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.
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!
Hi, Bonnie. We understand your concern and have expanded that section to make things clear that, as you say, these indicators are not always ones that imply age but are instead very general guidelines. Thank you for your interest in animal welfare and in The Old Farmer's Almanac!
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