Calendar age vs pet years
Your pet's calendar age is exact: the elapsed years, months and days since its date of birth or estimated birth date. “Dog years” or “cat years” are estimates that compare life stages with a human lifespan. They are not a second biological clock and should not be treated as a medical measurement.
LifeDates shows the calendar age, days alive and estimated pet age together, so the estimate never replaces the actual date information.
Is one dog year really seven human years?
The simple seven-to-one rule is memorable but crude. Dogs mature quickly in their first years, then age at rates influenced by size, breed, genetics and health. A small adult dog and a giant-breed dog of the same calendar age may not be in the same life stage.
Use the app's human-year figure as an accessible estimate for celebrating milestones. Ask a veterinarian to interpret age in relation to health, screening, nutrition or care.
How are cat years different?
Cats also mature rapidly in the first two years, then age more steadily. Indoor/outdoor lifestyle, genetics and health affect an individual cat's ageing. A cat-age calculator offers context, not a diagnosis.
Create a pet age profile in LifeDates
- Open the Pets tab and add a profile.
- Choose the animal type and enter the birth date or best estimate.
- Add a name, image and notes.
- Switch between human years and pet years on the profile.
- Turn on birthday or milestone reminders.
The profile shows days alive, the next birthday, half birthdays and supported animal-age milestones. The Today screen mixes upcoming pet dates with family and friends so a pet birthday is not hidden in a separate calendar.
LifeDates supports profiles for dogs, cats and other pet types shown in the app. The precise display and estimate depend on the selected animal.
Do not use pet years for healthcare decisions
Pet-year conversions are for interest and celebration. They cannot account for an individual animal's health, breed, weight or medical history. Use a veterinarian for vaccination schedules, preventive screening, nutrition, life-stage care and any concern about ageing.
Pet age questions
Can LifeDates remind me about adoption day?
Yes. Add adoption day as an Important Date and choose a recurring reminder.
Can I track several pets?
Yes. Free profile limits apply across saved profiles; Premium unlocks unlimited people and pets.
Does it show days alive?
Yes. Pet profiles show calendar age and total days alive, as well as supported pet-year estimates.
Every pet year deserves its day.
Download LifeDates to track pet ages, birthdays and the milestones between them.
Download on theApp Store