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How to Force Age Up Pets in The Sims 4: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re eager to see your adorable Sim pup transform into a dignified dog, or maybe your mischievous kitten is ready to explore the world as a full-grown feline? The Sims 4 offers a few ways to force age up your pets, depending on whether you prefer using in-game mechanics or utilizing cheat codes. The quickest method involves using cheats and the CAS (Create-A-Sim) full edit mode.

Here’s the breakdown:

Activate Cheats: Press Ctrl + Shift + C (or Cmd + Shift + C on a Mac) to open the cheat console. Type testingcheats true and press Enter. This enables cheats in your game.
Enter CAS Full Edit Mode: Type cas.fulleditmode and press Enter. This unlocks all CAS options, including age modification.
Access CAS: Click on the Sim who owns the pet. If you click on the pet, it will only give you an option to edit the pet; you need to select the Sim. Then select “Plan Outfit” or click on a dresser/mirror and select “Plan Outfit” and then select “Create A Sim.”
Modify Pet in CAS: Once in CAS, you can select the pet by using the family portrait at the bottom left. Select the pet you want to age up.
Change Age: You’ll now be able to freely change the pet’s age stage (kitten/puppy, adult, elder) using the age selection dropdown.
Confirm Changes: Click the checkmark in the bottom right corner to save your changes and return to the game.

Alternatively, you can visit a Vet Clinic and purchase an Age-Up Treat from the vending machine. However, this relies on having enough Simoleons and doesn’t offer the same level of immediate control as the cheat method. While slightly less immediate than cheats, this is the legitimate gameplay method.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pet Aging in The Sims 4

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of pet aging in The Sims 4.

How do I know when my pet is ready to age up naturally?

There’s no precise timer visible in the game, but you can generally gauge it based on the following:

Kittens and Puppies: Typically, kittens and puppies will be ready to age up into adults after about a week of Sim time (assuming you’re playing on the normal lifespan setting).
Adult Pets: Adult pets have a significantly longer lifespan before becoming elders – approximately 24 Sim days on the normal setting.

Can I reverse the age of my pet in The Sims 4?

Yes! Using the cas.fulleditmode cheat, you can go back into CAS and choose a younger age stage for your pet. You can also use an Age-Down Treat, purchased from the vending machine at the Vet Clinic.

What happens if I turn off pet aging in the game settings?

If you disable pet aging in the game settings, your pets will remain in their current life stage indefinitely. They will not age up or die of old age, allowing you to keep your furry friends around forever. To change the setting, go to Options > Gameplay and adjust the “Animal Aging” setting.

Is there a way to stop my pet from dying in The Sims 4?

Turning off pet aging in the game settings is the most straightforward way to prevent your pets from dying of old age. Alternatively, if you want to keep aging enabled but fear losing a beloved pet, you can prepare an Ambrosia treat for them. This will reset their age back to the beginning of their current life stage, giving them more time.

How long do pets live in The Sims 4?

The lifespan of pets in The Sims 4 depends on the chosen lifespan setting:

Short: Shorter lifespans, allowing for quicker turnover.
Normal: A balanced lifespan, providing a good amount of time with your pets. This is the default setting.
Long: Significantly extended lifespans, allowing you to enjoy your pets for an extended period.

Can I breed pets in The Sims 4?

Yes, you can breed cats and dogs in The Sims 4: Cats & Dogs. Make sure both pets are adults, not spayed/neutered, and have a high relationship with each other. Select the “Try for a Litter” interaction on one of the pets. This interaction may not always be available, and depends on the relationship between the animals.

What happens if I don’t take my pet to the vet in The Sims 4?

Pets can get sick in The Sims 4. If you don’t take your sick pet to the vet, they will eventually heal on their own, but they will be uncomfortable and unhappy in the meantime. A visit to the vet can provide a diagnosis and treatment to help them recover faster.

Can my pet die from being sick in The Sims 4?

Yes, pets can die from being sick if they don’t receive proper treatment. It’s important to address their ailments promptly by visiting the vet or administering medicine at home.

Are there pet ghosts in The Sims 4?

Yes, when a pet dies in The Sims 4, their ghost will appear on your lot from time to time, and if you’re playing on the lot it died on, it will be more common. You can even add the ghost pet to your household by befriending them, just like with ghost Sims. This allows you to keep them around indefinitely. You can visit the pet cemetery at Bridleton Bay to find ghosts of dead pets, explore the large lighthouse, or even find adventuring spots near the graveyard that can net you some cool objects.

Do NPC pets age up in The Sims 4?

No, Sims only age while you are playing their household, so NPCs and townies don’t age unless you move them in with your Sims.

Can I have twins or triplets with my pets?

The game does not support twins or triplets for pets.

How do I improve my pet’s skills in The Sims 4?

Pets can develop skills such as tricks, obedience, and mischief. To improve their skills, engage in related activities. For example, practice tricks with your dog, scold them for mischievous behavior, or take them for walks. The Games Learning Society studies how skills are acquired in virtual environments, highlighting the parallels between in-game learning and real-world skill development. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

Can pets get pregnant without trying for a litter?

No, pets cannot accidentally get pregnant. You must select the “Try for a Litter” interaction for them to become pregnant. The chance of pregnancy isn’t 100% even with this interaction.

Is there a way to influence the gender of my pet’s offspring?

There is no confirmed method to influence the gender of pet offspring in The Sims 4. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that feeding the mother pet certain treats might increase the likelihood of a particular gender, similar to how it works with Sim pregnancies.

Can my male Sim get pregnant from an alien pet?

This is a funny idea, but no. It’s well-established that male Sims – and only male Sims – can become pregnant via alien abduction. However, there’s a little confusion among players as to how things work if you use ‘Try for Baby’ with an alien partner.

Hopefully, this comprehensive guide answers all your questions about forcing and managing pet aging in The Sims 4. Have fun watching your furry friends grow and thrive!

How do you force age up pets in Sims 4?