Cats are often appreciated for their calm and gentle demeanor, but they can also be similar to dogs in terms of body size. Cats develop at their own rate, much like humans, which means you may see your cat mature into adulthood.
Knowing when kittens stop growing and attain their final adult size is important for several reasons. One key reason is that it helps determine the right time to transition from kitten food to adult food, as your cat needs a different balance of nutrients when it’s actively growing than when it’s maintaining its adult body condition.
A kitten's age can be estimated based on its weight. According to PetMD, a kitten typically gains about 1 pound each. It's safe to consider a 3-pound kitten is probably three months old. This evaluation, however, will only work until a cat is 6 months old.
Understanding your cat's estimated size will help you meet their essentials as an adult and ensure you have enough space and resources for your kitten when they mature.
Generally, most cats attain their adult size between 12 to 18 months, but this can vary by both sex and breed. Female cats are usually done growing by about 10–12 months of age, whereas male cats may keep growing until they are closer to 18 months old in certain instances.
However, some cats keep growing beyond the 12-month mark. According to PetMD, cats are typically regarded as "Mature" and “Fully Grown”, equating to 21 years of age in humans.
Nevertheless, certain breeds, like Maine Coons, however, do not reach full size until they are 2 years old.
This is particularly the case for spayed and neutered cats. Growth is caused by growth plates located at the joints, which cause bones to lengthen. When these plates close, the bones stop growing. In spayed and neutered cats, closing is often procrastinated in the spayed and neutered cats, allowing them to grow for longer.
As your kitten approaches 12 to 18 months of age (or older for larger breeds), their height, nose-to-tail body length, and weight will more or less plateau. You can monitor this by regularly measuring and weighing your kitten on a pet scale every few weeks.
Once your furry friend maintains a consistent height, length, and weight with a stable diet and exercise regimen for several months, you can feel fairly confident that your kitten is done growing. Additionally, your veterinarian can verify this by examining your cat’s joints and even taking X-rays to contemplate their bone structure.
Various breeds exhibit different growth patterns and ultimate sizes. For instance, larger breeds like Maine Coons or Ragdolls will generally weigh more and grow larger than smaller breeds like Singapura and Munchkins.
To get information about the size and height weight, the average of the mother’s and father’s adult size and weight can give you some idea of how big your kitten will be when fully grown.
Nonetheless, an adult cat's size and weight can be inspired by the nutrition and care your kitten acquires.
Kittens and Adults normally receive different sorts of food and care from their human parents. But some important factor needs to be understood while petting kittens and adult cats.
Kitten food is typically formulated with higher calories per cup and more fat and protein than adult cat food. Additionally, it contains a specific balance of calcium and phosphorus to support bone growth. Understanding the appropriate time to switch your kitten to an adult diet is crucial for ensuring our cat receives the right nutrients for their body’s needs while maintaining a healthy weight.
Veterinary care varies between kittens and adult cats. Most kittens, particularly in their early weeks, see their veterinarian every three to four weeks for vaccine boosters until they are about 16–18 weeks old. You might also decide to have your kitten checked regularly during their first year to monitor their body condition and growth and ensure they are developing normally at every stage. By the time your cat is 1 or 2 years old, they should only need to be seen yearly for wellness exams and preventative care.
The shift from kitten-hood to adulthood may also cause changes in overall activity levels and the need for Surveillance. As your kitten settles into adulthood, they may experience a slight decline in energy and require a bit less activity during the day to meet their requirements.
According to Hill's Pet Nutrition, cats remain in their kitten stage until they reach 1 year of age, at which point they transition into adulthood.
This rule emphasizes that you can estimate the time it takes for your cat to fully acclimate to his home in three days, three weeks, and three months.
Most experts concur that cats become adults at 12 months of age; however, they may not reach full size until anywhere between 18 months to 4 years of age.