How old is 3 in cat years

Dietary changes may also be recommended at this age, since older cats typically need different nutrition as their bodies change. Some older cats seem to get crabby as they age, but this is often simply because a senior cat may be experiencing pain or joint discomfort or even brain changes and confusion.

Be sure to discuss any observed changes with your veterinarian, as they may be an indicator of something else going on with your cat. Cats live a long time. A year-old cat is comparable in age to a human in their mids, and by the time they are 20, they'd almost be years old if they were a person.

Any cat that is 15 or older is considered geriatric and should be visiting the veterinarian at least once every six months. These cats may be on medications or special foods and supplements to support various bodily systems. Geriatric cats often have decreased hearing and vision abilities and sleep for the majority of the day. Cognitive decline is not uncommon in cats of this age, just like a human in their 90s might experience. Signs of cognitive dysfunction in cats include crying at night and urinating or defecating near, but not in, the litter box, among others.

While it's more common for a cat to live into its 20s than it is for a dog , a cat this old is still an accomplishment and special attention should definitely be paid to these geriatric felines.

American Veterinary Medical Association. Feline Life Stage Guidelines. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance.

Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Read our cat body condition guide for more tips. Fine, soft fur is usually reserved for young cats only. Older cats tend to have a thicker, coarser fur with patches of grey hair. Now you know all about cat lifespans and how their age converts in human years! Keep reading on our content hubs for more advice about cats , including kittens and senior cats.

Find out how old your feline companion is in human years using the age calculator below:. We believe people and pets are 'Better Together'. Our programme promises to support you through every stage of your journey. Next article. How to Massage Your Cat. Daily Care for Cats. Related topics. Our experts are here to help you. Our experts are here to help. For full details please visit the Cat Care for Life website.

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