4 Ways To Know Your Cat's Age - WikiHow

Home » How To Tell The Age Of A Cat » 4 Ways To Know Your Cat's Age - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Determine the Age of Your Cat PDF download Download Article Learn how a cat's teeth, eyes, and more are clues to their age Co-authored by Cheyenne Main Reviewed by Natalie Punt, DVM

Last Updated: October 31, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Teeth
    • |
  • Eyes
    • |
  • Sexual Maturity
    • |
  • Coat Development
    • |
  • Grooming Habits
    • |
  • Activity & Mood
    • |
  • Weight & Body Shape
    • |
  • Veterinarian Visit
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
|Show more |Show less X

This article was reviewed by Natalie Punt, DVM and by wikiHow staff writer, Cheyenne Main. Dr. Natalie Punt is a Veterinarian and the Founder and CEO of mPet- a smart phone app for pet owners to store, manage and transfer their pets medical records and health information. She specializes in small animal emergency and general medicine and veterinary practice economics. Dr. Punt holds a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of California, Davis, an MS in Biochemistry from The University at Buffalo, and a DVM from Western University of Health Sciences. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 938,194 times.

It can be tough to tell how old a cat is unless you were there when it was born. Luckily, you can make an educated guess by examining their physical characteristics, including their teeth, eyes, and coat. Just keep in mind that the best way to determine your cat’s age is by having a trusted veterinarian perform an exam.

Things You Should Know

  • Kittens start to get teeth around 2 to 4 weeks old and have all their adult teeth by 6 months. Young cats have sharp, white teeth and older cats' teeth are dull and yellow.
  • Older cats (ages 9+) might have clouded eyes with tearing or discharge, while younger cats tend to have clear, bright eyes.
  • Kittens have tighter skin and toned muscles, while middle-aged cats have a more round body shape. Seniors may have saggy skin and defined shoulder bones.

Steps

Section 1 of 8:

Teeth

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Cats have all their adult teeth by 6 months old. 1 Cats have all their adult teeth by 6 months old. Cats typically start to get their deciduous (baby) teeth at around 2 to 4 weeks old and have all their adult teeth by about 6 months old.[1] When your cat is relaxed and comfortable, gently lift your cat’s lips and look at their teeth to get an idea of how old they are.
    • Kittens get their incisors (a row of tiny teeth at the bottom front) at around 2 to 4 weeks, their canines (the 4 large front teeth) at around 3 to 4 weeks, and their premolars (the teeth at the side of their mouths) at around 4 to 6 weeks.[2]
    • Cats typically don’t get their molars (their very back teeth) until around 4 months old.
  2. Step 2 Yellowed teeth can indicate that your cat is 2+ years old. 2 Yellowed teeth can indicate that your cat is 2+ years old. Staining or tartar can also be used to estimate your cat’s age. If you see slight yellowing along your cat’s teeth behind their cheek, your cat might be 1 to 2 years old. The more tartar you see along their teeth, the older your cat probably is.[3]
    • Some cats have worse teeth than others depending on their genetics and their diet. Consider your cat's teeth along with other factors for the most accurate way to determine their age.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Dulled or worn teeth are most common in cats that are 5+ years old. 3 Dulled or worn teeth are most common in cats that are 5+ years old. As cats age, their teeth tend to get duller and more worn down. Worn-down teeth appear duller, with points that have dulled or worn down. Generally, a cat will begin to show signs of tooth wear when they’re about 5 years old.[4]
    • When cats are 5 to 10 years old, their teeth show increased wear and their gums might appear a different a different color than the rest of their mouth.[5]
    • When cats are 10 years or older, their teeth are worn, show heavy tartar build-up, and some of their teeth might even be missing.
    4. Advertisement
Section 2 of 8:

Eyes

PDF download Download Article
  1. Clouded eyes, tears, or delayed dilation can occur in 9+ year old cats. Clouded eyes, tears, or delayed dilation can occur in 9+ year old cats. Healthy kittens and early adult cats have clear, bright eyes with no tears or discharge. Cats that are 9 years or older may have cloudy bluish eyes.[6] They may have tears or discharge in their eyes and the iris (the colored part of the eye) might not close and open as much as it did when the cat was younger.
    • Older cats’ irises might also have a wavy edge. Usually, a veterinarian has to examine their eyes to look for this change.
    • Runny eyes can also be a sign of illness or injury—check with your veterinarian right away if you think your cat might have a health problem.
Section 3 of 8:

Sexual Maturity

PDF download Download Article
  1. Cats reach sexual maturity and seek out mates at 5 to 9 months old. Cats reach sexual maturity and seek out mates at 5 to 9 months old. Cats that haven’t been spayed or neutered might give you clues about their age based on their sexual maturity. Male cats typically reach sexual maturity at around 6 months, while female cats typically have their first heat (estrus cycle) between 5 and 9 months.[7]
    • When a male cat reaches sexual maturity, he might territorially spray urine and his testicles might be more prominent just below his anus.
    • When a female cat is in heat, she might be unusually affectionate, excessively groom herself, look for unneutered males, and/or vocalize loudly for several days.[8]
    • The length of the daylight and the cat’s weight might change the timing of the cat’s first estrus cycle.
    • Vets tend to spay or neuter cats at an early age because it’s likely to spare them from dangerous health problems later on in life.[9]
    2. Advertisement
Section 4 of 8:

Coat Development

PDF download Download Article
  1. Fine, soft fur is a sign of a younger cat. Fine, soft fur is a sign of a younger cat. Kitten fur tends to be short, fine, and soft. Between 6 and 12 months old, your cat’s coat thickens and coarsens. Your cat’s fur might also become darker or lighter in color. While looking at a cat’s fur doesn’t guarantee their age, it can help you estimate how old they are.
    • You might see patches of gray hair on senior cats like humans get at older ages.
    • Unfortunately, you can’t tell how old a cat is by its whiskers. Whiskers don’t grow at a faster or slower pace as the cat ages, and they usually stay the same length for a cat’s entire life.[10]
Section 5 of 8:

Grooming Habits

PDF download Download Article
  1. Matted fur or skin odor can indicate a cat is 10+ years old. Matted fur or skin odor can indicate a cat is 10+ years old. Cats are generally incredibly diligent about keeping their coats clean. However, when they reach over 10 years old, they might not be as thorough with their grooming as they were when they were kittens. If your cat has hair matting or skin odor, they may be older than 10 years old.[11]
    • There are many reasons why older cats might lose the ability to groom themselves well, including dental pain, arthritis, or weight gain.
    • A sudden lack of grooming can also be a sign that your cat has a health problem—take them to the vet if they stop cleaning themselves.[12]
    2. Advertisement
Section 6 of 8:

Activity & Mood

PDF download Download Article
  1. Older cats are generally less playful and happy than younger cats. Older cats are generally less playful and happy than younger cats. Older cats might suffer from arthritis or have less energy because of age, which can make them lie around more and play with toys less than younger cats.[13] Older cats might also be more aggressive, anxious, or fearful with age.
    • Low energy and sudden weight loss or gain can also be signs of disease or dental problems.[14] If you think your cat might be sick, take them to a veterinarian right away.
Section 7 of 8:

Weight & Body Shape

PDF download Download Article
  1. Younger cats have more defined muscles and less extra skin than older cats. Younger cats have more defined muscles and less extra skin than older cats. While younger cats tend to have tighter skin and toned muscles, middle-aged cats may be rounder and more filled out. Older cats might have extra sagging skin and more defined shoulder bones. Up until kittens are about 5 months old, they tend to gain about a pound for every month they age.[15]
    • For example, a 3-pound kitten is most likely 3 months old.
    • Estimating the age of a kitten by its weight might be more difficult if the cat has been underfed or is unhealthy.
    • Older cats often become unable to process proteins as easily as younger cats, which can make them lose weight and appear more bony.
    2. Advertisement
Section 8 of 8:

Veterinarian Visit

PDF download Download Article
  1. Take your cat to a veterinarian for the most accurate age estimation. Take your cat to a veterinarian for the most accurate age estimation. A veterinarian will do a physical exam on your cat and be able to give you an age range.[16] Additionally, they can look for any health issues. Adult and older cats eventually experience changes in their anatomy and physiology. For example, some diseases like an overactive thyroid are more common in older cats than younger cats.[17]

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How old is a 16-year-old cat in human years? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Expert Answer A 16 year old cat is equivalent to an 80 year old individual in human years. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 18 Helpful 83
  • Question What is the human equivalent of a 25-year-old cat, and how can I prove this is my cat's age? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Expert Answer A 25-year-old cat is so old that it's off the scale, but you're looking at the equivalent of well over 110 - 125 years for a person. To prove its age, look and see if you have an original vaccination certificate that has its kitten injections on it. Alternatively, look through the family photo album to see if there are kitten pictures that can be dated back. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 28 Helpful 84
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • Some signs of old age can also be signs of illness. Schedule an appointment with your vet if you suspect your cat has any health issues, such as if they experience fur loss. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • Pay attention to your pet's daily habits and routine. Contact your vet if you notice significant changes in your pet's schedule. Cats have extremely high pain tolerances, so a chance in their routine may indicate they're not feeling well.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Tell How Old a Kitten IsHow toTell How Old a Kitten Is Determine Your Dog's AgeHow to Tell How Old Your Dog Is (Human & Dog Years) Determine Your Dog's Age By Its TeethHow toDetermine Your Dog's Age By Its Teeth Tell Your Puppy's AgeHow toTell Your Puppy's Age Know if a Kitten Is Old Enough to Neuter or SpayHow toKnow if a Kitten Is Old Enough to Neuter or Spay Tell the Age of a RabbitHow toTell the Age of a Rabbit Age a DeerHow toAge a Deer Check Your Cat's TeethHow toCheck Your Cat's Teeth Tell How Old a Betta Fish IsHow toTell How Old a Betta Fish Is Tell if a Cat is PregnantHow to Tell If Your Cat Is Pregnant & What to Do Next Diagnose Feline CataractsHow toDiagnose Feline Cataracts Tell If Your Cat Is in HeatHow toTell If Your Cat Is in Heat Determine the Sex of a CatHow toDetermine the Sex of a Cat Determine the Sex of a KittenHow toDetermine the Sex of a Kitten Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/digestive-disorders-of-cats/dental-development-of-cats
  2. ↑ https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/digestive-disorders-of-cats/dental-development-of-cats
  3. ↑ https://www.ruralareavet.org/PDF/Physical_Exam-How_to_Determine_Age.pdf
  4. ↑ https://www.ruralareavet.org/PDF/Physical_Exam-How_to_Determine_Age.pdf
  5. ↑ https://www.ruralareavet.org/PDF/Physical_Exam-How_to_Determine_Age.pdf
  6. ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-vision-problems-host-possible-causes
  7. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7158189/
  8. ↑ https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/pregnancy-and-kitten-care/cat-reproduction
  9. ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/spaying-and-neutering
More References (8)
  1. ↑ https://pets.thenest.com/cats-whiskers-longer-older-8643.html
  2. ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/special-needs-senior-cat
  3. ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/loving-care-older-cats
  4. ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/loving-care-older-cats
  5. ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/loving-care-older-cats
  6. ↑ https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/telling-kittens-age-four-steps
  7. ↑ https://www.petmd.com/cat/slideshows/6-tips-determining-your-cats-age
  8. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7337209/

About This Article

Natalie Punt, DVM Reviewed by: Natalie Punt, DVM Veterinarian This article was reviewed by Natalie Punt, DVM and by wikiHow staff writer, Cheyenne Main. Dr. Natalie Punt is a Veterinarian and the Founder and CEO of mPet- a smart phone app for pet owners to store, manage and transfer their pets medical records and health information. She specializes in small animal emergency and general medicine and veterinary practice economics. Dr. Punt holds a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of California, Davis, an MS in Biochemistry from The University at Buffalo, and a DVM from Western University of Health Sciences. This article has been viewed 938,194 times. 15 votes - 92% Co-authors: 47 Updated: October 31, 2025 Views: 938,194 Categories: Getting a Cat Article SummaryX

It can be hard to know how old your cat is, but you may be able to tell its age by its teeth. If your cat is less than 6 months to a year, it may not yet have all of its teeth, which consist of incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Between 2-5 years of age, the cat’s teeth will start to yellow, and between the ages of 5-10, the yellowing will be easily visible and the teeth will start showing signs of wear. If your cat is over 10 years old, all of its teeth will likely show signs of yellowing, and they may be worn significantly. If that doesn’t help, you may be able to tell the cat’s age by examining its fur, body, and eyes. To learn tips from our veterinary reviewer on how your cat’s eyes can help you tell its age, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Italian Russian German French Indonesian Dutch Vietnamese Arabic Thai Korean Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 938,194 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • James Cosgrave

    James Cosgrave

    Apr 11, 2020

    "Nice to know of another older cat. Our 23 year old male tuxedo just passed in Jan./2020. Only last fall 2019 he..." more Rated this article:
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Natalie Punt, DVM Reviewed by: Natalie Punt, DVM Veterinarian Co-authors: 47 Updated: October 31, 2025 Views: 938,194 92% of readers found this article helpful. 15 votes - 92% Click a star to add your vote James Cosgrave

James Cosgrave

Apr 11, 2020

"Nice to know of another older cat. Our 23 year old male tuxedo just passed in Jan./2020. Only last fall 2019 he..." more Rated this article: Anonymous

Anonymous

Oct 21, 2017

"Our cat is 25 years old. He was just at the vet's, his lab work was better than mine. The vet was surprised at..." more K. W.

K. W.

Jun 22, 2016

"I found the tip about her eyes the most helpful. The teeth and fur helped too. Her behavior didn't really..." more Jocelyne Watts

Jocelyne Watts

Jan 30, 2018

"Heya! Using these methods I was easily able to determine the approximate age of a cat I rescued just the day..." more Rated this article: Rudy Z.

Rudy Z.

Dec 9, 2016

"Very informative article on helping identify the approximate age of felines. Really helped me verify my original..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What Age Is My Brain QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizTake QuizDoes My Cat Love Me QuizDoes My Cat Love Me QuizTake QuizHow Old Do People Think I Look QuizHow Old Do People Think I Look QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Cat Am I QuizWhat Kind of Cat Am I QuizTake QuizWhen Will I Get My First Period QuizWhen Will I Get My First Period QuizTake QuizHow Old Is My Soul QuizHow Old Is My Soul QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Tell How Old a Kitten IsHow toTell How Old a Kitten IsDetermine Your Dog's AgeHow to Tell How Old Your Dog Is (Human & Dog Years)Determine Your Dog's Age By Its TeethHow toDetermine Your Dog's Age By Its TeethTell Your Puppy's AgeHow toTell Your Puppy's Age

Featured Articles

13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceWhich of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness TestMental Illness TestEnjoy the HolidaysHow toEnjoy the Holidays Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly QuizAm I Girly Quiz

Trending Articles

Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizLet Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Am I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Make OutHow toMake Out

Featured Articles

200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsHow to Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like Lies170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like LiesIs He Interested In Me QuizIs He Interested In Me Quiz

Featured Articles

15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It)15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It) Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)How to Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)When Will I Get My First Kiss QuizWhen Will I Get My First Kiss Quiz17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last Minute17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last Minute

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Have I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizAm I a Furry QuizAm I a Furry QuizAm I Annoying QuizAm I Annoying QuizHow Weird Am I QuizHow Weird Am I Quiz180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any ArgumentWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)

Quizzes & Games

What Does My Dream Mean QuizWhat Does My Dream Mean QuizTake QuizGuess My Age QuizGuess My Age QuizTake QuizHow Well Can I Read Dog Body Language QuizHow Well Can I Read Dog Body Language QuizTake QuizHow Old Are You Meant To Be QuizHow Old Are You Meant To Be QuizTake QuizWhat Color Cat Would I Be QuizWhat Color Cat Would I Be QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Mental Age QuizWhat Is My Mental Age QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Pets and Animals
  • Cats
  • Getting a Cat
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --665

Tag » How To Tell The Age Of A Cat