How long do cats stay small?

Cats don't stay small forever! They have a pretty clear growth curve. Here's a breakdown:

* Kittenhood (0-6 months): This is when they grow the most rapidly, both in size and weight. They'll go from tiny bundles to pretty big, playful youngsters.

* Adolescence (6-12 months): Growth slows down, but they're still filling out and getting their adult body shape.

* Adulthood (1-7 years): This is when most cats reach their full size and weight.

* Senior years (7+): While they might not get smaller, cats can lose some muscle mass and become less active in their senior years.

Important Note: The time it takes for a cat to reach full size varies by breed. Some breeds, like Maine Coons, continue growing for up to 4 years!

So, "small" is a relative term. Cats are considered "small" compared to dogs, but they grow into their adult size pretty quickly!