As a rule of thumb, a dog’s year is equivalent to around seven human years, and they typically reach 10 to 13 years of age. However, scientists’ recent findings suggest that calculating dog years may not be as simple as this. On the other hand, a cat year is about 6 to 7 human years, but cats live for an estimated 12 to 18 years., though other sources also claim that calculating cat years may be more complicated.
You must account for your cat’s or dog’s age when making decisions, such as moving them into an older home, giving them medication, or providing veterinary care.
Cat and Dog Years
How They Differ
As cats and dogs differ in many ways, it can be tough to know how their lives compare. For example, cats are typically longer and shorter than dogs and have a lifespan of around 12-18 years. Cats have significantly impacted human society through their role as pets and their ability to hunt rodents, and they are the most popular pet in the world.
Additionally, cats are more likely to suffer from serious diseases such as cancer and kidney failure, so they need to receive regular checkups from their vet. Conversely, a dog’s lifespan is less predictable, and some dogs may have longer than average.
Age
As dogs age faster than cats, weighing the pros and cons of getting a pet before making a decision is essential. But, in the end, it all comes down to your lifestyle and preferences.
If you’re only thinking of getting one pet – whether a cat or dog – then, by all means, get one when they’re young! Cats typically reach 12 to 18 years, while dogs usually have 10 to 13 years in life expectancy.
As cats age, they tend to slow down and may not be as active as they used to be. This behavior change is known as cat aging, a natural process all cats undergo.
In Human Years
It cannot be obvious to figure out the cat and dog years, so let’s clear it up! A human year is about 365 days. As mentioned, a cat’s year is around 6 to 7 human years, while a dog’s ear is generally around seven human years. However, new scientific findings prove that we may have underestimated the equivalent human years of dog age.
This means a cat age slower than dogs. Cats mature physically faster than dogs, so they may look older when younger than a dog of the same breed and size!
A kitten about six months old is around three to three half human years old. This means that a cat two or three years old will look significantly different from when it was younger (this is because cats can change their appearance a lot with maturity).
However, some sources claim that the first year of a cat’s life is equivalent to around 15 years and the succeeding years add around nine years to their age, disregarding the “7-year Rule” in determining your pet’s age.
For dogs, if the “7-year Rule” is followed, then a six-year-old dog would be around 42 human years old, and a 12-year-old dog would be approximately 84 human years old. But, as mentioned, this is an outdated rule, and estimating your pet dog’s age is far more complicated than we previously believed.
However, you can still use it to estimate your pet’s age for simpler and faster calculation, especially if you are only converting their age out of curiosity.
The Signs of Aging in Your Pets
Teeth
Teeth are one of the most important organs in a pet’s body. They play an essential role in the animal’s diet, health, and ability to chew and digest food. As pets age, their teeth may start to lose size and quantity. This can lead to gum disease or other dental problems such as loose teeth or cavities.
To help keep your pet healthy and happy, it is essential to schedule regular vet checkups for oral care! Not only will this ensure that their teeth stay healthy, but it will also help you monitor any signs of aging in the feline population.
Eyes
It can be hard to tell when your pet’s vision is declining, but there are some tell-tale signs. For instance, pets might start having trouble seeing objects at a distance or in the dark.
Another sign of a pet’s aging eyesight is changing pupil size – this could mean they’re struggling with light sensitivity or cataracts have started to form. If you notice any of these changes, it’s essential to get them checked out by a vet as soon as possible! Many treatments available can help improve their vision and make life easier for them – including surgery.
Muscles
As cats age, their muscles lose strength and flexibility, leading to many problems. These include poor balance, coordination, and movement. In addition, muscle mass diminishes as cats age, making it difficult for them to move around quickly. If you notice any of these signs in your cat, the vet must check them out as soon as possible.
Bones
There’s no doubt that keeping a healthy pet is essential, but it’s especially crucial for cats and dogs as they age. Regular vet checkups can help keep your furry friend healthy and alert, while the regular intake of good-quality bones helps prevent problems like joint pain or fractures.
