Amelia Taylor – Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
If you’ve adopted a cat or rescued one without knowing their background, you might be wondering how to tell their age. Unlike humans, cats don’t come with birth certificates but you can still estimate their age by observing their teeth, eyes, fur, and behavior. Knowing how old your cat is helps you provide the right care, diet, and medical attention for their life stage.
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Check Your Cat’s Teeth
A cat’s teeth are one of the most accurate indicators of age, especially when they’re young.
Kittens:
• By 2 weeks, baby teeth start coming in.
• By 6 weeks, all milk teeth are visible.
• By 6 months, permanent adult teeth replace baby teeth — bright white and clean.
Adults (1–6 years):
• Some yellowing or tartar buildup appears, especially on the back teeth.
• Teeth may start showing minor wear.
Seniors (7+ years):
• Noticeable tartar buildup, missing teeth, or discoloration.
• Older cats often have worn, dull teeth from years of chewing.
If your cat allows it, gently lift their lips and observe the teeth. Dental condition gives a fairly good clue about age, though it varies depending on diet and dental care.
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Observe Their Eyes
Your cat’s eyes can reveal a lot about their age.
• Kittens: Eyes are bright, clear, and free of cloudiness.
• Adults: Iris patterns (the colored part of the eye) become more defined and slightly rougher in texture.
• Older cats: Cloudy or hazy eyes may appear, and vision might not be as sharp as before.
Senior cats sometimes develop a bluish haze called lenticular sclerosis, which doesn’t affect sight but indicates age.
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Look at the Coat and Fur Texture
Fur changes with age just like human hair.
• Young cats: Soft, sleek, and shiny coats.
• Middle-aged cats: Slightly coarser fur or color variations may appear.
• Older cats: Graying around the muzzle, thinner fur, or duller color.
Long-haired cats may also develop mats more easily as they get older because they groom less frequently.
Watch Their Activity Level
Behavior and energy are strong clues to a cat’s age.
• Kittens (up to 1 year): Full of energy, playful, and curious about everything.
• Adult cats (1–6 years): Active but more balanced; they enjoy play but also spend plenty of time relaxing.
• Senior cats (7+ years): Sleep more, move slower, and prefer quieter environments.
If your cat isn’t as active as before or avoids jumping to higher places, it could indicate they’re entering their senior years.
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Examine Their Body Shape and Muscle Tone
Younger cats have firm, muscular bodies, while older cats tend to lose muscle, especially around the spine and hips. A sagging belly or bonier structure often signals aging.
Tip: Run your hands gently along your cat’s sides. If you feel more bone or less muscle mass, your cat might be older.
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Ask a Veterinarian for an Estimate
If you’re unsure, your vet can estimate your cat’s age more accurately. Vets use dental exams, overall health, joint condition, and lab tests to determine approximate age. This can help guide proper diet and preventive care.
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Behavioral Signs of Aging
Older cats tend to:
• Sleep more hours per day.
• Groom less often or less effectively.
• Become less tolerant of change.
• Show more affection or become clingier as they age.
Each of these behaviors gives small clues about where your cat is in their life cycle.
