From Kitten to Cat: When Do Cats Stop Growing?

From tiny paws to graceful strides—my Durga is now all grown up. Learn when cats stop growing, what affects their growth, and how to care for them during this transition.

My Kitten Isn’t So Tiny Anymore

Bringing a kitten home is like welcoming a tiny ball of chaos, joy, and endless curiosity. I still remember the day I brought my little furball, Durga, home. She was just a one-month-old kitten, constantly slipping over her own paws and investigating every corner of my house with big, curious eyes. I never thought about how big she would get in the future—I just knew that she was mine.

Of course, kittens don’t stay small forever. Watching them grow is heartwarming, but you might also wonder: When do cats stop growing?

One day, I realized Durga wasn’t so tiny anymore. Her once oversized paws had grown into strong, graceful limbs. Her round belly had stretched out, and she no longer stumbled over herself. That’s when I started wondering—was she done growing, or was she still getting bigger?

Understanding a kitten’s growth timeline is essential, not just out of curiosity but for their overall well-being. From their nutritional needs to their activity levels, a lot changes as they transition into adulthood.

When Does a Kitten Become an Adult?

Typically, cats reach their full-grown size between 12 and 18 months, though this can vary based on breed and gender:

• Female cats usually stop growing around 10–12 months.
• Male cats tend to continue growing until 15–18 months or even longer in some cases.
• Larger breeds like Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats can grow until 2 years or more.
• Smaller breeds like the Singapura might stop growing as early as 9 months.

My furball Durga, an Indian breed, reached her full size around 13 months. Her weight and height plateaued, and that’s when I knew she wouldn’t grow any bigger.

If you’re unsure, you can track your kitten’s weight and height every few weeks. Once their measurements remain stable for a couple of months, they’ve likely stopped growing.

How Big Will Your Cat Get?

If you have any details about your kitten’s parents, their size can give you a rough estimate. However, growth isn’t just about genetics—it also depends on diet and overall health. Since I adopted Durga from the street, I had no idea about her family. But her vet helped me monitor her growth and confirmed when she reached adulthood.

One interesting thing I learned is that X-rays can determine a cat’s growth stage by checking if its growth plates have closed. These plates, found at the joints, remain open while the cat is still growing.

Kitten vs. Adult Cat: How Care Changes

Being a cat parent to a playful kitten and a full-grown cat is a completely different experience—I learned that firsthand with Durga. As she grew from a hyperactive furball into a more laid-back adult, I had to adjust everything—her diet, vet check-ups, and even the way we played together.

1. Know When to Switch to Adult Food

Kitten food is packed with extra calories, fat, and protein to support their rapid growth. But once they reach adulthood, they no longer need such a calorie-dense diet.

I gradually transitioned Durga to adult cat food when she was around 12 months old. A sudden switch can cause digestive issues, so I mixed small amounts of adult food with her kitten food, increasing the ratio over a week. If you’re unsure when to switch, your vet can recommend the best timing based on your cat’s breed and size.

2. Adjust Their Playtime and Activity

Kittens have boundless energy and love to run, jump, and pounce on anything that moves. As they grow, their activity levels may decrease, but that doesn’t mean they stop playing altogether.

Durga, for example, used to zoom around the house like a little tornado, but now she prefers shorter, more structured play sessions. I introduced new toys like puzzle feeders and interactive games to keep her mentally and physically engaged. Regular playtime remains important to prevent obesity and boredom.

3. Schedule Routine Vet Check-Ups

During kittenhood, frequent vet visits are necessary for vaccinations, deworming, and general health checks. As they transition into adulthood, annual check-ups are usually enough unless health concerns arise.

At Durga’s one-year check-up, her vet confirmed she had reached her full size. He also recommended adjusting her diet and monitoring her weight to ensure she stayed healthy. Regular vet visits help catch any potential health issues early.

4. Monitor Their Weight and Diet

Adult cats need a well-balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, while underfeeding can cause nutritional deficiencies.

I learned to follow portion guidelines provided on pet food labels and avoid excessive treats. Durga still enjoys an occasional treat, but I make sure it doesn’t exceed 10% of her daily calorie intake. Maintaining a proper diet helps prevent long-term health issues like diabetes and joint problems.

5. Understand Their Changing Behavior

As kittens grow into adults, their personalities evolve too. While some remain playful and energetic, others become more independent and reserved.

Durga was a clingy kitten who followed me everywhere, but as she matured, she became more selective with her affection. She still loves cuddles but prefers them on her own terms. Understanding these changes helped me strengthen our bond without forcing interactions.

Watching your kitten grow into a full-fledged cat is a bittersweet journey. While you might miss their tiny paws and playful antics, adulthood brings a different kind of joy—a deeper bond, a better understanding of their needs, and the satisfaction of seeing them thrive.

If you’re a cat parent wondering when your feline friend will stop growing, remember that every cat is unique. With the right care, diet, and attention, you’ll ensure they transition into a healthy and happy adult.

Durga may not be a tiny kitten anymore, but she will always be my little furball at heart.