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Writer's picturePeaceful Veterinary Care

How Can Vets Tell How Old a Cat Is?

Updated: Oct 26

Do you often keep asking yourself how old is my cat? It’s wise if you are curious because it’s absolutely necessary to know your cat or kitten’s age for the purpose of their better health and care. But if you can’t determine how old your kitten is, a vet can help. Then again, how can vets tell how old a cat is?


In this blog, we explore the answer to this question. Let us take a look at the factors that help vets determine the age of your feline friend!


The Importance of Knowing Your Cat's Age

You should know the age of your pet cat or kitten. It matters for their health and diet, as these needs change at different stages of their lives. Knowing how old your adopted cat is can also help understand their behavior better. This will help you take the best possible care of your pet, especially if they are towards the end of their lives.

can vets tell how old a cat is

How Can Vets Tell How Old a Cat Is - 4 Proven Ways

Vets are trained animal care professionals. They have a number of ways to determine the age of your kitten. As such, you should consult them to learn about the best care techniques for your beloved pet.


Here are four ways vets can estimate a cat's age:


1. Teeth

Vets can estimate the age of a cat by taking a look at their teeth. Cats are born without teeth, and for a kitten, the baby teeth will start coming in when it is between 2 to 4 weeks old. When a kitten is 3 to 4 months old, adult teeth will start coming in. All permanent adult teeth are usually in place by the time your furry friend turns 6 months old.


For older kittens, the amount of tartar on their teeth may help vets assess their age. Missing teeth and wear and tear are other good indicators of age. Younger cats tend to have a full set of teeth, but older cats tend to have more worn-down teeth than others. They are also likely to miss fangs, which can further help vets determine their age.


2. Sexual Maturity

If you haven’t spayed or neutered your adopted kitten, its sexual maturity can help determine its age. A male cat might start showing signs of heat around 6 months of age. These signs include territorial spraying of its urine. Its testicles will also become more prominent during this period.


Female cats reach sexual maturity a bit earlier, around the 5-month mark. If you notice your Queen being very vocal, it can indicate she is experiencing heat.


Vets can determine a cat’s age by a male’s territorial behavior or a female’s estrus cycle. The condition of your pet’s reproductive organs can also help estimate their age.


3. Coat Development

The way your cat’s coat develops can be an easy visual indicator of its age. Veterinarians can check your feline friend’s coat to make an educated guess about its age. A young cat will have soft and fine fur. Adult cats, on the other hand, have denser hair.


As an adult cat ages further, its fur will show signs of thinning. The hair will also turn white or gray upon aging, just like humans. This can help veterinarians figure out how old your cat is.


4. Eyes

Your kitten's eyes are more than just two orbs of cuteness; they can also tell the age of your cat. Younger felines tend to have clear and bright eyes. The same goes for early adult cats. However, as a kitten ages, the eyes may turn cloudy. This milky white appearance can indicate aging in cats, as it usually happens after a cat is 10 years old. This can also hint at eye conditions like cataracts.


An older cat might also develop changes in its iris, which is the colored part of its eyes. There may be a wavy edge, or the cat may show reduced responsiveness to light.

how do vets determine the age of a cat

Age and Health Implications for Senior Cats

Like all living things, your beloved kitten will also age. Towards its later years, a cat could display health issues like arthritis, dental problems, and weakened eyesight. They will also become less active and sleep more. These signs of decline are common in older cats.


Whenever you experience any of these with your cat, you need to handle them with care and patience and ensure necessary veterinary support through routine visits. Get your kitten checked on a regular basis, especially as it gets older. This will help vets anticipate and manage these conditions early. They can also advise you on how to best take care of your kitten or cat.


When Age and Health Impact End-of-Life Decisions

We know this is a difficult topic, but it is better to address it now. You need to consider your beloved cat’s quality of life as it ages. Vets can examine your furry companion’s age and health conditions to determine their quality of life. They can then guide you in making informed and compassionate end-of-life decisions for your cat when necessary.


No one wants to see their beloved pet suffer. It will be the same for you. Talk to a vet and get an idea of the quality of life your cat is living. Although harsh, an end-of-life decision can sometimes be the humane thing to do.


Conclusion

Now you know how vets can determine the age of a kitten and tell you if it is 2 months or 2 years old. We hope this blog has shown you why you should determine your furry companion’s age.


Their health and diet requirements change as the years go on. As such, knowing your kitten's age allows you to ensure the right care and support for them. Consult a vet to find out how old your kitten is. Vets can check your cat’s teeth, sexual maturity, coat development, and eyes to determine age. Follow how your cat ages, and keep in mind the health complications that come with age. Visit your vet regularly as your cat ages. This will give you an idea of your cat’s quality of life. Consult with your vet and make informed decisions on end-of-life care for your beloved cat.


If you are looking for loving end-of-life support for your pet, contact Peaceful Veterinary Care. Visit our website for more information, or give us a call to set up an appointment.

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