Our beautiful cats come in different shapes. Some of them are larger with slimmer bodies, while others are small and chubby.
There are also different coat types, so you can see felines with longer or shorter fur, and they also come in a wide variety of colors and coat patterns.
But, have you ever thought about how tall are cats exactly? I’m sure all new cat parents would like to approximately know how tall their kitten will get, and how long it will take to get to their full size.
So, let’s see what a cat’s average height is, and also what are some of the tallest breeds out there.
What’s The Cat’s Average Height?
On average, a domestic cat stands at a height of 9.5 inches.
Their height depends on the gender, so, while males are usually about 10 inches, females are slightly smaller with an average height of 9 inches.
Their height also depends on some other factors, such as the cat breed. There are some opinions that some additional factors, like sterilization, can impact a cat’s size.
However, the VCA Animal Hospitals explains that spaying/neutering a cat doesn't have any effect on its physical development – its overall height and weight – regardless of the age at which it was performed.
According to the cat growth chart, most domestic felines stop growing between the age of 8 and 16 months.
This applies to the majority of breeds, although some cats may take longer to reach their full size.
Still, cats will mostly reach their full height around 12 months of age. Some of them might still continue to grow for a couple of months, or even years, but this will most likely involve weight gain and muscle development.
How To Measure A Cat’s Height?
Measuring your cat's height should be quite easy, of course, if your pet is willing to cooperate!
A cat's height is determined by measuring the distance from the floor to the withers. Your cat should be completely calm and relaxed for you to successfully measure her height.
You should place your cat next to any object on which you can easily mark the distance from the floor to the ridge. Then, you can use a ruler or measuring tape to measure the marked height.
Some cats won't let you measure them so easily. In such cases, you can attempt to measure their height while they are lying down by marking their height on a piece of paper.
Please note that this method may not provide the exact measurement.
You can see how to do this in the video below.
What Are The Tallest Cat Breeds?
Would you like to have a very tall kitten? Then you would certainly like to know what breeds have the best chances of reaching impressive heights!
The Savannah breed is one of them. According to the Savannah growth chart, these cats are usually 12 to 17 inches tall.
The Maine Coon is another breed that can get quite tall. Its average height goes from 10 to 16 inches.
Bengal is also a tall cat breed, with an average height of 13 to 15 inches, as its growth chart suggests.
The Highlander is yet another tall cat breed, measuring between 10 and 14 inches in height.
The International Cat Association describes this breed as a powerful-looking cat with a gentle disposition.
What Are The Shortest Cat Breeds?
Some people prefer tall and elegant cats, but I'm sure some of you are also fans of shorter, adorable kittens that can even fit into your palm!
One of these cute kittens is the Munchkin breed with an average height of 5 to 7 inches. The video below shows this cutie pie and I think it will just make your day better!
The Singapura is another short breed, usually 6 to 8 inches tall, and widely recognized by its large ears and eyes, and a blunt tail.
The Dwelf is a fascinating, hairless cat breed that results from breeding a Sphynx, American Curl, and the Munchkin breed.
This relatively new breed is characterized by its short height, usually falling within the range of 6 to 7 inches.
See Also: A Detailed Guide To Bambino, The Munchkin Sphynx Cat Mix
Conclusion
Some future pet owners would like to have a rather tall cat.
So, I hope this article has helped you get a fair insight into cats’ height.
While male domestic cats are usually around 10 inches tall, females are a bit smaller with an average height of 9 inches.
However, certain breeds, such as the Maine Coon, Savannah, and Bengal, offer a good chance of surpassing the average height significantly. Therefore, all lovers of tall cats will be delighted with these felines!
On the other hand, the Munchkin and Singapura breeds will be perfect choices for anyone looking for a short, adorable kitten.
In the end, I think we can all agree that every cat is beautiful in its own way, regardless of its height.
