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When Do Cats Stop Growing?
If you’re a proud cat parent, one of the intriguing questions you might have is, “When do cats stop growing?” Understanding the growth phases of your furry friend not only satisfies your curiosity but also helps you provide the best care at every stage of their life. Let’s dive into the world of feline growth and find out when cats generally reach their full size, and how you can tell that they’ve stopped growing.
Most domestic cats reach their full size between 12 and 18 months old. However, there can be significant variation depending on breed and other factors.
When Do Common Cat Breeds Stop Growing?
Breed | Stops Growing Around |
Domestic Shorthair/Longhair | 12-16 months |
Siamese | 12-18 months |
Tabby Cat | 12-18 months |
Maine Coon | 3-4 years |
Ragdoll | 3-4 years |
Siberian Forest | 2-3 years |
Bengal | 2-3 years |
Factors That Decide the Size of Your Cat
- Cat Breed Size: Large breeds like Maine Coons naturally take longer to reach full size.
- Gender: Males are somewhat larger than females..
- Spaying and Neutering: Spaying or neutering before 6 months can lead to a larger cat.
- Diet and Lifestyle: A balanced diet and an active lifestyle can both affect growth and weight.
What to Expect During Each Feline Life Stage
- Newborn to six months old: Kittens experience rapid growth, tripling their birth weight in the first few weeks.
- Six months to 12 months: Growth slows but continues steadily. Kittens become more active and playful.
Can You Tell How Big a Cat Will Get?
Yes, to some extent. Consider these factors:
- Gender: Males tend to be larger.
- Spaying and Neutering: Early neutering can lead to a larger cat.
- Diet and Lifestyle: Proper nutrition and exercise promote healthy growth.
- Cat Breed Size: Larger breeds take longer to reach full size
Diet and Lifestyle
Diet and lifestyle can play a role in your cat’s final size, but their influence is secondary to factors like breed and genetics. Here’s how these aspects can affect growth:
- Diet: A high-quality kitten food formulated for growth provides essential nutrients for healthy development. Overfeeding or an imbalanced diet can lead to obesity, not necessarily a larger frame.
- Lifestyle: Regular exercise encourages muscle growth and overall health. However, excessive activity in young kittens can put stress on developing bones.
Gender
Gender is one factor that can influence your cat’s final size. Here’s a breakdown:
- Males: Generally, male cats are larger than females of the same breed. This is due to higher testosterone levels promoting muscle growth and a larger bone structure.
- Females: Females tend to be more petite, with less muscle mass and a smaller overall frame.
How to Tell if a Cat Has Stopped Growing
· Age Milestones: Generally, by the time a cat reaches one year old, they’ve achieved most of their growth. Paying attention to their age can be a helpful general guideline.
· Physical Proportions: As cats reach the end of their growth phase, their features will begin to look more proportionate. A fully grown cat will have a well-defined structure, with a proportionate body length to leg height.
· Weight Stabilization: Once cats stop growing, their weight should start to stabilize. While adult cats can still gain or lose weight due to health or diet, any drastic changes in size are less likely without significant changes in their diet or activity levels.
· Behavioral Changes: Adult cats often exhibit less hyperactivity and settle into more predictable behavior patterns compared to their kitten days. They may sleep more and have more defined feeding and playing routines.
By understanding the growth timeline of your cat and recognizing the signs of when they’ve reached their full size, you can better manage their health and well-being. Remember, each cat is unique, and while these guidelines can provide a general framework, your vet can offer the best advice tailored to your specific pet.
Note: These are general guidelines. Consult your veterinarian for specific advice about your cat’s growth and development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
At what age do cats reach full size?
Cats are considered “full-grown” when they reach 18 months, which is the same age as a 21-year-old human. A cat’s size can increase over the course of 12 to 18 months. Some breeds don’t attain full size until they’re two years old.
Can you tell how big a cat will get?
If you know your cat’s breed, you can get a fair idea of how big they will get. Petite cat breeds, for instance the Cornish Rex, can only reach 8″ shoulder height, whereas the Maine Coon can reach 16″!
Do neutered cats grow bigger?
Neutering does not cause cats to grow bigger in terms of skeletal size or height. However, neutered cats frequently have a decreased metabolic rate and an increased hunger, which can lead to weight gain. To avoid becoming overweight, individuals must maintain a healthy diet and obtain adequate exercise.