How to convert cat years to human years
Cats reach adulthood very quickly. By their first birthday they are roughly as mature as a 15-year-old person, and by two they are like a young adult in their mid-twenties. After that, each cat year is worth about four human years.
year 1 = 15 human years year 2 = +9 (24 in total) each year after = +4
Feline life stages
| Stage | Cat age | Human years (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Kitten | Birth – 1 year | 0 – 15 |
| Young adult | 1 – 6 years | 15 – 40 |
| Mature adult | 7 – 10 years | 44 – 56 |
| Senior | Over 10 years | 56 + |
Stages follow the 2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines, which recommend at least yearly vet check-ups, and more often for seniors.
Cat age chart
| Cat age | Human years | Cat age | Human years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 | 12 | 64 |
| 2 | 24 | 13 | 68 |
| 3 | 28 | 14 | 72 |
| 4 | 32 | 15 | 76 |
| 5 | 36 | 16 | 80 |
| 6 | 40 | 17 | 84 |
| 7 | 44 | 18 | 88 |
| 8 | 48 | 19 | 92 |
| 9 | 52 | 20 | 96 |
| 10 | 56 | 21 | 100 |
| 11 | 60 | 22 | 104 |
Frequently asked questions
How old is my cat in human years?
A cat’s first year equals about 15 human years and the second adds about 9, so a 2-year-old cat is roughly 24. Each year after that adds about 4 human years.
What are the life stages of a cat?
The 2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines describe four stages: kitten (birth to 1 year), young adult (1–6 years), mature adult (7–10 years) and senior (over 10 years).
How long do cats live?
Many indoor cats live into their mid-teens, and some reach their twenties. Diet, genetics, indoor or outdoor life and veterinary care all make a difference.
Is the conversion exact?
No. It is a widely used approximation that helps you picture your cat’s maturity. Individual cats age differently, so use it for curiosity and planning, and rely on your vet for health advice.