Kitten Weight Chart
Track your kitten's growth against veterinary reference ranges. Enter your kitten's age, weight, and sex to see if they're on track from 1 week to 12 months.
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Kitten Growth Chart — Birth to 12 Months
Kitten weight by age — reference ranges
| Age | Female Range | Male Range |
|---|---|---|
| Birth | 2.5–3.5 oz | 3–4.5 oz |
| 1 week | 4–7 oz | 5–8 oz |
| 2 weeks | 6–10 oz | 7–12 oz |
| 3 weeks | 8–13 oz | 10–15 oz |
| 4 weeks | 11 oz – 1 lb | 13 oz – 1.1 lb |
| 6 weeks | 14.4 oz – 1.3 lb | 1.1–1.5 lb |
| 8 weeks | 1.3–1.8 lb | 1.5–2.2 lb |
| 10 weeks | 1.8–2.5 lb | 2–3 lb |
| 12 weeks | 2.2–3 lb | 2.5–3.8 lb |
| 4 months | 3–4.5 lb | 3.5–5.5 lb |
| 5 months | 4–5.5 lb | 4.5–6.5 lb |
| 6 months | 5–7 lb | 6–8 lb |
| 8 months | 6–8 lb | 7–10 lb |
| 10 months | 7–9 lb | 8–11 lb |
| 12 months | 7.5–10 lb | 8.5–12 lb |
How Much Should My Kitten Weigh?
Tracking your kitten's weight is one of the most reliable ways to monitor their health during the critical first year of life. Kittens grow rapidly — a healthy kitten gains roughly 0.25–0.5 ounces (7–14 grams) per day during the first several months, and most will double their birth weight by the end of their first week.
The weight ranges in our kitten growth chart are based on veterinary reference data for domestic shorthair and medium-sized cats. Male kittens tend to be slightly heavier than females at every age, and the gap widens as they approach adulthood. By 12 months, most domestic cats have reached or are very close to their adult weight, typically 8–12 lb for males and 7.5–10 lb for females.
Kitten Growth Milestones
Understanding key growth milestones helps you spot potential issues early. During the first four weeks, kittens depend entirely on their mother's milk (or kitten milk replacer for orphans). Their eyes open around 7–10 days, and they begin walking by 2–3 weeks. By 4 weeks, a kitten should weigh roughly 3–4 times their birth weight.
Between 4 and 8 weeks, kittens transition from nursing to solid food. Growth remains rapid during this period, and kittens typically gain about 1 lb per month. The fastest growth phase occurs in the first 6 months, after which the rate gradually slows. Most kittens reach approximately 75% of their adult weight by 6 months and their full adult weight by 10–12 months.
Feeding Guidance by Age
- Birth–4 weeks: Mother's milk or kitten milk replacer exclusively. Kittens nurse every 2–3 hours.
- 4–6 weeks: Begin introducing high-quality wet kitten food mixed with formula, while continuing to nurse.
- 6–8 weeks: Fully weaned. Offer 4 small meals of kitten-specific food per day.
- 3–6 months: Reduce to 3 meals per day. Continue using kitten-formulated food for the higher calorie and protein content growing kittens need.
- 6–12 months: 2–3 meals per day. Most kittens can transition to adult food between 10–12 months, though your vet may recommend continuing kitten food longer for slow-maturing breeds.
When to See a Vet About Kitten Weight
While some variation in weight is completely normal, certain patterns warrant a veterinary visit. Contact your vet if your kitten is not gaining weight for more than 2–3 days, if they are losing weight at any point, if their weight is significantly below the expected range for their age, or if they appear lethargic and are refusing food. Weight loss in kittens can indicate parasites (very common), infections, congenital issues, or inadequate nutrition — all of which are treatable when caught early.
Regular weigh-ins at home using a kitchen scale (for young kittens) or a small pet scale are a simple way to stay on top of your kitten's health between vet appointments.
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Sources & Methodology
- American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP). (2021). "Feline Life Stage Guidelines." Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.
- WALTHAM Petcare Science Institute — Kitten Growth Charts and Reference Data (waltham.com)
- Sparkes, A.H. et al. (2013). "ISFM Guidelines on Population Management and Welfare of Unowned Domestic Cats." Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 15(9), 811–817.
Weight ranges shown are based on veterinary reference data for domestic shorthair and medium-sized cats. Breed-specific cats (Maine Coon, Siamese, Persian, etc.) may have significantly different weight ranges. This tool is for informational purposes only and does not replace veterinary guidance. If your kitten is losing weight or consistently below the expected range, consult your veterinarian promptly.
Kitten Weight Chart FAQ
How much should a kitten weigh at 8 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months?
At 8 weeks, most kittens weigh between 1.3–2.2 lb (males tend toward the higher end). By 12 weeks (3 months), expect 2.2–3.8 lb. At 6 months, a healthy domestic shorthair kitten typically weighs 5–8 lb. These ranges apply to average domestic cats — larger breeds like Maine Coons will be heavier at each stage.
When do kittens stop growing?
Most domestic shorthair kittens reach their adult weight between 10 and 12 months of age. However, some larger breeds (Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Norwegian Forest Cat) may continue growing until 2–4 years old. Kittens experience their most rapid growth in the first 6 months, gaining approximately 0.5 oz (14 g) per day during the first few months of life.
How much should I feed my kitten?
Feeding amounts depend on age. From birth to 4 weeks, kittens should nurse from their mother (or receive kitten milk replacer). Between 4–6 weeks, gradually introduce wet kitten food alongside nursing. From 6–8 weeks, kittens should be fully weaned and eating 4 meals per day. Between 3–6 months, feed 3 meals daily. From 6–12 months, 2–3 meals per day is typical. Always use food specifically formulated for kittens, which has higher calorie and protein content than adult cat food.
Is my kitten underweight or overweight?
Rather than focusing solely on scale weight, veterinarians assess body condition using a Body Condition Score (BCS). You should be able to feel (but not prominently see) your kitten's ribs. A visible waist when viewed from above and a slight abdominal tuck from the side indicate healthy weight. If your kitten falls outside the typical weight range for their age, it doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem — breed, genetics, and individual variation all play a role. Consult your vet if you have concerns.
When should I worry about my kitten's weight?
See your veterinarian if your kitten is not gaining weight or is losing weight, if they are significantly below the expected range for their age, if they seem lethargic or are not eating well, or if their growth has suddenly plateaued. Kittens should gain weight steadily — a healthy kitten gains roughly 0.25–0.5 oz per day in the first weeks. Weight loss in kittens can be a sign of parasites, illness, or inadequate nutrition and should be evaluated promptly.