and preventive care like dental cleanings, further contributing to your cat's overall health and well-being. With peace of mind regarding veterinary expenses, pet insurance empowers you to prioritize your cat's health at every stage of life.

Find & Compare the Top Pet Insurance Companies Get Quotes for Your Cat

Our Pet Parents reviews for Cat

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5

out of 5

Sonoma Cat Dad

I have been a loyal customer of Pets Best pet insurance and Arroyo Veterinary Hospital for several years, and I couldn't be happier with the coverage and care provided for my beloved pets, Mia and Felix. From routine check-ups to unexpected emergencies, Pets Best has consistently offered reliable an...

BREED: American Domestic

BY: LUke Ammann

POSTED: 04/28/2025

5

out of 5

Claim

Claims are easy to make and response time is usually the same or the next day. Claim is resolved and paid within 10 days. The staff is very cordial and knowledgeable as well.

BREED: American Domestic

BY: Candis Bartz

POSTED: 04/27/2025

5

out of 5

Remy

Pets Best has helped me pay for Remy's expenses at the vet. Im so thankful to have them as my pets insurance. Remy got FIP out of nowhere and became very sick because of it and the insurance has helped me so much with vet visits, medication and even getting her an MRI.

BREED: Ragdoll

BY: Jennifer Morfin

POSTED: 04/24/2025

5

out of 5

Olive

My cat, Olive, stopped eating and was vomiting and having trouble going to the bathroom. I took her to her vet and they had to run tests to rule out other maladies. The ultra-sound was going to be the best way to get a good look into her stomach. I am grateful that I could count on Pet's Best to cov...

BREED: American Shorthair

BY: Rochelle Ullmann

POSTED: 04/22/2025

5

out of 5

Pets Best is the best in insurance coverage for your pet

"Pets Best is the first pet insurance I have ever had and I am so pleased with their service. Sadly my sweet kitty has been diagnosed with a heart murmur which means lots of vets visit and lots of vet bills. Pets Best makes this situation so much better, easy on line filing process and a fast claims...

BREED: Ragdoll

BY: Michelle Horvath

POSTED: 04/18/2025

5

out of 5

Quick, easy, and paid!

I had to take BOTH cats to the ER vet because I wasn't sure which one ate the missing strap from a camisole. I was stressed, anxious, afraid, and worried sick about my two little troublemakers, and dreaded the bill for them both. They're worth it, of course, but it was expensive and I had never file...

BREED: American Domestic

BY: Miranda Harris

POSTED: 04/18/2025

5

out of 5

Best Insurance

I have had Embrace pet insurance since 2017 on several different pets. Some have passed away and some have been replaced but Embrace has been a saving grace for me and has allowed me to give me babies the best care possible

BREED: American Shorthair

BY: Laurie Provost

POSTED: 04/17/2025

5

out of 5

Can't recommend Figo Pet Insurance enough!

I can’t say enough good things about Figo Pet Insurance. When I got my kitten, I honestly didn’t think I’d need insurance—she was only 8 months old, and friends even told me it would just be a waste of money. But life happens, and sure enough, my sweet kitten ended up injuring herself. I was so r...

BREED: Other Mixed Breed

BY: Olga Knauer

POSTED: 04/16/2025

5

out of 5

Pet Parents Beware

On Dec. 20, 2024, I took my cat to the Southwest Veterinary Hospital. When I was standing at the front desk doing intake, the staff demanded $3,200. without even examining my cat. I paid them $1,000. and let them know I would have to check my credit card balance and my bank account to decide where t...

BREED: Balinese

BY: Janice South-West

POSTED: 04/14/2025

5

out of 5

Very Happy with my insurance

It has been a long journey trying all the meds for Inca. But none worked so we are left with having to do the radiation. We are doing labs on Monday and treatment will follow the next week if the labs are good. From the beginning and each step Pets Best has been great with support concern and qui...

BREED: American Shorthair

BY: Ann E.

POSTED: 04/12/2025