If you’re a cat owner, you’ve probably wondered at some point how old your feline friend is. After all, cats age much faster than humans do, so it can be tough to tell.
Luckily, there are a few ways to figure out your cat’s age.
Here’s what you need to know.
How Do I Find Out How Old My Cat is?
There are a few ways to tell how old your cat is. If you have had your cat since it was a kitten, then you likely know its exact birthday.
However, if you’ve adopted an adult cat, or if your feline friend doesn’t seem to remember its birthday, there are still some ways to estimate its age.
If you’re wondering how old your cat is, there are a few things you can do to figure it out:
Check Its Teeth
A Cat’s teeth can give you some clues about its age. For example, kittens have 26 baby teeth which they start to lose at around 4-6 months old as their permanent adult teeth come in.
By the time a cat is 1-2 years old, it should have all 30 of its permanent teeth. So, if your cat still has some baby teeth left, it’s probably younger than 2 years old.
You can also check for wear and tear on the teeth – older cats typically have more worn down and discolored teeth than younger ones.
Contact the Breeder or Shelter
In order to find out how old your cat is, you will need to contact the breeder or shelter from which you adopted your cat. The breeder or shelter will have records of when your cat was born.
Look at Its Eyes
Another way to tell a cat’s age is by looking at its eyes. Kittens’ eyes tend to be blue, but as they get older they usually turn green or gold (although some may keep their blue eyes into adulthood).
Also, look for any cloudiness in the eyes – this is more common in senior cats.
Weight
Another way to tell is by their weight. A fully grown cat will weigh much more than a kitten, so if your cat is on the smaller side, they’re probably still young.
Feel Its Fur
Another clue lies in a cat’s fur coat. Younger cats typically have softer, fluffier fur while older ones may have coarser hair that’s not as lustrous or full.
Additionally, pay attention to the color of your kitty’s fur – many cats will start to show signs of graying around their muzzle as they age just like people do!
Ask Veterinarian
You can ask your veterinarian for help in estimating your cat’s age. They’ll likely be able to give you a pretty accurate estimate based on their experience with cats.
How Can I Tell If My Cat is Getting Older
One of the first signs that your cat is getting older is a change in their sleeping habits.
An elderly cat will sleep more during the day and often have trouble getting comfortable at night. This can be due to pain from arthritis or other age-related issues.
Another common sign of aging in cats is a decrease in activity levels. Your once playful kitty may now prefer to lounge around and take naps instead of running and climbing like they used to.
As your cat gets older, you may also notice changes in their eating habits.
An elderly cat may lose interest in food or start picking at their food more than they used to. They may also start drinking more water than normal as their kidneys begin to work less efficiently.
What are Some Signs That My Cat is Getting Old
As your cat enters her senior years, you may notice some changes in her behavior or appearance. Here are some signs that your cat is getting old:
She becomes less active and sleeps more
Just like humans, as cats age they tend to slow down and become less active. If your normally lively feline friend is now spending more time napping, it could be a sign that she’s getting older.
She has trouble jumping or climbing
If your cat is having difficulty jumping onto her favorite perch or scaling the cat tree, it could be a sign of arthritis or other age-related issues.
Her fur starts to thin out or gray
As cats age, their fur can start to thin out or turn gray around the muzzle and face.
She doesn’t groom herself as much as she used to
If your cat isn’t keeping up with her usual grooming routine, it could be a sign that she’s feeling under the weather or just doesn’t have the energy that she used to have.
His professional interests include humane education, ethics, small animal behavior, and veterinary. As a pet lover from school life, having grown up with two cats and a dog. If he isn’t spending time with his friends and family, Justin enjoys traveling. Learn more about Justin here.
