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When Do Cats Stop Growing? | The Feline Growth Journey

When Do Cats Stop Growing?



If you've recently welcomed a new kitten into your home you might be wondering about the "Stop Grow" phase.



When do cats stop growing and reach their full size? particularly if it's a Maine Coon or another large cat breed, are there differences between male cats and females in terms of when they fully grow.



Find out what to expect as your adorable fluff ball approaches the year old mark and discover the unique growth patterns based on the cat breed and gender.



The fast answer is, it varies!



When do cats stop growing?


The duration for a cat to complete the "Stop Grow" phase and reach its full size can range from one to four years.



Smaller domestic cats typically cease growing around 12 to 18 months but the timeline varies by breed, for example Tabby and Siamese cats may attain their "Fully Grow" status within one to two years while larger breeds such as Maine Coons might take three to four years.




Whether you have a male cat or a specific cat breed like Maine Coon can influence when your feline friend reaches its "Adult Size."



Understanding the "Grow Month" stages and the age at which a cat reaches adulthood is crucial in estimating when your cat will complete its growth journey.


Common cat breeds and when they stop growing


Tabby cats, Siamese cats and Domestic Shorthair cats generally complete their "Cat Stop" growth phase between 12 to 19 months reaching their "Fully Grown" size.



Their average "Adult Size" typically falls within 13-16 inches in length, 11 inches in height, and 10-22lbs in weight.



In contrast Ragdoll cats usually stop growing around four years old, attaining an "Adult Size" ranging from 15-26 inches in length, 9-11 inches in height, and 8-20lbs in weight.



Savannah cats typically reach their full size by two years old completing their "Stage Cat" development.



Their average "Adult Size" includes 20-25 inches in length, 10-19 inches in height and 12-20lbs in weight.



Maine Coon cats are known for their "Big Cat" status generally complete their growth at four years old.



Their average "Adult Size" encompasses 48 inches in length, 8-16 inches in height and 25lbs in weight.



Bengal cats usually cease growing around two years old showcasing "Rapid Growth" during their young age.



Their average "Adult Size" ranges from 13-16 inches in length, 11-13 inches in height and 10-22lbs in weight.



Factors that determine the size of your kitty


Gender


Male cats tend to reach a larger size as they fully grow compared to their female counterparts, in fact a male cat reaches a size up to 2lbs greater than his female counterpart.




The growth rate of a cat especially during the first year influences the eventual size of an adult cat, this size discrepancy is more pronounced in male cats especially in small breeds.


Spaying or Neutering


It's important to note that spaying or neutering your cat generally won't impede their ability to reach their full grown size, most veterinarians recommend altering cats between 6-12 months.




But shelters and rescues often opt for earlier procedures in kittens to mitigate the risk of accidental litters, the growth rate during the first year significantly influences the eventual size of an adult cat especially in small breeds.


The birth order


Kittens birth order can impact their eventual size if you find yourself enamored with the runt of the litter, be aware that they might not reach the size of their adult counterparts.



The lower a kitten is in the birth order the higher the chance they may remain smaller even as they grow, this is especially true if their mother is on the smaller side.




Keep in mind that during the first few months a cat undergoes significant growth and in the first year, the growth rate is influential particularly for small breeds determining whether they will eventually grow large.


Size of Litter


The number of siblings in a litter is a crucial factor in a cat's development when there are too many kittens, the available milk from the mother cat may be stretched thin affecting the nutrition of each kitty.




Kittens experiencing poor nutrition during their early months may grow at a slower rate and may not reach their full size as adults. This is especially notable in the first year when the growth rate significantly influences whether a small breed cat will eventually grow large.


Diet


Ensuring your kitten receives proper nutrition is key to facilitating its growth and reaching its full size potential, it's crucial to provide a well balanced and nutritious diet focusing on kitten food during the initial months.




Larger cats still in the growth phase may require kitten food for an extended period, however most average 10lb cats can transition to adult cat food between 10-12 months a critical period when the growth rate significantly influences whether a small breed cat will eventually grow large.



If you're unsure about the appropriate feeding regimen for your kitten, consult with your vet for personalized advice on the proper amount and the best cat food for their specific needs.


Genetic factors


Such as dwarfism and bone deformities can lead to your cat being smaller than usual, routine check ups with your vet are crucial in detecting and addressing any abnormalities related to genetics.



If you're wondering when cats stop growing, these regular examinations can also provide insights into your cat's growth trajectory and overall development.


What to expect during each feline life stage


While the definition of normal height and weight may differ for each cat, here's a general guideline to anticipate what is typically expected during each stage of your feline friend's life.


Newborn to six months old


This marks the phase of the most accelerated growth when your kitten undergoes a remarkable transformation from a newborn with closed eyes, entirely dependent on the mother to an energetic and inquisitive young cat.




During this period kittens experience rapid weight gain, adding approximately 0.25 to 0.5lbs per week.


Six months to 12 months


Discovering what your kitty will look like in adulthood becomes apparent during this phase while many small domestic cats typically cease growing around 12-18 months, larger breeds like Ragdoll cats may continue growing until 4 or even 5 years old.



If you're wondering When do cats stop growing? it's essential to recognize that the answer varies depending on the breed.



Transitioning into the adolescent stage your cat may exhibit rebellious and energetic behavior constantly in motion, this phase marks their sexual maturity prompting your vet's potential recommendation for spaying or neutering to prevent mating or keeping them separate from other cats.



If you're wondering when cats stop growing? these routine vet visits can provide insights into your cat's growth trajectory.


1-3 Years


Your cat transitions into adulthood with potential slow growth continuing until around 18 months, especially in larger breeds if you're curious about when cats stop growing this is a critical phase to observe.


3-6 Years


Most smaller breeds have fully matured into splendid adult cats while larger breeds may still experience some growth, it's during this period that you may wonder when do cats stop growing?


7-10 Years


At this point your cat is fully matured with no further physical growth aside from possible changes around the tummy, maintaining proper nutrition and providing ample exercise helps ward off obesity and associated health issues.



If you're asking when do cats stop growing? this stage is a notable milestone.


11-14 Years


These years mark your cat's senior phase and they may begin to slow down if you've been wondering when do cats stop growing? it's safe to say that by this stage, physical growth is complete.


15+ Years


Entering the geriatric stage older cats may exhibit weight changes and a slight decrease in fur luster due to age related factors, nevertheless their regal affectionate nature remains ready for cuddles and lap naps.



If you've been wondering when cats stop growing? it's important to recognize that physical growth typically concludes by the end of the first few years of life.


My kitten is chubby. Will she be big?


It's quite common for cat owners to confuse weight gain with actual growth it's important to remember that, similar to adult cats kittens can also become overweight.




Consulting your vet is essential to gauge your kitten's progress accurately as weight may not necessarily indicate their ultimate full grown size.



Additionally, referring to breed specific charts for height and weight percentages can offer valuable insights into where your cat stands in terms of development.


How big is the average cat?


Determining an average height and weight for cats proves challenging due to variations in breed, gender, nutrition, and other factors male cats tend to be larger than females.



A fully grown cat can weigh anywhere from 6 to 25 pounds and measure between 13 to 40 inches in length from nose to tail.


When do kittens stop growing?


The growth cessation for most kittens typically occurs between 12-18 months old although this timeline can vary based on their breed, certain cats may continue growing for an additional 2-3 years until they attain their full size.



It's essential to note that while there are indicators to estimate your felines potential size they aren't foolproof, opting for regular checkups is your best approach allowing your vet to monitor your cat's development ensuring they maintain a healthy weight and height.



Providing a well balanced diet, ample exercise, and a generous dose of love are crucial elements in supporting your cat's growth journey.


Savannah cats typically reach their full size by two years old completing their "Stage Cat" development.


Their average "Adult Size" includes 20-25 inches in length, 10-19 inches in height and 12-20lbs in weight.

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