Many people are familiar with the popular rule that one year of a dog's life is equivalent to seven human years. While widely used, this method is approximate and now outdated. But how do you assess a cat's age in human years? What is its average lifespan? And at what point can a cat truly be considered old?
What is the life expectancy of a cat?
A cat's lifespan depends on many factors. Its living environment, the quality of care it receives, its diet, and the presence of any illnesses all strongly influence its life expectancy. These elements play a major role: a balanced and appropriate diet, combined with regular veterinary checkups, forms the basis of a long and healthy life.
A safe and stimulating environment also contributes to a cat's well-being. A variety of activities, such as puzzle toys or agility training equipment, help maintain its physical and mental health.
On average, a cat lives around 15 years. However, cats with outdoor access generally have a shorter lifespan. Their increased exposure to accidents, injuries, and diseases largely explains this difference.
Is a 17-year-old cat considered old?
A 17-year-old cat is roughly equivalent to an 84-year-old human. However, a cat is generally considered a senior at around 11 years old. It is at this age that the first signs of aging appear, including changes in the texture or color of their fur. Older cats also become calmer and spend more time sleeping.
As cats age, their needs change. A specific diet for senior cats, easier to chew and lower in calories, then becomes necessary to preserve their health.
How do you convert a cat's age into human years?
Contrary to popular belief, a cat's growth does not follow a steady progression. Therefore, it is impossible to convert its age to human years using a simple coefficient, as was once done for dogs.
The first two years of a cat's life are a period of very rapid development. By the age of two, a cat has already reached the equivalent of approximately 24 human years. From this stage onward, it is considered an adult.
Then, aging becomes more gradual: each feline year represents approximately four to five human years. Thus, an 11-year-old cat would correspond to a human of about 61 years.
These estimates are of course only indicative. Some older cats retain a surprisingly youthful appearance, while others show signs of aging earlier.
Correspondence between cat age and human age
Here is an overview of the generally accepted equivalencies:
| Age of the cat | Equivalent in human age |
|---|---|
| 1 month | 6 months |
| 2 to 3 months | 2 to 5 years |
| 4 months | 6 to 8 years old |
| 6 months | 10 years |
| 7 months | 12 years old |
| 12 months (1 year) | 15 to 16 years old |
| 18 months | 20 to 21 years old |
| 2 years | 24 years old |
| 3 years | 28 years old |
| 4 years | 32 years old |
| 5 years | 36 years old |
| 6 years | 40 years old |
| 7 years | 44 years old |
| 8 years | 48 years old |
| 9 years | 52 years old |
| 10 years | 56 years old |
| 11 years old | 61 years old |
| 12 years old | 64 years old |
| 13 years old | 68 years old |
| 14 years old | 72 years old |
| 15 years | 76 years old |
| 16 years old | 80 years old |
| 17 years old | 84 years old |
| 18 years old | 88 years old |
| 19 years old | 92 years old |
| 20 years | 96 years old |
Does breed influence a cat's age?
Breed plays a significant role in a cat's lifespan. Some breeds renowned for their hardiness, such as the European Shorthair or the Siamese, can live for more than 20 years. Conversely, other breeds, such as the Bengal or the Sphynx, have a shorter average lifespan. These differences were highlighted in a study conducted by the Royal Veterinary College in London in collaboration with National Chung Hsing University in Taiwan.
What is the oldest cat ever recorded?
The record for the world's oldest cat belongs to a feline named Creme Puff. Born on August 3, 1967, and died on August 6, 2005, he lived to be 38 years and 3 days old, an exceptional age in the feline world.