If you’ve recently brought home a new kitten, you may be wondering just how big your little kitty is going to get.
Cats obviously don’t stay tiny forever, but at what point do they reach their full size?
The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think, as there are several factors that determine when a cat stops growing.
What are their Growth Stages?
The Kitten Phase
Let’s start from the very beginning. Kittens are typically born weighing just a few ounces and measuring around 4-6 inches long from their nose to the base of their tail.
During the first few weeks of their lives, they grow incredibly rapidly by drinking their mother’s nutritious milk.
By the time kittens are weaned and begin transitioning to solid food around 8-10 weeks old, they usually weigh around 2 pounds.
Over the next several months, your kitten will slowly start to take on the familiar feline shape as its legs get longer, its body fills out, and its facial features become more defined.
The Juvenile Stage
Around 6-8 months old, kittens enter what is considered the juvenile stage.
This phase lasts until they are around 12 months old.
During this time, their growth rate starts to slow down compared to the lightning speed with which they grew as tiny newborns.
However, your cat will continue putting on both height and weight as it matures.
By the time your kitten celebrates its first birthday, it may have reached as much as 75% of its projected adult size.
But the growth doesn’t stop there.
Most cats continue their upward trajectory for another 6-12 months beyond their first year of life before finally reaching their full adult size.
Larger breeds like Maine Coons tend to pack on the pounds a bit longer than their smaller domestic shorthair cousins.
When Do Cats Reach Full Size?
While every cat is a bit different, most cats are considered fully grown by the time they are 18-24 months old.
This means it can take up to two years for a cat to reach its maximum height and weight.
Your cat’s genetic breed makeup plays a major role in determining its ultimate adult size.
Siamese cats and other small breed types typically max out at just 5-10 pounds.
Bigger cat breeds like the Norwegian Forest Cat can tip the scales at a hefty 12-18 pounds when they’ve reached maturity.
In addition to breed, your cat’s sex influences its adult size potential, with male cats typically outweighing the females by a few pounds.
Of course, nutrition and overall health status are also key factors.
Kittens fed a high-quality, balanced diet and receive proper veterinary care during their crucial first two years are more likely to achieve their full genetic growth potential.
Final Thoughts
Every cat’s growth journey may look a little different, but most can be expected to achieve their full adult size by the time they are 18-24 months of age.
Providing proper kitten nutrition, veterinary care, and monitoring their weight is key to helping them reach their optimal size and maintaining a healthy stature throughout their lives.
Be patient as you watch your tiny kitten quickly transform into a svelte adult cat over the course of a year or two.
Though the changes may seem gradual from day-to-day, you’ll be amazed at how big your little kitty has become before you know it.
