Remember the old way we all heard to calculate your cat’s or dog’s age? You know, the multiply the age times seven? Well, the good folks at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine have determined that method is not accurate. Here’s is Tufts’ “CAT” Age Calculator:
1 month = 10 months
3 months = 7 years
6 months = 14 years
9 months = 18 years
1 year = 24 years
2 years = 36 years
3 years = 42 years
From here on, add 3 years of age to every 1 year of life. This will make kitty:
5 years = 48 years
10 years = 63 years
15 years = 78 years
20 years = 93 years
They add that it is NOT uncommon for cats to reach 20 years old anymore. However, outdoor cats only live an average of 8 years. Tufts’ Dr. Susan Cotter says, “Genetics, diet, environment, neutering, cat care education, and proper veterinary care all play a role in a cat’s life span and how she ages biologically, as opposed to chronologically.” She adds, “With better nutrition and care, they’re becoming full members of the family, and are therefore living longer.”
Click here to find out more about "Signs of Sickness in Cats". |