Determine a cat's age in human years using a table

Many cat owners sooner or later become curious about the relationship between their pet's age and their human age. Is it possible to accurately determine a cat's age in human years? Why is this so important to know? This is what our article will discuss.

How old is your pet?

Sometimes owners don't even know their pet's age. A cat might come from a shelter or even the street. When the animal is very young, up to about a year old, estimating its age is usually straightforward. This can be a problem when the animal is already an adult.

In this case, only one can help a veterinarian or a sufficiently experienced breederThey determine the age quite accurately based on the condition of the animal's teeth.

Let's compare a cat's age with a human's

How can this be done if intelligence and physiology are incomparable in this case? For comparison, one should use emotional state and social adaptation:

• The infants of the two individuals are completely helpless and dependent on their parent.
• Teenagers are highly active, but lack the experience and intelligence to be effective.
• Old people are characterized by passivity and a lack of curiosity about life.

Based on these indicators, scientists have compiled a table to help determine a cat's age in human years. Table:

The simplest method that most people use to translate is multiplying the cat's age by 7But some inaccuracies arise here. A one-year-old cat is an adult, experienced, and intelligent animal. But what is a seven-year-old child like? So the table has been further refined. Now a one-year-old cat is compared to a 16-17-year-old teenager. A two-year-old cat is compared to a 25-year-old adult.

To accurately compare the maturation of a cat and a human, it is necessary to take a closer look at the stages of animal development.

First steps

Many animals develop much faster than humans, and cats are no exception. Kittens' infancy doesn't last longer than a couple of weeks. During this period there is an incredible leap in development:

• Kittens are born completely deaf and blind. Their vision fully develops after a couple of weeks.
• Cats start teething at two weeks of age, while humans start teething at 8 months.
• At one month of age, kittens become active and curious, starting to run and explore their surroundings. Children reach this stage of development at one year of age, at best.

As a result, we get that two months for a kitten is 10 months for a humanAnd at three months, the animal is comparable to a two-year-old child.

Are we growing up or maturing?

At three months, a kitten can already bathe itself, learn from its mother, and begin to form relationships with its owners. It can feed itself and is already accustomed to the litter box, bowls, and sleeping area. The kitten knows the rules of behavior and understands what is and isn't allowed. To summarize, During its first year of life, a cat will go through all the stages of development of an 18-year-old human.The measurement multiplied by 7 is completely inappropriate.

This isn't just interesting information; it's also useful for cat owners. Kittens learn everything they need to know at three months, and that's when you should actively train your pet. Everything they learn now will stay with them for life.

Teenagers

Most people think of kittens as little children. They're forgiven for everything: messing up things, puddles, and other mischief. But at this age, your cat is a teenager going through a difficult transition. Excessive activity and mischief are inevitable at this stage of life.

So, just like with children, it's important to keep an eye on everything and let your pet understand its boundaries. Yes, it's cute and fluffy, yes, it will cuddle and look at you with innocent eyes. Be firm in your training! Otherwise, your pet will cause a lot of trouble later.

Youth

A young cat at the age of one and a half years is comparable to a human at the age of 20. In both humans and cats the prime of life beginsIn cats, this period lasts until they are 5-6 years old (equivalent to 35-40 human years). At this age, a cat is strong, agile, intelligent, and tireless. Animals of this age are most often seen at shows and are ideal for breeding. By 6.5-7 years, male and female cats are no longer mated, as the risk to both the animals and their offspring increases.

Maturity and old age

A cat is considered mature between 6 and 10 years of age. This is comparable to 40 and 56 human years. The animal is not passive; it can still play and frolic, but its demeanor becomes stately and dignified. Along with this, various illnesses and internal organ failures occur.

"Old ladies" are the name given to cats aged 10-13 years.But it's still too early to even consider the animal's death. Much, of course, depends on the living conditions. Some individuals reach old age in their 20s or longer. This feline age is equivalent to a human age of 100. Care for your cat should be extremely attentive. Reduce stress, and don't change the location of the litter box and bowls. Maintain a proper diet, and be understanding of any clumsiness your cat may develop. There are even cats that live longer. those who lived to be 40 years old.

Don't forget to compare a cat's age to a human's. This comparison will help you better care for your pet.