Cats do age like dogs in the sense that both species mature quickly in the first two years of life, reaching an equivalent of about 24 human years by age two. However, after that period, their aging processes differ notably. Cats tend to age more uniformly, adding about 4 human years per calendar year, whereas dogs' aging varies widely depending on their breed and size—with larger breeds aging faster than smaller ones.

Key Differences in Aging

• Both cats and dogs are approximately equivalent to 15 human years at their first birthday and 24 years at their second.
• After two years, cats age roughly 4 human years per actual year.
• Dogs' aging after two years depends heavily on breed and size; smaller breeds tend to age slower and live longer, while larger breeds age faster and have shorter lifespans.
• Cats generally live longer than dogs on average, with many cats reaching 15-20 years and some even older, while dog lifespans vary more widely by breed.

Factors Influencing Aging

• Genetics, diet, exercise, and veterinary care affect aging in both species.
• Indoor lifestyle tends to increase lifespan for both cats and dogs.
• Cats show more predictable aging patterns due to less size variation than dogs.

In summary, while cats and dogs share some early-life aging similarities, cats age in a more uniform and predictable way compared to the more variable aging process in dogs.