2007-02-15 11:54:06 · 7 answers · asked by Matt: aka; Edge is world champ!! 6 in Pets ➔ Cats
You can't exactly tell, but can make educated guesses.
First, look at the condition of the teeth. Generally, cats with pearly white teeth are younger and cats with lots of tartar, missing teeth or tooth wear are older. But the condition of the teeth depends also on prenatal care, general care during the cat's life and when he or she last saw a vet dentist. So, you can get fooled on age by just looking at the teeth.
You should also look at the eyes. As cats get older, some of us get cataracts, just like people. So, look to see if the lens looks cloudy. If so, the cat is probably older than 12 years.
Besides the condition of the lens, also look at the iris of the eye. In a young cat, it looks smooth. As a cat ages, it can get a more crackly look to it. In very old cats, the iris is sometimes very jagged and does not have smooth edges.
Another clue used to guess at age is body condition. Younger cats are more muscled and in better shape. Very old cats often have a gut but are very bony on top.
2007-02-15 12:02:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Already some good answers to your question. I'll add one thing. Just as it is difficult to tell a cat's age, it is often very difficult to know a cat's health. Generally speaking, cat's don't show when they're sick - until they get really, really sick or if they have some very obvious symptom like hair loss or constant vomiting. Often people dont take their cat to the vet because they say "Oh, she's fine!" A physical exam by a vet (and bloodwork every year or two) might tell a very different story. The earlier a health problem is detected, the easier it is to manage or cure it.
2007-02-15 20:17:07 · answer #2 · answered by laine 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Once a cat has developed adult teeth it is nearly impossible to accurately tell the age of a cat. About the only thing you can do is judge by behavior and body type. Some cats have a kitten look to them which tells you they are juvenile.
2007-02-15 19:58:09 · answer #3 · answered by dressage.rider 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The teeth should be white for under 2. Over 7 teeth are worn. The only way to tell is the teeth.
2007-02-15 20:03:42 · answer #4 · answered by Married and loving it!!!! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A vet can determine the approximate age of a cat by their teeth.
2007-02-15 20:09:48 · answer #5 · answered by sparkles 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a vet may be able to eztimate... but i really dont know
2007-02-15 22:44:35 · answer #6 · answered by Cassie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask him!, Sorry, I couldn't resist.
2007-02-15 19:57:16 · answer #7 · answered by JustJen 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋