- Recognizing cats’ ages becomes more and more difficult as they get older.
- Cats generally live between seven and 14 years.
- Take your cat to the vet if you have health concerns for her.
Some household pets can live several decades. Pet turtles, for example, have a lifespan of 30-40 years, and turtles can live more than 50 years. In contrast, hamsters are generally 18 to 36 months old, PetMD says. Dogs can live, on average, eight to 14 years, depending on the breed.
In general, the lifespan of any pet can vary, depending on its health and how well you take care of it, but none of this is helpful, even though you don’t know just how old or how young your furry friend is.
Just curious?:We are here to help solve everyday life questions.
Kitties Care:A study suggests that cats care about you, even if they act like they don’t care
How old is my cat?
PetMD says that determining a cat’s age depends largely on its weight and teeth. Until the kitten reaches six months, the kitten is gaining about a pound of weight each month. Kittens will also have all of their adult teeth by the age of seven months. If your cat is younger than six or seven months, it is possible to determine its approximate age. However, an unhealthy cat may stray from these ground rules, according to PetMD.
PetMD notes that the amount of tartar on your cat’s teeth can also be a sign of ageing, with younger cats having less tartar. This is not guaranteed, as some cats will have worse or better teeth than others.
The opacity of your cat’s eyes can be used to determine their age around “6 or 7 years,” but they will only be noticeable to your vet, PetMD says. Once the cat is 10 years old, the average owner may notice clouds. This is normal and is not a problem for your pet’s health.
If the process of grooming your cat is losing precision, that’s also a sign of your pet’s age, according to PetMD.
To get a really accurate idea of your cat’s age, PetMD recommends owners take their feline friend to the vet for a “health assessment.” This can reveal any health issues while also giving you a better idea of your cat’s age.
Become an expert on your furry friend:Why do cats knead you? And why do they purr? Explain the common behavior of your pet.
Keep your pet healthy:How to trim your cat’s nails for best results, according to a veterinary technique
How long do cats live?
Outdoor cats that spend a lot of time unsupervised are expected to live up to seven years. PetMD says that only domestic cats that are well cared for generally live to be 14 years old.
Learn more:How long do cats live? Here’s how long you can expect your feline friend to last.
America’s Favorites:Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, and More: What’s Your State’s Most Popular Pet?
How can I keep my cat healthy?
To keep your cat healthy, make sure your cat is well-fed with enough toys to stimulate it. PetMD explains the importance of keeping your cat’s litter box clean and taking good care of your cat.
PetMD says to keep your cat up to date on her shots and take her to the vet for regular checkups and medical concerns.