At What Age Do Cats Stop Growing?
As furparents, there was a time in our cats' lives that we wished that they could never grow up. You know, that feeling when you look at them during their kitten-hood days, hoping that they remain that tiny and adorable. But time really goes by so fast, in no time they are no longer kittens but full-grown adult cats. But really, at what age do cats stop growing? There is always that lingering question: how big will my cat get? Read more to find out!
Factors affecting growth in cats
We see big cats, small cats, fat cats, thin cats, there are almost no two cats that would look the same. At the same time, cats will always develop and grow at their own pace. Each cat's growth is different than the other. There are actually several factors that would determine this
- It’s all in the genes
A cat's growth and development sometimes depend on their genetic makeup. Meaning, a cat's mom, and dad also play a role in how a cat will develop into adulthood. - There is a difference between male and female cats
Perhaps this factor will be the most evident and obvious. It is simply a difference in the general physique between a male and female cat. At birth female cats and male cats seem to grow at the same pace, but as they reach adulthood they begin to take a different development trajectory. Male cats tend to become heavier than their female counterparts, making it seem like they are growing at a much faster rate. - The food your cats consume
Cats that do not get enough nutrients from the food they consume tend to have their growth stunted and slowed down. It makes sense though, doesn't it? Their body won't have anything to process to aid their growth and development. This is also the very reason why cat food manufacturers ensure that the cat food they produce contains the right nutrients that a cat's body may need. Alongside a cat's daily diet, vitamins and supplements also play a role in your cat’s growth. - Your cat’s breed
Sometimes though, it is just in their nature. You can’t expect small cat breeds to grow so much as those of the larger breeds. A kitten of a larger breed maybe equivalent to an almost adult cat of the smaller breeds. Perhaps, we can also say that we shouldn’t simply base growth and development in the size and weight of a cat because of this factor. - The surroundings your cat is in
Ever heard of nurture versus nature? Well, it is important to take note of the part with which nurture has in your cat's growth. Imagine two different scenarios wherein one cat lives in an environment where all the possible comforts in a cat's life are present while the other lives in the most miserable conditions one could ever imagine. I believe it is going to be quite obvious which cat will thrive and grow with no problems at all.
Cats Age Life Cycle Stages
There is always space for growth throughout a human being’s lifetime? Can we then say the same for cats? Why yes of course! Cats continue to grow until they’re old and grey. Just like how a human’s life can be subdivided into stages, a cat’s life also occurs in stages.
A cat spends a good six months in its kittenhood, then in 7-24 months a cat enters its junior life stage, during its 3-6 years of life is its prime life stage, then comes 7-10 years where it is not in its mature life stage, within 11-14 years a cat is already in its senior life stage, and lastly once a cat lives for 15 years and more, it is not in its geriatric life stage.
See how growth does not cease as a cat goes through these life stages? But of course, if we refer to growth as simply growing in size, then there will really come to a point where our cats will stop to grow. Usually, this happens as they reach their first year, then comes other growth indicators like reproductive and social maturity,
Bottom Line
As a cat continue to grow, develop and mature, you will notice several changes in their appearance, behavior and other preferences. These things can perhaps be your indicators when your cat transitions from one life stage to the next. Bottomline is that cats do stop growing in size, but their growth in other aspects of life will carry on. Hopefully we have answered your question, At What Age Do Cats Stop Growing?
