A cat's age is quite difficult to determine, unless you were present when the cat was born. However, a cat's age can be estimated by examining your cat's body parts. With age, usually followed by the growth of teeth, hair, and behavior. Before asking your vet, it's a good idea to estimate your cat's age first.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Checking Cat Teeth
Step 1. Count the number of cat teeth
The condition of a cat's teeth will change with age. When the cat is relaxed and comfortable, try checking the cat's teeth to estimate the cat's age.
- The first teeth to erupt in kittens are the incisors (about 2-4 weeks) and canines (3-4 weeks) followed by the molars (4-6 weeks).
- Cats that are less than four months old do not have molars.
- At six months to a year, a cat will have all the adult teeth. At this time all the cat's teeth are white and not worn out.
Step 2. Watch for yellowing teeth
Cat teeth will show signs of aging as they age. Cat-colored teeth indicate the cat is mature and old. The degree of yellowing of the teeth can determine the age of your cat.
- At the age of two, the cat's teeth begin to look a little yellow.
- At the age of five years the cat's teeth will turn yellow.
- Between the ages of five and ten, the yellow in your cat's teeth will become very obvious.
- When a cat is 10 years old or older, all teeth will appear yellow.
Step 3. Check the condition of the cat's teeth
One of the indications of cat aging is the wear and tear of its teeth. Examine the condition of the cat's teeth to assess for wear and determine the age of the cat.
- Worn teeth lose their sharpness, making them duller than young cats.
- Some of the tip teeth may be blunt or broken.
- In general, a cat's teeth will begin to decay at the age of five.
- If the cat is between five and ten years old, the cat's teeth will look clearly worn.
- At the age of ten years and over, the wear and tear will be obvious and there may even be some teeth falling out.
- The older the cat, the more gritty its teeth will become and there will be gum recession. However, this method is less accurate because the cat's level of oral hygiene depends on its diet.
Method 2 of 4: Checking the Cat's Fur and Body
Step 1. Check the thickness of the cat's fur
Depending on their age, a cat's coat can be longer or shorter. By looking at the level of fullness of the cat's fur we can estimate how old it is.
- An old cat's coat can be thinner than a young cat's.
- Season also affects the thickness of the fur. A cat's coat is thicker in winter than in summer.
- If your cat is shedding hair, see your vet.
Step 2. Feel the texture of your cat's coat
There are subtle differences in the texture of a cat's coat at any point in its life. Through this difference, you can estimate your cat's age.
- Young cats have a smoother, fuller coat.
- Older cats tend to have a rougher coat.
- Multiple patches of gray fur may appear on older cats.
Step 3. Pay attention to your cat's body type
As they age, the activity level of cats also changes. Changes in the level of this activity will also affect the shape of his body. You can estimate a cat's age by looking at its shape.
- Young cats tend to be leaner and more muscular due to frequent activity.
- Middle age cats are usually fuller and rounder.
- Older cats have more defined shoulder bones and loose skin.
Method 3 of 4: Watching the Cat's Behavior
Step 1. Pay attention to the cat's mood
Older cats tend to have poor eyesight and hearing and are often in pain from gout. Some of these conditions will affect the cat's mood. If your cat appears to have any of these symptoms, your cat may be sick, elderly or both:
- Older cats may be overly aggressive when approached.
- Older cats also tend to get scared and nervous quickly.
Step 2. Supervise the use of the cat toilet box
If your cat has trouble using the toilet, there are several possible problems. Specifically, older cats may have difficulty using the toilet due to health problems or stress.
- Some of the health problems that make it difficult for cats to use the toilet are reduced vision, colitis or kidney/liver disease.
- Stress makes cats not want to use the toilet. Make the environment around the cat as comfortable as possible.
Step 3. Pay attention to the cat's sleep pattern
Most cats sleep time increases with age. You also need to pay attention to your cat's sleep schedule and look for changes as it ages.
- Old cats may stay up all night and sleep during the day and meow at night.
- As they get older, the cat's activity level decreases and sleeps more. Young cats are more active during the day, while older cats prefer to rest.
Method 4 of 4: Seeing a Cat's Age from His Eyes
Step 1. Look for cloudiness in the cat's eyes
As they age, a cat's eyes change from clear and bright to cloudy and dull. By checking the level of cloudiness or clarity of the cat's eyes, you can estimate how old it is.
- The young cat's eyes are clear and bright.
- Old cats have cloudy eyes due to aging or the appearance of cataracts.
Step 2. Examine the iris of the cat's eye
The iris is the colored part of a cat's eye and surrounds the pupil. You can estimate a cat's age by checking this section. Look for signs of gritting or roughness in your cat's irises.
- Young cats have clean, smooth irises.
- As you age, your cat's irises will become thinner and some of the veins and patches of pigment will begin to show.
Step 3. Watch the cat's tear release
Tears are a good indicator of a cat's age. Cats will have tears in their eyes due to illness, aging or injury. The tears may even flow too profusely. These symptoms are usually found in older cats so it helps you to determine the age of the cat.
- Young cats rarely shed tears.
- An old cat may often shed tears
- Wet eyes may be a symptom of illness or injury. Go to your vet for a check-up.
Tips
- If you're still unsure of your cat's age, see your vet for an accurate number.
- Most signs of aging are also symptoms of disease. Make an appointment with your vet to check your cat's condition.
