Puppy and kitten growth charts

Growth curves are charts that track the growth of a puppy or a kitten over time. They are particularly useful for you, as a veterinarian, to monitor the puppies and kittens' development and ensure they are growing at a healthy rate (neither too slow nor too fast). 

Here's how to use a growth curve for a puppy or a kitten:

1. Select the right chart: 
- For puppies, the charts are specific to a size category (small, medium, large) because different breeds grow at different rates. Choose the appropriate chart for the puppy's breed or expected size and print it.
- For kittens, the charts are specific to the gender. 

2. Recording measurements: the x-axis represents the age of the puppy or kitten (in weeks or months) and the y-axis represents the weight. Weigh the puppy or kitten and plot the weight onto the chart. To use the growth curve chart effectively, you'll need to record the weight every 2 to 4 weeks. 

3. Interpreting the Curve: as you plot the measurements, you'll start to see a curve forming on the chart. Ideally, the curve should follow the expected growth pattern and remain between 2 lines. If the curve deviates from the expected pattern, it may indicate the puppy or kitten is not growing as expected, which could be a sign of a health issue or improper nutrition:
- If the weight curve crosses more than one line upwards, growth is too rapid, 
- If the weight crosses more than one line downwards, growth is too slow.

4. Adjustments: if the curve deviates from the expected pattern, you need to adjust the puppy or kitten's diet, exercise routine, or other aspects of their care to ensure they continue to grow and develop properly.

By using a growth curve chart and monitoring a puppy or kitten's growth regularly, you can ensure they are growing at a healthy rate and address any issues that may arise promptly.

	Unit	Male Growth Curves	Female Growth Curves
Cat	lb	Male cat in lb	Female cat in lb
	kg	Male cat in kg	Female cat in kg

	Unit	Male Growth Curves	Female Growth Curves
Dog	lb	Male dogs with predicted adult body weight less than 14 lbs	Female dogs with predicted adult body weight less than 14 lbs
		Male dogs with predicted adult body weight 14–20 lbs	Female dogs with predicted adult body weight 14–20 lbs
		Male dogs with predicted adult body weight 20–33 lbs	Female dogs with predicted adult body weight 20–33 lbs
		Male dogs with predicted adult body weight 33–66 lbs	Female dogs with predicted adult body weight 33–66 lbs
		Male dogs with predicted adult body weight 66–88 lbs	Female dogs with predicted adult body weight 66–88 lbs
	kg	Male dogs with predicted adult body weight less than 6.5 kg	Female dogs with predicted adult body weight less than 6.5 kg
		Male dogs with predicted adult body weight 6.5–9 kg	Female dogs with predicted adult body weight 6.5–9 kg
		Male dogs with predicted adult body weight 9–15 kg	Female dogs with predicted adult body weight 9–15 kg
		Male dogs with predicted adult body weight 15–30 kg	Female dogs with predicted adult body weight 15–30 kg
		Male dogs with predicted adult body weight 30–40 kg	Female dogs with predicted adult body weight 30–40 kg