Your cat changes a lot as they age — and the care they require changes with it.
As cat owners, it’s our job to not only understand but appreciate all the nuances that come with raising a cat. From the moment they’re born until the moment they’re laid to rest.
And the best way to break all that down is with a deep understanding of the four stages of a cat’s life.
The Four Life Stages of a Cat
Much like you can break human life into different stages — childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age — a cat’s life can be broken down into four different phases. Kittens (birth to one year), young adults (1-6 years), mature adults (7-10 years) and seniors (10+ years).
With a few simple observations at home and an ongoing dialogue with your cat’s veterinarian, you can give your cat exactly what they want and need in each stage of their life.
So, let’s take a closer look at the four cat life stages that define your feline friend’s existence.
Stage 1. Kittens (Birth to One Year)
Kittens can’t see or hear for the first few weeks of their life and heavily depend on their mother for much of the first few months. As their eyes open, ears develop and legs strengthen, they begin to explore their surroundings beyond their mother. Socialization is crucial during this phase, as they spend a lot of their time with littermates.
They’re often ready for adoption by three months old and are sexually mature by six months old.
Their first year is marked by extreme curiosity, nonstop growth and development, a strong desire to play and explore and a need for stimulation.
During this time, owners want to make sure their feline friends are active, eating a proper diet, hydrating enough and socializing often. This is also a good time to teach them tricks — and manners.
And don’t forget about your kitten’s regular trips to the vet’s office!
Stage 2. Young Adults (1-6 Years)
A young adult cat is a cat in their prime — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Their personalities are defined and distinct, they have clear routines and preferences, and they (hopefully) start to form meaningful relationships with the other pets (and humans) in the home.
But be aware — inter-cat aggression is common during this time and should be monitored closely.
To help prevent boredom and the many behavioral issues that come with it, owners should provide an environment enriched with climbing spaces, interactive toys and regular interaction.
Nutritionally, young adult cats need balanced diets and a regular feeding schedule.
They also require annual veterinary check-ups — rather than the more frequent visits of kittenhood — which allows for early detection of health issues and ensures your cat receives essential preventive care.
Stage 3. Mature Adults (7-10 Years)
By the time your cat turns 7, they’ll be entering a brief transition phase. Over the next few years, you’ll notice your cat slowly becoming less active and less spontaneous as they near the end of their prime and beginning of their “senior” era.
Their sleeping patterns may change, with longer naps becoming more frequent, and they may start to develop a deeper bond with their owner, preferring quality time over energetic play.
Of course, less activity means a higher risk of weight gain — and the health issues that come with it.
The truth is a lot can change for a cat during this time. They can go from looking and acting 100% normal one day to developing an eye issue or kidney-related disease within a few weeks — even days.
Expect to make bi-annual trips to the vet, as opposed to the annual trip, during this stage.
Stage 4. Seniors (Over 10 Years)
Senior cats enter their golden years with dignity and increased affection — but also more risks. You may notice that your cat is much more vocal during this final stage of their life. They often seek more attention from their owners and will almost always prioritize cuddles over play.
Vision and hearing may diminish gradually, and arthritis can affect mobility and comfort. Cognitively, you might notice confusion, altered sleep-wake cycles and unexpected behavioral changes as your cat gets older — similar to how some humans develop dementia as they age.
To help make this stage enjoyable for your cat, make the necessary accommodations in your home — including comfortable bedding, easily-accessible litter boxes and ramps to their favorite perches.
With attentive care and frequent trips to the vet, your cat can still live a long life even after turning 10.
How Long Do Cats Live?
Cats might not have nine lives, but they can live a long life when properly cared for. While dependent on a variety of things, most domestic cats live anywhere between 13 and 17 years — with some cats pushing 20, 25 and even 30+ years (albeit rare).
According to Guinness World Records, Creme Puff — who lived to be 38 years old — is the oldest cat to ever live. Creme Puff was born in August 1967 and died in August 2005.
In November 2022, Guinness World Records recognized Flossie as the oldest living cat at 27 years old. Flossie was still alive and well, as of January 2024.
More recently, in March 2025, a man celebrated the alleged 30th birthday of his tortoiseshell cat named Millie, per People magazine.
How to Help Your Cat Achieve Longevity
Your cat’s journey to longevity begins with love, affection and consistent veterinary care. By giving your cat a good foundation at home, an enriched environment to grow up in and an ongoing dialogue with their vet, you can ensure your cat has the tools to live a long, happy and healthy life.
Here are my five best tips to follow as you care for your cat:
- Regular check-ups can help detect disease early enough for treatment
- Feed your cat high-quality, well-sourced food appropriate for their age
- Provide fresh, clean water for your cat daily and encourage hydration
- Maintain dental health with regular brushing or dental treats
- Keep at-home hazards to a minimum and cat-proof your home
Other than that, make sure you have plenty of toys to keep your cat busy — especially if you leave for work eight hours per day — and shower them with love as much as possible.
They appreciate quality time spent with their owner — and that sentiment should be mutual!
