Cat IQ: Unraveling the Human Age Equivalent!

There was once a popular saying that a person's year is equivalent to a cat's seven years, but in reality, a oneyearold cat is much more mature than a sevenyearold child.

While there is no reliable scientific method to calculate the relationship between human years and "cat years," it is widely believed now that the first two years of a cat's life are roughly equivalent to a person's 24 years. After that, each subsequent year adds about four cat years. This means that if your cat is 8 years old, it is approximately equivalent to a human age of 48.

How long do cats usually live?

The normal lifespan of cats is typically between 10 to 20 years. There can be differences in lifespan among different breeds: for example, the Manx cat, which has a genetic defect, usually does not live past 10 years. The domestic shorthair cat, which is often kept indoors, has an average lifespan that still has room to improve. The Persian cat has an average lifespan of about 15 years. The British shorthair has an average lifespan of about 12 years. The Maine Coon has an average lifespan of about 15 to 18 years. The Ragdoll has an average lifespan of about 15 to 18 years, and the Siamese cat typically lives between 18 to 20 years.

The key factor in a cat's lifespan is the way it is cared for.

In the past few decades, the expected lifespan of cats has dramatically increased, with indoor cats living significantly longer than outdoor strays. Stray domestic shorthair cats often do not live past three years, and diseases and diet safety have a significant impact on their survival. In the future, the lifespan of domestic cats in our country will also significantly improve with the improvement of cat food standards and stronger regulation.

How can you determine a cat's age?

Teeth

When archaeologists study teeth, they often examine the degree of wear to estimate the age of the tooth's owner. While the health of the teeth cannot accurately determine the exact day of a cat's birth, it can give an estimate of the year, which is known as "bone age." Key milestones include:

Infant cats develop their first milk teeth between the second and fourth weeks.

Cats usually switch from milk teeth to permanent teeth between the fourth and sixth months.

By one to two years of age, some cats may have tartar on their teeth.

By three to five years of age, tartar may appear on the teeth.

Older cats over 10 to 15 years may experience tooth damage or loss.

Of course, these are just general guidelines. You can help reduce tooth wear by brushing your cat's teeth daily.

If your cat is frequently confined to a cage, its teeth may deteriorate quickly due to chewing on the cage.

Eyes

If teeth are not a reliable indicator, a cat's eyes can provide useful clues. Young cats have smooth irises, while middleaged cats may develop wrinkles in their irises. By the time a cat is 12 years old, older cats often have cloudy eyes and increased tear and discharge.

Shinbone

Just like humans, young cats are more active, engaging in activities like chasing, jumping, and running, which give them more defined muscle lines. If a cat is not active, muscle atrophy, loose skin, and prominent shoulder blades can be signs of aging.

Fur

A cat's fur also changes with age. Young cats have soft and fine fur, while older cats have thicker and coarser fur that may shed more easily and have more white fur.

How can you help your cat live a longer life?

Healthy living environment

Provide your cat with a clean and healthy living environment, with a wellarranged sleeping area, feeding bowls, and litter boxes. Vaccinate your cat appropriately to prevent diseases and reduce exposure to external pollutants. If your cat lives with dogs, ensure that the dogs are disinfected and cleaned after walks to avoid potential health risks.

Healthy diet

Ensure your cat has access to clean water and a safe diet, avoiding foods with additives and opting for homemade meals when possible. A balanced diet is important, and homemade meals can be healthier and more nutritious than commercial cat food.

Appropriate exercise and rest

Encourage your cat to engage in moderate exercise, avoiding overexertion. Allow your cat to rest and sleep as much as it needs. Respect your cat's need for rest during sleep and try not to disturb it unnecessarily.