Although cats and dogs are both beloved pets, they have many differences—including height! If you’re a dog owner wondering what to expect in terms of size if you ever get a cat, then this guide is for you. Let’s find out how tall cats can be.
Why Does It Matter?
Although it may not seem like much of a difference in size between a regular house cat and a marine coon cat might make much of a difference, it actually does! If you’re trying to determine whether or not your home will be large enough for a certain breed of cat, then knowing their height can help you plan accordingly. Additionally, if you want your kitty to be able to roam freely without bumping into things, then having an idea of how tall they’ll get can help ensure that everything in your home fits them just right!
Average Height of Domestic Cats
On average, domestic cats measure between 8 and 10 inches from paw to shoulder. The average domestic cat will fall somewhere in the range of 8-12 inches in height, though some breeds may be slightly larger or smaller than this. The average weight of an adult housecat is around 8-10 pounds.
What is the Average Weight of a Cat?
The average weight for an adult domestic cat ranges from 8-10 pounds, although it largely depends on size and breed. The heavier breeds tend to weigh in at around 15 pounds or more, while some smaller breeds, such as Singapura, may only weigh 5 pounds or less. In addition to breed size, age also plays a factor in determining a cat’s weight; kittens will typically weigh less than adults do since they are still growing into their adult form. It’s important to note that, like humans, cats come in all shapes and sizes; they should not be compared with other cats as this could lead to unhealthy comparison habits that could ultimately lead to harm them emotionally or physically.
Height Varies by Breed
When it comes to cats, size does matter—at least when it comes to the breed. Some big domestic cats, such as the Maine Coon cat can reach heights of 13-16 inches or more from paw to shoulder, while other breeds, such as the Siamese, tend to be smaller and only reach heights between 7-9 inches on average. Other popular breeds, such as the Persian, Ragdoll, and American Shorthair, tend to stay right around the average size of 8-12 inches.
The Tallest Cat Breed
Despite being relatively small animals when compared to other pets, like dogs or horses, there are some cat breeds that are much taller than others. The tallest breed of cat is the Maine Coon. These felines can typically reach up to 16 inches in height at full size! While Maine Coons tend to weigh more than other similar large breed cats due to their larger size and muscular build, they still remain relatively light; the male cats typically weigh between 13-18 pounds, while the female cats are usually around 8-12 pounds.
Domestic Shorthairs and Siamese Cats
The two most common breeds of cats, Domestic Shorthairs and Siamese Cats, usually measure between 8-10 inches in height. This is due to the fact that these breeds have short front and hind legs, which keeps them closer to the ground. Domestic Shorthairs also tend to be more rotund than other cats, leading some people to think that they are actually taller than they really are. However, when measured from shoulder to paw, these two breeds typically only reach 8-10 inches in height. These are typically small cats when compared to some of the largest domestic cats available.
Other Factors That Affect Height
Aside from breed type, other factors can affect a cat’s size and height as well. For example, diet plays a role in overall size since cats that eat high-quality food tend to grow healthier and larger than those who subsist on low-grade nutrition. Age also plays a role since kittens are typically much smaller than adults, and seniors may suffer from age-related health issues that lead to a decrease in body mass over time. Additionally, gender makes a difference; males tend to be larger than females on average, but there are exceptions to every rule.
Larger cat breeds can also experience health conditions in relation to their stature. This can be due to the weight of the cat, long legs making it more susceptible to being clumsy, or growth spurts. Cat parents should be sure to research all the health conditions the average cat goes through and see if big cats experience the same ailment and to what degree. Similar to dogs, the bigger the animal, the more expensive the care and the more prone to certain conditions due to their size. As with designer pets, unique cats may be fun to own, but they come with a myriad of ailments and/or health issues that could impact life expectancy.
The Age of the Cat Also Plays a Role in Its Height
In addition to breed, the age of a cat will also affect its size and height. Kittens are usually much smaller than adult cats due to their age and lack of muscle development, but they will grow quickly as they age. It is not uncommon for kittens to grow up to two or three times their original size during their first year! As kittens become adults, they typically reach their full height by around two years old unless they are part of a larger breed, such as Maine Coons, which takes longer to reach full growth.
A Cat’s Height Affects Its Behavior
Just like humans, a cat’s size and height can play an essential role in its behavior. Larger cats tend to be more confident and outgoing, while smaller cats may be more reserved or shy around strangers due to their small size. Additionally, it is important for cat owners to keep their pet’s size in mind when selecting toys or furniture because larger breeds may require items that can support their weight better than smaller breeds do!
So How Tall Are Cats?
As we have seen here today, cats come in all shapes and sizes—and that includes height! On average, domestic cats measure between 8 and 10 inches from paw to shoulder, but certain breeds can vary greatly from this figure either way. However tall your cat ends up being though, one thing is for sure: no matter their size or breed type, all cats make excellent companions! Oftentimes large domestic cats, like Bengal cats and savannah cats, are often gentle giants who want to be lap cats. Numerous factors make any large cat breed great family pets.