Maine Coon’s Jaw-Dropping Size Compared To Humans
Maine Coon cats aren’t just “a little bigger” than your average house cat; they’re often so large that they can rival the size and weight of a human toddler!
Known as the gentle giants of the feline world, these cats have an impressive, muscular build and a long, flowing coat.
Their extraordinary size isn’t just a party trick; it influences everything from the space they need in your home to the type of food, grooming, and exercise required to keep them healthy.
In this guide, we’ll explore exactly how big Maine Coons get compared to humans (including toddlers).
How Big Do Maine Coons Get?
Maine Coons are among the largest domestic cat breeds in the world.
Adult males typically weigh between 18 and 22 lb (8.2-10 kg), while females generally range from 12 to 15 lb (5.4-6.8 kg), though exceptionally large individuals may exceed these weights.
Their body length (from nose tip to tail end) can stretch up to 40 inches (about 100 cm), and their shoulder height averages 10-16 inches (25-40 cm), which is roughly knee to hip level on an average adult human.
Maine Coon Size vs Human Toddler
Maine Coons are famous for being one of the largest domestic cat breeds, but it’s hard to appreciate their size until you compare them to a human child’s growth stages.
Did you know: When fully grown, a Maine Coon can weigh as much as a toddler, stretch nearly the length of a preschooler, and stand as tall as a young child’s hip.
Below, we compare Maine Coon kittens to humans from birth through adulthood, covering weight, length, and height at key growth stages:
1. Weight Comparison: Maine Coon Vs Human Toddler
| Age Stage | Maine Coon Weight (Male) | Maine Coon Weight (Female) | Human Weight (Male/Female Average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 0.25 lb (113 g) | 0.25 lb (113 g) | 7.5 lb (3.4 kg) |
| 6 Months Old | 7-9 lb (3.2-4.1 kg) | 6-8 lb (2.7-3.6 kg) | 16-18 lb (7.3-8.2 kg) |
| 1 Year Old | 12-15 lb (5.4-6.8 kg) | 10-12 lb (4.5-5.4 kg) | 21-24 lb (9.5-10.9 kg) |
| Fully Grown (3-5 years) | 18-22 lb (8.2-10 kg) | 12-15 lb (5.4-6.8 kg) | 30-40 lb (13.6-18.1 kg) |
Key takeaway: A full-grown male Maine Coon can weigh more than a 1-year-old child and almost as much as a 3-year-old toddler.
2. Length Comparison: Maine Coon Vs Human
The following measurements are measured from nose to tail tip for cats, and head to toe for humans:
| Age Stage | Maine Coon Length (Male) | Maine Coon Length (Female) | Human Height/ Length Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) | 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) | 19-21 inches (48-53 cm) |
| 6 Months Old | 18-22 inches (46-56 cm) | 17-20 inches (43-51 cm) | 26-28 inches (66-71 cm) |
| 1 Year Old | 26-30 inches (66-76 cm) | 24-28 inches (61-71 cm) | 30 inches (76 cm) |
| Fully Grown (3-5 years) | Up to 40 inches (100 cm) | Up to 38 inches (96 cm) | 38-42 inches (96-107 cm) |
Key takeaway: A stretched-out adult Maine Coon can be as long as a 3 to 4-year-old child is tall.
3. Height Comparison: Maine Coon Vs Human
The following measurements are measured from the ground to the shoulder for cats, and the standing height for humans:
| Age Stage | Maine Coon Height (Male) | Maine Coon Height (Female) | Human Height Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) | 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) | 19-21 inches (48-53 cm) |
| 6 Months Old | 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) | 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) | 26-28 inches (66-71 cm) |
| 1 Year Old | 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) | 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) | 30 inches (76 cm) |
| Fully Grown (3-5 years) | 14-16 inches (36-41 cm) | 10-14 inches (25–36 cm) | 38-42 inches (96-107 cm) |
Key takeaway: While they don’t match human toddlers in standing height, a Maine Coon’s stretched out can reach the hip of an average adult.
Summary Of Findings
- The Maine Coon cat’s substantial size means they require large litter boxes, bigger scratching posts, and extra-strong carriers compared to average cats.
- Maine Coons are toddler-sized in weight by their first birthday, and full-grown males can match a small preschooler’s weight.
- Their length rivals that of young children, with some stretching to over 40 inches from nose to tail.
- These gentle giants stand tall for a cat, with a stretched out length up to mid-thigh on many adults.
Growth Timeline: Patience Is Key
Unlike other breeds, Maine Coons often take 3 to 5 years to reach full maturity.
Growth is rapid during the first year, but muscle development and bone structure continue to evolve well into the cat’s third or fourth year.
Owners must be patient and allow their kittens to develop at their natural pace; rushing this can cause joint or obesity problems.
Grooming
Despite their thick double-layered coats, Maine Coons are surprisingly low-maintenance compared to other long-haired breeds, thanks to the natural oils in their fur.
Nevertheless, regular grooming is essential. It is vital that owners:
- Brush their cat’s coat 2-3 times per week, or more during seasonal molting, focusing on areas like the ruff, underside, and in leg pits.
Health Screenings And Genetic Risks
Since Maine Coons are large, they face certain breed-specific health conditions.
Reputable breeders conduct:
- Echocardiograms to screen for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
- DNA tests for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK-Def), and hip dysplasia.
Annual health checks are advised for early detection, especially after the Maine Coon reaches 3 years of age.
Nutrient-Rich Diets
Maine Coons need a diet rich in animal protein due to their size and muscle mass.
Owners should prepare for:
- Annual food expenses are between US $700-$1,000, depending on brand and whether wet food is included.
- Avoid overfeeding; structured meal times help prevent obesity, which can compound joint or heart issues.
- Maine Coons thrive with added hydration sources like cat fountains to support kidney and urinary health.
Enrichment And Training
A Maine Coon remains energetic and curious for years. To support their mental and physical well-being:
- Provide 30 minutes of high-interactive play daily, using feather wands, puzzle feeders, and climbing structures.
- Leash training, teaching tricks, and clicker training are well-suited to their intelligence, often outperforming expectations for cats.
- Vertical space, such as tall cat trees or wall shelves, is essential to satisfy their climbing and exploring instincts.
Cost Of Ownership
Beyond the initial purchase price (typically US $1,500-$2,500 for a kitten from a reputable breeder), owners should expect:
- Year one costs (vet visits, food, tools, microchipping, spay/neuter): US $3,000-$5,000.
- Annual follow-up costs (insurance, food, grooming tools, vet visits): US $1,500-$2,500.
- Emergency care costs (accidents, chronic conditions) can exceed US $5,000, reinforcing the value of pet insurance or medical savings.
Final Thoughts
When adopting a Maine Coon owners must understand their feline friend’s unique biology: slow growth, large frame, and high intelligence.
Understanding their potential size compared to humans, anticipating grooming and food needs, and committing to regular health screening are essential.
With proper care and environment, your Maine Coon will thrive both in size and in happiness, offering years of affectionate companionship and majestic feline presence.
