reviewed for accuracy on 9/30/2019 by dr. jennifer coates, dvm
When a child finally turns 18, they are generally considered an adult.
but what about our feline family members? At what age are cats fully grown? How do you know when to start feeding adult cats?
Your cat will reach several different milestones that mean she is becoming an adult cat, but there is no magic age when a cat stops growing and maturing.
Although there is no definitive age, there are general age ranges in which most cats typically stop growing and reach adulthood. here’s what to expect as your cat makes that transition.
when do kittens stop growing?
“Kittens usually stop growing at about 12 months of age,” says dr. nicole fulcher, deputy director of the animal medical center of mid-america, although they may still have something to complete. “A 12-month-old kitten is equivalent to a 15-year-old person. they are considered adults at 18 months of age, which is equivalent to a 21-year-old person.”
Although many cats stop growing at 12 months, not all cats stop growing at this age. but if she’s still growing, it will be at a much slower rate, usually between 12 and 18 months, so you can expect your cat to be very close to her full adult size by now. but there may be some cats that can take up to 2 years to fully grow.
Large breeds in particular may take longer. Maine Coons, for example, might not reach their full size until they are about 2 years old.
milestones for growing cats
Here are some important milestones for kittens as they become adult cats:
-
3-4 months: milk teeth begin to fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth; this process is usually complete by 6 months of age.
-
4-9 months: Kittens undergo sexual maturation.
-
9 to 12 months: A kitten is almost fully grown.
-
1 year or older: Kittens are reaching adulthood.
-
2 years or older: Kittens are socially and behaviorally mature.
When should I feed my kitten adult cat food?
The right time for your cat to transition from kitten food to adult food depends on many factors. for most cats, around 10-12 months of age is appropriate.
However, a young Maine Coon who is struggling to maintain weight could probably benefit from continuing to eat kitten food until she is 2 years old or even older. on the other hand, a rapidly maturing kitten who is overweight on kitten food might benefit from switching around 8 months of age.
ask your vet when your cat is ready to make sure your cat’s nutritional needs are being met.
how often should you feed the kittens?
Most kittens should be free fed until they are around 6 months old due to their high energy requirements.
“From 6 months to 1 year old, an owner can feed three times a day,” says dr. Jim Carlson, owner of the Riverside Animal Clinic, located on the outskirts of Chicago.
After a year, offering twice-daily meals will work for most cats, but smaller, more frequent meals may still be beneficial for others.
by: deidre grieves
featured image: istock.com/lopurice
