You can estimate a cat's age by observing its teeth, fur, weight, and eyes. Kittens usually have their baby teeth fully in around one month old, and their adult teeth come in around 6 to 8 months old. They typically shed their kitten fur around three months old, and weigh about 2-4 pounds at three months. Young cats have clear, bright eyes, while older cats have dull, cloudy eyes.
Methods for Judging a Cat's Age
1. Teeth
A cat's teeth are one of the most accurate ways to determine its age. Kittens start growing teeth around 14 days old, which are irregularly arranged and vary in size. By 2-4 weeks, they have a full set of 26 milk teeth. At 6-8 months old, all milk teeth are replaced with 30 permanent teeth. As cats age, their teeth will show varying degrees of wear.
2. Fur
Kittens usually start shedding their baby fur around 3 months old, gradually growing soft, new fur. The difference between adult cats and kittens is that adult cats' fur, although soft, may feel a bit coarse and have greater coverage. Thicker, coarser fur indicates that the cat is older, and if you find white patches or gray spots on a solid-colored cat, it indicates that the cat is entering its senior years.
3. Weight
Typically, kittens weigh around 100-120g at birth, 170-230g at 1-2 weeks, 300-350g at 2-3 weeks, 350-400g at 3-4 weeks, 400-700g at 4 weeks to 2 months, and about 2-4 pounds at 3 months. The standard adult weight for small cats is about 5-10 pounds, medium cats 8-13 pounds, and large cats 10-25 pounds.
4. Eyes
Kittens' eyes usually start to open about two weeks after birth. If a kitten's eyes haven't opened, it's less than two weeks old. If their eyes are open, ears are perked up, and they have small teeth, they are probably about one month old. Young cats' eyes are clear, bright, and lively. However, as cats enter their senior years, their eyes undergo noticeable changes, becoming dull and cloudy.