Even though small mammals usually have shorter lifespans, however, felines are way different in terms of life and age. To your knowledge, cats can easily live for a good long period of time considering their small sizes; since these creatures are smaller than dogs and other animals in general, they still live longer.
Although the lifespan of house felines varies from cats to cats, the average lifespan for a pet feline is usually around 13 to 14 good years. However, the actual lifespan of felines perhaps depends on the way cats are treated and cared for. A well-cared and well-treated feline might live to 15 or more years, and some cats may even make it to 20 years. You would be surprised to know that some extraordinary felines even reach the maximum level of lifespan, making it 30 years of age astonishingly.
1. Kittenhood (0 – 6 Months)
The very first stage of the life cycle of a feline is titled the “Kittenhood” stage. The Kittenhood period is the most initial period of the cat’s life – the period when a feline is born, making it to 6 months old. A fun fact is that a furry cat in this stage is usually equivalent to a kid within the age range of 1-10 years usually. Another is five initial weeks following the birth of a feline, and interestingly all the senses are already fully developed.
In this particular stage, furry looks like baby cats – exactly as they are supposed to look. Cat’s body in this particular stage isn’t developed yet; hence they are very small and fragile, just like a few months old babies. Another fact about this stage in the cat’s life is that felines are way curious and playful and have the urge to know, touch and play with everything they find around. Also, they are incredibly energetic and active and often get annoyed, anxious, and aggressive to you and other cats if they don’t play enough.
2. The Junior Furry (7 Months to 2 Years Old)
The junior cat is the second stage of a cat’s life cycle when the cat is usually 7 months to 2 years old. You will observe a lot of changes in this particular stage as the cat moves from Kittenhood to the junior level that’s a little bit advanced. A cat in this specific phase is usually equivalent to a child aged 12 to 24 years.
If you have a feline growing up with you, you better know that a junior cat looks quite different from a kitty in this phase. Junior cat’s body looks way lanky and lengthy. In this stage of life, junior would still love to play but not as much as in the Kittenhood. Also, the cats in this stage start to act like adult felines as they reach sexual maturity. Usually, female cats go into heat, and many get pregnant mostly. This is one of the most complex periods of a cats’ life as well as for you as a cat owner. You must remain calm and patient with your fluffy companion throughout this period.
3. The Prime Feline (3 to 6 Years)
The felines aged between 28 to 40 years are considered adult cats, and this phase is referred to as the prime phase. The cat in this stage is usually entering into full adulthood. Felines in this stage are more radiant and vigorous. They are also pretty tall, strong, and long. Cat’s bodies are fully developed in this phase of their life, and their coat is shiny. Cats’ this life phase is usually equivalent to a human within 30 – 42 years of age.
In this stage of life, you will find felines active and playful from time to time, even though kitten behavior is long gone now. Cats are only supposed to exhibit adult temperaments, plus they are more territorial in this stage of life. Interestingly, what kind of traits cats have now will going to remain forever.
4. The Mature Cat (7 to 11 Years)
A cat in this phase of life is known as a mature cat. Also, in this phase, the feline starts getting old slowly and gradually. It is considered equivalent to a human within the age range of 45 to 55. There is not much of a difference between a prime and a mature feline when it comes to appearance. In addition, this is the phase of a cat’s life when it is supposed to gain extra weight frequently and is expected to lose the beauty of its coat.
5. The Geriatric Fluffy (12 Years and Above)
Cats’ lifespan usually varies from breed to breed. Also, some felines might live up to 15 years old and even 25 in some cases. However, the expected final phase in the lifespan of the cats’ life is when the cat is 12 years old or above. However, the senior life stage of felines usually falls within 12 to 15 years. In addition, felines in the geriatric phase of life are of above 15 years. Thus, the geriatric age is the most advanced and senior stage of cats’ span life.
You will be amazed to know that a senior feline in this stage of life is considered equivalent to a human within the age of 60 and above. Also, a geriatric cat is deemed equivalent in terms of age to a human within 75 and 110 years old.
Cats in each life stage require proper and special attention when it comes to their health, attitudes, behavioral changes, and life.
At Last!
Cats’ attitudes, behaviors, eating habits, and traits vary from age to age, so it is essential to observe your cats’ moods and behaviors from time to time and treat them accordingly.
