The 6 Stages of a Cat’s Life – How Cat Years Really Work!

We may receive compensation from products or services mentioned in our stories. Our editorial team selects what we recommend, if any. Some of our stories include Amazon links. As an Amazon partner, we may be compensated if you buy something through one of these links, at no extra cost to you.

How old is your cat in cat years?

You Know Your Cat’s Age in Human Years, But How Old is Your Cat in Cat Years?

Do you want to know how many ‘cat years’ are in each of our ‘human years?’ While you may think determining how old your cat really is can be done by simply multiplying their age by a set number, the way catย yearsย work isn’t quite that straightforward.

When compared to human babies, kittens need much less time to grow and develop when they are inside their mothers. They also only need close attention and care for a much shorter period of time than a newborn child will. A kitten will generally become independent and able to care for themselves by the time they are just a few months old. With human children, it will be multiple years until they are able to be mostly self-sufficient.

The 6 stages of a cat's life - how cat years really work!

Determining Cat Years Isn’t Quite as Straightforward as Dogs Years

While there isn’t a set formula for determining how old a cat is in cat years, most people agree that a two-year-old cat’s physical development and maturity is more or less equivalent to that of a 24-year-old human. After the first two years, they don’t keep adding 12 years to their age every year. The rate slows down to about four years. So, a three-year-old cat would be about 28 in cat years.

The 6 stages of a cat's life - how cat years really work!

There are Generally 6 Stages in a Cat’s Life

To help you understand the different stages in a cat’s life and their approximate ages in cat years,ย here is aย helpful chart:

Stage 1: Kittenย Phase

Human Years: Between 0 and 6 months
Cat Year: Between 0 and 10 years

Stage 2: Juniorย Phase

Human Years: Between 7 months and 2 years
Cat Years:ย Between 12 and 24 years

Stage 3: Prime Phase

Human Years: Between 3 and 6 years Age
Cat Years: Between 28 and 40 years

Stage 4: Matureย Phase

Human Years: Between 7 and 10 years
Cat Years: Between 44 and 56 years

Stage 5: Senior Phase

Human Years: Between 11 and 14 years
Cat Years: Between 60 and 72 years

Stage 6: Geriatricย Phase

Human Years: 15 years and up
Cat Years: 76 years and up (4 years for each year above 15)

The 6 stages of a cat's life - how cat years really work!

Whyย it’s Important to Know Your Cat’s Real Age

Just like humans need specific care, diets, and lifestyles during stages in their lifetime, so do cats. Knowing how old your cat is in “cat years” can help you provide a happier and healthier life for them!

How old is YOUR cat in cat years? Let us know in the comments below!

80% of Dogs Develop Arthritis or Joint Pain by 7 Years old – Here’s How to Protect Them

Most of us train our dogs when they are puppies to jump up on furniture.ย  We think it’s harmless (and easier than always lifting them), but for dogs, couches and beds are very high compared to the size of their bodies.

Every time they jump it compresses their back and applies enormous force to their joints.

It’s no wonder that an incredible 80% of dogs experience arthritis or joint pain by only 7 years old.

Luckily, there is a vet-recommended solution.

It’s the PawRamp by Alpha Paw. An adjustable ramp that allows dogs to safely get on and off couches and beds. PawRamp makes joining you in bed or on the couch effortless and fun.

As a bonus, you can use code SAVE35 to get $35 off the PawRamp today.

Get the #1 Vet Recommended PawRamp here

You Should Buy a House!
Check out some of our house listed that you could own within a few days!
You Should Rent a House!
Check out some of our house listed that you could rent within a few days!