Tortoiseshell Cat Millie Celebrates Her 30th Birthday in the UK and Becomes the Oldest Living Feline

This week, a remarkable tortoiseshell cat named Millie celebrated her 30th birthday, officially marking her as the oldest living feline.

If the common myth that one human year equals seven cat years were true, Millie would be the equivalent of a 210-year-old woman! But, as it turns out, calculating a cat’s age in human years is a bit more nuanced than a simple multiplication.

The Real Way to Calculate Your Cat’s Age

According to experts at Purina, the conversion between cat years and human years isn’t as straightforward as multiplying by seven.

While cats do age quickly, especially in their first two years, the comparison isn’t a perfect science.

In fact, Purina has developed a handy Cat Years Calculator to help you determine your cat’s “true” age.

Purina’s formula works like this: the first year of a cat’s life is equivalent to 15 human years, and the second year adds another nine years, making a two-year-old cat equivalent to 24 human years.

After that, each additional year adds about four human years.

So, by the time your cat is three years old, they are roughly 28 in human years, and by six years, they would be the equivalent of a 40-year-old human.

How to Estimate Your Cat’s Age if You’ve Adopted Them Later

Not sure how old your cat is because you didn’t have them as a kitten? There are several signs to look for that can give you a pretty good guess.

Teeth: A kitten’s first teeth usually appear between two to four weeks, while their permanent teeth show up around four months.

Yellow staining on their teeth typically suggests they’re about one to two years old, and if the stains are widespread, they’re likely between three and five.

If your cat is missing teeth, they could be anywhere from 10 to 15 years old.

Eyes: As cats age, their eyes change too. Younger cats typically have smooth, bright irises, while older cats often show cloudiness or increased discharge, especially after the age of 12.

Muscles and Bones: Younger cats are more active, which means they have stronger muscle definition.

Older cats, on the other hand, may lose muscle mass and may not move as much.

You might also notice that they become bonier, with extra skin or visible shoulder blades.

Fur: A young cat will have soft, fine fur, while older cats often develop a coarser coat with patches of grey.

Why Knowing Your Cat’s Age Matters

Understanding your cat’s age is vital for ensuring they receive the appropriate care, especially as they enter their senior years.

Age-related health concerns become more prevalent in older cats, and recognizing when your cat enters their mature years will help you provide the best care possible.

Recognizing the Secret Signals Your Cat Sends You

It’s important to remember that cats are far from the aloof, solitary creatures they’re often made out to be.

They communicate their feelings and needs through various physical cues. From their whiskers to their tail to their body language, cats have a lot to say.

Understanding these signals can strengthen the bond between you and your pet.

In her new book Kitty Language: An Illustrated Guide to Understanding Your Cat, author Lili Chin explains how to interpret the subtle movements and behaviors your cat uses to communicate, shedding light on how to better understand and care for your feline companion.