We all love baby cats. I don’t think anyone can resist a little ball of fur with small ears and big eyes, meowing back and forth as it runs around to play and see the world around it. Sometimes we wish our cats would stay at this stage forever because they are adorable, but like any creature, our kitty has to grow up and go through all the stages of life. And although, at first, it is very noticeable every time our cat grows, there comes a time when the changes are not so evident, and that makes us wonder, when do cats stop growing?
What does a cat’s growth depend on?
There are many breeds of cats, and each one has its characteristics. Even within the same litter, each cat will grow very differently from its siblings because the variables involved in the final growth of a cat are many.
Starting with genetics, that is, the cat’s breed and the parents’ characteristics significantly influence what your cat will look like and how big it can grow. You also have to consider the parents’ health, especially the mother, since, for example, a cat that lives on the street and has a poor diet will not produce much quality milk, resulting in smaller cats.
Another critical factor is the gender of the cat, as males tend to grow and weigh a little more than their female counterparts, even if they have a better diet. And if we talk about diets, of course, this plays a vital role since a well-fed cat will always have more chances to grow a few inches than those feral cats that are not constantly fed with the necessary nutrients for their development.
Another curious fact is the birth itself. If your kitten was the last to be born, it will likely be the smallest of the litter but not necessarily the weakest. Also, the size of the litter counts a lot. The more cats there are, the more competition for food in and out of the mother’s womb.
How long do cats grow? General stages of growth
For how long do cats grow? Here are the general stages of a cat’s growth, from birth until full maturity:
Newborn – 6 months
This period is undoubtedly an exciting stage because considerable essential changes take place. They go from being babies with closed eyes and underdeveloped auditory canals to playful little cats that run everywhere. At least until the third week of life, the cat is entirely dependent on its mother.
Between 4 and 8 weeks is a cat’s most critical socialization period. It is advisable to accustom the cat to be surrounded by other animals and different people because we can still influence how friendly our pet can become.
A curious fact is that at 3 months, the cat loses those small sharp baby teeth, and at approximately 6 months, it already has its complete set of adult teeth.
6 months – 12 months
Welcome to your cat’s adolescent stage! As with humans, these furry cats also have a stage of rebelliousness in which they are masters of the world and will try to do things the way they want (although, for some, it seems their whole life is like this). Here you can already have an idea of what your adult cat will look like because between 12 and 18 months old. They usually reach their approximate height.
Although the cat has not finished growing, at 12 months, it has already reached sexual maturity, so it is crucial to consider spaying or neutering your buddy to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Consider that many cats are already out there looking for a permanent home.
1 – 3 years
At this age, the cat is already a young adult and most probably has reached its maximum growth stage, which for an ordinary domestic cat could be between 10 and 12 inches tall and 18 inches long. It is important to say that for large cats such as Maine Coons and Ragdolls, growth can continue until 4 or 5 years.
3 – 6 years
At this stage, the cats finally reach their last growth spurt. Even the larger cats will also stop growing. Cats of this age, still young, will still be active and very playful, hunting catnip mouses or, if they are outdoor cats, natural prey.
7 – 10 years
The cat is a mature adult. Although they are still playful and loving, they are much calmer and sleepy. It is vital to continue to take care of the cat’s nutrition and physical health to avoid chronic diseases.
When the cat is less active, it needs less food and less fat, so it is time to consider senior cat food. It is also important to play with your cat to keep it active and healthy.
11 – 15+ years
This period is the less active stage of a kitten but the step that demands more affection. In these years, the cat becomes sleepy and less playful, but you can still take it for short walks to keep those joints in good condition.
Your cat’s coat may lose its characteristic shine, but his demonstrations of affection will undoubtedly increase significantly. It is vital that the cat consumes food specifically for seniors and does not miss his regular visits to the veterinarian, remember that the quality of life of your friend is only in your hands.
Final answer: when do cats stop growing?
Most cats stop growing at 19 months, so you can expect them always to look the same height, although she may continue to grow sideways, so take care of her diet and keep an active routine that includes long walks, of course, accompanied by a good harness.
It is recommended that the food you give her is adequate for her stage of life, as these bring the necessary nutrients and fats for those ages. Remember that an overweight cat will be a cat with a higher possibility of presenting chronic diseases that will shorten or affect its life.
Now you know how much a cat grows, so it’s time to give her lots of love and keep her healthy and active!