Cats are very cute and often loving pets. We all know that cats can be sassy at times, but I think that's their charm, the fact that they have personality.
If you are a cat lover and you happen to have a little cat at home, you have probably wondered, at least jokingly, how old your cat is in human years, because unfortunately, our feline friends do not have a lifespan older than 15 years.
According to popular legend, one human year is the equivalent of seven ‘cat years’. In reality, a one-year-old cat is far more mature than a seven-year-old child.
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How old is my cat in human years?
A common misconception in cat aging is that a cat ages the equivalent of what somebody's would age in seven years every year. this is often inaccurate because of the inconsistencies in aging yet as there are much more accurate equations to predict a cat’s age in “cat years”.
Although there are no reliable scientific thanks to calculating the connection between years and man, in general, it absolutely was agreed that the primary two years of a cat’s life are approximately up to the primary 25 of man. After that, each additional year is about four “cat years”. this implies that if your cat is six years old, the equivalent age of their cat in human years is going to be around 41 years.
So, your little pal is not so little after all, compared in human years. Of course, there are some factors that contribute to finding out the actual age of your cat such as: the breed, weight, eyes, teeth, coat, muscle and bones.
How to convert your cat's age in human years?
Well, there are two possibilities when it comes to this.
The first would be to search the internet for a computer that converts your cat's age into human years, but as I mentioned earlier, age can be defined by a lot of factors. This version is the handiest, but it does not mean that it is the most accurate.
A quick google search will find many sites that convert your cat's age into human years, but each with its own algorithm, so you will get different results.
The second option and probably the most accurate one, although this is also an estimate, is to go to a veterinarian who will specify the age of the cat depending on the factors mentioned earlier.
A more accurate equation often employed by veterinarians to predict cat years is 4x + 16, (x being the age of the cat) which works for cats who are two years old or older.
What is the average life expectancy of my cat?
To date, dependable data on the life expectancies of residential cats is changed and generally insufficient. Nevertheless, a variety of studies have investigated the matter and have come up with noteworthy estimates.
Estimates of mean lifespan in these studies range between 13 and 20 years, with one value within the neighborhood of 15 years.
At least one study found a median lifespan value of 14 years and a corresponding interquartile range of 9 to 17 years. the most lifespan has been estimated at values starting from 22 to 30 years although there are claims of cats dying at ages greater than 30 years.
According to the 2010 edition of the Guinness World Records, the oldest cat ever recorded was Creme Puff, who died in 2005, aged 38 years. Female cats are evidenced to outlive male cats, while neutered cats and crossbred cats are evidenced to outlive entire and purebred cats, respectively. it's also been found that the greater a cat’s weight, the lower its expectancy on the average.
The true answer is that it depends, but indoor cats usually live longer than outdoor cats.
Life expectancy in cats also varies reckoning on the breed, as some cat breeds will naturally live longer than others. for instance, Siamese and Manx breeds are said to measure the longest, so could reach a ripe age in human years!
Cats’ life expectancies have increased dramatically within the previous few decades. Although it’s never enough, we’re spending more and longer along with our feline friends which can only be a good thing.
Factors that determine your cat age
As I said earlier, a veterinarian will give you a much more accurate answer to the question that worries you about your cat, based on the following criteria:
A cat’s teeth: normally, the older the cat, the more stained the teeth. Very white teeth mean that the cat is maybe younger than 1 year. If you see some yellowing, the cat may well be between 1 and a couple of years.
Tartar build-up on all the teeth may translate to age 3 to five, but detain mind that certain cats are more liable to tartar build-up than others thanks to their diet, breed or disease; certain diets may promote tartar, and therefore the lack of tartar may be a sign of previous tending. Missing teeth may mean that the cat is senior, although health issues and other causes can also end in the loss of teeth.
A cat’s eyes: Young cats have very bright, clear eyes, usually with none tearing or discharge, betting on health and breed. because the cat ages, the cat’s irises may appear jagged.
A cat with eye cloudiness may indicate a senior, but there are health conditions, a number of which require immediate care, which can also cause cloudiness. If your kitty’s eyes are cloudy or watery, or if she is squinting often, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. Certain eye conditions, like eye discharge, can go downhill quickly, and cause more discomfort, if not treated soon.
Age can hide behind appearances so concentrate to features that will complete your cat’s age picture. As in humans, the next activity level gives your cat muscle definition.
Playing, jumping and running are a young cat’s game. So, if you notice that your cat tends to lose muscle mass or it doesn’t wish to move around an excessive amount of, this can be an indication of aging. Older cats are also bonier, have extra skin hanging or protruding shoulder blades.
Remember that like older people, as your cat gets older he will lose his mobility and enthusiasm to play the house all day. this can be probably the foremost visible sign of a cat’s age, lack of enthusiasm to play and move. you'll notice that as he gets older he will become lazier and lazier and can want to sleep the maximum amount as possible.
One last sign of aging is cat fur. As you grow old, you may notice that the cat’s fur tends to thicken and become grayer and grayer. In fact, your cat may start to lose more hair.
Conclusion
That being said, your cat may be older than you think. The best way to find out her exact age is to go to a vet with her. If you become nostalgic because of your feline friend's old age, try to think of the old saying "you are as old as you feel" and don't worry about what will happen in the future, enjoy the present!
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