Some cats are as light as 5 pounds, while others tip the scale at closer to 20! Cats come in almost as many sizes and shapes as they do colors. From the svelte Sphynx and Siamese to the seemingly supersized Maine Coon and Ragdoll — all little kittens, with proper nutrition, will grow into their big personalities soon enough. But have you ever wondered — when do cats stop growing? Let’s find out!
Baby kitten and adult cat completely different sizes. Photography © jakubzak | iStock / Getty Images Plus.
Many new cat parents ask the burning question: “When do cats stop growing?” Kittens grow rapidly until 6 months old. Between 6 months to 12 months is when kittens stop growing in size.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that cats over a year old will stop growing altogether. A cat who is mostly sedentary and on a poor diet, or has access to too much food throughout the day, can continue to pack on fat. While an obese cat may look cute all roly-poly, obesity is in fact a very unhealthy condition for any feline.
A young cat or kitten with food or treats. Photo: ©Casey Elise Photography.
Another question associated with, “When do cats stop growing?” is, “How big will my cat get?” The average domestic feline is about 10 pounds, give or take a few pounds. The males of the largest cat breed, the Maine Coon, weighing in at around 20 pounds. Cats are not like dogs in many aspects, and there isn’t a correlation between your cat’s paw size and his height and weight. Bigger paws don’t really mean a bigger cat. How big your cat will get is determined by genetics. There are 19 pairs of chromosomes that control everything from hair length, coat color and, yes, size!
While your kitten’s parents are the best indicator of how big your cat will get, gender can also be a factor. Males are usually bigger than females, and the duration of their growth spurts can last longer.
Of course, there are exceptions to everything, including exceptions to the answers to “When do cats stop growing?” According to the Maine Coon Fancy, this breed of cat takes up to five years to reach full size. And their full size is noteworthy: a Maine Coon cat named Stewie held the Guinness Book of World Record’s record for the longest cat at 48.5 inches stretched out. Sadly, Stewie passed away in 2013, but his mark on the world remains.
On the other side of the spectrum, cats with dwarfism can be abnormally small. Dwarf cats are the Lilliputians of the feline world (there are two different causes: genetic mutation and pituitary gland malfunction). A Munchkin cat named Lilieput holds the Guinness Book of World Record’s record for the shortest cat. Kittens with dwarfism will develop more slowly than healthy cats.
A mother cat grooming a kitten. Photo: ©grase | Getty Images.
Another common question with, “When do cats stop growing?” is, “When do kittens stop growing?” Kittens come into this world with one goal: to grow! And quickly! Newborn kittens require round-the-clock feeding, and their spikes in weight gain reflect all that nutritious sustenance.
Kittens typically grow eight times their size in just about eight weeks:
While kittens will stop growing at about 1 year old, it’s important to remember that most kittens will look like an adult at 6 months old. For folks considering adoption, maybe a kitten isn’t the best fit for their home (see some benefits of adopting an older cat here). That adorable little fluff ball will only boast a juvenile appearance for a very short time. He’ll look like an adult cat before he hits his first birthday.
Of course, feeding your cat a healthy diet, always providing a freshwater source, and enriching his environment with plenty of exercise, places to climb and hidey holes to explore will ensure he not only grows big and strong but is the happiest and healthiest he could be!
Thumbnail: Photography © jakubzak | iStock / Getty Images Plus.
This piece was originally published in 2018.
35 comments on “When Do Cats Stop Growing? Here’s When Cats Reach Their Full Size”
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We got a cat from the humane society just over a month ago. According to them she is four years old. She was there for almost a year. She acts very much like a kitten and she has grown since we got her.
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i heard someone told me that when the cats have enough their teeth so they stop growing right?
Sort of like people!
My cat had kittens, and the kittens are over a year old but still so small compared to their mama.
If you have any concerns about your kittens’ growth or health, please reach out to a vet!
Have you ever looked into an ‘American Bobtail’?
My cat had kittens, and the kittens are over a year old but still so small compared to their mama.
If you have any concerns about your kittens’ growth or health, please reach out to a vet!
Have you ever looked into an ‘American Bobtail’?
We were adopted by one and he weights in at 30lbs.
My cat had kittens, and the kittens are over a year old but still so small compared to their mama.
Have you ever looked into an ‘American Bobtail’?
We were adopted by one and he weights in at 30lbs.
If you have any concerns about your kittens’ growth or health
Have you ever looked into an ‘American Bobtail’?
We were adopted by one and he weights in at 30lbs.
Susan, how old is your American bobtail?
The only thing small about him is his tail.
Have you ever looked into an ‘American Bobtail’?
I have a orange tabby and he weighs 16 lbs. I would say he is a little overweight but he is just a big boy.
I read that Ragdolls do not reach their full size until they are 4 years old. My females are at 3 years and weigh in at 11lbs and 13lbs. The vet doesn’t seem concerned that they keep putting on weight.
They are incredibly active so the weight is probably muscle not fat.
My kittens weigh 11 lbs now!
Susan, how old is your American bobtail? I read it takes upwards of 2 years to fully mature. My boy [Henry ]is 11 months old and adorable, just very curious about his possible future. thanks
Cats never stop growing. When young, they grow lengthwise; when adults they grow sideways. (P.S. this is a joke)
Sort of like people!
My cat had kittens, and the kittens are over a year old but still so small compared to their mama.
Hi Pandora,
If you have any concerns about your kittens’ growth or health, please reach out to a vet!
Have you ever looked into an ‘American Bobtail’?
We were adopted by one and he weights in at 30lbs.
The only thing small about him is his tail.