Introduction
When do cats stop growing? Cat owners mostly ask this question. So, if you are a cat owner, you are at the right place. This article will discuss when cats stop growing and other aspects of cats.
It is difficult to refuse the cuteness of cats, especially kittens. It is also hard to identify how fast these cute kittens grow. We wish our kittens would stay smaller forever, but they grow into independent cats fast.
Each breed and individual is different. To keep a cat healthy, we must follow some factors about its life. Now, keep reading this for further guidance about cats.
Cat growth stages
When do cats stop growing? It is incredible to see the kittens fully grown, but the question of but this question remains unanswerable. Like humans, cats have life stages that describe their development concerning time in size, power, and mental maturity.
As discussed earlier, each cat is different from others, so we can use these development stages to keep it healthy. Following are some cat growth stages.
- Newborn to six months
- Six to 12 months
- One to three years
- Three year+
Newborn to six months
Cats develop the most in the first six months. Newborn cats are incredibly tiny. When they are healthy, they weigh 80 to 170 pounds.
However, they don’t stay small for a long time. With time, you will notice that your kitten is growing daily. Most cats must reach six pounds by the end of the year. This depends on the cat’s factor.
As their muscles and bodies develop, kittens become more powerful and heavier. Connecting with a reliable veteran can help you with your cat’s development and weight.
Your kitten requires nutritional food for development. Proper nutrition is essential for your cat’s life, especially in the early stages, so keep caring for their food.
Six to 12 months
The majority of cats complete development in the first Twelve. Smaller breeds complete growth earlier, whereas larger breeds take two or three months more.
In this stage, development continues quickly but less than in the initial six months. It is not the best approach to feed your kitten freely. It is time to plan a meal for your cat and observe this meal properly.
As your cat approaches one year, it is entering the beginning stages of adulthood. A healthy cat weighs between eight and fourteen pounds, depending on its breed and gender.
One to three years
Some cats develop slowly in the first two years of adulthood. We can assume the 12 months as a milestone in the kitten development timeline.
The majority of cats develop fully in 18 months. When a kitten approaches 12 months, it is like a 15-year-old human, whereas when it approaches 18 months, it is like a 21-year-old adult.
Three+ years
Cats complete their growth as they approach three. If your cat is gaining, take it to a proper veterinarian. In developed countries, 63% of domestic cats are overweight.
As cats mature, they become more mature and independent. Maintaining their proper diet and allowing them to engage in physical activity is essential.
When Do Cats Stop Growing?
When kittens are younger, they undergo many transformations. But when do cats stop growing and become grown? They stop growing when they are one year old. However, cats become full adults once they reach 18 years old.
During those 12 to 18 months, a cat keeps growing in size. This phase is similar to adolescence in humans. Once the cat becomes an adult and stops growing, their character also alters. Most cats become inactive as they reach two years.
The development of cats depends on the breed of cat: for example, Maine coon cats keep on growing until they reach two years. Some differences lie between male and female cats.
Male cats develop slower and stop developing later than females. Moreover, male cats grow taller, longer, and heavier than female cats. Besides this, there can be individual differences depending on the cat’s genetics, diet, and entire health.
Contact a veteran for advice if you have any queries about your cat’s growth.
How do I know if my cat stopped growing?
Check your cat’s physical development and growth pattern to assess whether it has stopped growing. This can lead you to ask a question: When do cats stop growing? Here are some methods that will help you to assess whether your car has stopped growing.
- Age Milestones:
- Weight:
- Body Proportions:
Age Milestones:
Cats keep growing until they approach one year. However, growth differs among individuals and breeds. Keep a record of the cat’s age to asses if it has stopped growing.
Weight:
Check your cat’s weight time by time. Kittens experience considerable change in the first few months. Once they become adults, their weight should be stable. If they are overweight or underweight, concern the veteran.
Body Proportions:
Concentrate on your cat’s body proportions. As cats mature, their bodies become more proportional. Your kitten’s ears and legs must be disproportionately more prominent than their body.
Final Remarks
When do cats stop growing? Hopefully, this question is more apparent now. Every cat grows speedily in the first six months of its life. You can follow some factors of a cat’s life to keep it healthy. Regular check-ups are necessary for cat growth and development.
