Watching your little kitty grow into an elegant adult is one of the many highlights of raising a cat. But how can you know if they're growing at the correct rate? A kitten growth chart provides a way to record and track details of your pet's development through some of their most critical life stages. You can also compare their size to the average weight of kittens their age to ensure they're developing properly, and your veterinarian will appreciate the extra information you provide!
How to Use a Kitten Growth Chart
Because kittens put on weight rapidly during the first few weeks of life, the chart tracks weight weekly from 1 to 8 weeks of age. It then moves to track weight milestones at 10, 12, and 16 weeks of life. At 16 weeks, most kittens can be spayed or neutered. At this point, your kitten should be about half their adult weight.
| Kitten's Age (in weeks) | Average Kitten Weight | Your Kitten's Weight (for you to fill out) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 to 10 ounces | |
| 2 | 6 to 14 ounces | |
| 3 | 12 ounces to 1.1 pounds | |
| 4 | 12 ounces to 1.3 pounds | |
| 5 | 14 ounces to 1.8 pounds | |
| 6 | 1 to 2 pounds | |
| 7 | 1.2 to 2.3 pounds | |
| 8 | 1.4 to 2.6 pounds | |
| 10 | 1.8 to 3.1 pounds | |
| 12 | 2.2 to 4 pounds | |
| 16 | 4 to 5.5 pounds | |
| Adult | 8 to 10 pounds (depending on breed) |
The average kitten weight column is meant to give you an idea of what your kitten's weight should be at each age. Keep in mind that this is the weight of an average cat. If you have a special breed, particularly a larger breed like a Maine Coon or a smaller breed like a Siamese or a "dwarf" cat like a Munchkin, these average weights should be adjusted to match your cat's breed. Talk with your veterinarian to determine your breed's healthy average weight gain as a kitten - or just follow the guidelines in our breed profiles!
Use this kitten growth chart in conjunction with your feeding plan to make sure your kitten is getting all the nutrition they need.
Kitten Growth Progress
In general, an average size kitten will double their body weight during their first week of life. They should gain ¼ ounce to ½ ounce of body weight per day until their fifth week of life. At five weeks, the kitten should weigh around 1 pound. Their weight will slowly increase after that until they reach thier full adult weight, around eight months of age.
The chart tracks kitten weight, as this is the best indicator of a kitten's and adult cat's health. Body size, such as height and length, aren't as important, as they're not usually as indicative of any health issues.
Is My Kitten Underweight?
If your kitten looks skinny or isn't gaining weight, it's important to see your vet right away. An underweight kitten likely has a health condition, such as a viral or bacterial infection. Because kittens have higher nutritional needs than adult cats, make sure you're feeding your little one a high-quality diet formulated for kittens.
Unfortunately, kittens who aren't gaining weight properly can suffer from Fading Kitten Syndrome, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Is My Kitten Overweight?
If your kitten seems too heavy or is gaining weight too quickly, something might be going on. Worms inside a kitten's intestines can give them a big, swollen belly, so that can contribute to their weight. It's also possible you might be overfeeding your kitten, which can put them at risk for becoming overweight or obese as an adult. Talk to your vet about whether your kitten is indeed overweight and to find out how much you should be feeding.
Tracking Your Kitten's Weight With a Growth Chart
Each week of a kitten's early life is a new stage in their development. It's important to make sure that your kitten is displaying normal behavior and biological changes week by week. A kitten growth chart shows you the important changes occurring in your kitten's early development. Plus, it's fun to see how much your little one has grown.
