The PetRx

If you have a young kitten at home, you’ve probably asked yourself, when do female cats stop growing?

Most female cats reach their full size somewhere between 10 and 12 months old. That said, some larger breeds can keep growing and filling out until they are closer to 18 or even 24 months. Growth does not suddenly stop overnight. It slows down gradually, so you might not even notice the exact moment it happens.

Every cat is different, but there is a general pattern most female cats follow.

Female Cat Growth Timeline

Let’s break it down in simple terms so you know what to expect as your kitten grows.

0 to 3 Months: Fast and Tiny

In the first few months, growth happens quickly.

Your kitten is gaining weight every week. Her bones are developing, her coordination improves, and she starts exploring everything around her. At this stage, she needs nutrient-rich kitten food to support all that rapid development.

You might feel like she is getting bigger by the day, because she probably is.

3 to 6 Months: Noticeable Changes

Between three and six months, your kitten still grows steadily.

Her body gets longer. Her baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in. She is active, playful, and constantly on the move. By the time she reaches six months, she is often about half of her expected adult weight.

This is usually when owners start wondering how big she will actually get.

6 to 12 Months: Slowing Down

This is the stage when growth becomes less obvious.

Your female cat may reach sexual maturity during this time. Her body starts to look more balanced and less like a tiny kitten. While she is still growing, the changes are slower and more subtle.

By 10 to 12 months, most female cats are very close to their full height and length.

12 to 24 Months: Filling Out

Even after her first birthday, she might still be developing.

Some cats continue building muscle and filling out their frame. Larger breeds, like Maine Coons, can take up to two years to fully mature. Smaller domestic cats are usually done growing closer to the one-year mark.

If you are asking when do female cats stop growing, for most house cats the answer is around one year, but there are exceptions.

Read Also: When Do Male Cats Stop Growing and Reach Full Size

How Big Do Female Cats Get?

The average adult female domestic cat weighs between 8 and 12 pounds. Of course, breed and genetics make a difference.

Here is a rough idea of what many female kittens weigh as they grow:

• 3 months old: about 2 to 4 pounds
• 6 months old: around 5 to 7 pounds
• 12 months old: often 8 to 12 pounds

Some cats will be smaller, and some will be larger. What matters most is steady, healthy growth.

What Affects When Female Cats Stop Growing?

Several things influence how big your cat will get and how long she grows.

Breed and Genetics

Genetics play the biggest role. If her parents were large, she may be large too. Mixed-breed cats can vary a lot in size.

Nutrition

Good food makes a big difference, especially in the first year.

Kitten food is designed to support growth. It contains higher protein and calories than adult formulas. Switching to adult food too early can affect how she develops, so most cats should stay on kitten food until around 12 months unless your vet says otherwise.

Spaying

Many owners worry that spaying will stunt growth. In most cases, it does not stop a female cat from reaching her natural size.

What sometimes changes is appetite. After spaying, some cats eat more easily and gain weight faster. That is not extra growth. It is extra calories. Managing portions helps keep things balanced.

Health Issues

Worms, illness, or poor nutrition can slow growth. If your kitten seems much smaller than expected or is not gaining weight at all, it is worth talking to your veterinarian.

How Can You Tell If She Is Fully Grown?

There is no big announcement when growth ends, but there are signs.

• Her weight stays the same for several months
• She does not seem to get taller or longer
• Her body looks proportionate
• She no longer has that lanky teenage look

Your vet can also confirm whether she has reached adulthood during a routine checkup.

Are Female Cats Smaller Than Males?

In general, yes.

Female cats usually mature slightly earlier and stay smaller than males. Male cats often grow heavier and may continue filling out longer. If you have both at home, it is normal to notice size differences.

When Should You Switch to Adult Food?

Most female cats can transition from kitten food to adult food at around 12 months old.

If her growth has slowed and her weight is stable, that is usually a good time to make the switch. Do it gradually over a week by mixing the two foods together so her stomach can adjust.

If you are unsure, your vet can help you decide the right timing.

The Bottom Line

So, when do female cats stop growing?

For most female cats, growth slows down around 10 months and finishes close to their first birthday. Larger breeds may take a bit longer, but by one to two years, they are fully mature.

The best thing you can do is feed her well, keep up with vet visits, and pay attention to steady weight gain during her first year. Growth is not about hitting a specific number on the scale. It is about healthy development at her own pace.

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