Cats typically stop growing in size around 12 to 18 months, though exact timing varies by breed, genetics, and overall health. Here’s a concise guide to the main factors and what to expect:
- General timeline
- Small to medium breeds: often reach full size by about 12 months.
- Large and giant breeds (e.g., Maine Coon): can continue growing up to 18–24 months, and sometimes a bit longer for muscle development.
- Females vs males: females often finish earlier (roughly 10–12 months) while males can continue to grow longer, sometimes into 18 months or beyond depending on the line.
- What “growth” means
- Early growth is height and length as they age from kitten to junior.
- Later growth often includes muscle mass and body conditioning, which may continue after the cat reaches its skeletal maturity.
- Breed and genetics
- Some large or giant breeds have extended growth periods; small breeds tend to mature faster.
- Diet and health
- Adequate nutrition supports proper growth; overnutrition or obesity can mask or alter perceived size changes.
- Chronic health issues can affect growth and development; regular veterinary checkups help monitor maturation.
- How to tell if growth has stopped
- Consistent weight and body proportions on a stable diet and activity level for several months.
- Veterinary assessment with radiographs can confirm skeletal maturity if there’s any doubt.
If you’d like, share your cat’s breed (or mix), current age, and any concerns about growth, and a more tailored estimate can be discussed.
