What Is The Average Weight Of A Maine Coon Cat?
When I bought home my first Maine Coon kitten, Pippin, I was surprised how quickly he grew! One minute he was tiny, and the next minute he’d transformed into a GIANT Maine Coon cat!
This led me to wonder what is the average weight of a Maine Coon cat and was Pippin’s 20 lbs of furry fluff a realistic expectation for this large cat breed?
TICA states the average weight of a Maine Coon cat is 12-22 lbs, with males ranging between 18-22 lbs (8.2 – 10.0 kg) and female Maine Coons 12-15 lbs (5.4-6.8 kg). A Maine Coons weight is dependent upon its gender, genetics, diet, health, and pedigree status i.e. lineage and DNA.
Read on to find out what factors affect the average Maine Coon size, and just how large a Maine Coon cat can grow if the conditions are right.
Follow Pippin’s journey on Maine Coon Central’s YouTube channel, where he displays his overly affectionate, loyal, and quirky personality.
Why Is It Important To Understand Their Weight?
Understanding the average weight of a Maine Coon cat is crucial for several reasons:
1. Monitor Overall Health
As the largest domesticated cat breed in the world, Maine Coons are known for their large size. Their weight can indicate if they are:
- Underweight
- Overweight
- Within a healthy range
2. Identify Health Issues
Knowing the average weight range for male and female Maine Coons can aid in identifying any potential health issues or abnormalities early on.
Common health issues that MaineCoon cats are prone to include:
These are the 7 Most Common Maine Coon Health Problems.
3. Feeding Quantities
Owners can implement appropriate feeding and diet management to ensure their furry friend receives the correct levels of nutrition for their size and activity level.
Understanding Maine Coon Cat Weight
According to The International Cat Association, the average weight range for male Maine Coon cats typically falls between 18 to 22 pounds (8 to 10 kilograms), while female Maine Coons weigh between 12 to 15 pounds (5 to 7 kilograms).
I was surprised to discover while researching this subject that there is a considerable level of debate across the official international cat association bodies regards the Maine Coons weight.
I decided to consolidate all the Maine Coon Size information detailed on TICA, CFA, and GCCF’s websites, to highlight the discrepancy I found between each cat body (source 1,2,3):
| Cat Bodies | Male Maine Coon Size (lbs) | Male Maine Coon Size (kgs) | Female Maine Coon Size (lbs) | Female Maine Coon Size (kgs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TICA | 18 – 22 | 8.2 – 10.0 | 12 – 15 | 5.4 – 6.8 |
| CFA | 12 – 15 | 5.44 – 6.80 | 9 – 12 | 4.08 – 5.44 |
| GCCF | 10 – 18 | 4.54 – 8.65 | 7 – 12 | 3.17 – 5.44 |
The following factors influence the weight of a Maine Coon:
- Age: Plays a significant role as kittens weigh less than adults.
- Genetics: A cat’s size is determined by the DNA it inherits.
- Diet: High-quality diets (in the correct proportions) ensure a cat’s weight remains healthy.
- Health: Healthy cats grow to expected weight ranges, whereas unhealthy cats may experience health conditions that stunt their growth.
Average Maine Coon Weight By Age
Below is a table showing how quickly Maine Coon kittens grow during their first year:
| 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) |
Birth
Maine Coon Kittens weigh between 0.19 – 0.37 lbs (0.09 – 0.17 kg) at birth.
3 Months
A female Maine Coon kitten may weigh around 3.30-5.07 lbs (1.5-2.3 kg), while a male kitten might weigh 3.74-5.29 lbs (1.7-2.4 kg).
6 Months
Your cat’s weight can range from 6.83-9.47 lbs (3.1-4.3 kg) for females and 7.49-13.22 lbs (3.4-6 kg) for males.
1 Year
Females weigh approximately 9.92-14.33 lbs (4.5-6.5 kg), and males between 12.78-19.84 lbs (5.8-9 kg).
After the 1 year mark, Maine Coon kittens continue growing slowly and steadily.
3 Years +
Maine Coons typically reach full size between 3-5 years of age (source 1).
Easy Ways To Monitor Your Cat’s Weight
Owners can monitor their Maine Coon’s weight development by:
- Regular Veterinary Check-Ups: Provides crucial assessments of weight and overall health.
- Track Growth Milestones: Review weight against age-appropriate weight charts like my chart above to ensure the cat’s progress aligns with healthy norms.
- Proper Nutrition: Provide your cat with a balanced diet suitable for their different life stages.
- Regular Exercise and Playtime: Prevents obesity and promotes overall well-being.
Keep track of your Maine Coon kitten’s weight gain by following our Maine Coon Growth Chart guidelines.
Factors Affecting Maine Coon Weight
I briefly mentioned earlier what the various influences on a Maine Coons weight were, but concluded it was prudent to delve deeper into this subject.
- Genetics: Maine Coon size and weight can vary based on their genetic makeup. Some bloodlines may have a predisposition to larger or smaller cats. Responsible breeders carefully select breeding pairs to maintain breed standards.
- Diet and Nutrition: Maine Coons are obligate carnivores that require a diet high in protein, and low in carbohydrates and fillers. A balanced diet is essential for these large cats to maintain a healthy weight. Always feed these big cats high-quality cat food that contains the necessary nutrients (best dry food and wet food). Closely monitor portion sizes to prevent overeating.
- Exercise: Maine Coons are active and playful cats that require regular exercise to stay healthy. Engage them in interactive play sessions and provide toys that encourage movement to help them burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. Give your cat access to vertical spaces like cat trees or shelves allowing them to climb and explore, promoting physical activity.
Is Your Cat A Healthy Weight?
To determine if your cat is a healthy weight, or not, look for these signs:
- Body Condition: A healthy Maine Coon should have a well-proportioned body with a visible waistline when viewed from above. You should be able to feel their ribs with a slight covering of fat but not see them protruding.
- Energy Level: A cat at a healthy weight will have good energy levels and be active and playful. They should engage in regular play and exploration without appearing lazy or overly sedentary.
- Coat Condition: A Maine Coon at a healthy weight will have a shiny, lustrous coat that is free from mats or tangles. Their fur should feel soft and silky.
- Eating Habits: Your cat should have regular eating habits. They should not show excessive hunger or reluctance to eat.
If you’re concerned about your cat’s weight, use the following as a guide:
- Underweight: An underweight Maine Coon may have visible ribs, hip bones, and spine protruding. They may appear lazy, have a poor appetite, and exhibit signs of malnutrition.
- Overweight: An overweight Maine Coon will have excess body fat, particularly noticeable around the abdomen area. They may have difficulty grooming themselves, reduced mobility, and be at higher risk for obesity-related health issues. 5 Key Signs Your Maine Coon Is Overweight.
How To Make A Maine Coon Grow Big
Genetics largely determine a cat’s size, so it’s not possible to make a cat grow bigger than its genetic predisposition allows.
Instead, focus on optimizing your cat’s health and well-being rather than trying to artificially increase its size.
You should also ensure they have access to clean water at all times, and consider consulting with a veterinarian for personalized advice tailored to your cat’s needs.
Signs Your Maine Coon Will Grow Big
Although these signs alone aren’t definitive indicators of future growth, they do signal a possibility that your Maine Coon kitten may grow larger than average.
Kittens Parent Size
Look at the size of the Maine Coon kitten’s parents to roughly estimate if the cat you are hoping to purchase or adopt has the genetic capability to grow into a giant Maine Coon cat.
If the kitten’s parents are larger than average the chances that the kitten will also be large increase.
Gender
Male Maine Coons grow larger than their female counterparts, so if you’ve set your heart on owning a large cat, opt for a male rather than a female!
I’ve created the infographic below to remind you of how the genders compare in terms of Maine Coon size:
Genetics
Genetic testing can reveal valuable information about a Maine Coon cat’s lineage and potential for growth.
By identifying specific genes associated with larger size, such as those related to bone structure or body mass, genetic testing offers an insight into a cat’s growth potential.
However, it’s important to note that genetic testing alone isn’t a guarantee of size, as environmental factors and individual variations also influence a cat’s growth.
Mixed Vs Purebred
Purebred Maine Coons usually grow larger than their mixed Maine Coon counterparts because they’re bred according to specific standards that often result in larger cats.
Registered Maine Coon Cat Breeders often select breeding cats with traits associated with larger size, such as:
- Robust Bone Structure
- Muscular Build
Mixed-breed cats inherit genetic traits from two different cat breeds. The other breed’s genetics often influence the cat’s final size, resulting in a smaller stature.
Conclusion
Grasping the significance of Maine Coon weight is paramount.
By incorporating the insights and guidance shared here, including mindful feeding, regular exercise, and veterinary oversight, owners can ensure their Maine Coons maintain an ideal weight.
Don’t be afraid to consult with a veterinarian for any weight-related concerns.
