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 petβs age in human years. Explore reliable pet health and pet care resources.
Can I still take my pet to the veterinarian during COVID-19? Yes, but expect some changes.
How Old Is Your Dog in Human Years?
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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:
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Dogell.com: Dog Years to Human Years Calculator and Chart by Breed
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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.
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How Old Is Your Cat in Human Years?
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The aging of cats is also complicated and converting a cat's age to human years is an educated guess at best.
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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.
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
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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 eight to ten years of age are seniors. Cats over twelve years of age are considered geriatric by most veterinarians. These classifications are arbitrary. A cat is not suddenly a senior on his eighth birthday.
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Aging Dogs and Cats
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Aging depends upon many factors for both cats and dogs.
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Seven Health Issues to Look for When You Have a Senior Dog
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World's Oldest Living Cats and How to Tell If Your Cat Will Be One
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Top Ten Dog Breeds that Live the Longest
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Pet Care | Pet Health
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Vaccinations for Your Pet: The Risks and Benefits
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Cutting Pet Care Costs (while still being a responsible pet parent)
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Pet Parenting in Our New Normal
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Best Friends Animal Society Pet Care Library
Something for everyone, whether seasoned rescuer, or first-time pet parent.
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CDC.gov: Healthy Pets, Healthy People
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Cleaning Basics for Pets and Humans in the Home
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6 Ways to Make Your Home More Comfortable for a Senior Pet
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An Older Pet May Be the Perfect Pet
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Pet Loss and COVID-19: Euthanasia
Compassionate advice for anyone facing this difficult time.
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Vet written, vet reviewed. Includes large animal, bird, reptile and exotic pet care categories
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CatFriendly.com: Feline Health and Care from the American Association of Feline Practitioners
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Please seek the advice of your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns about the health of your pet.
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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.
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Notify your veterinarian if you detect any of the following in your cat:
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Changes in chewing, eating and drinking habits.
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Drastic weight gain or loss (more than one pound a month.)
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Withdraws from social interaction and avoids touching.
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Changes in activity level, including sleeping more or hyperactivity.
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Increased vocalization.
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Increased urination, struggles to urinate (an emergency situation), or bypassing the litter box.
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Changes in bowel habits: constipation (straining to go), diarrhea (soft or liquid stool), visible blood.
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Grooms less or grooms certain areas excessively.
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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.
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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.
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Helping an Overweight Cat or Dog
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How to Weigh Your Cat or Dog at Home
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How to Help an Overweight Cat Slim Down
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Pet Obesity Prevention: Weight Reduction in Cats
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How to Slim Down an Overweight Dog
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Healthy Weight Calculator for Dogs and Cats
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Blogs and Magazines
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Cats
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The Catnip Times: Top 30 Pet Blog and Member of the Cat Writers' Association
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Raise a Cat: The 15 Best Cat Blogs to Follow in 2021
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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 catβs 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.
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Dogs
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Rover.com Blog: The Dog People
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Doggie Designer: Top 25 Dog Blogs You Should Know About in 2021
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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.
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