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Cat Years to Human Years Converter
| Cat's Age | Human Years |
|---|---|
| years | years |
Enter your cat's age (from 1 to 25) in the calculator above to see the equivalent age in human years.
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How old is your cat? Consult our Cat Age Calculator, which calculates your pet’s age in human years. Are you surprised at your cat’s “human” age? (A cat will never tell!)
Quick Answer: How Do You Convert Cat Years to Human Years?
- Year 1 = 15 human years
- Year 2 = 24 human years total
- Each year after = +4 human years
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 two 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 40-year-old human.
Natasha is the daughter of Rachel Kipka, our Senior Production Artist at The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
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.
| Cat Years | Human Years |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 15 |
| 2 years | 24 |
| 3 | 28 |
| 4 | 32 |
| 5 | 36 |
| 6 | 40 |
| 7 | 44 |
| 8 | 48 |
| 9 | 52 |
| 10 | 56 |
| 11 | 60 |
| 12 | 64 |
| 13 | 68 |
| 14 | 72 |
| 15 | 76 |
| 16 | 80 |
| 17 | 84 |
| 18 | 88 |
| 19 | 92 |
| 20 | 96 |
| 21 | 100 |
| 22 | 104 |
| 23 | 108 |
| 24 | 112 |
| 25 | 116 |
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.
How Long Do Cats Live? (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. We have even heard of cats living well into their 20s … you know what they say, cats have nine lives!
How to Tell a 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.
Photo: KDdesignphoto/Shutterstock
- 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 old.
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, 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.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Age
How old is a 10-year-old cat in human years?
A 10-year-old cat is approximately 56 in human years.
Is 7 cat years equal to 1 human year?
No. The 7-year rule is outdated. Cats age much faster during the first two years of life.
At what age is a cat considered a senior?
Most veterinarians consider cats seniors at age 10.
What is the average lifespan of a house cat?
The average lifespan of an indoor cat is 13–17 years, though many live into their 20s.
Do indoor cats live longer than outdoor cats?
Yes. Indoor cats generally live significantly longer due to reduced risks from accidents, disease, and predators.
Have a dog? See our Dog Age Calculator!
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!
My first cat (as an adult living away from home) lived to be 19.5 years old. I held him in my arms while the vet put him to sleep. That was almost 2 years ago. His companion is 16.5 years old now, a beautiful tortie and we adopted a ginger male kitten 6 months ago. They were all street kittens and I remember the first moment they claimed me, wrapping their tail around my wrist as I carried them out of traffic, climbing up my back and falling asleep on the back of my neck at the vet, and holding my hand with two tiny paws while they fell asleep head on my hand.
This past Friday morning, I awoke to find my 14 year old Miss Kitty had fallen asleep in death. The day before, she had eaten well and jumped into my lap several times for love as I had been away on vacation for a few days. My daily routine with her is a constant reminder that she is no longer with me. She was the first thing I thought of in the morning and the last thing I thought of at night. I am glad she didn't have a lingering illness with suffering. She was a good and faithful friend all these years. Miss Kitty will be missed.
Sad I’m sorry for your loss 🥺😭
I have a answer that can help you know kinda how she died. Well, cats and get over stressed when their owner is away.
I am crying as I write this. My wife and I are 62 and we adopted Lucky at Cedar Bend Vet Clinic in Waterloo Ia. Lucky has CKD. He is in end stage. He is eating, playing, cleaning etc. but getting thinner and thinner. He is my whole life. I wake up with him on our bed and go to sleep with him by my head at night. He is a bit closer to me than Jill my wife but she's not jealous. Lucky is a male tiger and we just bonded so tight from day one. I DON'T KNOW WHAT I WILL DO WITHOUT HIM----I AM WORRIED !!!!!!!!! sorry, Jim
I'm not sure if this will be of comfort to you and your wife or not Jim, but let us not forget that dying is a part of living. When my ginger boy, Buttly, was killed at 18yrs old I was beside myself with grief. For virtually everyday of those 18 yrs first thing was always "good morning Buttly, what's on deck for today buddy?" Then...poof, he wasn't there. No time to prepare. I did have another cat at the time, and thank God for him, Jack. I've had cats around almost my whole life, I'm 53, and had mostly been reasonably and appropriately sadden when each one passed except for 2 in particular.
I traveled from the west coast to the east when Butt was 15 yr. He had *never* been in a car until then. He was my road dog warrior; he ruled every rest stop, truck stop and camp ground we stayed at. People's reactions to us will never leave my memory. So, when it comes to pass and you think you just can't cry anymore, pause and think of good times. And remember, your tiger boy is named Lucky for a reason...probably because he found you!
I have had several cats over the past 50 years, each one was domesticated ferrals, my best friend I only knew for 5 years, that last few weeks he would not lay with us, but would get on a dresser and watch us. I told my then wife that he knew he was going to be leaving us, three days later I fell asleep watching TV with him a few feet from my feet under the coffee table, when I woke up he was dead. Another lived for at least 12 and another is on his way to 15 with my ex and I have my new buddy that chose me as a 10 week old kitten in a Walmart Parking Lot, he is a now domesticated ferrals that is 8 months old and still growing and still has quite a bit of growing from the look of his hind legs. Much to his dismay he is getting the total vet treatment and hope he is around for a long time, he's entering his teens and hyper as can be, lays with me some nights, but always greets me as soon as I wake up for petting and snuggle.
Just keep filling his life with love and try and be present with the precious time you have left with Lucky. I'm sending positive energy out to you and your family. I just lost Cassius my 100 lb pitbull that never growled at anything or one unless I told him to talk and put my finger to my lips. Then he would snarl and growl but he never did it with aggression. He adored all life all sizes and breeds. He definitely got swatted by his fair share of cats. He would always want to lay by them. Some cats realized his intentions were good and would allow his affection and would actually go by him when he would be laying on the floor. Cassius was truly my shadow and fortunately for the both of us a lot of work I've made a living by allowed me to bring him in with me or I was working from home so he was always underfoot. I swear it's like amputated limb syndrome. I'm forever grateful that I got to spend so much time with such a pure sweet spirit. He proudly changed several peoples view of pitbulls. Thanks for all the shares of your fur babies and allowing me to speak on and process the love and loss of truly my greatest companion,
Cassius Becerra 8/17/10 - 7/6/22
I understand the pain in your soul for your best friend ,I lost my beloved bootsie Dec of 2020 he was 18 years and I had him since he was 13 weeks he was my son literally I loved him more than anything and he was the sweetest cat ,so friendly loved everyone,when he was 16 he started having some health issues,kidney disease starting but nothing to serious but slowly he declined ,at the end within one week ,he couldn't walk ,couldn't use the litter box ,didn't eat or drink ,didn't move and went blind ,took him to vet and found out he was in a lot of pain and suffering and I knew I had to let him go ,it wasn't right to keep him for me ,for my heart ,it was the hardest thing thing I ever had to do ,my heart still aches ,and I remember he was laying on the table in vets office and he was crying out cause he was terrified I wasn't able to go in at first cause of covid but they let me to say goodbye...i walked in and said mamma here baby ,bootsie kitty it's ok ,mommy's here and he calmed down ,they let me be alone for a few mins and I stroked him and kissed him and told him how much I loved him ,everything how much he changed me ,how he will always be with me and he was so calm ,he knew it was his time,I held him and cried while they did it all the while stroking his black fur and within 1 min ,my baby was gone and my world fell apart ,but I will always take comfort in the fact he was free for his pain now ,he can run and jump and chase birds again I know he's happy and in heaven cause his soul was pure and good ,and while I miss him everyday and I think about him all the time it was his time and I had to find the strength and courage to let him go as you will have to as well....they will always be with you ...boostie visits me to my other 2 cats let me know and I feel his presence as well ....please know it will always hurt ,it does get easier in time but don't let your beloved suffer if you can help it ...my thoughts and 🙏 go out to you and your beloved fur baby
Jennifer, thank you so much for sharing Bootsies legacy with us. Bootsie was as lucky to have you as you him. That last vet visit is truly difficult and life changing. I just did it 7/6/22 when I had to lay to rest Cassius. I was there the day he and his litter mates were born. I was with him on his first and last day here and I can tell you I'm better for the time I got to spend with him. I'm glad that Bootsie energy is still beside you. As I know Cassius's energy is still with me. In his final moments while showering him with tears of love and sorrow, I told him to visit me whenever he wants I'll be waiting. Sometimes I can hear him and I look to see what he's up to only to realize he's not there. I've even heard his nails on the street but look and see nothing. I'm pleased to report he's been in some of the most vivid dreams I've ever had and woke up with a huge smile on my face knowing we'll always be connected. Energy doesn't dissolve it changes forms.
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