Last updated: July 16, 2026
Kitten Growth
Kitten Growth Chart by Breed
A kitten growth chart by breed shows what a healthy weight looks like for your cat's type at every age. Compare weight by age for small, medium, and large breeds below, then check your own kitten against the right range.
Kitten Weight by Age and Breed
Typical weight ranges from 8 weeks to adulthood for popular cat breeds. Ranges are guides, not guarantees, and individual kittens vary.
| Breed | Size | 8 Weeks | 3 Months | 6 Months | 12 Months | Adult |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siamese | Small to medium | 1.5–2 lb | 3–4 lb | 5–6 lb | 7–9 lb | 8–10 lb |
| Domestic Shorthair | Medium | 1.5–2 lb | 3–4 lb | 5–7 lb | 8–10 lb | 8–12 lb |
| Persian | Medium | 1.5–2 lb | 3–4 lb | 5–7 lb | 7–10 lb | 7–12 lb |
| Bengal | Medium to large | 1.5–2.5 lb | 3.5–5 lb | 6–8 lb | 8–12 lb | 8–15 lb |
| Ragdoll | Large | 2–3 lb | 4–5.5 lb | 7–9 lb | 10–13 lb | 12–20 lb |
| Norwegian Forest | Large | 2–3 lb | 4–5.5 lb | 7–9 lb | 10–14 lb | 12–16 lb |
| Maine Coon | Large / giant | 2–3 lb | 4–6 lb | 7–10 lb | 11–15 lb | 12–25 lb |
Males typically sit at the upper end of each range and females at the lower end. For a personalized estimate, use our How Big Will My Cat Get? tool.
Growth by Size Category
Cat breeds fall into three broad size groups, and each group follows a slightly different growth timeline. Knowing which group your kitten belongs to is the fastest way to read the chart correctly.
Small to medium breeds (Siamese, Persian, Bengal)
These cats grow quickly and finish close to schedule, reaching most of their adult weight of 7 to 15 pounds by about 12 months. Expect roughly a pound of gain per month through the first six months, then a gradual slowdown as they fill out.
Large breeds (Ragdoll, Norwegian Forest)
Large breeds start heavier and keep growing longer. They usually reach 10 to 14 pounds by their first birthday but continue filling out in muscle and frame until 2 to 3 years, ending anywhere from 12 to 20 pounds.
Giant and slow-maturing breeds (Maine Coon)
Maine Coons are the classic slow-growers. They can hit 11 to 15 pounds at 12 months yet keep developing until 3 to 5 years of age, with large males reaching 20 pounds or more. Judge a Maine Coon kitten against its own breed curve, not the domestic average.
How to Use the Chart
A breed chart is a reference, not a rulebook. Use it alongside these habits to track healthy growth.
- 1.Weigh weekly while young. A kitchen or pet scale catches trends far better than a monthly guess. Steady gain matters more than any single number.
- 2.Match the breed, not the average. A Maine Coon that looks big for the domestic chart may be perfectly on track for its breed.
- 3.Account for sex. Males usually land at the upper end of the range, females at the lower end.
- 4.Remember mixed breeds. Most cats are domestic shorthairs or mixes. Use the medium-breed row as a starting point and adjust for the parents' size if known.
- 5.Check body condition too. Weight is only half the picture. Pair the chart with the Cat Body Condition Score to confirm your kitten is lean and healthy.
Related Cat Weight Guides
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitten Growth by Breed
Common questions about kitten weight, breed size, and growth timelines
Does a kitten growth chart change by breed?
Yes. All kittens follow a similar curve, growing fastest in the first six months, but the target weights differ by breed. A Siamese may reach 8 to 10 pounds as an adult, while a Maine Coon can reach 12 to 25 pounds. Use a breed-specific chart to judge whether your kitten is on track for its type rather than the domestic average.
How much should a kitten weigh at 8 weeks by breed?
Most kittens weigh about 1.5 to 2 pounds at 8 weeks. Large breeds like Maine Coon, Ragdoll, and Norwegian Forest kittens tend to be at the top of that range or slightly heavier, around 2 to 3 pounds, because they are built to grow larger and mature more slowly.
When do kittens stop growing?
Most cats reach their adult size by about 12 months. Large and slow-maturing breeds are the exception: Maine Coons, Ragdolls, and Norwegian Forest Cats often keep filling out until 2 to 4 years of age, though the fastest growth is still over by the first birthday.
What is the fastest-growing stage for a kitten?
The first six months. A kitten roughly gains about a pound a month during this window and reaches around 75 percent of its adult size by six months. After that, growth slows and the cat gradually fills out to its final adult weight.
My kitten is below the breed range. Should I worry?
A kitten slightly below the range may just be a smaller individual, a female, or a mixed breed with different genetics. Steady weekly gain matters more than hitting an exact number. If your kitten is well below range, losing weight, or not gaining, contact your veterinarian to rule out parasites, diet, or illness.
Check Your Kitten's Weight
Use our free calculators to see if your kitten is on track and predict their adult size.