When Do Ragdoll Cats Stop Growing?
I get this question all the time: “When do Ragdoll cats stop growing?”
If you’ve ever had a Ragdoll kitten bouncing around your house, you know they are absolutely adorable, fluffy, and surprisingly big for their age. But then you start to wonder… how much bigger are they going to get? And at what point will they actually stop growing?
So let me break this down for you. I’ll share the timeline of growth, what you can expect month by month and year by year, and some things that affect how big your Ragdoll gets. I’ll also talk about when you can tell they’re “done” and fully mature.
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Why Ragdoll Cats are Different
Most cats reach their full size around one year old. By their first birthday, your average domestic short hair is basically done growing. They may fill out a little, but they’re not going to get a lot bigger.
Ragdolls are not like that. They are one of the slowest maturing cat breeds. It can take them three to four years before they’re truly finished developing. That means if you have a one-year-old Ragdoll, you don’t actually have an adult cat yet. You have a teenager in a fluffy coat.
This is part of the reason people fall in love with Ragdolls. They stay kitten-like for longer. They still grow into big, beautiful cats, but they take their sweet time getting there.
Ragdoll Growth Timeline
Let’s go step by step so you know what to expect at each stage.
0 to 6 Months: The Baby Stage
This is when your Ragdoll kitten is growing like crazy. You’ll notice every few weeks they look different. Their legs get longer, their coat changes, and their personality starts to come out.
At this age, they are usually eating multiple meals a day, sleeping a ton, and zooming around the house like maniacs when they are awake. Don’t be fooled by their size right now. Even if your Ragdoll kitten seems big compared to other kittens, they are nowhere near their final weight or height.
Most kittens at this age are between 4 and 8 pounds, but some can be smaller or bigger depending on their genetics.
6 to 12 Months: The Teenager Stage
Around six months old, you’ll notice your kitten is lanky. Their body grows faster than they can fill out. Some people describe them as looking a little awkward.
This stage is a lot like a teenage human. They’re trying to figure themselves out. They have bursts of energy, they can be a little clumsy, and they may not quite look balanced yet.
By the time your Ragdoll reaches one year old, they might already weigh 10 to 12 pounds, especially the males. Females tend to be a little lighter. But remember, this is not the end. They’re only halfway there.
1 to 2 Years: The Young Adult Stage
This is when things start to get exciting. Between one and two years old, Ragdolls start filling out. Their chest broadens, their muscles develop, and they begin to look like the large, majestic cats Ragdolls are known to be.
They also start calming down a little. That hyper kitten energy is still there, but you’ll notice more naps and more cuddly, mellow behavior.
At this stage, males might be anywhere from 12 to 16 pounds, and females may be 10 to 14 pounds. They’ll keep adding weight slowly as they mature.
2 to 3 Years: The Almost Grown Stage
By the time your Ragdoll is two years old, many people think they’re full grown. And compared to most cats, they would be. But Ragdolls are still developing.
Their coat continues to thicken and reach its full length. Their body keeps gaining muscle. And their personality settles into that classic Ragdoll calmness.
If your cat is on the bigger side, you’ll definitely notice the difference between year one and year three. They’ll look like a whole new cat.
3 to 4 Years: Full Maturity
This is it. Between three and four years old, your Ragdoll cat is finally done growing. Their body is filled out, their coat is fully developed, and their weight has leveled off.
Adult male Ragdolls usually weigh between 15 and 20 pounds, although some can be heavier. Females usually weigh between 10 and 15 pounds. They are long cats, too, often measuring up to 40 inches from nose to tail tip.
At this age, they look majestic. Big, fluffy, and powerful, but still with that gentle personality that makes Ragdolls so beloved.
Factors That Affect Ragdoll Growth
Not every Ragdoll grows at the same rate. Here are a few things that can change the timeline.
Genetics
Some Ragdolls just come from bigger lines. If your kitten’s parents were large, chances are your kitten will be too.
Diet and Nutrition
Feeding a high-quality diet with plenty of protein helps your cat grow steadily and stay healthy. Poor nutrition can stunt growth, while too much low-quality food can cause unhealthy weight gain.
Spaying and Neutering
Whether and when your cat is spayed or neutered can influence growth. Sometimes cats spayed early grow slightly taller, but overall it doesn’t drastically change the end result.
Health
Health conditions can also affect growth. Regular vet visits make sure your kitten is on track.
How to Tell Your Ragdoll Has Stopped Growing
You’ll know your Ragdoll is done when a few things happen:
- Their weight stays stable for several months
- Their coat looks full and plush
- Their body feels solid and muscular, not lanky
- Their personality feels calmer and more settled
Living With a Growing Ragdoll
While your Ragdoll is still growing, you may notice some things about their behavior and needs.
Food
Kittens and young adults need more calories than mature adults. Make sure you’re feeding the right amount. Talk with your vet if you’re unsure.
Exercise
Ragdolls are not the most hyper breed, but they still need playtime to stay healthy. Toys, climbing trees, and short play sessions keep them strong.
Patience
Remember that your kitten is not done growing for a long time. Don’t panic if they look skinny at eight months or awkward at 14 months. They’re still working on it.
Why Their Long Growth Period is Special
One of the best parts about owning a Ragdoll is watching them grow slowly over the years. You don’t just get a kitten for a few months and then suddenly have an adult cat. You get to watch them transform gradually into the full, magnificent Ragdoll they were meant to be.
It also means you’ll have a playful, kitten-like companion for longer. Even though they’re big, Ragdolls stay gentle and puppy-like well into adulthood.
Final Thoughts
So, when do Ragdoll cats stop growing? The short answer is between three and four years old. But the long answer is that it’s a journey. From tiny fluffball to full-sized gentle giant, your Ragdoll will keep surprising you with changes year after year.
If you’re a new Ragdoll owner, enjoy every stage. Take lots of pictures, because they change so much. And don’t stress if your kitten looks awkward or grows slowly. That’s part of the charm of this breed.
Check out these other popular posts:
- [How Long Do Ragdolls Live?]
- [Are Ragdoll Cats Affectionate?]
- [What Do Ragdoll Cats Eat?]
- [Ragdoll Cat Price: What to Expect]
Whether you’re raising a kitten or just considering this breed, these guides will help you feel confident and prepared.
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