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.
On this page:
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.
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
Learn why black shelter pets are less likely to be adopted
Good Rx Health: Separation Anxiety: How to Help Your Dog or Cat Stay Calm When You Leave
Dog Owner’s Guide to Healthy Sleep Habits by Derek Hales
Pet MD: How To Get Your Cat to Sleep At Night
Tips to Save Money on Pet Care by Clay Cary
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
8 Great Ways to Make Your Home Senior-Pet Safe
Pet Health
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.
Dedicated to the health and well-being of pets and their people.
Vet written, vet reviewed. Includes large animal, bird, reptile and exotic pet care categories
Articles, brochures, and videos for anyone concerned with cat health and behavior.
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.
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:
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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.
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
Following a Weight Loss Plan for Overweight Dogs
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
Your Dog Magazine: Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
Like Catnip, but for dog lovers. One year subscription is $20 and includes online access. As with Catnip, I do not get paid for placing the link here or when you click on it.