How cat years convert to human years
The old "multiply by 7" rule doesn't fit cats. Cats grow up fast: a 1-year-old cat is about as mature as a 15-year-old person, and a 2-year-old is like a 24-year-old. After that, each cat year is roughly 4 human years.
Example: an 8-year-old cat is 24 + 4 × 6 = 48 in human years. A 15-year-old cat is 76, and a 20-year-old cat is 96.
Cat life stages
| Life stage | Cat age | Human age |
|---|---|---|
| Kitten | Birth to 1 year | Up to 15 |
| Young adult | 1 to 6 years | 15 to 40 |
| Mature adult | 7 to 10 years | 44 to 56 |
| Senior | Over 10 years | Over 56 |
These stages come from the AAHA/AAFP feline life stage guidelines vets use. Indoor cats commonly live 13 to 17 years, and many reach their 20s. Have a dog too? Try the dog age calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How old is a 10-year-old cat in human years?
About 56. The first two years count as 24 human years, then each year adds about 4.
Is 1 cat year 7 human years?
No. A 1-year-old cat is closer to a 15-year-old person, and cats age about 4 human years per year after age 2.
At what age is a cat a senior?
Veterinary guidelines consider cats senior after age 10. Senior cats should see a vet about every 6 months.
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