The Maine Coon is a truly fabulous cat breed, with stunning long thick hair, and extra-large proportions. Originating in Wiscasset, Maine during the 1800s.
This hardy cat breed is considered one of the largest domesticated cats in the world. But just how big can a Maine Coon cat get? Keep reading to find out!
Full-size Maine Coon cats weigh between 8-25 lbs and reach 19-40 inches in length and 10-16 inches in height. Maine Coons are a slow-growing cat breed, reaching full size between 3-5 years. Male Maine Coons usually grow larger than their female counterparts. Maine Coons are the largest domesticated cat breed in the world.
These large regal felines are often referred to as ‘gentle giants’ due to their large frame and gentle nature, and are so big that they make ‘normal cats’ look like kittens!
Only the Norwegian Forest Cat breed comes close in terms of matching their large dimensions. So how big can a Maine Coon cat get?
Keep reading to discover how big your Maine Coon kitten could grow.
How Big Are Maine Coon Cats?
As one of the largest domesticated cat breeds in the world, the Maine Coon cat really stands out in the crowd!
With an impressive stature that dwarfs most other cat breeds’ you wouldn’t be the first to be mesmerized by this extra-large cat’s sheer dimensions!
Some people even compare the Maine Coon cat’s looks to that of a mini lion, or even a lynx cat.
So, how big is the average Maine Coon?
Maine Coon cats grow slowly, not reaching full-size until between 3-5 years of age. Let’s take a closer look at the adult Maine Coon cat dimensions.
If you’ve been wondering how big can a Maine Coon cat get, take a look at the table below which details the average Maine Coon adult size and dimensions:
| Maine Coon Dimensions | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 15 – 25 lbs | 8 – 12 lbs |
| Height | 10 – 16 inches | 8 – 14 inches |
| Length | 19 – 40 inches 19-40 | 19 – 40 inches |
Whilst this large cat breed does vary in size, even the smallest adult Maine Coon cat will be as big, if not bigger than the normal cat size.
Generally speaking, the average male Maine Coon weight is more than the female Maine Coon weight.
Male Maine Coon cats are statistically larger than their female counterpart.
However, there is a cross-over between the male vs female Maine Coon cat dimensions. Thus it is possible for a female Maine Coon to be taller than a male Maine Coon cat.
The average Maine Coon cat, whether male or female will grow to between 19-40 in length.
The longest-living cat in the world is a Maine Coon named Barivel. Learn more about him, in this article.
According to the Guinness Book World Records though, a Maine Coon cat named Stewie still holds the medal for being the longest cat in the world.
Stewie has sadly now departed this world, but reached a staggering 48.5 inches (123cm) in length.
You can learn more about Stewie, and other famous Maine Coon cats here.
Maine Coon Kitten Size
Since Maine Coon cats grow into large cats, you are likely already wondering if Maine Coon kittens are bigger than the average kitten too?
The answer is yes, you can expect the Maine Coon kitten size to be slightly bigger than a normal cat.
If you take a look at our Maine Coon kitten growth chart, you can see that the average Maine Coon kitten size is as follows:
- Newborn: 0.2 – 0.3 lbs
- 1 Week: 0.6 – 0.9 lbs
- 1 Month: 1.2 – 1.6 lbs
- 6 Months: 6 – 10 lbs
The Maine Coon kitten’s weights in lbs contrast with those of a normal kitten that weighs roughly the same amount as their month of age.
For example, a 1-month-old normal kitten will weigh roughly 1 lb, and a 6-month-old normal kitten will weigh approximately 6 lbs.
By comparison, the 1-month-old Maine Coon kitten weighs approximately 1.2-1.6 lbs, therefore slightly heavier than a normal kitten.
At 6 months of age, the gap between the Maine Coon kitten size vs Normal kitten size starts to become more apparent.
This is clear since a normal kitten weighs roughly 6 lbs at 6 months old, whereas a Maine Coon kitten’s weight can range anywhere between 6-10 lbs at this age.
Male Vs Female Maine Coon Size
Maine Coons cats are a large muscular cat breed, with a very sociable and gentle nature.
If you are keen to own a large cat with a family-friendly nature, the Maine Coon cat breed is definitely worth considering.
But which gender Maine Coon cat is right for you?
Take a look at the male size vs female Maine Coon size dimensions below:
Weight
Male Maine Coon cats grow big, reaching 15 – 25 lbs in weight, whereas the average female Maine Coon weighs 8 – 12 lbs.
Whilst some Maine Coons can grow bigger in weight than this, it is often a sign of obesity and puts the Maine Coon are risk of suffering from these health issues.
Read this guide to learn how to identify if your Maine Coon is overweight.
Length
Both male and female Maine Coons grow into very long cats, reaching 19 – 40 inches in length.
The longest domestic cat in the world is a Maine Coon cat named Barivel. You can learn more about him in this article I wrote.
Height
The male of the species will ultimately grow physically bigger than its female counterparts, however, in terms of height male and female full-size Maine Coons are 10-16 inches high.
Can Female Maine Coons Grow Bigger?
You might have already noticed that there is a cross-over in the male vs female Maine Coon size.
It is therefore possible for a large female Maine Coon cat to grow bigger than a small male Maine Coon cat.
Thus, a female Maine Coon kitten may grow larger than a male Maine Coon kitten!
Which Gender Is Best?
Maine Coon sizing is not the only factor to consider when selecting between a male or female Maine Coon kitten.
Instead, you might also be interested to learn that the male Maine Coon personality is different from the female Maine Coon personality!
Read our article on Male vs Female Maine Coon to learn more about the Maine Coon personality and characteristics, of each gender.
Maine Coon Size Compared To Normal Cat
If you are wondering how big a Maine Coon cat will grow compared to a normal cat, take a look at the Maine Coon vs regular cat size graphic below:
Here is a Maine Coon size comparison to normal cat breeds (full-size dimensions):
Height
Normal cats reach 9-10 inches tall, whereas Maine Coons grow to 10-16 inches tall.
Length
In terms of Maine Coon length vs normal cat length, Maine Coons grow substantially longer than their average cat counterpart:
Full-size normal cats stop growing at 18 inches long.
Full-size Maine Coons grow between 19-40 inches long.
Weight
Normal cats weigh 4-5 kg, whereas the Maine Coon weighs 3.6-11.3kg (8 – 25 lbs).
If we look at the Maine Coon compared to normal cat breeds, yes, there is a small level of cross-over in terms of cat weight.
However, generally speaking, Maine Coons grow substantially longer and taller than most regular cats.
Maine Coon Vs Turkish Angora Weight
If we compare the Maine Coon size vs Turkish Angora size, we immediately see the Turkish Angora males are far smaller than the male Maine Coon since they only weigh between 7-10 lbs (3.5 – 5kg).
The female Turkish Angora is also smaller than the female Maine Coon size, weighing just 5-8 lbs (2.5-4kg) (source 1).
Maine Coon Vs Ocicat Size
Another example of how the Maine Coon size compares to other cats is the comparison of the Maine Coon vs Ocicat.
The Ocicat is thought to be a semi-wild cat breed, but has it the potential to grow as big as the average adult Maine Coon? Let’s see!
In terms of weight, the Ocicat is smaller than the Maine Coon size, since they weigh between 6-15 lbs, whereas a Maine Coon ranges from 8 – 25 lbs!
The Maine Coon is slightly taller than the Ocicat, sitting at 10-16 inches tall, compared to the Ocicat’s 9 – 11 inches height range (source 1).
Why Are Maine Coon Cats So Big Compared To Normal Cats?
As one of the oldest natural cat breeds in America, this popular cat’s history will likely remain shrouded in mystery and intrigue, forever.
Many cat specialists have tried to explain why the Maine Coon cat is genetically so much bigger than a normal cat.
Slow Growth
Some cat fanatics claim the Maine Coons slow growing bodies have helped them develop stronger more muscular frames.
Whilst they might grow quickly as kittens, their bodies then slow the growth rate to enable their skeleton and muscles to continue growing larger than normal cats.
Genetics
Other cat breed specialists point to the Maine Coon cat’s genetics as the key reason why this breed grows so big.
Diet
The Maine Coon’s nutritional diet also plays a big role in the Maine Coons large proportions.
These obligate carnivores require a diet high in protein to help their muscles grow big and strong.
Maine Coon cats that do not consume enough protein often end up smaller than average in terms of this cat breed’s average dimensions.
If you are wondering if it’s possible for a Maine Coon cat to be small, read this guide.
Natural Breeding
Others have drawn attention to the fact that only the biggest Maine Coons survived the cold frigid winters of Maine.
This cat breed evolved to survive the harsh climate of the North Eastern winters.
Only the strongest cats of the breed survived, and when these cats bred they passed on their stronger more resilient genetics and giant Maine Coon size to their kittens!
Maine Coon Origin
Ultimately no one has the answer to the long-standing puzzle about where the Maine Coon originates.
However, if you believe in folklore keep reading to discover the myths claiming to hold the answer to the Maine Coons giant size!
Many stories have been linked to this large cat breed over the years, however, only the following three myths have stood the test of time:
- A raccoon and semi-wild domestic cat mated
- Descendents of Marie Antoinette’s Turkish Angora cats
- Vikings introduced long-haired cats to Maine
Let’s take a closer look at these Maine Coon origin theories:
1. Raccoon And Semi-Wild Domestic Cat
The theory of this myth is that a more tame raccoon once mated with a semi-wild domestic cat, thereby producing the Maine Coon cat breed that we know and love today.
As bizarre as this folklore myth might sound, people still believe Maine Coons are related to the raccoon!
However, scientists have now discounted this particular myth, despite its widespread popularity, claiming it to be biologically impossible.
The table below highlights why the myth has been so popular over the years since it draws attention to the many physical similarities between raccoons and Maine Coons:
| Evidence | Description |
|---|---|
| Bushy Tail | Both animals have a bushy tail |
| Black Ring On Tail | The raccoon and Maine Coon each has a black ring around the end of their tails |
| Visually Similar | These species are considered visually similar |
| Love Water | Both animals are fascinated with water |
| Semi-Prehensile Paws | The Maine Coon and raccoon have semi-prehensile paws that they use to help grasp food more easily |
| Size | The raccoon and Maine Coon are of a similar size |
| Great Climbers | These species are well known for their superb climbing abilities |
2. Descendents Of Marie Antoinette’s Turkish Angora Cats
The love story between Marie Antoinette and her six Turkish Angora cats is a powerful folklore myth that gives the Maine Coon cat breed a truly regal history if it’s true.
Legend has it that the former Queen of France, Marie Antoinette, made a desperate attempt to flee France during the French Revolution.
She arranged with Captain Samuel Clough to be a stowaway on his ship, headed for the United States.
Her love for her six Turkish Angora cats was so much though, that she was unable to leave France without them. So the Captain agreed the cats could be loaded onto his ship, as well.
Sadly, despite her best efforts, Marie Antoinette was captured and executed in 1793.
It is thought that Captain Samuel Clough honored his agreement with the former queen, making sure the treasured cats made it to their final destination of Wiscasset, Maine safely.
Once on dry land, these cats were set free and are thought to have mated with the short-haired domestic cats already residing in Maine, creating the Maine Coon cat breed.
3. Vikings Introduced Long-Haired Cats
The most likely of the three legends relate to the Vikings, who spent much of their time at sea.
It is thought the Vikings kept Norwegian Forest Cats on their ships to keep their ship mouse population at bay.
According to this folklore, one of these long-haired cats is thought to have mated with a short-haired domestic cat already residing in Maine, United States, thus producing the Maine Coon cat breed.
This legend is still believed today since there are many physical similarities between the Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat breeds.
Take a look at my article comparing the Maine Coon Vs Norwegian Forest Cat to discover just how bizarrely similar these two massive cat breeds are.
Maine Coon Growth Spurts
Just like other cats, the Maine Coon will go through a number of growth spurts before reaching its ultimate adult size.
Take a look at the Maine Coon growth chart table below to see the key Maine Coon growth stages:
| Age | Description |
|---|---|
| 0 Months | Kitten is born |
| 3 – 7 months | Cat grows slowly until they reach their full adult size |
| 9 – 12 months | Growth spurt ends |
| 1 – 5 years | The cat grows slowly until they reach their full adult size |
| 3 – 5 years | The cat reaches full adult size |
| 7 years | The cat moves into the senior years of their life |
| 10 – 15 years | Average Maine Coon lifespan |
Kitten Growth Spurts
Maine Coon kittens will experience the majority of their growth spurts during the first year of their life, however, the growth process definitely does not stop there!
The Maine Coon kitten’s body, including its ears, tail, paws, etc, will also grow big.
Take note of these features whilst your cat is still a kitten since these aspects will also slowly grow, in line with your Maine Coons overall body size.
Ultimately, a purebred Maine Coon cat is said to be completely in proportion, with no part of their body being overemphasized.
Take a look at this table showing how big a Maine Coon kitten grows, by age.
Slow Growth
Maine Coon cats are known for being extremely slow-growing creatures, not reaching their full adult size until between 3 – 5 years of age.
This is unique in the cat world since normal cats usually reach full size by 2 years old.
The Maine Coons slow growth rate is not a well-known fact though, which has resulted in many owners overfeeding their Maine Coon at 2 years old, concerned their Maine Coon is too small.
Whilst this is done with good intention since owners become concerned that their cat has not reached their anticipated proportions, this regrettably leads to Maine Coon obesity.
Learn more about Maine Coon obesity, in this article.
Estimating Future Size
One non-scientific way of estimating the adult size of your Maine Coon kitten is to look at the size of their paws.
If your Maine Coon kitten has big paws it will likely grow into a giant Maine Coon cat, since full-sized purebred Maine Coons are equally proportioned cats.
Therefore, if the paws still look big versus your cat there likely still have more growth to do!
Biggest Maine Coon
The biggest Maine Coon cat in the world was a cat named Stewie who grew into a giant Maine Coon, reaching 48.5 inches in length!
Learn more about Stewie and other famous Maine Coon cats below:
Stewie
According to the 2010 Guinness World Records book, Stewie holds the title of “the longest cat of his breed’, measuring an immense 48.5 inches in length (that’s 123.19 cm!).
His tail alone was thought to measure a whopping 16 inches!
This long cat was also a giant Maine Coon since he was bigger than the average Maine Coon size, weighing in at an incredible 33 lbs (15 kg)!
Click here to discover the average weight of a male Maine Coon cat.
Many people questioned if Stewie had grown big due to his diet, or owner’s intervention.
Stewie’s owners confirmed that no special diet was followed. Instead, the reality is that their cat just never stopped growing!
2. Ludo
Another Maine Coon vying for the title of ‘longest cat of his breed’, is Ludo.
This cat has been measured at 46.58 inches (118.33 cm).
If Stewie’s length measurements are correct though, Ludo cannot win the title.
3. Omar
In 2017, the title of “longest cat of his breed” was challenged by a Maine Coon cat named ‘Omar’.
According to his owner, this large Maine Coon measures a staggering 120cm, from his nose to the end of his tail (source 1), yet this cat is still not as long as Stewie!
Omar weighs 30.87lb (14kg), which is far more than the average Maine Coon cat that weighs 8 – 25 lbs!
This Maine Coon has always been fussy with his food, and kangaroo is the only meat he will eat.
Could this Maine Coons unusual diet of raw kangaroo meat be held accountable for why he has grown so big?
What Does A Large Maine Coon Look Like?
I could try explaining what a large Maine Coon cat looks like, however, pictures are worth a thousand words.
So here is a Youtube video of a 4ft Maine Coon cat known as Samson. Credit for the Youtube video goes to a Youtube channel named ‘Beastly’
Samson has been awarded the record ‘New York’s biggest cat’ and is a truly magnificent sight.
Conclusion
If you’ve been wondering how big are Maine Coon cats, hopefully, this article has covered that question for you.
As one of the largest domesticated cats in existence, reaching up to 25 lbs in weight, it is safe to say that a full-grown Maine Coon will not fit in your handbag!
These large cats are best described as small dog-sized cats, with a corresponding dog-like personality to match.
They are not just huge cats though, since Maine Coon cats also have big personalities to match their huge proportions.
So, if you love your pet to be intelligent, playful, and fun throughout its life, consider buying a Maine Coon kitten.
If it helps, take a look at this handy buyer’s guide for details on what to watch out for.