How Old Is An Adult Cat?

For humans, 18 years of age is the stepping stone to adulthood. But that’s not the same with cats, dogs, and all other animals of course. How old is an adult cat? The answer to this is often a confusing topic of discussion among pet owners. Whatever the case, there is one correct answer. Because cat years, like human years, are unchanging and not at all subjective.

It’s only natural to want to know when your feline has grown and matured fully. More often than not, the question arises because you want to make the switch from kitten food to adult cat food.

Even though cat years are unchanging and fixed, there’s no particular age where your little creature stops maturing and growing. Meaning there’s no such definitive age. But then there are general or common age ranges in terms of a cat growing and reaching adulthood.

That said, here’s the information you might be looking for…

How Old Is An Adult Cat – Cat Age Timeline

1. Birth to 6 Months – Kitten

The initial six months of a cat’s life is all about kittenhood. This is when adorable little kitties undergo both mental and physical development. And it’s during this stage that their ears and eyes open after birth. To be more specific, it happens when they’re 2-3 weeks old.

Similar to human infants, kittens are exposed to smells, sounds, and sights. So every time an object, person, or another animal comes close, they help in forming the personality of the kitten. Speaking of which, socialization skills are also developed during this phase. As a result of such exposures and interactions.

When the kitten turns 2-3 months old, she starts to detach herself from the mother. And tends to get more curious and independent. That means chewing on things she shouldn’t be chewing. And causing trouble she shouldn’t be causing. The chewing part and playfulness, no doubt, are only common. The former continues until adult teeth begin to grow.

Talking about growth, physical growth happens pretty quickly during kittenhood. A 6-month-old kitten, after all, is the feline version of a 10-year-old human.

Vaccinations are also necessary during this time. And it’s around the same time that kittens are neutered or spayed.

2. 6 Months to 3 Years – Young Adult Cat

As I mentioned earlier, a kitten that’s 6 months old has already hit the double-digit age in human years. Once your kitten turns 1 year old, she has reached her adult size. Along with her adult habits, preferences, and the like.

A year-old feline, psychologically speaking, is 15 years old in human years. That means a cat that’s 2 years old has reached a state of mental maturity of a human that’s 24 years old.

During this stage, dental cleanings, regular check-ups, and occasional grooming are necessary. They ensure that your cat lives a long, happy, and healthy life.

3. 3 Years to 6 Years – Prime Adult Cat

Not yet a senior cat, a prime adult cat is between the age of 3 years and 6 years. In terms of health, there are no concerns to deal with. Unless your feline has congenital or chronic health conditions that demand medical attention.

Prime cats benefit a great deal from supplements that promote joint health. These keep the knees and hips in good condition. I can’t stress enough that annual check-ups and regular vaccinations are mandatory during this stage.

As for cat age in humans years, a 5-year-old feline is like an adult human in his/her mid-30s.

4. 7 Years to 10 Years – Mature Cat

Did you know that felines typically reach their late teens? And that’s why a cat between the age of 7 and 10 years isn’t labeled as senior yet. Meaning their retirement age has not been reached so far. Nevertheless, an aging cat demands proper nutrition. Mainly because obesity during this stage is very common among felines.

It’s during this particular period as well that you should keep a close check for dental diseases and kidney problems. Therefore, regular or annual blood tests are essential. Just to make sure all the organs are functioning properly.

5. 11 years to 14 years – Senior Cat

Senior cats are those that have passed the 11-year mark. One of the most common health conditions during this time is associated with the joints. Even the functioning of organs in the body starts to deteriorate. And that means a more vigilant check on bloodwork and vet visits.

During the senior years, dietary changes are also highly recommended. Because olders cats have different nutritional needs as their bodies are changing.

If your feline, after the age of 11, becomes a little crabby. Then chances are likely that he’s experiencing some form of joint pain or discomfort. Confusion and brain changes are also a common occurrence among senior cats.

The best thing to do is to speak to your vet. Allow him/her to observe changes in your cat’s blood work and overall health.

6. 15 Years to 20 Years and Above – Geriatric Cats

How long do cats live? Some of them reach the mark of 100 in human years. That means 20 in cat years. Because a 15-year-old feline is like a human in his/her mid-70s. So cats above the age of 15 are categorized as geriatric. And they require professional vet attention once in every 6 months.

No doubt, geriatric cats should be fed special or medicated foods as well as supplements. After all, the bodily systems, at this point, demand special support and care. What’s common among geriatric felines is poor vision and hearing abilities. And it’s only common for them to sleep for the most part of the day.

A decline of cognitive capacities is also typical. Much like humans after the age of 90. Cognitive dysfunction includes defecating or urinating anywhere, crying at night, and other such unusual behavior.

The End

How old is an adult cat? How old is my cat in human years? Along with cat behavior by age. I have discussed everything you might need to know about the age of cats. A year of a cat is equal to 7 human years.

On top of that, felines also age faster in comparison to humans. And with age comes the onset of medical and health concerns.

The aging-related illness you cannot avoid. But you certainly can make your adorable little creature feel comfortable. Simply by doing your part. And by that, I mean taking care of her nutrition and following regular vet visits.