How Big Do Maine Coon Cats Get?

Have you ever seen a cat so large that it almost could be mistaken for a small lion? Well, that’s what Maine Coons are known for; they are the “gentle giants” of the cat species, renowned for their size, fluffy tails, and happy personalities.

But just how big do maine coon cats get?

Are they the largest breed of domestic cats, or is that just a myth?

If you want to learn more about what makes Maine Coons desirable, you can follow along.

Let’s explore the exciting world of Maine Coons and see why size matters when it comes to Maine Coon cats!

In this blog

[show]

The Numbers – Maine Coon Size in Real Life

Maine Coons are significantly larger than the pet house cats we are all accustomed to. While often buried in fluff, here is some general expected stats on Maine Coons:

Weight: Male Maine Coons average 15-25 lbs. Female Maine Coons typically weigh 10 – 15 lbs, and some are slightly above or below.

Height: The average Maine Coon cat will stand approximately 10 – 16 inches at the shoulder.

Length: Maine Coons take into account their long fluffy tail can reach up to 3 feet (36 inches) and potentially beyond! World Record holder Stewie was 48.5 inches from nose to tail.

Comparison: the average house cat will weigh only 8 to 11 lbs, and are about 9 to 10 inches tall – so a Maine Coon is easily double a normal sized cat.

*Source

Size: How Big Do Maine Coon Cats Get?

Category	Healthy Range	Warning Signs	Risks of Excess Weight
Male Weight	15–25 lbs	Waist not visible, can’t feel ribs	Diabetes, HCM, hip dysplasia, PKD
Female Weight	10–15 lbs	Lethargy, rapid weight gain	Arthritis, decreased lifespan
Growth Period	Up to 4–5 years	Sudden changes in size	Complications with existing conditions
Key Interventions	Portion control, exercise, regular vet checks	Overfeeding, inactivity	Health monitoring, dietary adjustments

IMPORTANT: Maine Coons are large by nature, but there is such a thing as “too large.” It is vital to maintain a healthy weight through diet, exercise, and vet care so that your gentle giant enjoys a long, healthy life.[1].

How Big Do Maine Coon Cats Get — **@Shutterstock**

Why Are They So Big?

You’re probably wondering why Maine Coons are so big. Their unique combination of genetics, history, and adaptation is a fascinating blend. For many years, breeders have chosen the largest and healthiest cats to preserve the breed’s strength and sturdiness.

This focus on size and strength created the Maine Coons large, substantial build and thick, muscular bodies.

Not every Maine Coon will be a giant, just like people. Some will be larger, some won’t. It’s largely due to their parents and family line.

Male vs. Female: The Gender Difference

Males: Typically larger, heavier, and have broader chests and faces. Males can be up to 25 lbs. or more.

Females: A bit lighter and smaller than males, but still much larger than most cats. Full-grown female Maine Coons usually weigh about 15 lbs. and sometimes a little more[2].

Health: When Big is Too Big.

Healthy Giants: The majority of bigger Maine Coons are just fine, but weight can cause problems like diabetes, heart disease, and joint pain.

Obesity Warning: Some Maine Coons reach 30+ pounds, which isn’t normal (even if they are heavy). If your cat starts getting too heavy, ask your vet about it.

Genetic Issues: Some lines are more likely to have heart issues, particularly if they are bred only for size and not for health.

Signs Your Maine Coon Is Too Big

The waist should be a little smaller than the upper body; if it is broader, this is a sign of being overweight.

You should be able to feel their rib cage; if not, your cat may be overweight.

Fluffiness can make visual checks difficult; hands-on checking is important.

Causes of Excess Weight

Overeating is always going to be the first cause when it comes to obesity, particularly when looking at calorie-rich or carbohydrate-rich food.

Not having enough exercise is another major cause of pet obesity, Maine Coons are playful cats and need to exercise regularly.

Certain diseases, like hypothyroidism, can cause weight gain, which is why regular vet checkups are important.

When to Seek Veterinary Advice

If you notice a rapid weight gain, or if your Maine Coon appears lethargic or is having trouble moving let your vet know about your concerns to ensure there are no underlying conditions.

Regular wellness exams are important as cats can sometimes develop heart and kidney problems as they mature, and your Maine Coon is no different, although regular checkups at the vet will help you manage these issues as they arise.

Growing Up: Their Diet, Exercise, and Environment

Slow Growers: Maine Coons don’t reach their full size until they are 3-5 years old. Most cats are done growing by age two, but Maine Coons take their time.

Food: A healthy, high-protein diet means your Maine Coon kitty will grow strong. Feeding too much is unhealthy; overweight cats aren’t healthy cats!

Exercise: These cats have a lot of energy and need space to run, jump, and climb. A small apartment may not stop these cats from getting too big, but having more room enables them to get the exercise they need to stay fit.

The Growth Path: From Kitten to Colossus

Kittens: Maine Coon kittens are already larger than most other kittens at just a few months old. At 6 months, they can weigh 8 to 10 pounds.

Teenagers: Even though they may appear to be going through an awkward stage of growth, with long legs, big paws, and a tail that seems too big for their body, it is all part of the Maine Coon journey.

Adults: The size comes on slowly, usually not until they are 4 or 5.

How Size Impacts Life

Big size, big heart! Maine Coons are considered to be friendly, playful, and somewhat dog-like. They enjoy being around humans and other animals.

With all that fur comes regular brushing to keep them free from mats and tangles.

Maine Coons can live in an apartment but are better suited for space that allows them to roam and climb.

Oddballs and Myths

Record Holders: From time to time a Maine Coon will make the news as the longest or heaviest cat in the world. But these are anomalies across the Maine Coon community[3].

Mini Maine Coons: Every once in a while someone will tell you that they have ‘mini’ Maine Coons. Typically, these are just standard cats that look similar to Maine Coons.

Mixes: If a Maine Coon is mixed, any size is possible.

In Closing: Why Size Isn’t Everything

Maine Coons are large, gorgeous, and have a lot of personality. But, don’t forget that being healthy and happy are more important than being the biggest cat on the block! If you choose to bring one into your family, focus on a breeder who cares about health and temperament, not just size.

References: