If you recently adopted a kitten, you've undoubtedly noticed that they are growing up so quickly! Given how quickly cats develop, you're undoubtedly curious about the end of their growth cycle.
When do cats' growth spurts end?
When do cats' growth spurts end?
If a cat ceases to grow, it can depend on a variety of circumstances. However, cats often cease developing between the ages of 6 and 12 months. After that, they may grow larger, but it's more likely they will become obese than mature. The lifestyle of a cat determines how much fat it gains on its body!
Is a cat's size predictable?
You can estimate a cat's size based on criteria including breed, gender, diet, and the number of siblings. Let's examine these elements:
1 - Gender
Male cats tend to be larger than female cats, as is the case with most animals. Typically, the weight of male and female cats ranges from 3 to 6 kg, and their height measures approximately 8 to 10 inches (from paw to shoulder).
Fun fact: Male cats who aren't neutered usually get large cheeks as a result of testosterone. This results in a bigger, rounder face that communicates physical fitness to other men and women. This is definitely the cause if the male cat develops chubby cheeks. Remember to talk to your veterinarian about neutering!
2 - Castration and spaying
The shape and size of your adult body may change slightly after neutering (spaying and castrating) a cat. Another factor is when the neutering is performed. Male cats that do not get neutered until after they reach sexual maturity, for instance, will often weigh more than those who are neutered sooner.
3 - Nutrition and way of life
After they've hit their peak, cats can still grow, but it will probably result in obesity. A cat may gain weight if it consumes more food or cat treats than is advised.
When you combine this with an excessively sedentary lifestyle and move less than is advised, your cats are likely to get wider. Even though fat cats are adorable, we don't want them to be obese because this can lead to a number of health problems. It's crucial to exercise your cat to keep them in good shape. If you are worried about your pet's weight, always consult your veterinarian.
4 - Size of cat breeds
Naturally, a cat's growth size is determined by its breed and origin! We've compiled a list of UK cats that don't grow too big, as well as cats that get even bigger.
Certain breeds maintain the same appearance from their kitten years, like:
Males in Singapura might weigh just 3.5 kg, while adult females can weigh as little as 1.5 kg. They only reach a height of 6 to 8 inches. The name of these small cats comes from their native Singapore!
1: Munchkin
2: The American Curl
3: Devon Rex
4: Cornish Rex
Conversely, some cats are large by nature. When cats cease growing, it doesn't vary for these large cat breeds; it will likely fall within the 6–12 month age range. The distinction is that they will typically begin as larger kittens, which translates to larger cats! But it can take up to four years for Maine Coon cats, the biggest of the breed, to cease growing. Among the other popular breeds are:
Females in the Siberian Forest weigh between 5 and 7 kg, while males weigh between 7 and 9 kg. At around 12 inches tall, they stop growing.
1: Bengali
2: A ragamuffin
3: Turkish Van Ragdoll
4: The British Shorthair
5: Pixie Doll
When does my cat stop growing? How can I tell?
2: A ragamuffin
3: Turkish Van Ragdoll
4: The British Shorthair
5: Pixie Doll
When does my cat stop growing? How can I tell?
Measuring your cat is the best way to determine if they are no longer growing. You will be able to observe changes in height, weight, and even width (typically by the shoulders or hips) if you do this once a month. You may not be aware of how much they're growing if you don't do this! Once a week.
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