Typical kitten weight by age
A rough rule for an average domestic kitten is about 1 lb per month of age up to 5 or 6 months.
| Age | Typical weight |
|---|---|
| Birth | 3 to 4 oz (85 to 115 g) |
| 4 weeks | about 1 lb |
| 8 weeks | about 2 lb |
| 3 months | about 3 lb |
| 4 months | about 4 lb |
| 6 months | 5 to 7 lb |
| 12 months | 7 to 11 lb (adult range) |
Growth stages
- 0 to 2 weeks: eyes closed, doubling birth weight in the first week or so
- 3 to 8 weeks: walking, playing, starting solid food, learning litter
- 2 to 6 months: the fastest growth; adult teeth come in
- 6 to 12 months: growth slows; sexual maturity
- 12 to 18 months: filling out with muscle
Bigger breeds grow for longer
Maine Coons, Norwegian Forest Cats, Ragdolls and Siberians can keep growing until they are 3 or 4 years old, and males can top 15 to 20 lb.
When to switch to adult food
Most cats move to adult food around 12 months; slow-maturing large breeds may stay on kitten food longer. Neutering lowers calorie needs by a fair amount, so watch weight after the operation. The cat food calculator includes kitten and neutered settings.
Frequently asked questions
Does neutering stop a cat growing?
No. It doesn’t stunt growth. Early neutering can even delay growth-plate closure slightly, so cats may end up a little taller.
My kitten seems small. Should I worry?
If it is eating, playing and gaining steadily, probably not. Weigh weekly; a kitten that stops gaining or loses weight needs a vet check.