The charts we use
Cats — from the 2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines:
- 1 year ≈ 15 human years
- 2 years ≈ 24 human years
- Each year after ≈ +4 human years
Dogs — a size-adjusted chart widely used by veterinarians (AVMA):
| Dog age | Small (≤9 kg) | Medium (10–22 kg) | Large (23–40 kg) | Giant (>40 kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 12 |
| 2 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 22 |
| 5 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 45 |
| 7 | 44 | 47 | 50 | 56 |
| 10 | 56 | 60 | 66 | 79 |
| 13 | 68 | 74 | 82 | 100 |
| 16 | 80 | 87 | 99 | 121 |
Life stages and what they mean for care
| Stage | Cats | Care focus |
|---|---|---|
| Kitten | 0–1 year | Vaccines, deworming, spay/neuter, nutrition for growth |
| Young adult | 1–6 years | Yearly check-up and boosters, weight control |
| Mature adult | 7–10 years | Dental care, watch weight and thirst |
| Senior | 10+ years | Check-ups every 6 months, blood tests for kidneys and thyroid |
Knowing your pet’s life stage helps you plan the right food (see the food calculator) and the right check-up frequency.