Senior Care

According to popular legend, one human year is the equivalent of seven ‘cat years’, but in reality, a one-year-old cat is much more mature than a seven-year-old child. How old is my cat in human years? Although there’s no reliable scientific way to calculate the relationship between human and cat years, it’s generally agreed that the first two years of a cat’s life are roughly equal to the first 25 of a human’s. After this, each additional year is around four ‘cat years’. This means if your cat is six years old, their equivalent cat age in human years will be around 41. Find out how old your feline friend is using ourcat age calculator Don’t worry, we’ve done all the math for you! Check our calculator at the bottom of the page and find out your cat’s age in human years at a glance. What is the average life expectancy of my cat? The true answer is that it depends, but indoor cats usually live longer than outdoor cats. On average, indoor cats live 16 to 18 years and some even reach the venerable age of 20. Life expectancy in cats also varies depending on the breed, as some cat breeds will naturally live longer than others. For example, Siamese and Manx breeds are said to live the longest, so could reach a ripe age in human years! Did you know that according to some sources, the world’s oldest cat lived to be 34? That’s 153 in cat years! Read more fascinating cat facts here. Cats’ life expectancies have increased dramatically in the last few decades. Although it’s never enough, we’re spending more and more time together with our feline friends and that can only be a great thing. How can I tell my cat’s age? To find out how old your cat is, it’s best to take them to a vet. But you can still look for tell-tale signs of a cat’s age and health. Teeth Teeth can’t pinpoint the exact date for your feline friend’s birthday party, but they are still a great indicator of a cat’s age. The milestones are: • A kitten’s first teeth appear between two to four weeks. • Their permanent white teeth come in at around four months. • Yellow stains (aka tartar) on a few teeth can mean your cat might be between one or two years old. • If the stains appear on all teeth, the cat is likely at least three to five years old. • Missing teeth are usually a sign that your cat is a respectable senior, between 10 to 15 years of age. • But keep in mind that some cats can just have worse teeth than others regardless of their age.

Your cat is an important part of your family, and we understand that it’s not nice to think of your fluffy companion getting older. As felines don’t get fine lines and wrinkles like us, the signs of old age in cats aren’t always obvious. Changes in your cat are most likely to start on the inside as they approach their golden years, and they will gradually age like we do. But there are a few tell-tale signs you should be aware of. We explore them, next.

According to popular legend, one human year is the equivalent of seven ‘cat years’, but in reality, a one-year-old cat is much more mature than a seven-year-old child. Learn all about your cat’s lifespan and approximately how old they are in human years in this guide.

Making the decision to grow your household by four paws is extremely exciting for all involved, but if you have children, it can be difficult to find a suitable breed. We've created this guide to tell you all about the best dog breeds for families to help you to choose which best suits you. Dogs and kids can be a great match! Dogs encourage children to exercise and appreciate the outdoors, whilst also helping to develop the social skills of both dog and child alike. When thinking about adding a four-legged friend to the household, parents often worry about the specific dog breeds, as there are some which are a little less predisposed to tolerate the attentions of children. To help you ensure you find the best match for your family, we've created this guide to the best dog breeds for families. Keep reading for helpful advice and to learn which dog breeds are recommended for families.

You might have noticed that your cat is napping more, can’t jump as high as they used to or isn’t chasing a piece of string with as much energy as they did before. These are all normal as a cat approaches their senior years – like us, they’ll want to slow down a little as they get older! Cats are usually classed to be of a senior age from around seven years old, but this can vary slightly depending on your cats breed and other factors. Diet, fitness and any medical issues all contribute towards the expected lifespan of a senior cat. Even though they may seem a little calmer than when they were a young moggy, the later years that you share with your cat should still be as fun, loving and rewarding as ever. Our team of Pet Care Experts offer guidance and tips on how to make the most of your cats twilight years, for the both of you.

Putting a cat to sleep is a heart breaking thought, and a time that any pet owner dreads, but at some stage you may have to consider this as the kindest option for your cat. For example, this may happen if their quality of life is suffering due to illness, injury or old age, and there’s no sign of them getting better.

If you’ve got a feline friend, or you’re thinking of getting one, you might be wondering how long do cats live for? Domesticated cats can live long lives, but their life span is dependent on many different factors. For example, a cat’s breed and whether they’re indoor or outdoor can impact a cat's life expectancy. Their lifestyle, what they eat and how much they exercise can also make a huge difference to how long they live. On average, household cats in the UK live to around 12 years – although some domestic cats can live to 20 years old, with the world’s oldest cat living to 26! This average age is the equivalent of 72 in human years, using our cat to human years calculator! Thanks to continuing advances in veterinary medicine and science, cat life expectancy has increased and so our cats can hopefully stay healthy and happy for longer. Read on to discover the factors influencing cat lifespan, including indoor vs. outdoor living, breed, and lifestyle choices, as well as practical tips for maintaining or even increasing your cat's life expectancy.

Understanding Your Senior Cat's Grooming Needs As cats age, they may face several grooming challenges. Common age-related health issues such as arthritis or becoming overweight can reduce their flexibility and so make self-grooming much more difficult for them. This can lead to dandruff, unkempt fur and unhealthy skin. Other conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and kidney issues, can also affect a cat's coat and skin. Older cats with these conditions may require extra care to remove dead hair and manage excess skin oil, preventing matting. It’s also common to see changes in their coat texture and skin health as cats age. Some ageing cats have an increase in the naturally produced oils from their skin, which can cause mats – often at the base of their tail and up their back. A sudden reduction in your cat’s self-grooming is always a cause for concern – especially if they are usually fastidious. It could indicate mouth or dental problems, pain or disease, and you should always contact your vet. Top Tip: Look for signs that your senior cat may need help grooming themself. These can include matted fur, dandruff, an unkempt appearance, itchiness, or increased hairballs. If your cat seems to be starting to have issues to grooming themself, it's time to step in and help them.

As cats get older, their needs change. Around the age of eleven, it’s time to adjust how you care for them to ensure they stay healthy and happy. While older cats may naturally become less active, keeping them stimulated and engaged is crucial for their wellbeing. This guide offers tips on how to include appropriate enrichment in their day to day lives, and how to set up their space to keep elderly cats comfortable and active. It's important to remember that every cat is different. Some older cats may remain active and playful, while others will prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. The key is to observe your older cat's behaviour and adjust your care accordingly. With a little knowledge and a lot of love, you can provide a comfortable and fulfilling life for your cat whatever their age.