Accurately Determine Your Cat's Age: Proven Tips & Signs

Your fur baby will inevitably undergo some changes as they age. But if you weren’t there at birth, how can you tell how old a cat is? Knowing the age of your cat can be important for you to properly care for them. Let’s explore some tips on how to determine your cat's age. 

Determining a cat’s age

With recent increases in pet adoption, many pet parents might not know the age of their new kitty. Learning about the different stages of a cat’s life can help you make a more accurate guess on your cat's age. 

Stages of a cat’s life

There are a total of 4 stages of a cat's life. The stages include the following age ranges: 

• Kitten: Birth - 6 months
• Adolescent cat:  7 months - 2 years 
• Mature cat: 3 - 10 years 
• Senior/geriatric cat: 10+ years 

Lifespan of house cat vs feral cat

Did you know there is a major average lifespan difference between indoor house cats and outdoor feral cats? Feral cats typically live shorter lives than house cats, around 2-5 years. This is because they face much harsher living conditions like exposure to traffic, extreme temperatures, predators, along with a constricted diet and lack of veterinary care. While house cats can enjoy the comforts of knowing where their next meal will come from and appropriate conditions, there is sometimes concern about weight gain. Some house cats can be overweight, which can lead to health concerns in the future. This could also impact their life expectancy. 

How can you tell how old a cat is?