WHEN DO CATS STOP GROWING? HOW TO KNOW YOUR PET HAS REACHED ITS FULL SIZE

Our feline companions go through physical changes just like we do, from losing baby teeth to growing taller. However, unlike some humans, cats don’t need to wait until they’re 18 to be considered “fully grown.”

You can estimate a kitten’s age by its weight; generally, a kitten gains about 1 pound each month, according to PetMD. For example, a kitten weighing 3 pounds is likely around three months old, but this method is only accurate until the cat reaches 6 months.

As your cat continues to age, it keeps growing. But when will this growth finally stop?

When do cats stop growing?

Cats typically stop growing once they reach 1 year of age. A 12-month-old cat is comparable to a 15-year-old human, according to PetMD.

However, some cats may continue to grow beyond the 12-month mark. Cats are generally considered “fully grown” by 18 months, which is equivalent to 21 human years, according to PetMD. Certain breeds, like Maine Coons, may not reach their full size until they are 2 years old.

How do you tell how big your cat will get?

A cat’s size can vary based on factors such as diet, gender, the number of siblings, and breed, according to Purina.

Male cats generally tend to be larger than females. Additionally, if a male cat is neutered after reaching sexual maturity, he may be bigger than those neutered at a younger age.

Size also varies significantly between breeds. For example, the Singapura is the smallest cat breed, with males weighing up to 8 pounds and females just 5 pounds, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association. These cats reach their full size between 15 to 24 months. In contrast, the Maine Coon is one of the largest domestic cat breeds, averaging between 10.6 to 18 pounds, with some individuals reaching up to 20 pounds, as reported by Purina.

Additionally, a cat’s diet plays a crucial role in its growth. Purina warns that the more your pet eats, the heavier it may become.

What age do cats calm down?

Cats can be quite mischievous, often scratching and exploring their surroundings. As they grow physically, they also mature behaviorally and socially. According to PetMD, a cat typically reaches full maturity in these aspects by the age of 2 years.

When kittens are young, they are often social and energetic, “spending a lot of time playing and acting wildly,” according to Figo Pet Insurance. However, as they acclimate to their surroundings and establish a routine, they generally become calmer.

How long is a cat considered a kitten?

While we often refer to our pets as our babies, they eventually grow up. For cats, their kitten phase lasts until they reach 1 year old, at which point they officially become adults, according to Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

Although cats are classified as adults at 12 months, their adolescent phase continues until about 18 months of age, as noted by Hill’s Pet Nutrition.