PetCalc

Pet Care Blog

Expert articles on dog age, cat lifespan, puppy growth, feeding, and more. Backed by veterinary research, written for pet parents.

Long-haired cat wearing a flower collar sitting against a white background
Cat Nutrition9 min read

How Much to Feed a Senior Cat: Portions by Weight

Older cats often need more food, not less. Daily calories and can counts by weight for cats over 11, and the weight change that means call the vet.

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Golden retriever resting with its tongue out, looking at the camera
Dog Pregnancy10 min read

Signs of Labour in Dogs: Stages & When to Call a Vet

The temperature drop, the nesting, the straining. What each stage of dog labour looks like, how long it should take, and the signs that need a vet now.

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Close-up of a young golden puppy looking at the camera
Dog Pregnancy8 min read

How Many Puppies Will My Dog Have? Litter Size Guide

Most dogs have 5 to 6 puppies, but breed size changes everything. Average litter size by breed, what shrinks it, and the only way to know the number.

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White cat sitting upright and looking at the camera
Cat Pregnancy8 min read

How Many Kittens Do Cats Have? Average Litter Size

The average cat litter is 4 kittens, with 1 to 9 all normal. What changes the number, why first litters are smaller, and when a vet can count them.

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Tabby kitten lying on a white blanket beside pink toys
Cat Age9 min read

Kitten Age Chart: Weeks & Months in Human Years

How old is a 6-week-old kitten in human years? Full chart from 1 week to 12 months, with the milestone that tells you which age you are looking at.

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White long-haired cat looking to the side against a blue background
Cat Health9 min read

How Big Will My Cat Get? Weight Chart by Age

Most cats reach full size at 12 months and settle at 4-5 kg. See the kitten weight chart, breed sizes, and the signs your cat is still growing.

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Golden retriever puppy running towards the camera on grass at sunset
Puppy Care9 min read

Puppy Exercise by Age: The 5-Minute Rule Chart

How much exercise does a puppy need? The 5-minute rule gives a number by age - plus where it goes wrong and what is safe for growing joints.

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Close-up of a tabby cat looking upwards against a dark background
Cat Health9 min read

Why Is My Old Cat Losing Weight? 7 Common Causes

Weight loss in a senior cat is never just old age. The seven usual causes, what to look for with each, and when it needs a vet this week.

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Tabby cat resting on a sofa cushion and looking at the camera
Cat Health10 min read

Senior Cat Care Guide: What to Change After Age 11

From 11, a cat needs twice-yearly vet checks, a monthly weigh-in, easier litter trays and more water. Here's the full senior care routine, step by step.

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Tabby cat peeking out from under a blanket on a sofa
Cat Pregnancy10 min read

Is My Cat Pregnant? 9 Signs to Check, Week by Week

Pink nipples at week 3 are the first real sign — before that there's usually nothing to see. Check 9 signs by week, belly stages and what else it could be.

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Grey Scottish Fold cat sitting and looking into the distance
Cat Health10 min read

Do Cats Get Dementia? Signs of Feline Cognitive Dysfunction

Yes, and it's common: over half of cats aged 15+ show signs of cognitive decline. Learn the six warning signs, what else it could be, and how to help.

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Seal point Siamese cat with blue eyes sitting on a white table
Cat Age9 min read

How Long Do Siamese Cats Live? Lifespan & Health Guide

Siamese cats live 15–20 years, one of the longest-lived breeds. Here's why, the health issues to watch for, and how to help yours reach 20 and beyond.

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Ginger tabby cat resting contentedly on a wooden floor
Cat Age9 min read

The Oldest Cats Ever Recorded (And What They Had in Common)

The oldest cat ever verified lived 38 years and 3 days. Meet the record holders, see how old they were in human years, and what the research says they shared.

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Corgi puppy sitting against an orange background
Cat Age9 min read

Cat Years vs Dog Years: Which Pet Ages Faster?

Cats and dogs age at completely different rates after year two — and size changes everything for dogs. Compare both conversions side by side with a full chart.

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Young tabby kitten sitting on a terrazzo floor
Cat Age9 min read

How to Tell a Cat's Age: 5 Ways Vets Estimate It

Adopted a cat with no known birthday? Teeth, eyes, coat, muscle tone and behaviour give it away. Here's what vets look at — and what you can check at home.

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Ginger long-haired cat resting with its eyes closed
Cat Age9 min read

When Is a Cat Considered Senior? Age, Signs & Care Guide

Most cats are senior from 11 years, and vets watch for changes from 7. Learn the life stages, early signs of ageing and what to change in your cat's care.

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Blue-eyed white and grey cat looking upwards
Cat Age9 min read

How Old Is My Cat in Human Years? (Vet Formula + Chart)

Your cat isn't 7 human years older each year. Use the vet formula — 15 for year one, 9 for year two, then 4 a year — plus a full chart and life stages.

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Yorkshire terrier puppy lying on a colourful woven rug
Puppy Care10 min read

Puppy Growth Chart by Breed Size: Weight by Age

What share of adult weight should your puppy be? See the growth chart from 8 weeks to 18 months for small, medium and large breeds, and when each stops.

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Grey and white kitten sitting on a bed
Cat Nutrition9 min read

How Much Should I Feed My Cat? Daily Cat Feeding Guide

Exactly how much to feed your cat per day — by weight, age, and wet vs dry food. Includes a daily calorie chart, portion sizes, and feeding frequency tips.

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Long-haired tabby cat sitting on white stairs
Cat Age10 min read

Cat Years to Human Years Chart: Look Up Any Age (1–25)

How old is your cat in human years? Year 1 = 15, year 2 = 24, then add 4 a year. Find any age from 1 month to 25 in one chart, or use the calculator.

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Three young puppies standing together on a gravel path
Dog Pregnancy10 min read

Dog Pregnancy Timeline: Week-by-Week Chart (63 Days)

Follow a dog's 9-week pregnancy in one chart — what happens each week, when to scan, when to switch food, and the signs labour is 24 hours away.

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Tabby cat resting indoors in warm afternoon sunlight
Cat Health10 min read

How Long Do Indoor Cats Live? Average Lifespan by Age

Indoor cats live 12–18 years on average — about twice as long as outdoor cats. See lifespan by breed, what shortens it, and 8 proven ways to add years.

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Mature golden retriever sitting calmly indoors and looking at the camera
Dog Care11 min read

Senior Dog Care Guide: Everything for Dogs 7+ Years

When is a dog 'senior'? Complete care guide for aging dogs — diet changes, exercise adjustments, common health issues, vet schedule, and quality of life tips.

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Happy beagle with its tongue out looking up at the camera
Dog Care9 min read

How Much Should I Walk My Dog? Daily Exercise Guide by Breed

Most dogs need 30-120 minutes of exercise daily, depending on breed and age. Complete walking guide with time recommendations for puppies, adults, and seniors.

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Cat wearing a yellow bandana meowing while sitting on a wooden floor
Cat Pregnancy9 min read

Cat Pregnancy Timeline: Week-by-Week Stages Chart

How long are cats pregnant? About 9 weeks. See what happens each week in one chart — pink nipples, belly growth, nesting — and the signs labour is close.

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Wet golden retriever being washed by its owner in a bathtub
Dog Care8 min read

How Often Should I Bathe My Dog? Bathing Guide by Breed

Most dogs need a bath every 4-8 weeks. Complete guide by coat type, breed, and lifestyle. Plus signs your dog needs a bath sooner.

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Chocolate Labrador licking its nose on an outdoor path
Dog Age10 min read

Dog Breeds That Live the Longest (Top 25 Long-Lived Breeds)

Discover the 25 dog breeds with the longest lifespans, from Chihuahuas (15-20 years) to Australian Cattle Dogs. Plus what makes some breeds outlive others.

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Young golden retriever puppy with open eyes lying on a dark floor
Puppy Care8 min read

When Do Puppies Open Their Eyes? Week-by-Week Guide

Puppies open their eyes at 10-14 days old. Complete week-by-week guide to newborn puppy development — from blind & deaf at birth to fully active at 8 weeks.

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Pug wrapped in a soft beige blanket sitting on a bed
Dog Age10 min read

Dog Age Chart by Breed: Dog Years to Human Years

Your dog isn't 7 human years per year — size changes everything. See your dog's human age at 5, 10 and 15 for 25+ breeds, Chihuahua to Great Dane.

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Golden retriever puppy in a red collar standing beside a blue food bowl
Puppy Health9 min read

Puppy Vaccination Schedule & Cost Guide 2026

Complete puppy vaccination guide with schedule, costs ($75-300 total), required vs optional shots, and what to expect at each vet visit. Updated 2026 prices.

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Tabby kitten yawning while sitting on a wooden floor
Cat Nutrition9 min read

How Much Wet Food to Feed a Cat: Cans Per Day Chart

How many cans of wet food does your cat need a day? See cans per day by weight (3–7 kg) in one chart, plus how to adjust for kittens and seniors.

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Young golden retriever sitting outdoors holding a tulip in its mouth
Dog Age7 min read

The Truth About Dog Years: Why the 7-Year Rule Is Wrong

The 1 dog year = 7 human years myth has been wrong for decades. Learn the modern science-based formula for converting dog age to human years.

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Bone-shaped dog biscuits scattered on a pink background
Nutrition9 min read

How Much Should I Feed My Dog? Daily Guide by Weight & Age

Complete guide to dog feeding portions. Learn how many calories and cups your dog needs daily based on weight, age, and activity level.

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Black and white cat peering over a bamboo ledge against a green wall
Cat Health8 min read

How Long Do Cats Live? Indoor vs Outdoor Lifespan Guide

Indoor cats live 12–18 years on average, outdoor cats only 7–10. Learn what affects cat lifespan and how to help your cat live longer.

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Golden retriever lying relaxed in a grassy field
Dog Pregnancy8 min read

Is My Dog Pregnant? Early Signs and What to Expect

Spot the early signs of dog pregnancy — appetite changes, behavior shifts, physical signs. Plus a week-by-week timeline of what to expect.

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Adult retriever sitting against a white background holding a plush toy
Puppy Care8 min read

How Big Will My Puppy Get? Predicting Adult Size

Predict your puppy's adult weight using age, current weight, paw size, and breed. Plus growth charts for small, medium, large, and giant breeds.

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