Our feline friends experience physical changes just like we do, from losing baby teeth to growing. However, unlike some people, cats don’t have to wait until they’re 18 years old to be considered “fully grown.”
A kitten’s age can be determined by its weight. According to PetMD, a kitten generally gains 1 pound each month. It’s safe to assume that a 3-pound kitten is probably three months old. However, this estimate is only valid until a cat is 6 months old.
As your cat gets older, he will continue to grow. But when does it stop?
When do cats stop growing?
Cats tend to stop growing once they reach one year of age. According to PetMD, a 12-month-old cat is equivalent to the age of a 15-year-old human.
However, some cats continue to grow after 12 months. According to PetMD, cats are typically considered “fully grown” at 18 months, which is the equivalent of 21 years old in humans.
However, other breeds, such as Maine Coon cats, do not reach their full size until they are 2 years old.
How old is my cat in human years? Probably older than you think.
How do you know how big your cat will be?
The size of a cat varies depending on diet, gender, number of siblings and breed, reports Purina.
Male cats are generally larger than female cats. According to Purina, a male cat that was neutered after sexual maturity may also be larger than a male cat that was neutered at a younger age.
Size also varies between breeds. The Singapura, for example, is the smallest cat breed, with males weighing up to 8 pounds and females only 5 pounds, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association. These cats reach their full size between 15 and 24 months of age. The Maine Coon is considered one of the largest domestic cat breeds. On average, the cats weigh between 10.6 and 18 pounds, but in some cases they can weigh up to 20 pounds, Purina reports.
Your cat’s diet also affects its growth. The more your pet eats, the heavier it can become, warns Purina.
At what age do cats become calmer?
Cats can be mischievous, clawing and scratching their way through the world. As your cat grows, he will also become more behaviorally and socially mature, reports PetMD. Once a cat is 2 years old, he is fully mature in these areas.
When kittens are younger, they tend to be sociable and active, “spending lots of energy playing and generally acting crazy,” according to Figo Pet Insurance. But as they get used to their environment and develop a routine, cats become relatively calmer.
How long is a cat considered a kitten?
As much as we like to call our pets babies, they eventually grow up. Cats live as kittens until they are one year old, at which point they become cats, according to Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
Although cats are considered adults at 12 months, puberty lasts until about 18 months of age, reports Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
How long do cats live? Here you can find out how long these nine lives are expected to last.
Curious to know more? We have the right thing for you
USA TODAY investigates the questions you and others ask every day. From “How often should you take your cat to the vet?” to “Why is my cat vomiting?” to “Why do cats meow?” we strive to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Visit our “Just Curious” section to see what else we can answer.
