Cats are one of the most common pets that have conquered many hearts all over the planet. However, like all living creatures, cats have a certain period of growth and development, after which they reach their maximum size.

Many owners wonder about the age to which cats grow. Understanding this point, you can provide your pet with proper care and nutrition. Unfortunately, time is fleeting, and you don't have time to look back as a cute playful kitten turns into a graceful adult cat or a stately cat. In this article, we will deal with this issue.

Cat growth: what does it depend on?

As a rule, a cat stops growing between one and three years. Many factors affect this:

  1. Animal living conditions. You probably noticed that street cats are not as big as domestic cats. The better care the pet receives, the better it grows and develops;
  2. Food. A balanced diet also plays a big role. If the animal does not have enough nutrients, it will not grow big - it will be small and thin. And another matter, if the cat receives a balanced, high-quality diet - this will affect not only its growth, but also its external data;
  3. Stress Cats often experience severe stress when they live in poor conditions or are insulted - this also affects growth;
  4. Parasites, chronic diseases. A sick animal without treatment will not be able to develop normally - it is necessary to provide it with proper treatment. If there are parasites in the body, anthelmintics for cats will help - they will be prescribed by a doctor after tests. Diseases that can slow down growth include diabetes, hormonal failure, and viral infections. If you begin to notice that the animal is inactive, does not feel well and stops developing, you should immediately go to the veterinarian;
  5. Sterilization. If a cat or cat is sterilized after the age of 1 year, they may begin to actively gain weight.

Genetics should not be excluded either. If the parent cats were large, then their kittens will be born large and with age will catch up with their parents in size. In principle, males are always larger than cats of the same breed. In addition, kittens stop growing at the age of about 1.5 years, but cats can reach their maximum at 3 years.

Scottish tabby cats

Breed also plays an important role. So, for example, British cats grow up to three years, just like Scottish ones. Siberian cats grow up to the age of 1.5 years. Maine coons develop up to three years, Bengal cats - up to two years. Neva masquerade cats can "boast" the longest period of development and growth - they reach their maturity only in five years.

Stages of cat development

Each cat goes through the following stages of maturation:

  1. Neonatal. Last four days after birth. During this period, babies can either lose weight or gain it again;
  2. The suckling stage lasts a month. In the withers, the animal grows very actively;
  3. The transition period lasts up to 1.5 months - the kitten grows slowly during this time;
  4. Adolescent stage - lasts until puberty.

Only in one year can a cat be considered an adult and independent animal.

How to provide a cat with proper care?

There are simple tips that will help you create optimal living conditions for your pet:

  1. The room in which the animal is located must be clean and regularly ventilated;
  2. The animal's bowls should be washed regularly - they should not contain old dried food, and the water should be changed several times a day. At the same time, the water bowl must be thoroughly washed from plaque;
  3. According to the doctor's recommendation, the animal should be regularly treated for various parasites - usually this is done once every three months;
  4. Do not forget to get vaccinated. This applies even to those pets who do not leave the apartment. 

A cat with a kitten

A cat loves attention, care and affection - if you provide it with all this, the animal will develop properly, be healthy and live happily ever after.