When Do Cats Stop Growing? Everything You Need to Know

Ever watched a tiny kitten grow and wondered when cats stop growing? One day, they fit in your hand, and before you know it, they’re taking over the couch! But when does that playful little furball finally reach full size?

Most cats stop growing around 12 to 18 months, but some breeds, like Maine Coons, keep getting bigger for a few years. Knowing when your cat is fully grown helps you take better care of them—making sure they eat well, stay active, and get regular vet check-ups.

If you’ve ever looked at your cat and thought, "Are they still growing?" you’re not alone. Let’s dive in and explore what affects a cat’s growth and what to expect along the way.

When Do Cats Stop Growing?

Cats usually stop growing when they are about 12 to 18 months old, but this depends on their breed and whether they are male or female. Female cats often finish growing sooner, around 10 to 12 months, while males may take longer, up to 18 months, especially if they are a larger breed.

Some big cats, like Maine Coons, grow very slowly and might not reach their full size until they are 3 to 4 years old. Things like genes, food, and overall health also decide when a cat stops growing. Taking your cat to the vet regularly helps make sure they are growing well and staying healthy.

What Are the Growth Stages of Cats?

Cats grow through different stages, and each stage needs specific nutrition and care:

• Kitten (Birth to 1 Year):
• Nutrition: High-protein kitten food with DHA for brain development and calcium for strong bones.
• Diet Tips: Feed kitten-specific wet or dry food 4 times a day.
• Health Tips: Vaccinate against feline distemper and respiratory diseases.
• Junior (7 Months to 2 Years):
• Nutrition: Balanced adult cat food rich in proteins, taurine, and vitamins.
• Diet Tips: Feed twice daily with portion control to avoid overeating.
• Health Tips: Regular play to prevent obesity and annual vet check-ups.
• Adult (3 to 6 Years):
• Nutrition: Maintain weight with high-quality cat food and plenty of fresh water.
• Diet Tips: Avoid too many treats; offer balanced meals.
• Health Tips: Brush teeth weekly and check for dental issues.
• Mature (7 to 10 Years):
• Nutrition: Lower-calorie diet with added fiber, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Diet Tips: Provide joint supplements if needed.
• Health Tips: Watch for weight gain and check for arthritis or kidney disease.
• Senior (10+ Years):
• Nutrition: Low-fat, high-vitamin diet with easy-to-digest ingredients.
• Diet Tips: Offer smaller, frequent meals.
• Health Tips: Regular blood tests, kidney checks, and senior-specific supplements.

Knowing these stages helps you give your cat the right food, exercise, and vet care for a long, happy life, as recommended by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

Factors That Influence When Cats Stop Growing

Have you ever wondered why some cats grow fast while others take their sweet time? Let’s break down the key factors that affect when cats stop growing in simple terms.

1. Breed Size & Growth Rate

A cat’s breed plays a huge role in how big and how fast they grow. Here's a detailed chart for better understanding:

This chart gives an overview of different cat breeds, their growth durations, and typical final sizes, helping readers understand the variety in cat growth timelines.---

2. Diet & Nutrition’s Role in Growth

A cat’s nutrition is super important for how and when they grow. Here’s a simple breakdown for middle school readers:

• Kitten Food Matters: Kittens need more calories because they grow fast and stay active.
• Protein Power: Protein helps build strong muscles so kittens can jump and play.
• Fat for Energy: Fat gives kittens the energy they need to explore and have fun.
• Strong Bones: Calcium and phosphorus help their bones grow strong and healthy.
• Food Switch Time: Moving from kitten food to adult food at the right time keeps cats from getting too chubby.
• No Overfeeding: Feeding too much can make cats overweight, not bigger in a healthy way.
• Ask the Vet: Always check with a vet to make sure your cat’s diet is just right for their age and growth stage.---

3. Effects of Neutering & Spaying on Growth

Neutering or spaying a cat before it’s fully grown can slightly affect its size. The growth plates in the bones may close later, leading to slightly longer limbs. However, this effect is minimal. The most common change after neutering is a higher chance of weight gain due to a slower metabolism, so managing your cat’s diet is important to keep them healthy.

4. Health & Genetics

Health and genetics both play a big role in when cats stop growing. Here are more details:

• Genes Matter: Genes decide a cat’s size, including height and weight. The hormone IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) is like a growth signal that helps bones and muscles develop.
• Health Problems:
• Poor Diet: Not enough nutrients during kittenhood can delay or stunt growth.
• Parasites: Worms and other parasites steal nutrients, affecting growth.
• Illness: Diseases like feline panleukopenia or chronic infections can disrupt normal growth.
• Vet Tip: If your cat seems small for its age, it might be due to breed, diet, health, or early life conditions. Regular vet visits can help track growth.---

Knowing these factors helps you give your cat the best care so they grow healthy and happy, no matter their size.

When Should You Worry About Your Cat’s Growth?

It’s natural to wonder if your cat is growing as expected, but here’s when you should be concerned:

• Too Small for Their Age: Check your kitten’s weight regularly and compare it to breed standards. If they’re much smaller, ensure they’re getting enough nutrient-rich food and consult a vet for tests.
• Sudden Weight Loss or Gain: Notice your cat’s body shape and eating habits. Sudden changes need quick vet visits for parasite tests, diet adjustments, or metabolic screenings.
• Stunted Growth: If your kitten’s growth seems stuck, measure their height and weight monthly. Ensure they have a balanced diet and schedule a vet check for hormone or congenital issues.
• Unusual Body Shape: Feel your cat’s body for unusual thinness or bloating. Parasite treatments, nutrient-rich food, and regular exercise help prevent issues.
• When to See a Vet: Watch for growth slowdowns, odd shapes, or appetite changes. Regular vet visits, X-rays, blood tests, and stool checks are essential to catch growth problems early.

Knowing what’s normal for your cat’s breed and age helps you monitor their growth and act early if something is wrong, ensuring they grow into a healthy adult.

How to Tell if Your Cat Has Stopped Growing

Has your cat reached its full size? Here’s how you can tell:

• Age Check: Most cats stop growing between 12 to 18 months, but larger breeds like Maine Coons may take up to 4 years because their bones develop slower.
• Weight and Size Stability: If your cat’s weight and size stay the same for several months, their body has finished growing. Regular weigh-ins help track this.
• Paw-to-Body Ratio: Kittens often have big paws compared to their bodies. Once their paws look balanced with their body, it means their growth is complete.
• Vet Confirmation: Vets can take X-rays to check the growth plates in bones. If these plates are closed, your cat has stopped growing.

Understanding when your kitten stops growing helps you provide the right food, care, and exercise as they transition into adulthood.

Conclusion

Understanding when cats stop growing helps you provide the right care at every stage. From playful kittens to mature adults, each phase requires proper nutrition, exercise, and regular vet visits. To support your cat’s growth and health, Michu AU offers a variety of products designed to meet your feline's needs at every life stage.

Choose Michu AU’s wet cat food for kittens needing high moisture and nutrients, or their dry cat food (kibbles) for adult cats maintaining healthy weight and muscle. Don’t forget cat treats for training and rewards, and cat grass to aid digestion and reduce hairballs. With Michu AU, you’re ensuring your cat grows healthy, happy, and strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can indoor cats grow differently than outdoor cats? 

Indoor cats may grow slightly larger as they face fewer environmental challenges and have constant access to food, while outdoor cats may burn more calories and stay leaner.

2. Do mixed-breed cats have different growth patterns? 

Yes, mixed-breed cats can have varied growth patterns depending on their genetic mix, making it harder to predict their final size.

3. How does spaying or neutering affect my cat’s growth? 

Spaying or neutering can delay the closing of growth plates, leading to slightly longer limbs, but diet control is essential to avoid post-surgery weight gain.

4. Is it normal for cats to have a growth spurt? 

Yes, kittens often have noticeable growth spurts around 2-6 months, when their development is at its peak.

5. What should I feed a growing kitten? 

Feed your kitten high-protein wet cat food or nutrient-rich dry cat food (kibbles) from Michu AU to support healthy development.

6. Can health issues affect cat growth? 

Yes, conditions like parasites, malnutrition, or chronic illnesses can stunt growth if not addressed early.

7. How can I help my cat grow strong and healthy? 

Provide balanced meals from Michu AU, including cat treats for extra nutrients and cat grass for digestion support, along with regular vet care and exercise.