When do cats stop growing?

Whether you have a kitten or a cat, you may ask yourself, "When do cats stop growing?" as your furry pal matures. Like so many things, the answer depends on various factors, like your cat's age, breed and gender.

No matter what, you should monitor and support your cat's health at specific points in their growth timeline. A part of this is knowing if your cat' size is "normal" and if there may be a problem.

Here, we discuss when cats stop growing, what factors impact growth and pick out some breeds with different maturity rates.

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When do house cats stop growing?

Most house cats reach physical maturity by 12-18 months. But a lot of factors go into it, which we'll discuss later.

Now, after a cat reaches adult size, they can still "grow" but this will be fat gain instead of any major muscular or skeletal changes.

It's important to keep an eye on your cat’s weight and body condition score, as gaining excess fat can lead to health issues. 

When do male cats stop growing vs female cats?

Males and females grow at different rates. So, when do female cats stop growing compared to males?

• Female cats reach their full, adult size by 10-12 months.

• Male cats usually reach full size by around 18 months.

Male cats tend to physically mature a bit later than females, ending up a bit heavier and larger. 

What can affect when cats stop growing?

Sometimes, cats stop growing early or grow for a while for no reason at all. But mostly, it's due to these factors:

• Breed - Bigger breeds, like Maine Coons, take longer to reach their full size.

• Environmental factors - Environmental factors - especially stress - could slow down growth.

• Family history and genetics - A cat's genes and family history determine how big they get and how long they grow for. Some congenital health issues can also affect a kitten's growth.

• Litter size - The litter size could have an impact on growth. Bigger litters can leave the kittens deprived of milk, which means they're less nourished, leading to malnutrition and stunted growth.

• Nutrition - Diet and nutrition are major factors in your cat reaching their potential size and how long they grow for.

• Sex - Female cats reach maturity quicker than males, which we discussed earlier.

Size and growth issues can sometimes indicate a health issue, which is why you should stay on top of things with regular vet check-ups.

How to tell if a cat has stopped growing (and if they're the right size)

You can tell if your cat's stopped growing by measuring and weighing them regularly. Make sure you track this, and when their measurements stop changing, compare them to the average size for their breed. If they're roughly similar, they've probably stopped growing. 

Again, if you're concerned about your cat's size, ask your vet for help. They can help determine your cat's body condition score, ideal weight and help you with pet nutrition. 

How accurate are size estimations for cats?

Size estimations are pretty good, but don't worry too much if yours is below or above standards.

You should always follow your vet's advice, as they can better tell if your cat is a healthy size or has experienced growth issues.

But like us humans, cats can come in all shapes and sizes!

When do Maine Coon cats stop growing?

Maine Coons take a surprisingly long time to grow. Sometimes, it can take up to three-to-five years to reach full physical maturity.

The breed tends to have growth spurts, but growth slows down at around nine months. Afterwards, Maine Coons continue to slowly grow until they reach three to five years.

Since they're the biggest domestic cat breed, it makes sense that they take the longest to grow.

When do Ragdoll Cats stop growing?

Ragdoll Cats are another breed that takes longer to grow. Usually, it'll take three or four years.

Once again, they're a big breed, so it makes sense that they take a while to grow. But they do mature slowly, especially for their size.

When do Bengal Cats stop growing?

Bengal Cats, again due to their size and muscular nature, take slightly longer to grow than the 12-18 months average.

Bengals take roughly two years to grow. They usually appear smaller during the early growth stages, but it's mostly because they have relatively low body fat, high activity levels and higher muscle.

So yes, if you have a Bengal, make sure your house is kitten-proofed. Trust us.

What breeds stop growing early and stay small?

Some breeds stop growing early and look kitten-like their whole lives.

Examples include:

• American Curl

• Cornish Rex

• Devon Rex

• Munchkin

Make your cat's growth healthy

No matter how fast or slow your cat grows, you must recognise growth-related issues like malnutrition, obesity and joint problems.

Sometimes, your cat might just grow slowly or quickly, but at other times, it may signify an issue with their nutrition, exercise or point to an underlying health problem.

That's why seeing your vet and having a good relationship with them is so important.

Supporting your cat through every stage of growth

Cat insurance helps you look after your cat through every stage of their growth, and ours helps with up to £15,000 vet fee cover, unlimited 24/7 vet calls with FirstVet and a host of other ManyPets Perks.

Whether it's kitten insurance or older cat insurance, we'll be there every step of the way. 

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