Cats are beloved companions for many people. Therefore, the lifespan of cats is a significant concern for many cat owners. Today’s article will reveal the lifespan of cats and the easiest way to calculate a cat’s age.
Typically, before adopting a cat, we tend to thoroughly research general information such as their origins and health, often overlooking an equally important aspect: their lifespan. Today, let’s explore how long cats live and the simplest method to calculate their age!
1. What is the lifespan of a cat?
The world record for a cat’s lifespan is 32 years, meaning the longest a cat has lived is up to 32 years. However, the average lifespan for all cats is estimated to be 15-16 years. Accordingly, a cat’s life will go through the following stages:
- First 5-12 days: The newborn stage, with eyes still closed, gradually adapting to the new environment.
- 8-12 days: Eyes fully open.
- 16-20 days: Beginning to crawl around the house.
- From 3-4 weeks: Cats start to chew on harder objects, with the first baby teeth appearing.
- From 6 weeks: At this stage, kittens should begin to be weaned from their mother. They start to mimic their mother’s habits and eat similar food.
- From 8 weeks: Cats develop a sense of independence from their mother, gradually separating from her.
- 6 months: Completing their dental development by continuing to lose baby teeth.
- From 7-9 months: This stage marks the beginning of seeking mates and reproduction. Female cats will experience their first heat cycle, becoming capable of pregnancy and giving birth.
- 6-8 years: Cats become more limited in activity due to aging, and their teeth start to yellow.
- Over 12 years: Cats become weaker and older, eating less due to a declining digestive system.
- 15-16 years: The final stage of a cat’s life, where they are prone to various diseases affecting the heart, liver, lungs, etc. Their physical condition is extremely weak.
2. How to calculate a cat’s age
To calculate a cat’s age, the simplest method is to compare it to human years.
