Do All Maine Coon Cats Get Big?
Maine Coon cats are widely known for their lust-worthy coats, gentle natures, and large body size, but do all Maine Coon cats get big?
You might be surprised to discover just how big can a Maine Coon cat get. Keep reading to find out!
Maine Coons are the world’s largest domesticated cat breed, weighing 8 – 25 lbs. All purebreds are relatively large cats, however, it is possible for an extra-large non-pedigree cat to be larger than a small Maine Coon. Small Maine Coons have part or mixed-breed parents, though a poor diet has also been thought to stunt the growth of a Maine Coon.
If you have just purchased a Maine Coon cat or are planning to adopt one, it is natural to wonder how large your new feline will get.
Read on to discover more about the Maine Coon size, the breed’s physically large proportions, and just how big Maine Coon cats can get.
Do All Maine Coon Cats Get Big
Maine Coons are the largest domesticated cat breed in the world, and the oldest and most popular natural cat breeds in North America!
These gentle giants are loved for a variety of reasons, including:
- Affectionate Behavior
- Easy-Going Manner
- Laid-Back Nature
Reaching a staggering 25 lbs in weight, it is not surprising that these pedigree cats have won Guinness World Records for their length, and weight.
Why not take a closer look at this famous Maine Coon cat. I guarantee you will be surprised at its size!
As a breed, the Maine Coon is not only known for its extra large dimensions.
Instead, they have also grown in popularity due to their loveable traits and characteristics which set them apart from other cat breeds.
If you are wondering if all Maine Coon cats grow big, however, the simple answer is no.
Whilst the average Maine Coon cat weighs between 8 – 25 lbs, there will always be exceptions to this rule. However, in general, it is unlikely that your Maine Coon cat will not fall outside this weight range.
The likelihood of owning a small Maine Coon cat that is 100% purebred is rare, though not totally impossible.
Generally, only Maine Coon mix cats grow smaller than the breeds averages for weight, height, and length. There are a few other factors to consider though, which we will explain later in this article.
Male Vs Female Size
If we compare male vs. female Maine Coon sizes, it is clear that male Maine Coon cats tend to be larger than their female counterparts.
For those of you wondering how big can Maine Coons get, you can expect your Maine Coon to grow anywhere between the following sizes:
- Length: 19 – 40 inches
- Height: 8 – 16 inches
- Weight: 8 – 25 lbs
The average Maine Coon weighs 8 to 25 lbs.
The female of the species is usually smaller than the male, weighing just 8 – 12 lbs. By comparison, male Maine Coons weigh an average of 15 – 25 lbs.
Owners should be aware that Maine Coon cats are prone to obesity, meaning a heavier Maine Coon could actually just be overweight.
It is therefore important that you keep your Maine Coon cat within a healthy weight range, and feed them a nutritional balanced diet, such as this.
For more information about how big a Maine Coon cat can get, make sure you read this guide.
Length And Height
Both male and female Maine Coons can grow up to 40 inches in length. However, generally speaking, the females are smaller:
- Female Length: 35 Inches
- Female Height: 8 – 14 Inches
Females Maine Coons thus appear smaller than their male counterparts.
These figures are relative to male Maine Coon cats that stand at roughly 16 inches tall.
Maine Coon Vs Normal Cat Size
Take a look at the infographic I designed below, to gain a true appreciation for the size of a Maine Coon cat vs a normal cat:
Largest Maine Coon Cat On Record
Whilst the average weight for the Maine Coon cat breed is between 8 – 25 lbs, there are some Maine Coons that have beaten these known averages.
Here are a few record breaking Maine Coon cats:
Stewie
Whilst it is not crystal clear as to why some Maine Coons outgrow the average Maine Coon size charts, one of the Maine Coons most known for doing so was Stewie.
Stewie exceeded the known average, growing to a staggering length of 48.5 inches!
Although Stewie died in 2013 from cancer, he will be well remembered in the world of felines.
Stewie holds the title for the longest Maine Coon cat ever.
Ludo
Ludo is one of the largest Maine Coons in history, weighing a staggering 34 lbs. He holds the record for being the biggest Maine Coon ever to have lived!
Ludo was recognized as the longest Maine Coon after the passing of Stewie and before the title of the longest Maine Coons was snatched by Barivel.
Currently, Ludo is the heaviest Maine Coon on record.
Barivel
Barivel is the longest Maine Coon cat alive.
Unfortunately, it is not clear how much Stewie weighed. Weight is also no longer used to determine the largest felines.
Other big Maine Coon cats listed in the Guinness World Records include:
- Samson
- Cygnus
- Omar
- Lotus
- Moonwalk Mognum
Why Are Maine Coons So Large?
The Maine Coon cat’s lineage is embroiled in mystery and intrigue, which makes it relatively difficult to determine exactly why they grow so big. All answers you read online can therefore only ever be educated guesswork.
From stories relating to their mysterious origins to science about the breed’s slow growth rate, here are the most likely reasons and factors contributing to the Maine Coon’s large size:
1. Slow Growth Rate
Did you know that Maine Coon cats do not reach their full size until they are between 3-5 years old?
The Maine Coons extra large size has been linked to their slow physical maturing rate since the slow growth enables their bodies time to develop larger muscles and a rigid bone structure than other cat breeds.
Although there is no guarantee that all Maine Coons cats will get big, they seem to be genetically predisposed to grow larger than other non-pedigree cat breeds.
In general, however, purebreds tend to grow bigger than non-pedigree cat breeds.
2. Origins
Although it remains a mystery as to how these beloved cats came into being, Maine Coon cats are thought to be native to Maine, US, where they have been recognized as the official state cat since 1985.
Regardless of who their progenitors were and how they arrived in the state of Maine, these cats evolved by growing long, shaggy fur to keep themselves warm during the cold winter climate of the Northeastern United States.
Their thick dense fur made these previously wild cats look even bigger!
This resilient cat breed survived in the wild for many years before they were domesticated. The Maine Coon cat is therefore extra large due to this breed’s natural lineage as wildcats.
Learn more about the Maine Coon cat’s fascinating history in this article I wrote.
3. Genetics
While genetics alone cannot determine the size of a Maine Coon, it does have a role to play in the overall size of your cat.
Along with a slow growth rate, inherited genetics will impact the length and height of your cat.
Generally speaking, a Maine Coon kitten whose parents are significantly larger tends to also grow pretty big.
If you fancy reading up on Maine Coon Genetics then take a look at this article.
4. Native Environment
It is hypothesized that Maine Coons are big because of their native environment.
These cats originated in Wiscasset, Maine, where they had to develop ways of surviving through the harshest of winter climates.
Their large bodies are thought to have been key in helping them hold more body heat.
As domesticated cats, Maine Coons cats are often kept indoors, which can affect their growth.
Indoor Maine Coon cats also do not get a lot of physical activity to shed excess pounds, which increases their chances of becoming obese.
So, do Maine Coon cats make good indoor cats?
5. Fur
Maine Coon cats are known to have long, luscious, thick coats of fur.
Although their shaggy fur does not make them large, it can give an illusion that the Maine Coon is remarkably big.
These large cats also have a lion’s mane around their neck and chest, which only adds to their large physical size.
With so much fur on them, you may have been wondering how much Maine Coons shed, this is the reality.
6. Diet
Maine Coon cats are naturally large felines, but the food they eat can aid them to grow bigger.
While there is no scientific proof to back up this assumption, cats that get a highly nutritious diet (like this) will likely grow to their full-size potential.
Keep in mind that Maine Coons are vulnerable to obesity, so be careful not to overfeed your cat.
Can Maine Coons Be Small?
Whilst Maine Coons cats are generally considered to be naturally big felines, it is worth noting that not all Maine Coons will grow big.
Therefore, do not be worried if your Maine Coon cat does not grow as big as the average figures suggest. After all, many factors can affect whether an individual Maine Coon cat reaches the large size the breed is known for.
If you want to understand the reason why your Maine Coon cat is so small, read this guide.
Why Is My Maine Coon Small?
There are many possible reasons why Maine Coon cats do not grow as big as the breed is prized for.
If your Maine Coon is tiny and you cannot figure out the cause, make sure to consult your veterinarian immediately (source 1).
Whilst small Maine Coons are rare, they are not impossible. However, for the most part, small Maine Coon cats are usually considered to be either young Maine Coons or part Maine Coons.
If you have purchased a Maine Coon cat and it just does not seem to be getting big, here are a few possible reasons behind your cat’s small stature that you might wish to consider:
Maine Coons Age
If your Maine Coon cat still looks small a few years after you purchased or adopted it, it is probably not yet fully grown.
Unlike many other domesticated cat breeds, the Maine Coon has a very slow growth, taking up to 5 years to fully mature, compared to a normal cat that reaches full size within 2 years.
Thus, if your Maine Coon cat is less than five years old, you need to give it more time to grow.
Cat Is A Hybrid
It is very uncommon for a mature purebred Maine Coon cat to weigh under 8 pounds.
Adult Maine Coon cats with a considerably small stature are more likely not to be purebred.
Even if your cat has predominant Maine Coon features, it might be a mixed breed. Here’s how to tell if your cat is part Maine Coon.
Poor Nutrition
Many factors can influence the size of a Maine Coon, and one such factor is their diet.
If you have confirmed you have a purebred Maine Coon cat and your feline does not grow big, it might be lacking some important nutrients.
Owning a Maine Coon is a big responsibility, so make sure to keep an eye on everything relating to your cat’s health.
A Maine Coon diet should be high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
Read this article to discover the most suitable diet for this particular cat breed.
Under-Eating
Underlying health issues may cause your Maine Coon cat to under-eat, ultimately impeding its growth.
If your Maine Coon is small and seems not to eat very much, consult your veterinarian for intervention.
These are the top 7 Maine Coon health problems to watch out for. Don’t forget to note down these signs and symptoms, to rule out any possible underlying health conditions in your cat.
Dwarfism
Although rare, dwarfism can occur in Maine Coons.
It is a genetic mutation that causes some Maine Coons to be very small.
Dwarfism could be inherited from parents.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a serious health condition that can impede Maine Coon growth.
With hyperthyroidism, the Maine Coon’s thyroid secretes too much thyroxine, which increases its metabolism. This causes the cat to burn calories faster, potentially causing them to be underweight.
Ultimately, this will prevent your Maine Coon cat from growing big.
Runt Of The Litter
Relative to their Maine Coon siblings, runts usually grow up to be small felines.
As such, if your Maine Coon was born a runt, it may never grow as big.
Portosystemic Shunt
Although rare, this is a condition that causes circulatory problems in a cat, which may lead to growth problems.
Parasites
Some parasites like worms can infect your Maine Coon cat at a very young age and cause them to become underweight.
Parasites can also lead to the following issues:
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
These are key contributors to weight loss in your Maine Coon cat.
Here’s how to treat a Maine Coon cat with fleas.
Health Issues
Underlying health issues can impede growth in Maine Coon cats, causing the infected cat to grow unnaturally small.
Whether it is cancer, a viral infection, bacterial infection, or any form of illness, if your cat has been sickly, especially at a young age, it may not grow as big.
Remember to keep on consulting your vet for intervention.
Top 7 Maine Coon cat health issues to be alert to.
Premature Separation From Mother
If a Maine Coon kitten is separated from its mother at a considerably young age, it will not receive the care and nutrients it requires to reach its size potential. This will adversely affect the kitten’s growth and development.
Many reputable breeders such as these and Maine Coon rescue centers will therefore not allow owners to adopt a Maine Coon kitten until it reaches between 8 – 13 weeks old.
Maine Coon Kitten Size Chart
Male Maine Coon cats often reach close to their full weight at the age of one year. Despite this, they continue to grow for the next 2 to 4 years!
The table below shows a male Maine Coon kitten size chart. Use this chart to help you keep an eye on your Maine Coon cat’s growth rate:
| Age | Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|
| Newborn | 0.2 – 0.4 |
| 2 Weeks | 0.6 – 0.9 |
| 1 Month | 1.3 – 1.8 |
| 3 Months | 3 – 6 |
| 6 Months | 8 – 11 |
| 9 Months | 12 – 16 |
| 1 Year | 13 – 20 |
| 1.5 Years | 15 – 25 |
The table below shows a female Maine Coon kitten size chart:
| Age | Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|
| Newborn | 0.2 – 0.3 |
| 2 Weeks | 0.6 – 0.9 |
| 1 Month | 1.2 – 1.6 |
| 3 Months | 3 – 5 |
| 6 Months | 6 – 10 |
| 9 Months | 9 – 11 |
| 1 Year | 10 – I 14 |
| 1.5 Years | 12 – 14 |
Please keep in mind that every Maine Coon cat is different, which means that your cat may portray a slightly different growth rate than listed above.
This is because growth rates are somewhat unpredictable, and there is no single known way to predict the pattern of growth.
All in all, as long as you have a purebred Maine Coon cat, expect growth spurts to take place within the first year, especially around weeks 32 to 50.
To develop a growth chart for your Maine Coon, get a suitable scale, like a functional postage scale, to measure their weight.
You will also need a measuring tape or something flexible and easy to use for measuring the cats:
- Height
- Length
- Waist
Keep recording the data and compare the figures with the breed averages.
Their disparity should not be very huge. If it is, make sure you consult your preferred veterinarian to rule out any underlying issues.
How To Tell If Your Maine Coon Will Be Big?
Maine Coons are genetically predisposed to growing big.
If you are contemplating how to tell how big your Maine Coon cat will get, the simple answer is that there is no way to accurately predict the future size of your Maine Coon cat.
Below are a few things that might help owners determine if their Maine Coon will grow big, even when they are still kittens:
Parents
It is thought that most Maine Coon kittens grow into large cats if their parents are also large.
This theory is unfortunately not true though if the kitten in question was the runt of the litter.
Back Legs
Many people also say that you can tell if your Maine Coon cat will get big by looking at its back legs?
Although there is no scientific proof supporting this theory, it is generally thought that tall back legs indicate a big cat in the making.
How To Make Your Maine Coon Big
Maine Coon cats are loved for their beautiful looks and large size.
As such many Maine Coon owners wish to make their cats bigger and healthier than the next.
If you have a Maine Coon cat that has not grown as big as you expected it to, you might be wondering how can I make my Maine Coon grow bigger?
The truth is that there is no shortcut when it comes to making your Maine Coon cat bigger. That said, the only way to ensure your Maine Coon cat grows bigger is by feeding them a high-quality nutritious food.
Learn more about:
Regardless of what diet your Maine Coon cat gets, always keep in mind that there is no guaranteed formula for making a Maine Coon bigger.
Along with feeding your Maine Coon cat, remember to take your Maine Coon for regular health checks.
There is some conflicting evidence that neutering and spaying can help accelerate growth. This is because neutered Maine Coon cats tend to stop growing a little earlier. Neutering also increases the chances of your cat gaining weight.
This is the best age to neuter a Maine Coon kitten.
Ultimately, you Maine Coon cat will genetically grow to what their genes command!
How Long Does It Take For A Maine Coon Cat To Be Fully Grown?
Maine Coon cats are perhaps best known for their stature and weight.
While most people are tempted to think that Maine Coons grow quickly to their large size, the truth is quite the opposite.
Considering that they retain their childishness and playfulness throughout their lives, many people wonder how long it takes for a Maine Coon cat to physically mature?
It might surprise you to learn that the Maine Coon cat breed is not considered fully grown until they reach between three to five years old.
Why not make a Maine Coon growth chart to keep an eye on your gentle giant’s growth rate.
Always keep in mind that Maine Coon growth can be somewhat unpredictable, and your cat may sometimes outgrow the Maine Coon size chart.
There are a lot of factors that go into the growth and development of Maine Coon cats. These factors can cause both Maine Coon growth spurts or could adversely stunt their growth, ultimately causing them to be undersized.
Do Maine Coon Mixes Get Big
A Maine Coon mix is a cat bred from a purebred Maine Coon and a different cat species.
In most cases, a Maine Coon mix will exhibit a larger percentage of Maine Coon characteristics than those of the other species.
A Maine Coon mix may grow big. For instance, a Maine Coon/Ragdoll mix cat is bigger, while a Maine Coon/Siamese mix is smaller.
Generally, half-bred cats do not have 100% features like those of a purebred cat. Therefore, a Maine Coon mix will rarely be as heavy as a purebred Maine Coon.
Mixing cat breeds rely on the gene principle; where one gene will come from the father and another from the mother:
- Some physiological characteristics will come from the mother while others will come from the father.
- The dominant gene greatly determines the behavior and physical characteristics of the newborn kitten.
- A few characters will be developed from the recessive gene.
For Maine Coon mixes, the Maine Coon gene is in most cases the dominant gene, meaning the resultant offspring may grow as big as the purebred Maine Coon cat.
Are Maine Coons The Biggest Cats?
Domestic cats are usually believed to be small and friendly animals.
Cats are smaller than other domestic counterparts like dogs and cannot be compared to their wild family animals like lions and cheetahs. However, if you wish to raise a Maine Coon, then you need to know that it has a majestic size.
When you compare the Maine Coon cat size with that of a normal cat, you will realize that Maine Coons are bigger.
Maine Coons are known for their friendly personality and unmistakable appearance.
In addition to these proudly possessed characteristics, Maine Coons are the largest of all domestic cat breeds in the world.
On average, a normal cat measures between 18 – 20 inches without adding the tail length. Normal cats have a height ranging from 9 – 10 inches. By comparison, an average Maine Coon can reach a staggering 40 inches in length (including the tail).
As for height, the Maine Coon stands 8 – 16 inches tall, which is taller than a normal cat.
The weight of a Maine Coon cat also far exceeds that of a normal cat. Since a normal domestic cat weighs roughly 10 pounds, whereas the Maine Coon weighs 8 – 25 lbs!
As you will appreciate, the big Maine Coon is actually a giant cat. They are often referred to as ‘gentle giants’ due to their huge size and lovably affectionate nature.
Cats That Look Like Maine Coons
The Maine Coon is a giant cat with a shaggy coat full of long hair and is known for its sweet and loving temperament.
Typically, this is the only long-haired cat breed that has its native home in the United States.
However, several cat breeds exist that look very similar to the Maine Coon. These cat breeds include:
- Norwegian Forest Cat
- Siberian
- Ragdoll
- American Bobtail
- Manx
It is easy to confuse these cat breeds with a Maine Coon, if you do not look closely at the cat’s features.
Conclusion
If you are in the market for a cat and have been wondering do all Maine Coon cats get big, or how big can a Maine Coon cat get, the truth is that not all Maine Coon cats grow super large!
There are many factors that will affect the growth and development of a Maine Coon. Some of these elements can even result in your Maine Coon cat growing unnaturally small.
Related Questions
1. Do Maine Coons Have Small Heads?
Maine Coons grow in proportion, ensuring a well-balanced appearance. Although young Maine Coons might have disproportionately small heads, the heads will grow to normal size over time.
2. How Much Do Maine Coon Cats Cost?
Maine Coon cats from reputable breeders cost anywhere from $400 to upwards of $2,500.
