When Do Cats Stop Growing?
When do cats stop growing? For most, it is by the twelfth month which relates to approximately 15 human years. Not that some cats may continue to fill out past their first birthday. Large cat breeds such as the Siberian and Birman may not reach full size until 3-4 years old. But, let us look at the average feline lifespan.
Sexual Maturity
Most cats reach sexual maturity around six months. Once this takes place the female will go into heat (estrus). Signs include loud calling, rolling on the ground, shows more affection and if stroked along the back, near the base of the tail will assume a mating position with her rear end raised. Male cats may begin territorial marking.
Cowtown Cat Cuddlers strongly encourages to spay or neuter cats before the onset of sexual maturity to prevent accidental litters. A six-month-old cat may be able to become pregnant, but she is not physically ready to carry a pregnancy to term or socially ready to raise a litter of kittens until she is at least 12 months old. Her mind and body are not fully matured, but her body is capable of reproducing.
When Is A Cat An Adult?
A cat is considered an adult at 12 months old, when a cat stops growing. But many will still show their kitten like behaviors for much longer. The size and weight of adult cats vary according to breed, however the average weight is 9-11 pounds, in height feet to shoulders is 11 inches and length nose to base of tail is 18 inches. Male cats are typically larger than female cats.
When Should You Switch To Adult Food?
Kittens usually transition to adult food around 10 - 12 months. When changing food, do so gradually over a few days by adding some of the new food to the old and gradually increasing the new type and decreasing the old. This will be an easier transitional balance to the cats digestion system. Always check with your veterinarian prior to the switch.
Cat Growth Milestones
Birth: Born with eyes closed and ears folded. They weigh between 90-100 grams. The umbilical cord stump falls off around day three. By the end of the first week, the kitten has doubled his weight.
Week 2: Eyes begin to open and incisors erupt.
Week 3: Ears are erect and kittens start to explore.
Week 4: Canine teeth (fangs) have erupted and the hearing is now well developed.
Week 5: The kitten’s eyesight is now fully developed and the kittens start to eat solids.
Weeks 6 to 8: Eye color begins to change. Kittens should receive their first vaccination between 6-8 weeks.
12-16 weeks: Kittens begin to lose their baby teeth to make room for the larger adult (or permanent) teeth. Second vaccination between 10-12 weeks.
14-16 weeks: Kittens should receive their third vaccination.
6 months: Kittens are reaching sexual maturity, all adult teeth are in.
12 months: Kittens are now reaching adulthood.
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