If you have just gotten a Maine Coon kitten and you want to make sure it is growing properly, keeping a Maine Coon growth chart is a great way to keep track of its progress.
Growth charts can also help you estimate how big your cat could get!
To keep a Maine Coon growth chart, measure your cat’s weight, height, and length once a month until your cat is fully grown. You can log your cat’s measurements, or you can plot them on a chart. Since Maine Coons are so fluffy, many owners cannot tell if they are underweight. Growth charts are important to ensure your cat is at a healthy size.
If you want to know if your Maine Coon is growing at a proper rate, keeping a growth chart is one way to keep track.
You can also compare your cat’s growth chart to other Maine Coons!
If you are worried that your Maine Coon is not growing big enough, though, read on to find out how you can ensure your Maine Coon grows to its maximum possible size.
What Is A Maine Coon Growth Chart?
The Maine Coon is a massive breed that has become increasingly popular throughout the entire world.
The Maine Coon full-grown weight is, on average, between 8 and 25 pounds!
However, these cats have a very slow growth rate, so they usually do not reach full size until they are between three and five years old.
Since the way Maine Coons grow is rather different from most domestic cats, it might be a good idea to keep a Maine Coon growth chart by age.
This will help you keep track of your Maine Coon kitten growth rate, to see if it is reaching the expected development milestones on time.
What To Measure
A growth chart is a log of the following cat measurements over time:
- Weight
- Height
- Length
When To Take Measurements
While you might be so excited to track your cat’s progress that you want to log its measurements once a week, it is better to only measure your cat once a month.
Kittens tend to grow rather irregularly, so only logging your cat’s measurements once a month will give you a better idea of your cat’s progress.
Benefits Of A Growth Chart
Growth charts are a great way to see if your kitten is the proper size at various feline development stages.
Maine Coons tend to experience growth spurts at certain periods in their development, and a chart is one way to see if your cat has reached those growth spurts on time.
Maine Coons are incredibly active, and they need a lot more food than most domestic cats.
Their energetic nature, however, can mean that they are prone to being underweight during kittenhood.
The Maine Coon’s thick, fluffy fur can also contribute to this.
Many owners are so stunned by their kittens’ size that they assume they are overweight and may cut back on food even though their kittens should be eating more.
Expected Maine Coon Size
So, how big do most Maine Coons get once they are fully grown?
Here is a table illustrating the average fully grown sizes of both male and female Maine Coons (source 1):
| Chart by Maine Coon Central | Male | Female |
| Height | 10 – 16 inches | 8 – 14 inches |
| Length | 19 – 40 inches | 19 – 40 inches |
| Weight | 12 – 25 pounds | 8 – 12 pounds |
Maine Coon Growth Stages
Each Maine Coon’s growth will vary based on factors like genetics, diet, and exercise, but most Maine Coons follow a similar growth pattern.
Looking at Maine Coon size by age can give you something to compare your kitten’s growth to as you track its size.
Here is a Maine Coon weight chart by age, detailing the average size of both male and female Maine Coons based on how old they are (source 1):
| Maine Coon Weight Chart by Age | Male (lbs) | Female (lbs) |
| Newborn | 0.2 – 0.37 | 0.2 – 0.33 |
| 3 Months | 3.7 – 5.3 | 3.3 – 5 |
| 6 Months | 7.5 – 13 | 6.8 – 9.5 |
| 1 Year | 13 – 20 | 10 – 14.3 |
| 2-5 Years | 13 – 25 | 10 – 15 |
| 5+ Years | 13 – 25 | 10 – 15 |
For more fascinating information about the Average Weight Of A Maine Coon Cat, read this article.
When Do Maine Coons Stop Growing?
Most cats stop growing once they are about 1-2 years old.
If your Maine Coon is over a year but still seems to be increasing in size, then you will probably want to know when will my Maine Coon stop growing?
Maine Coons have a much slower growth rate than most domestic cats, so they do not usually stop growing until they are between three and five years old.
However, the Maine Coon’s growth rate slows significantly after about a year, so you can only expect them to gain between one and five pounds between the ages of two and five.
Since female Maine Coons are known to be smaller than males, you might want to know, when do female Maine Coons stop growing?
Even though female Maine Coons tend to be smaller, their growth takes about the same amount of time.
Thus, you can expect a female Maine Coon to stop growing between the ages of three and five.
This is the average weight of a female Maine Coon cat.
How To Keep A Maine Coon Growth Chart
Keeping a feline growth chart is a great way to keep track of your Maine Coon’s measurements, and ensure it is growing properly.
So, how do you make a growth chart?
Here are the steps you will need to track your Maine Coon’s size:
What You Will Need
Find the following things, and have them by your side:
- Small Scale: It is a good idea to get a postage scale, baby scale, or vet scale to measure your cat, as human scales are not accurate enough to measure cats.
- Measuring Tape: Since cats often find measuring tape to be a fun toy, you should get some sturdy yet flexible measuring tape to record your cat’s dimensions.
- Notebook or Graph Paper: You can use a notebook, graph paper, or even online tools like Excel to plot your cat’s progress. Some people simply choose to enter their cat’s measurements into a logbook, while others prefer to make graphs.
- A Willing Partner: Although Maine Coons are typically known to be laidback and gentle if your cat tends to squirm when you brush its fur or trim its nails, you might want to ask someone else to be your assistant so you can maneuver your cat into the necessary positions.
- Treats: Keeping plenty of treats handy will keep your Maine Coon cooperative, and it will help them to associate this task with positive interaction.
Step By Step Guide To Measuring A Cat
1. Choose A Date
For the best results, you should measure your Maine Coon once a month, preferably within thirty or so days each time.
It is best if you select a date at the same time each month.
2. Measure Length
Measure your cat’s length by laying your cat on its side, gently stretching it to full length.
Measure in a straight line from the tip of your cat’s nose to the base of its tail.
3. Measure Height
To measure your cat’s height, make sure it is standing straight up.
Place the measuring tape at the top of your cat’s front shoulder and run the measuring tape down its front leg to the floor.
4. Measure Weight
Measure your cat’s weight by placing it on the scales.
This is usually one of the easiest steps, so you might want to save it for last if your cat’s patience begins to wear thin.
5. Record
Record all of your cat’s dimensions in your chart or graph.
You can bring this chart with you to the vet so your vet has a more solid idea of your cat’s growth rate.
This is also a great way to see if your cat’s weight has dipped, signifying something might be wrong.
For more information on how to keep a Maine Coon Growth Chart, read this article.
Why Are Some Maine Coons Bigger Than Others?
While Maine Coons are known to be much bigger than the average cat, their size still varies a lot.
So, what are some of the factors that affect Maine Coon size and weight?
Here are some of the reasons why one Maine Coon might be larger or smaller than another:
Genetics
Size is greatly affected by genetics.
Maine Coons with smaller parents are more likely to be small, while Maine Coons with big parents are more likely to be big.
However, this is not always the case, of course, and you may be surprised or disappointed by a cat that is bigger or smaller than its parents.
You can learn more about the fascinating subject of Maine Coon Cat Genetics, in this cat guide.
Diet
The quantity and quality of your cat’s diet will have a huge impact on its weight.
If you feed your cat cheap food with lots of carbohydrates, your cat will not receive enough protein or fat to grow strong.
Instead, your cat can become malnourished and may not reach its full potential size.
These are my Maine Coon cat’s favorite dry food.
Health
Sickly kittens are much less likely to grow big.
If their body is busy fighting off viruses or infections, it will not have the energy to grow as big.
These are the Top 7 Maine Coon Health Issues to be aware of.
Birth
If your Maine Coon is the runt of the litter, it will likely be smaller than its littermates.
In large litters, one fetus can get caught in a bend of their mother’s uterus, which stunts its development.
Cats can also become pregnant with kittens from multiple fathers, so a kitten could be smaller than its littermates if it was conceived at a later date but born on the same day.
Spay/Neuter
It is important to spay and neuter your cats, but did you know that the date you decide to fix your cat can have an impact on its growth?
Most Maine Coon owners choose to wait until their cat is five or six months before getting them fixed.
This is because a cat’s hormones help them grow, and fixing a cat can reduce or eliminate those hormones.
Learn more about why 5-6 months is the best age to neuter a Maine Coon kitten.
Sex
Female and male Maine Coons vary quite a lot in size.
Male Maine Coons tend to be significantly bigger on average, generally weighing between 15 and 25 pounds while females usually weigh between 8 and 12 pounds.
Best Diet For Your Cat To Grow
One of the most important parts of being a cat parent is providing the perfect feline diet.
While all cats have certain dietary needs, it is even more important to provide an adequate diet to a Maine Coon, since they are so large and active.
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they can only get the nutrients they need through animal meat.
Meat is essential to feline development.
Some owners think they can provide an adequate diet for their cats using proteins and fats from other sources, such as vegetables.
However, it is impossible and in many people’s opinion immoral to make a cat vegetarian or vegan.
If your cat does not ingest animal fats and animal proteins, it will die of malnutrition.
With proper nutrition, feline growth and weight can reach their maximum potential, which means that the higher quality food you feed your Maine Coon, the more likely it is to grow big!
So, here are the necessary parts of a cat’s diet (source 1,2,3,4,5,6,7):
High Protein
Cats require high amounts of protein. In fact, 35% to 50% of their entire diet should be protein.
Protein helps the body build muscle mass, and it also strengthens the immune system.
Moderate Fat
Maine Coons require a moderate amount of fat in their diet, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
These keep your cat’s coat shiny and healthy, and it also provides your cat with energy.
Fat should make up between 20% and 30% of your cat’s diet.
Low Carbs
Cats need a minimal amount of carbohydrates in their diet, about 12% maximum.
Avoid cheap food that has high amounts of filler carbohydrates, particularly grains like wheat or corn.
Vitamins And Minerals
There are dozens of different vitamins and minerals that Maine Coons need to survive.
Thankfully, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (also known as AAFCO) has created strict guidelines for the necessary vitamins and minerals cats need.
Pet foods that meet the AAFCO’s requirements have their seal of approval on their packaging, so keep an eye out for that when choosing which cat food to purchase.
How To Tell If A Maine Coon Is Overweight
Keeping track of your Maine Coon’s size is essential to its health.
If your cat is overweight, it can lead to serious health problems like:
- Heart Disease
- Diabetes
- Joint Pain
Here are some of the signs that your cat might be overweight:
Distended Belly
It is normal for cats to have a large primordial pouch that swings from side to side as they walk.
This pouch stores nutrients, which came in handy for the domestic cat’s desert-dwelling ancestors.
If the middle of your cat’s belly is round and distended, though, this can indicate that your cat is overweight.
Find out more about the Maine Coon Primordial Pouch, in this article.
Body Wider Than Whiskers
Cat’s whiskers are the perfect length for testing if they can fit through gaps.
If your cat’s whiskers are wider than your cat’s body, it can end up getting stuck in places it thought were wide enough.
Cannot Feel The Bones
A healthy cat’s bones should feel like there is a layer of cloth between them and your fingers.
If your cat’s bones are difficult to find, or if you cannot feel them at all, this is a sign that your cat is overweight.
Matted Fur
An overweight cat will not be able to reach every part of its body while grooming, which can lead to mats, tangles, or greasy, unkempt fur, particularly at the base of the tail and haunches.
This is how to prevent Maine Coon matted fur.
Talk To Your Vet
The safest and most accurate way to determine if your cat is overweight is to see a vet.
Your vet will be able to give you a more detailed plan to get your cat back to the right weight.
Is My Maine Coon Underweight?
Since Maine Coons are so big and fluffy, many owners assume their cat is healthy or overweight, and it may be harder to notice if your Maine Coon is underweight.
Here are some ways you can tell if your Maine Coon needs to gain a few ounces:
Sharp Bones
It is normal to be able to feel your cat’s bones, but a healthy cat will feel like there is a thick layer of cloth between their bones and your touch.
If your cat’s bones feel prominent or sharp, it likely means that your cat is underweight.
Small Waist From Above
When looking at your cat from above, you should be able to see its waist form a gentle curve on either side of the ribs.
A skinny cat will have a much narrower waist, or you may not be able to see its waist at all.
Lethargy
Your cat might be underweight if it has less energy than usual.
A lethargic cat may seem out of breath after playing, sleep a lot more than usual, or play less energetically than it once did.
Talk To Your Vet
Ultimately, if you are concerned that your cat might be underweight, you should visit the vet.
While there are general guidelines that can indicate if a cat is underweight or overweight, your vet will be able to assess just how dangerous your cat’s weight is.
They will then be able to provide clear instructions for getting your cat back to a healthy weight.
How Much Food Should I Feed My Maine Coon Cat?
If you have a Maine Coon kitten, you should feed your cat freely.
This means providing as much dry food as you can and providing wet food twice a day.
Most Maine Coon kittens gain about 2 pounds a month between the ages of 3 and 7 months, and all that growth means they need plenty of food!
Once your Maine Coon is about a year old, you can start giving a more structured diet.
Adult Maine Coons need 24 to 35 calories a day per pound of body weight.
Cats that are less active will probably need closer to 24 calories per pound of body weight, while the most energetic cats may need closer to 35 (source 1).
Once fully grown, should you free-feed your Maine Coon cat? Find out now, in this article.
How Can I Make My Maine Coon Bigger?
A lot of people search for Maine Coon supplements or special foods, hoping they might magically make their cat bigger.
However, the only way you can influence your cat’s size is by providing for all of its needs so its body is healthy enough to grow to full size.
Here are some of the things you can do to help your Maine Coon grow bigger:
Food Quantity
You should first make sure you are feeding your cat an appropriate amount of food.
Kittens need wet food between two and four times a day, plus an endless amount of dry food.
Adults, meanwhile, need about 24 to 35 calories per pound of body weight each day.
Food Quality
Even if your cat is getting enough calories, it will not grow properly unless it is getting all the nutrients it requires.
It is essential to invest in high-quality cat food that contains a lot of protein, a moderate amount of fat, and only a little bit of carbohydrates.
If your cat eats too many carbs and not enough protein, it will not feel properly full no matter how much it eats!
Adequate Sleep
Getting lots of rest is another important factor in a Maine Coon’s size.
You should ensure your cat has its own private, quiet space to retreat to when it is feeling tired or stressed.
If your cat is forced to live in a crowded, noisy environment where it is constantly interacted with, it will not be able to sleep as well.
Spay/Neuter Date
One thing you can do to help your Maine Coon grow bigger is to postpone the date of its spay or neuter until the cat is around five or six months.
Spaying and neutering at a young age reduces or removes some of the hormones that help your cat grow.
Thus, waiting until just before your cat reaches sexual maturity to fix it will allow those hormones to do as much work as possible.
This is the best age to neuter a Maine Coon kitten.
Maine Coon Vs Other Cats Size Comparison
Maine Coons are famous for being big, but people who have never actually seen a Maine Coon often wonder if the dimensions of Maine Coon cats are that much different from regular cats?
To put the record straight, a Maine Coon compared to regular cat measurements have some big differences!
Here is a size comparison between Maine Coons and the average domestic cat (source 1):
| By Maine Coon Central | Maine Coon | Regular Cat |
| Weight | 8 – 25 lbs | 6 – 10 lbs |
| Height | 8 – 16 inches | 8 – 10 inches |
| Length | 19 – 40 inches | 15 – 20 inches |
| Tail Length | 11 – 16 inches | 10 – 11 inches |
Maine Coon Dimensions Vs Other Large Cat
While many people are aware that Maine Coons are larger than the average domestic cat, did you know they are also the largest cat breed in the entire world?
In this table, we have compared the Maine Coon to three other enormous cat breeds:
- Norwegian Forest Cat
- Siberian
- Ragdoll
Let us see if the Maine Coon really outshines these cat breeds, too (source 1,2,3):
| Maine Coon | Norwegian Forest Cat | Siberian | Ragdoll | |
| Weight | 8 – 25 lbs | 13- 20 lbs | 8 – 20 lbs | 8 – 20 lbs |
| Height | 8 – 16 inches | 9 – 12 inches | 9 – 11 inches | 9 – 11 inches |
| Length | 19 – 40 inches | 12 – 18 inches | 15 – 18 inches | 17 – 21 inches |
| Tail Length | 11 – 16 inches | 12 – 16 inches | 15 – 16 inches | 15 – 16 inches |
Conclusion
Keeping a Maine Coon growth chart is one of the best ways to assess your cat’s growth and weight to ensure it is growing at a proper rate.
You can also take your Maine Coon growth chart to your vet, who will appreciate the extra information when assessing whether or not your cat is at a healthy weight.
If you suspect your Maine Coon is overweight or underweight, you should talk to your vet about changing its diet to something more appropriate and nutritious.
Related Questions
Average Maine Coon Weight At 1 Year
At one year old, Maine Coons weigh, on average, between 10 and 20 pounds.
6 Month Old Maine Coon Weight
A 6-month-old Maine Coon typically weighs between 6.7 to 13 pounds.
Maine Coon Weight At 4 Months
Four-month-old Maine Coons can generally be expected to weigh between 5.3 and 7.3 pounds.
How Long Do Maine Coons Get?
Maine Coons measure between 19 and 40 inches in length on average.
How Long Do Female Maine Coons Grow?
Like male Maine Coons, female Maine Coons have a slow growth rate, and do not reach their full size until they are between three and five years old.
How Much Does A Maine Coon Grow After The First Year?
The Maine Coon’s growth rate slows significantly about one year after they are born, and they usually only gain between one to five pounds after that.