In 6 Phases to the House Tiger: The Growth of Cats

How long do cats grow and how big do they get? This depends on the one hand on the genetic make-up, but on the other hand on external factors such as diet. The growth of cats proceeds in six growth phases. If we know these, we can give our kittens the perfect start to a healthy life and give them the best possible support as they grow up.

The Growth of Cats in Six Phases

After about 66 days, pregnant cats give birth to their pups. At this point, the cute little creatures weigh less than 100 grams, but within the next few months, they will quickly develop into curious house tigers. The growth of cats can be divided into different phases:

1. Phase: the first week of life
   After the birth, the still blind and weak kittens absolutely need their mother’s milk. Breast milk, also known as colostrum, contains important nutrients and protective antibodies (protective proteins). The latter is very important for the health of the kitten, as the immune system is still inexperienced and weakened after birth. Because their fur is still incomplete, kittens also need the protective warmth of their mother. After about a week, the kittens open their eyes and lose their umbilical cord as a result of dehydration. In order for your kittens to have a healthy start in life, it is essential to pay attention to their daily weight. With the help of weight tables, you can check whether the kittens are developing well and adjust the diet of the kittens if necessary
2. Phase: the milk teeth come
   In the first few weeks of life, the kittens still have little strength. That is why they spend most of the day sleeping. The first milk teeth usually erupt between the third and eighth week of life. The entire deciduous dentition of cats contains 26 small teeth, which in contrast to the full-grown dentition are significantly smaller and more pointed.
3. Phase: The first solid food
   After four weeks, kittens have already put on quite a bit of weight. They can finally run and frolic with their siblings. They also begin to take solid foods. This is the right time to gradually offer the kitten soft puppy food. However, this change of feed should be done slowly. Because the gastrointestinal tract is initially used to breast milk and must first adjust to the new food. Otherwise, there is a risk of diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.
4. Phase: The little cats continue to grow steadily
   The kittens are now two months old and eat solid food all the time. They continue to grow naturally and therefore have higher energy and nutritional needs than their full-grown relatives. You should therefore give them special puppy food that is precisely tailored to this phase of life. Whether you prefer to serve your kitten dry or wet food is up to you.

   Now is also the right time to see a veterinarian for the first time. They can tell you about important vaccinations and, if necessary, about the correct diet for kittens.

   Teeth change also takes place between the third and sixth months of life. During this time, the milk teeth are replaced by 30 permanent teeth. For comparison: we humans have around 32 teeth, while dogs even have 42 permanent teeth.

5. Phase: The kitten becomes a cat
   After seven exciting months of life, the cat is an adult. Female cats (queens) are now in heat and can become pregnant. Hangovers reach sexual maturity about a month later. From this point onwards, after sufficient information and a period of reflection, castration can be considered.
6. Phase: growth completed
   The cats have completed their first year of life and are now much calmer. In the following years they also no longer increase in size. After about eight years of the full experience, the hair in the mouth area becomes a little whiter. This is usually the first sign of aging. Gradually, however, increased tiredness and reluctance to move can also follow.

How Big and How Heavy do Cats Get?

There is no general answer to this. On the one hand, the growth of cats depends on their genes and on factors such as diet when they are kittens. On the other hand, many cat breeds differ greatly in their size and body structure. The European Shorthair, for example, which is 80 to 90 centimeters long on average, is particularly popular in our regions. In contrast, adult Maine Coon cats (especially tomcats) can grow up to 120 centimeters long.

Weight also varies depending on breed and gender: male Persian cats can weigh up to eight kilos. Female Bengal cats, on the other hand, are lightweights, usually only weighing between three and four kilograms.

How Old Do Cats Get Anyway?

Healthy cats live on average around 15 years old, while some cats can live up to 19 years. This is an individual number and is hereditary. Illnesses, malnutrition, or malnutrition can negatively affect the age of cats.