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Cats, perhaps the most mysterious and independent of all domesticated animals, have captivated and perplexed humans for centuries. While their graceful and elusive nature may enchant us, it also makes determining their age a challenging task for cat owners or enthusiasts alike. Unlike humans and dogs, cats do not possess easily discernible physical changes or milestones that clearly indicate their age. Instead, uncovering the age of a feline companion requires a keen eye, a careful examination of their physical attributes and behaviors, and knowledge of their specific breed characteristics. In this article, we will explore various methods and factors that can help you determine the age of a cat, shedding light on this age-old mystery and providing you with valuable insights into your furry friend’s journey through life.
This article was co-written by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott is a veterinarian with over thirty years of experience. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 and worked as a veterinary surgeon for 7 years. Then, Dr. Elliott worked as a veterinarian in a clinic for over a decade.
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Unless you were present when the cat was born, determining a cat’s age can be very difficult. However, you can estimate a cat’s age by identifying certain characteristics. As the cat grows older, the age of the cat will be reflected in the teeth, coat and behavior. While your veterinarian can give you the closest answer, you can still observe the signs yourself to determine a cat’s age.
Steps
Check your cat’s teeth
- The first teeth to erupt in kittens are the incisors (about 2-4 weeks) and canines (about 3-4 weeks), followed by the molars (about 4-6 weeks).
- Cats younger than four months old may not yet have molars.
- Between 6 months and a year of age, cats may have already had enough teeth. At this point, the cat’s teeth are still white and show no signs of damage.
- You may notice a slight yellowing in your cat’s teeth by the time the cat is about two years old.
- When the cat is 3 to 5 years old, the cat’s teeth will become even more yellow.
- Between the ages of 5 and 10, the yellow color will become more pronounced.
- When the cat is 10 years old or more, the cat’s teeth will be visibly yellow, and most of the teeth will be yellow.
- Worn teeth are when they are no longer sharp, looking more blunt than the teeth of younger cats.
- Some teeth may be worn or broken.
- Usually, cats will show signs of tooth wear by the time they are 5 years old.
- If your cat is between the ages of 5-10, their teeth will be noticeably worn.
- Over the age of 10, the set of teeth will be severely damaged. At this age, some teeth may fall out.
- The older the cat, the more likely it is to have more tartar and gum recession. However, this is a vague indication as the cleanliness of the teeth depends on the cat’s diet.
Check hair and body
- Older cats may have thinner coats.
- Weather can also affect the coat. Cat fur in the summer will be thinner than in the winter.
- If your cat is shedding a lot, take her to the vet.
- Small or newly grown cats will have a smooth and thick coat. [3] XResearch Sources
- Older cats will often have a lintier coat.
- Older cats may also have gray patches of fur.
- Young cats are usually slender and muscular due to frequent activity.
- Middle-aged cats may be rounder and stout.
- Older cats may have exposed shoulder blades and flabby skin.
Observe the cat’s behavior
- The cat becomes overly aggressive when you come into contact with it.
- Older cats may also be more fearful and insecure.
- Certain health problems can make it difficult for an older cat to use a litter box, such as impaired vision, ulcerative colitis, and kidney or liver diseases.
- Stress can also cause older cats to stop using the litter box. Create an environment that is as quiet as possible for your cat.
- Older cats can stay up all night and sleep all day. Older cats can also meow throughout the night.
- As cats age, their activity levels decrease and sleep time increases. Younger cats are usually active, playing throughout the day, while older cats will just love to rest.
Look at the cat’s eyes to determine the age
- A bright and clear eye will indicate that the cat is relatively young.
- Older cats may have blurred vision due to age or cataracts.
- Young cats have clean and even irises.
- As the cat ages, the iris will become smaller, marks will appear along with irregular pigment spots.
- Young cats usually don’t have watery eyes or a lot of eye discharge.
- Older cats often have watery eyes and obvious rust.
- Watery eyes can also be a sign of illness or injury, so take your cat to the vet.
Advice
- If you are unsure of your cat’s age, the best method of determining it is to have it checked by your veterinarian.
- Most signs of old age can also be signs of illness. Always schedule an appointment if you suspect your pet is sick.
- If your cat is seriously ill and is in a lot of pain, don’t put her through the pain just to keep her around.
This article was co-written by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott is a veterinarian with over thirty years of experience. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 and worked as a veterinary surgeon for 7 years. Then, Dr. Elliott worked as a veterinarian in a clinic for over a decade.
This article has been viewed 44,021 times.
Unless you were present when the cat was born, determining a cat’s age can be very difficult. However, you can estimate a cat’s age by identifying certain characteristics. As the cat grows older, the age of the cat will be reflected in the teeth, coat and behavior. While your veterinarian can give you the closest answer, you can still observe the signs yourself to determine a cat’s age.
In conclusion, determining the age of a cat can be a challenging task, as their physical appearance and behavior can vary greatly depending on various factors. However, there are several key indicators that can help pet owners and veterinarians estimate a cat’s age, such as dental health, coat condition, muscle tone, and overall behavior. By observing these characteristics and consulting with a professional, a fairly accurate estimation of a cat’s age can be made. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that determining the exact age of a cat is not an exact science, and individual variances can occur. Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can contribute to maintaining a cat’s health and minimizing age-related issues.
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