One of the notorious questions that experts get asked is “when do cats stop growing?” An animal isn’t similar to a human, and your feline can grow up to adult size in only a matter of months.
Your kitten can become mature in months, where it was once an infant in your hands. To understand how cats mature, it’s important to understand their stages of development. In this article, I will elaborate on how cats grow, and when they stop growing.
Stages Of Development For Cats
Similar to a human’s stages of development, cats go through these stages of growth before they attain maturity;
- 0-2 MONTHS – this is the infancy period of a kitten, and it is of the utmost importance that it is spent with the mother. During this time, the mother feeds the cat with her milk, and the kitten learns to adapt to the environment.
- 2-3 MONTHS – this is the period during which most kittens are adopted and separated from their mothers. It marks their evolution from a liquid to a solid diet. Moreover, it is required that you provide your kitten with the most attention during this stage as it can be a traumatic and emotional period for them. During this time, your cat may gain 2-4 pounds of weight.
- 3-6 MONTHS – this is the adolescent period for your cat, and when it is going through “puberty”. As in humans, your cat may become more destructive and experience mood swings, but it is all part of maturity so don’t be alarmed. Also, most veterinary doctors recommend that you get your cat neutered when they become 6 months old.
- 6-12 MONTHS – this can be regarded as the young adult period of a cat’s lifetime. During this time, the cat will usually attain its full size, and weigh 8-15 pounds, however, this depends on the breed of the cat.
- 1-2 YEARS – most cats will stop growing at the age of 18 months, and they attain their maximum size. However, some cats might continue to grow even after this time, but not as hastily. On average, a cat’s weight should be twice the weight it has when it is 16 weeks old.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When Will My Cats Stop Growing?
It is a common misunderstanding that the development of cats can be determined by their paw-size, dogs. Your cat’s growth depends upon numerous aspects, such as DNA, diet, and environment. Therefore, there is no way to determine exactly when your cat will stop growing!
What Is The Average Age At Which Cats Stop Growing?
As mentioned above, on average, a cat can attain maturity at 18 months, after which, it stops growing. It reaches the maximum size and should weigh twice as much as it weighs at the age of 16 weeks.
When Do Female And Male Cats Stop Growing?
Evidently, male cats tend to mature faster than female cats, and weigh more – usually the difference is 2 pounds, however, it depends on the breed of the cat. In addition to this, male cats also live longer than female cats.
What Is The Maximum Age Of Cats?
On average, the maximum age of most cats is 16 years, however, it contrasts depending on the breed of the cat. Apart from that, it also depends on whether the cat lives outdoors or indoors – indoor cats have a life expectancy of 13-16 years, while outdoor cats have a life expectancy of only 2-5 years.
What Is The Maximum Height Of a Cat?
Without including its tail, on average, a cat can attain a height of 18 inches (46 cm).
What To Feed Your Cat For Growth?
If you are alarmed about your cat’s growth, it is recommended that your cat’s diet is rich in protein and Vitamin D. Many cat foods contain these ingredients, however, they are usually canned and are way expensive.
I would recommend purchasing cat food in bags, because they are more economical, and are rich in protein. If you need the finest high-protein cat food, you can purchase the Meow Mix Protein Cat Food – it only costs $14 for a 22 lbs bag and lasts almost 2 months.
Conclusion
I hope this article answers your queries about your cat. It is important to remember that all of this depends on the breed of your cat, its diet, and the environment it lives in. There’s no need to be anxious, or take any measures before consulting a veterinarian. If you have any further queries, leave them below and I will assist you as soon as possible!
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