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Age of Pets in Human Years

The aging of dogs and cats is dependent on many factors and can be complicated to estimate. Learn how to calculate your pet’s age in human years. Explore reliable pet health and pet care resources.

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How Old Is Your Dog in Human Years?

There is a popular belief that one year of a dog's life equals seven human years. This is false because there are many factors influencing a dog's age. For example, smaller dogs live longer (on average) than larger dogs. Veterinarians now have a more accurate way to determine a dog's age:

Dogell.com: Dog Years to Human Years Calculator and Chart by Breed

How to Calculate Dog Years to Human Years: By size of dog when breed is unknown. Scroll to the bottom of the article for the chart.

How Old Is Your Cat in Human Years?

The aging of cats is also complicated and converting a cat's age to human years is an educated guess at best.

Cat Years to Human Years Calculator
 

 

Are you uncertain about the type of veterinary care your cat needs based on his or her age? The American Association of Feline Practitioners and the American Animal Hospital Association partnered to produce guidelines that promote age appropriate care for cats. The guidelines address health, nutrition, behavior, environment, vaccinations and parasite control issues for each of the feline life stages.

 

The feline life stages are:

 

1. Kittens:    Up to six months of age

2. Juniors:   Seven months to 2 years

3: Adults:     3 to 6 years

4. Mature:    7 to 10 years

5. Seniors:  11 to 14 years

6. Geriatric: 15 years and older

 

As with dogs, many factors influence a cat's aging process. There is no specific definition of a senior or geriatric cat. In general, cats seven to ten years of age are mature, equivalent to middle-aged humans in their forties or fifties. Cats over 15 years of age are considered geriatric by most veterinarians. These classifications are arbitrary. A cat is not suddenly a senior on his eleventh birthday.

Aging Dogs and Cats

Aging depends upon many factors for both cats and dogs.

Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine: The Special Needs of the Senior Cat

Seven Health Issues to Look for When You Have a Senior Dog

World's Oldest Living Cats and How to Tell If Your Cat Will Be One

Top Ten Dog Breeds that Live the Longest

 

Pet Care | Pet Health

Pet Care

ASPCA: Myths About Black Pets

Learn why black shelter pets are less likely to be adopted

Mayo Clinic: Can dogs and cats get COVID-19?

Good Rx Health: Separation Anxiety: How to Help Your Dog or Cat Stay Calm When You Leave

Cutting Pet Care Costs (while still being a responsible pet parent)

Cleaning Basics for Pets and Humans in the Home

The Advantages of Loving a Senior Pet

6 Ways to Make Your Home More Comfortable for a Senior Pet

On this site: Pet Loss Grief

Pet Health

ASPCA Pet Health Care

Vaccinations for Your Pet: The Risks and Benefits

Best Friends Animal Society Pet Care Library

Something for everyone, whether seasoned rescuer, or first-time pet parent.
 

PetHealthNetwork.com

Dedicated to the health and well-being of pets and their people.

 

PetMD.com

Vet written, vet reviewed. Includes large animal, bird, reptile and exotic pet care categories

Cornell Feline Health Center

Articles, brochures, and videos for anyone concerned with cat health and behavior.

Cornell Canine Health Center

Dedicated to improving the lives of dogs, helping them lead longer, healthier and happier lives.

Please seek the advice of your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns about the health of your pet.

Human Years
Aging
Pet Care
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Cat Health

Know Your Cat's Health

 

Determining your cat's health status can be a challenge because cats are masters at masking their pain and suffering.

Many of the most common diseases display few, if any, clinical signs during the early stages.

 

Notify your veterinarian if you detect any of the following in your cat:

 

  • Changes in chewing, eating and drinking habits.

  • Drastic weight gain or loss (more than one pound a month.)

  • Withdraws from social interaction and avoids touching.

  • Changes in activity level, including sleeping more or hyperactivity.

  • Increased vocalization.

  • Increased urination, struggles to urinate (an emergency situation), or bypassing the litter box.

  • Changes in bowel habits: constipation (straining to go), diarrhea (soft or liquid stool), visible blood.

  • Grooms less or grooms certain areas excessively.

A sudden change in your cat's diet can result in diarrhea. Go slowly when transitioning to a different food.

 


When it comes to your cat's health, timing is everything. Start by paying close attention to your cat's attitudes and actions. With advances in veterinary medicine, many diseases are treated or managed easily if they are caught early. By scheduling regular veterinarian exams for your pet, and identifying subtle changes in your cat's behavior and eating habits, you can become a better pet parent to your cat.

 

Feline Health Care Tip:

 

Weigh your cat monthly. Two extra pounds on an adult cat is like a ten to twenty pound weight gain on a person. As with humans, obesity in cats leads to multiple health problems including diabetes, heart disease, joint degeneration and arthritis. 

 

Caution: Rapid weight loss in an obese cat can lead to liver failure. Any weight reduction must be done slowly. Please consult your veterinarian before placing your pet on a diet.

Helping Overweight Pets

How to Weigh Your Cat or Dog at Home

How to Help an Overweight Cat Slim Down

Pet Obesity Prevention: Weight Reduction in Cats

How to Slim Down an Overweight Dog

Healthy Weight Calculator for Dogs and Cats

 

Blogs and Magazines

Cats

The Catnip Times: Cat Lifestyle and Advocacy Site

Cat Mania:The 25 Best Cat Blogs All Cat Lovers Should Know About 

Catnip Magazine: Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

Catnip accepts no advertising so editors are free to make candid and unbiased evaluations of the products and services which directly affect your cat’s health and longevity. One year subscription is $20 and includes online access. I receive no compensation for placing the link here or when you click on it. I just think it is a great resource for people who love cats.

Dogs

Rover.com Blog: The Dog People

Doggie Designer: 15 Top Dog Blogs You Should Know About in 2024

Your Dog Magazine: Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

Like Catnip, but for dog lovers. Your Dog accepts no advertising so editors are free to make candid and unbiased evaluations of the products and services which directly affect your dog's health and longevity. One year subscription is $20 and includes online access. As with Catnip, I receive no compensation for placing the link here or when you click on it.

Overweight
Blogs
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