It’s not always easy to determine if a Maine Coon cat is overweight, because their build is naturally big, and they have a very thick dense furry bodies!
So, for owners wondering is my Maine Coon overweight, make sure you take a look at the guide below to determine if your gentle giant needs to start a special weight loss diet.
Maine Coon cats weigh between 8 – 25 lbs. On average male Maine Coons weigh 15 – 25 lbs, and females 8 – 12 lbs. Many owners mistakenly overfeed their Maine Coon cat thinking that they are underweight, when in fact their growth rate is far slower than a ‘normal cat’, not reaching full-size until 3-5 years. Obese Maine Coons require a special diet.
A better understanding of the Maine Coon cat breed basics will help you develop an eye for checking if your Maine Coon is carrying excess weight.
In this article, we will show you how to determine if your Maine Coon cat is overweight, or not.
Is My Maine Coon Overweight?
Maine Coons are the largest domesticated breed of cat in the world.
Growing up to 25 lbs in weight, these big cats are often mistaken for being dogs! Especially as they are also labeled ‘the dog of the cat world’ since they mimic many dog characteristics.
Maine Coon cats have long hair that can become easily tangled, so it is important to groom them regularly and brush out any mats that start to develop.
Aim to brush your Maine Coon with a range of these cat brushes 2-3 times a week, or more if their fur is more susceptible to tangles.
The Maine Coon cat breed has a very mysterious background but is generally thought to have developed in New England, and its name comes from its state of origin, Maine.
Maine Coons are large, sturdy cats that have a gentle disposition and a strong desire to be with people.
They have a soft, silky coat that comes in a variety of colors and patterns, including tabby, bi-color, and solid color. Here’s a list of at least 75 different Maine Coon colors!
If you are looking for signs of a Maine Coon being overweight, your best bet is to first understand the basics of what a healthy body weight on a Maine Coon cat looks like.
Obesity in cats is not always easy to detect by simply looking at your pet; it can be more subtle than that. Keep reading to discover what these more subtle clues are!
The average weight for an adult male Maine Coon is 15 to 25 pounds, whereas females weigh between 8 to 12 pounds.
If your cat weighs significantly more than this weight range, you should consult your veterinarian for advice on how best to get your cat’s weight back under control.
You will likely need to make some changes in your cat’s diet or increase its level of exercise.
Always be aware that there are exceptions to this weight rule though. For example, you may own an extra large female Maine Coon that weighs 15 lbs, and a super small male Maine Coon cat that weighs 14 lbs!
Alternatively, your male Maine Coon might just be a super big example of the breed, weighing 30 lbs!
The following factors can contribute to obesity in cats:
- High-fat diet
- Insufficient exercise
- Inappropriate feeding schedule
If you are concerned about the weight of your Maine Coon, it is always best to discuss this with a qualified veterinarian who has a full understanding of your cat’s body condition and overall health.
How to Tell If Your Maine Coon Is Overweight
Maine Coons are known for their beautiful fluffy coats, their large size, and their sweet dispositions. Yet there is a myth, which is untrue, that they are generally overweight.
Whilst they certainly are a giant cat breed, they still need to be taken care of in the same way as you would for a smaller cat.
However, this cat breed indeed requires more exercise than many other breeds of cats, so owners have to make sure that their cat is taking part in a certain level of activity.
One of the simplest ways to ensure your Maine Coon cat is getting enough exercise is by providing them with sturdy cat-proof toys, and an extra big cat tree where they can jump and play.
Giving your Maine Coon regular exercise (roughly 30 minutes a day) will help to keep your cat fit and healthy.
Overweight Maine Coons can develop joint and bone problems and can also develop heart problems, so it is important that you pay close attention to your Maine Coons weight.
If you are not sure whether your cat is overweight, or not, use the techniques listed below to help determine if your Maine Coon is obese:
- Measuring your cat
- Check your cats ribs
- Look at the waistline
- Observing your cat’s activity
- Schedule a vet checkup
Let’s take a closer look at what each of these tips means:
1. Measuring Your Cat
The first way to tell if your Maine Coon is overweight is to measure them.
You can do this by using a tape measure or string and then measuring the length of their back from the base of their neck to where it meets their tail.
This should be done with your cat standing up, not sitting or lying down.
2. Check Your Cats Ribs
Another great way to determine if you have a fat Maine Coon is by looking at their ribs.
When you look at your cat’s chest, you should be able to see its ribs and feel them through its fur or skin.
If you cannot see or feel your cat’s ribs, it may be overweight.
3. Look At The Waistline
When your cat is overweight, you might notice that they have a bit of fat around their abdomen.
Though it is hard to tell if your Maine Coon is overweight when they are sitting, you can often get an idea of whether your cat has gained too much weight by looking at its waistline.
4. Observing Your Cat’s Activity
If your Maine Coon is overweight, then chances are that they are not as active as they should be.
Observe how much energy your cat has during playtime and how often they want to play with toys or go outside for walks or run around the garden, house, or catio.
If your cat seems less energetic than normal, then they may be carrying extra weight around with them.
What Causes Obesity In Cats?
People can be unhealthy for a variety of reasons, such as eating an unhealthy diet or exercising too little.
However, there are times when the simple answer should be closer to home – in the cat’s bowl!
If your feline friend is always begging for food, this may be because cats tend towards obesity.
However, if you are feeding your Maine Coon enough of the right food, a hungry Maine Coon might actually be caused by these issues, so make sure you consider this too.
Here are some key factors that cause Maine Coon obese issues:
- Genetics and breed
- Lack of exercise or activity
- Environmental influence
- Food intake not controlled or limited
Keep reading to understand each of these causes in greater detail:
Genetics And Breed
Cats that have inherited their parents’ predisposition to getting fat are likely to become obese because they have inherited certain genes that make them prone to weight gain too.
Maine Coon cats are more likely to become overweight than other cat breeds.
They are not alone though, as both the Persian and Burmese cat breeds are also at high risk of becoming obese.
Age And Sex
Older cats tend to put on weight more easily than younger ones because their metabolism slows down with age.
Female Maine Coon cats are more likely to become obese than their male counterparts because they tend to gain weight after they give birth and nurse their kittens.
Caring for the kittens takes a lot of energy for them, so they do not get enough exercise during this period. This may lead them to obesity later on in life when their kittens leave.
Environmental Influence
Environmental factors are the most important cause of obesity in cats.
In fact, it is suspected that over 80% of all cat obesity cases are caused by environmental influences.
Cats who spend most of their time indoors tend to become overweight faster than cats who have access to outdoor areas.
Food Intake Not Controlled Or Limited
Cats are prone to overeating and if their food intake is not controlled or limited, they can quickly become overweight.
Some specialists advocate that cats should never be allowed free access to food at all times because they will eat whenever they feel hungry, and do not know when they have eaten enough.
Whilst this is true for some felines, this is definitely not the case for all cats. Owners should therefore keep watch on how much their cat is eating, and adapt their Maine Coons diet if necessary.
From personal experience we have found that our male Maine Coon cat Pippin does not choose to overeat, so we allow him to free-feed dry food throughout the day, whenever he wants it.
Maine Coon Weight Chart By Age
The popular Maine Coon cat has been ranked as the largest cat breed in the world.
The table below shows the normal weight range for a Maine Coon kitten or cat:
| Maine Coon Age | Male Kitten | Female Kitten |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 90 – 170 g (0.19 – 0.37 lb) | 90 – 150 g (0.19 – 0.33 lb) |
| 1 Week | 190 – 290 g (0.41 – 0.63 lb) | 160 to 260 g (0.35 – 0.57 lb) |
| 2 Weeks | 290 – 430 g (0.63 – 0.94 lb) | 280 – 410 g (0.61 – 0.90 lb) |
| 3 Weeks | 430 – 600 g (0.94 – 1.32 lb) | 410 – 550 g (0.90 – 1.21 lb) |
| 1 Month | 620 – 820 g (1.36 – 1.80 lb) | 550 – 740 g (1.21 – 1.63 lb) |
| 2 Months | 1.1 – 1.6 kg (2.42 – 3.52 lb) | 1 – 1.4 kg (2.20 – 3.08 lb) |
| 3 Months | 1.7 – 2.4 kg (3.74 – 5.29 lb) | 1.5 – 2.3 kg (3.30 – 5.07 lb) |
| 4 Months | 2.9 – 3.8 kg (6.39 – 8.37 lb) | 2.5 – 3.5 kg (5.51 – 7.71 lb) |
| 5 Months | 3.3 – 5.5 kg (7.27 – 12.1 lb) | 2.7 – 4.2 kg (5.95 – 9.25 lb) |
| 6 Months | 3.4 – 6 kg (7.49 – 13.22 lb) | 3.1 – 4.3 kg (6.83 – 9.47 lb) |
| 7 Months | 4.1 – 6.5 kg (9.03 – 14.33 lb) | 3.3 – 4.6 kg (7.27 – 10.14 lb) |
| 8 Months | 4.4 – 6.9 kg (9.7 – 15.22 lb) | 3.7 – 5 kg (8.15 – 11.02 lb) |
| 9 Months | 5 – 7 kg (12.56 – 15.43 lb) | 4.1 – 5.2 kg (9.03 – 11.46 lb) |
| 10 Months | 5.1 – 7.8 kg (11.24 – 17.19 lb) | 4 – 5.5 kg (8.81 – 12.12 lb) |
| 11 Months | 5.5 – 8 kg (12.12 – 17.63 lb) | 4.3 – 6 kg (9.47 – 13.22 lb) |
| 12 Months | 5.8 – 9 kg (12.78 – 19.84 lb) | 4.5 – 6.5 kg (9.92 – 14.33 lb) |
How To Keep A Maine Coon Kitten Growth Chart
Few things are more enjoyable than the antics of a Maine Coon kitten.
It is important to keep tabs on your Maine Coon kitten growth though, and here you will find detailed instructions on how to do this right.
Here are some tips on how to keep a Maine coon kitten growth chart:
Weigh Your Kitten Every Other Day
It is important to keep track of your kitten’s weight because it can indicate whether your cat is healthy or not.
You should weigh your kitten every other day from birth until he/she is 3 months old. This way you will know if your kitten is growing at the right rate, which is 1/4 – 1/2 pounds per week.
Record Your Findings In A Notepad Or Excel Sheet
Keep track of your kitten’s weight and length by writing down the data in notepad form or using an Excel spreadsheet on your computer.
You can also use this data to make comparisons with the data from previous weeks or months so that you can see how much your kitten has grown since they were born.
Compare Maine Coon Cats Average Weight At A Similar Age
Another thing to do is compare your kitten’s weight with the average weight of a Maine Coon kitten of his age. Use the table above to guide you.
A healthy kitten will gain about 1 oz (28 g) per week until he reaches 4-6 months old.
The rate slows down after that and averages about 1/2 oz (14 g) per week until they reach 12-18 months old.
Once they reach adulthood, their weight stabilizes for good and will not change much more.
Assess If Your Kitten’s Growth Rate Is Normal
If your kitten is growing at a normal rate but has not yet reached his full adult size, it may be because they are still growing in height or length (or both).
Just keep an eye on your Maine Coon and make sure that their body proportions are still proportionate.
It is vital that you realise Maine Coon cats do not reach their full size until between 3-5 years old.
Contact Vet if You’re Concerned About Maine Coon Kittens Growth Rate
Maine Coon kittens are known for their big size and long bodies.
They are the largest domesticated cat breed in the world and may reach up to 25 pounds when fully grown.
If you have a Maine Coon kitten, it is important to keep track of its growth. This is especially true if you have multiple cats or puppies in your home. It is easy to get confused about who is who when they all look so similar!
Keeping a growth chart for each kitten will help you monitor how quickly each kitten is growing.
If your cat seems to be growing too quickly or slowly, contact your veterinarian right away.
If your vet determines that there is an issue with your cat’s growth rate (or lack thereof), they will know what steps to take next.
Taking Pictures Of Maine Coon Kittens To Help You Visualize Growth
Keeping a Maine Coon kitten growth chart is an important part of taking care of your new pet. As they grow, you will be able to see how much they have grown, what they look like, and how healthy they are.
It can be fun to watch your kitten grow up, especially if you have Maine Coon cat pictures to share with friends and family.
When you take photos on a regular basis, it is easy to get a sense of how quickly your cat is growing. You can also see what kind of changes take place over time.
The best way to keep track of this information is by taking photos of your Maine Coon kitten every week or so. This way if there is anything unusual about their development, then you will notice it right away.
Maine Coon Feeding Guide
The Maine Coon is a large, long-haired cat with a gentle, sweet nature.
They are affectionate and intelligent, with an easygoing disposition that makes them great companions for families with children or other pets.
However, these big cats require plenty of attention and enrichment to keep them happy and healthy.
These cats are also known for having large appetites, so you will want to make sure they are getting enough calories so that they do not lose weight or get too thin.
Do Maine Coons Need A Special Diet?
Cats need more protein than dogs do, but not as much as humans do (proteins make up approximately two-thirds of their diet).
Carbohydrates are also important, but not as much as proteins.
Cats also need a lot of fat, especially essential fatty acids (EFAs) like omega-3s and 6s. These EFAs help protect against heart disease and skin problems as well as reduce inflammation in joints and muscles.
Maine Coon cats should only be fed wet food roughly 2-3 times a week, to avoid them developing tooth issues. You can then feed them a high-quality dry food diet, a raw food diet, or a mixture of all three.
Here are some tips on feeding your Maine Coon:
- Feed your cat high-quality food that contains all the nutrients they need for good health. A good diet will help your cat live a longer, happier life. These are the best dry foods for Maine Coon cats.
- Make sure fresh water is always available to your cat (ideally moving water from a cat water fountain). Cats can easily become dehydrated if they do not have access to fresh water at all times.
- Feed cats twice daily at roughly the same times each day to make it easier for you and your pet to keep track of how much they are eating. It is helpful to do this because when cats eat in the morning and evening their digestive system is better prepared for food intake than if you feed them once per day in the morning or evening when their stomachs may be empty from not eating during the night.
- Alternatively, you may opt to leave your Maine Coon to eat dry food, as and when they want it. Owner will need to monitor food intake to ensure Maine Coon obese signals do not present.
How To Help Your Cat Lose Weight
One of the most difficult tasks when having a cat is trying to get it to lose weight.
This can be one of the most frustrating aspects of cat ownership. Thankfully, however, there are some ways that you can help your cat lose weight.
The tips below will help your cat lose weight:
1. Feed The Correct Amount Of Food
Cats are notorious for eating more than they need to maintain their weight.
This can lead to a number of health problems, including:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
If your cat is overweight, it is important to reduce the amount of food you give them and gradually increase their exercise levels until they reach a healthy weight.
2. Get Cat Moving With Play!
Most cats love playing with toys, but some cats will naturally be more energetic than others.
Kittens are among the most energetic, which makes them great for playing games where they chase after something that moves around.
You can also buy cat puzzles from pet stores or online that help them burn energy by moving around and solving puzzles like:
- How to get a treat out of a box that has holes in it
- How to get a ball through a track filled with obstacles
3. Never Free Feed
If your Maine Coon cat suffers from obesity, immediately stop free feeding.
If your cat eats more than its body needs, they are more likely to gain weight.
Once-a-day feeding is best for overweight cats.
4. Monitor Their Weight Regularly
Monitoring your Maine Coons weight regularly to allow you to determine if the changes you are making are working, or not working.
If you notice other changes in your cat, such as bad breath or hairballs, it could be a sign that your cat has a medical issue.
Conclusion
If you have noticed your Maine Coon change in appearance from what you expect, based on its breed standard, it might be time to check your cat’s weight. This is important as it will answer the question – is my Maine Coon overweight?
While some cat breeds are naturally leaner or bulkier than others, a change in their body shape can cause health problems such as back and joint issues, respiratory complications, and compromised immune systems.
Related Questions
Why Is My Maine Coon So Skinny?
Maine Coons are known for being a large breed of cat, so many owners worry their Maine Coon is too skinny, when in fact their cat hasn’t yet reached full size. Full size is between 3-5 years.
Is My Maine Coon Underweight?
The average male Maine Coon weighs between 15-25 lbs. Female Maine Coons weigh between 8-12 lbs. If your cat weighs less, it may be underweight. There are various reasons why a cat might be underweight, including, not enough food, or underlying health issues.
Largest Maine Coon Cat Weight
The largest Maine Coon cat ever recorded weighed over 30 pounds. The breed is known for its large size and long hair and can grow up to two or three feet long.