Cat Years to Human Years: Age Chart and Life Stages

A 7-year-old cat is about 44 in human years, a 12-year-old about 64 and a 15-year-old about 76. Cats grow up fast, reaching the human equivalent of 15 by their first birthday and 24 by their second, then age about 4 human years for every year after that.

Cat years to human years chart

Unlike dogs, cats vary little in size, so one curve fits most cats. Very large breeds such as Maine Coons can age slightly faster in later life.

Cat life stages

• Kitten: birth to 1 year. Rapid growth; needs kitten food and several meals a day.
• Young adult: 1–6 years. Peak health; yearly check-ups.
• Mature adult: 7–10 years. The age when weight gain and dental disease often start.
• Senior: 11 years and over. Twice-yearly check-ups help catch kidney, thyroid and joint problems early.

Signs your cat is getting older

• Sleeping more and jumping less
• Changes in weight, in either direction
• Drinking or urinating more, an early sign of kidney disease or diabetes
• A matted or greasy coat because grooming has become harder
• Changes in behavior, such as yowling at night or forgetting the litter box

How long do cats live?

A healthy cat typically lives 12–18 years, and many reach their early twenties. Indoor cats tend to live longer than cats that roam, because they avoid traffic, fights and many infections.