The average lifespan of cats is relatively short, typically lasting only up to ten years. As a result, some cat owners struggle to come to terms with their cats' aging and may abandon them. However, it is important to understand how a cat's age translates to human years.
According to the age comparison table for cats and humans, a one-year-old cat is equivalent to a fifteen-year-old human. Once a cat reaches ten years old, it begins to slowly enter old age, and cats that can live to be 16 years old are considered long-lived.
Cats are not considered adults until they are one year old, and the critical period for raising them is before this age. Owners should start raising cats at two months old, which is more conducive to cultivating a strong relationship with them.
Cats between the ages of two and seven are in their lives prime. They are curious about new things during this period. Pet owners can regularly replace some of their toys to satisfy their curiosity.
Cats are also more active during this period and may occasionally misbehave. Owners should teach them patiently and avoid beating or scolding them lightly to ensure their mental health. Owners should spend about 20 minutes a day interacting with their cats.
Cats generally enter old age at eight to nine years old and undergo significant changes during this stage. Their bodies become less flexible, and they become less active and more mature and stable.
In the kitten period, cats are very lively, active, and curious, with a strong interest in everything. Once they enter middle age, they become more mature and stable and rarely cause damage. As they become elderly, their sleeping time increases, but they enjoy snuggling with their owners and cherish the time spent with them.
As cats age, their lives draw closer to an end, and their health begins to decline. Special attention should be paid to their diet, daily life, and exercise during this period.
Long-haired cats typically live slightly longer than short-haired cats, and indoor cats live longer than outdoor cats. Male cats also tend to live longer than female cats.
Many factors can affect a cat's lifespan, including feeding conditions. A cat that is well-fed and given a nutritious diet is likely to live longer. Stray cats, on the other hand, have a shorter lifespan of about three to five years. The reasons for their premature deaths include insufficient food, disease, car accidents, and hunting by humans.
With the advancement of the pet medical system in modern society, more owners are adopting scientific feeding methods and giving their cats the care they need to live longer healthier lives. It is common for pet cats to live 15 years or more, and some cats have been documented to live in their 20s.
In conclusion, it is crucial to understand how a cat's age translates to human years and the different stages of its life. By giving cats the proper care and attention they need, owners can help them live long, healthy lives.