Choosing the right cat breed for your home means understanding how their sizes differ. Knowing whether a cat is small, medium, or large helps ensure they fit comfortably in your space and lifestyle. Balancing these size factors is crucial, as each size comes with its own set of challenges and benefits.
Cat size chart by breed
BREED | AVERAGE CAT HEIGHT | AVERAGE CAT LENGTH | IDEAL CAT WEIGHT | ||
inch | cm | inch | cm | lb | |
abyssinian | 8″ – 10″ | 20 – 25cm | 12″ – 16″ | 30 – 41cm | 8 – 12lb |
american bobtail | 9” – 10” | 23 – 25 cm | 17” – 19” | 43 – 48 cm | 7 – 18 lb |
american curl | 9” – 12” | 23 – 30 cm | 16” – 21” | 41 – 53 cm | 5 – 10 lb |
american shorthair | 8” – 10” | 20 – 25 cm | 12” – 15” | 30 – 38 cm | 10 – 15 lb |
american wirehair | 8” – 10″ | 20 – 25 cm | 11” – 13” | 28 – 33 cm | 8 – 15 lb |
balinese | 8″ – 11″ | 20 – 28 cm | 14” – 18” | 36 – 46 cm | 8 – 15 lb |
bengal | 8” – 10″ | 20 – 25 cm | 14” – 18” | 36 – 46 cm | 8 – 15 lb |
birman | 8” – 10″ | 20 – 25 cm | 15” – 18″ | 38 – 46 cm | 10 – 12 lb |
bombay | 11” – 14” | 28 – 36 cm | 13” – 20” | 33 – 56 cm | 6 – 11 lb |
british shorthair | 12” – 14” | 30 – 46 cm | 22” – 25” | 56 – 64 cm | 7 – 17 lb |
burmese | 10” – 12” | 25 – 30 cm | 15” – 18” | 38 – 46 cm | 6 – 14 lb |
chartreux | 9” – 11” | 23 – 28 cm | 15” – 18” | 38 – 46 cm | 9 – 11 lb |
cornish rex | 8” – 12” | 20 – 30 cm | 12” – 17” | 30 – 43 cm | 5 – 10 lb |
devon rex | 10” – 12” | 25 – 30 cm | 15” – 18” | 38 – 46 cm | 6 – 9 lb |
egyptian mau | 8” – 10″ | 20 – 25 cm | 12” – 15” | 30 – 38 cm | 8 – 12 lb |
european burmese | 10” – 12” | 25 – 30 cm | 15” – 18” | 38 – 46 cm | 6 – 10 lb |
exotic shorthair | 10” – 12” | 25 – 30 cm | 16” – 19” | 41 – 48 cm | 10 – 12 lb |
havana brown | 9” – 11″ | 23 – 28 cm | 12” – 15” | 30 – 38 cm | 8 – 10 lb |
himalayan | 10” – 12” | 25 – 30 cm | 17” – 19” | 43 – 48 cm | 7 – 12 lb |
japanese bobtail | 8” – 9” | 20 – 23 cm | 13” – 15” | 33 – 38 cm | 6 – 12 lb |
javanese | 9” – 12” | 23 – 30 cm | 12” – 16” | 30 – 41 cm | 5 – 10 lb |
korat | 10” – 12” | 25 – 30 cm | 15” – 18” | 38 – 46 cm | 6 – 10 lb |
laperm | 6” – 10” | 15 – 25 cm | 12” – 16” | 30 – 41 cm | 6 – 10 lb |
maine coon | 10” – 16″ | 25 – 40 cm | 19” – 32” | 48 – 81 cm | 15 – 25 lb |
manx | 10” – 12” | 25 – 30 cm | 14” – 16” | 36 – 41 cm | 8 – 12 lb |
norwegian forest cat | 9” – 12” | 23 – 30 cm | 12” – 18” | 30 – 46 cm | 13 – 20 lb |
ocicat | 9” – 11” | 23 – 28 cm | 13” – 16” | 33 – 41 cm | 6 – 14 lb |
oriental | 8” – 10″ | 20 – 25 cm | 12” – 15” | 30 – 38 cm | 5 – 10 lb |
oriental shorthair | 9” – 11″ | 23 – 28 cm | 11” – 14” | 28 – 36 cm | 9 – 14 lb |
persian | 8” – 10″ | 20 – 25 cm | 14.5” – 17.5” | 37 – 44 cm | 7 – 12 lb |
peterbald | 8” – 12” | 20 – 30 cm | 12” – 17” | 30 – 43 cm | 6 – 12 lb |
pixie-bob | 9” – 12” | 23 – 30 cm | 13” – 17” | 33 – 43 cm | 8 – 14 lb |
ragamuffin | 9” – 12” | 23 – 28 cm | 12” – 18” | 30 – 46 cm | 8 – 20 lb |
ragdoll | 9” – 11″ | 23 – 28 cm | 17” – 21” | 43 – 53 cm | 8 – 20 lb |
russian blue | 8″ – 10″ | 20 – 25 cm | 15″ – 18″ | 38 – 46 cm | 8 – 15 lb |
savannah | 13” – 15” | 33 – 38 cm | 20” – 22” | 51 – 56 cm | 12 – 25 lb |
scottish fold | 8” – 10″ | 20 – 25 cm | 14” – 16” | 36 – 41 cm | 9 – 13 lb |
selkirk rex | 9” – 11” | 23 – 28 cm | 12” – 15” | 30 – 38 cm | 9 – 16 lb |
siamese | 8” – 10″ | 20 – 25 cm | 11.5” – 14” | 29 – 36 cm | 8 – 10 lb |
siberian or siberian forest cat | 9” – 11″ | 23 – 28 cm | 15” – 18” | 38 – 46 cm | 10 – 20 lb |
singapura | 6” – 8” | 15 – 20 cm | 9” – 12” | 23 – 30 cm | 4 – 8 lb |
somali | 8” – 10″ | 20 – 25 cm | 11” – 14” | 28 – 36 cm | 9 – 12 lb |
sphynx | 8” – 10” | 20 – 25 cm | 13” – 15” | 33 – 38 cm | 10 – 12 lb |
tonkinese | 8” – 10″ | 20 – 25 cm | 12” – 15” | 30 – 38 cm | 6 – 12 lb |
toyger | 9” – 13” | 23 – 33 cm | 20” – 24” | 51 – 61 cm | 10 – 15 lb |
turkish angora | 8” – 10″ | 20 – 25 cm | 14” – 16” | 36 – 41 cm | 5 – 10 lb |
turkish van | 9” – 11″ | 23 – 28 cm | 14” – 17” | 36 – 43 cm | 7 – 18 lb |
Cat size chart by weight (kittens)
Age | in ounces | in pounds | in grams | in kg | ||||
Low | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | High | |
0-6 days | 3 | 7 | 85.02 | 198.38 | ||||
1 week | 5 | 10 | 141.7 | 283.4 | ||||
2 weeks | 8 | 14 | 226.72 | 396.76 | ||||
3 weeks | 10 | 17.6 | 283.4 | 498.784 | ||||
4 weeks | 12 | 20.8 | 340.08 | 589.472 | ||||
5 weeks | 14 | 28.8 | 396.76 | 816.192 | ||||
6 weeks | 16 | 32 | 1 | 2 | 0.45 | 0.9 | ||
7 weeks | 1.2 | 2.3 | 0.54 | 1.035 | ||||
8 weeks | 1.4 | 2.6 | 0.63 | 1.17 | ||||
9 weeks | 1.6 | 2.9 | 0.72 | 1.305 | ||||
10 weeks | 1.8 | 3.1 | 0.81 | 1.395 | ||||
11 weeks | 2 | 3.3 | 0.9 | 1.485 | ||||
12 weeks | 2.2 | 4 | 0.99 | 1.8 | ||||
16 weeks | 4 | 5.5 | 1.8 | 2.475 |
Cat size chart (chest vs neck and belly)
Chest | Belly | Neck | l1 | l2 | l3 | l4 | l5 | ||||||||
cm | in | cm | in | cm | in | cm | in | cm | in | cm | in | cm | in | cm | in |
25.4 | 10 | 27.94 | 11 | 22 | 8.7 | 20 | 8 | 23 | 9 | 25.5 | 10 | 28 | 11 | 30.5 | 12 |
27.94 | 11 | 30.48 | 12 | 23 | 9 | 25.5 | 10 | 28 | 11 | 12 | 33 | 13 | 35.5 | 14 | |
30.48 | 12 | 33.02 | 13 | 23 | 9 | 28 | 11 | 12 | 33 | 13 | 35.5 | 14 | 38 | 15 | |
33.02 | 13 | 35.56 | 14 | 23 | 9 | 30.5 | 12 | 33 | 13 | 35.5 | 14 | 38 | 15 | 40.5 | 16 |
35.56 | 14 | 38.1 | 15 | 24 | 9.5 | 33 | 13 | 35.5 | 14 | 38 | 15 | 40.5 | 16 | 43 | 17 |
38.1 | 15 | 40.64 | 16 | 24 | 9.5 | ||||||||||
40.64 | 16 | 43.18 | 17 | 24 | 9.5 | ||||||||||
43.18 | 17 | 45.72 | 18 | 24 | 9.5 | 35.5 | 14 | 38 | 15 | 40.5 | 16 | 43 | 17 | 45.5 | 18 |
45.72 | 18 | 48.26 | 19 | 24 | 9.5 | ||||||||||
48.26 | 19 | 50.8 | 20 | 24 | 9.5 |
Understanding Cat Size Categories
Cats fit into three main size categories: small, medium, and large. Each category features distinct breeds and characteristics. For instance, small cats are often easier to manage in smaller spaces, while large cats may require more room and resources.
Balancing these size factors is essential, as each brings unique benefits and challenges that impact your living environment and pet care decisions.
Factors Affecting Cat Size
Several factors can influence a cat’s size, including genetics, diet, and overall health. These elements can lead to variations even within specific breeds, making it essential to consider each aspect when assessing a cat’s size.
Genetic Factors
Genetics play a significant role in determining a cat’s size. Certain breeds are genetically predisposed to be larger or smaller. For instance, Maine Coons are naturally larger due to their genetic makeup, whereas smaller breeds like the Singapura are genetically programmed to remain petite. Understanding these genetic tendencies helps set realistic expectations for size.
Diet and Nutrition
A cat’s diet and nutrition during its growth phase directly impact its final size. Proper feeding is crucial for healthy development. Cats with balanced diets often reach their optimal size more effectively, while inadequate nutrition can stunt growth or lead to excessive weight gain. Balancing their diet ensures they grow properly and maintain a healthy size.
Health and Wellness
Regular veterinary check-ups and overall health are vital for ensuring a cat reaches its optimal size. Cats that receive consistent medical care are less likely to face health issues that could affect their growth. Regular wellness checks help detect and address any potential problems early, contributing to a cat’s healthy size and well-being.
FAQs
How can I determine if a cat will fit well in my living space?
To determine if a cat will fit well in your living space, consider the cat’s size and activity level. Smaller breeds like the Singapura are ideal for apartments or smaller homes, while larger breeds like the Maine Coon need more space to move around comfortably. Also, think about the cat’s energy levels; active breeds may require more room to play and exercise.
What should I feed my cat to ensure it grows to its optimal size?
To ensure your cat grows to its optimal size, provide a balanced diet appropriate for its age and breed. High-quality cat food with the right mix of proteins, fats, and vitamins supports healthy growth and development. Consult your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations based on your cat’s breed and health needs.
How do genetic factors influence a cat’s size?
Genetic factors greatly influence a cat’s size, as some breeds are naturally predisposed to be larger or smaller. For example, Maine Coons are known for their large size due to their genetic background, while breeds like the Munchkin are bred to be smaller. Understanding your cat’s breed and its genetic traits helps in setting accurate expectations for its size.