Why Are Maine Coon Cats So Big?

Ever find yourself wondering, “How big are Maine Coon cats?” If you’ve ever met one in real life, you know their size is truly impressive and often confused with small dogs or wild lynxes!

The “size of Maine Coon cats” is a topic that is fascinating and speculative at the same time for cat lovers across the globe.

These gentle giants, with tufted ears, bushy tails, and outstanding personalities, are sure to steal hearts (and sometimes act startled when heads are turned in their direction).

But what makes them so much bigger in size than normal house cats?

Let’s explore the wonders of Maine Coons, and what makes them different and so much larger!

In this blog

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Maine Coon Cats Size: Myth vs. Reality

There are some wild stories regarding the origin of Maine Coons. One story is that they are part raccoons, because of their bushy tails and size. However, that is just a myth; cats and raccoons can’t breed[1].

Another story suggests that they descended from cats that accompanied the Vikings. While that would certainly be a cool idea, there is no real evidence.

Also, Maine Coons were probably the result of some natural selection and aided by the cats brought over by the early American settlers.

Survival of the Biggest: Why Are Maine Coon Cats So Big

The term “survival of the biggest” in regards to the Maine Coon cat refers to the evolutionary pressures encountered in the northeast US that favored larger, and more muscular cats.

Over the generations, the largest cats, which were also muscular, had a survival advantage because they were better hunters, could endure cold winters and overcome difficult situations provided to them, and they were more likely to survive and reproduce[2].

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Genetics: Born to Be Big

It’s not just that they are big. Maine Coons are built to be healthy and strong. Breeders select cats with good genes for both size and temperament. These cats have a slow growth rate — sometimes they will not reach their full size until they are five.

Their slow growth rate develops, reinforces, and assures that their bone and muscle structures are developing correctly, making them more sturdy and less likely to develop health issues from growing too quickly.

Several key adaptations contributed to the Maine Coon’s size and robustness:

Natural Selection for Size:

Larger cats had a better chance of surviving (and passing on their genes) and yet still primarily being based on size, the average size for a Maine Coon cat gradually increased over many years. This was in no small part due to natural selection[2].

Climate Adaptations:

Maine Coons developed thick, water-repelling fur, while still being heavy genetically, which explains the enormous proportion of Maine Coons with heavy paws which when snowing in the environment (so they could walk on snow and not sink) and stay warm was effective[3].

Convergent Evolution:

The stories of their exotic origins are myths. Genetic studies show that Maine Coons have their closest relatives among random-bred cats of the northeastern US and shared traits with Norwegian Forest Cats or Siberian Forest Cats likely stemmed from similarities, not lineage, as all cats likely responded to similar environmental pressures[1].

Bergmann’s Rule:

This ecological principle proposes that animals in cold climates are often larger, as larger body size lowers heat loss as a function of surface area, as we can see with the particular size of the Maine Coon relative to cats from warmer climates[4].

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Maine Coon Gender Differences: Male vs Female Comparison

Like any species, male Maine Coons are typically larger than female Maine Coons. In fact, a big male can weigh around 25 pounds, while the average female will weigh around 15 pounds.

Their genetics matter, as some lines or families of Maine Coons will have overall larger or smaller kittens. But no matter what, males are always the giants of the bunch[1].

In Maine Coons, males generally have a more robust and muscular build, with broader heads and larger bone structures, which is typical for male cats across most breeds.

Size and Weight Comparison

Feature	Male Maine Coon	Female Maine Coon
Weight	15–30+ pounds (commonly 20–25 lbs at maturity)[1]	10–20 pounds (commonly 10–15 lbs at maturity)
Height	10–16 inches at the shoulder[1]	8–14 inches at the shoulder
Length	~40 inches (nose to tail base)[1]	~40 inches (nose to tail base)
Build	More muscular, broader head, larger frame[1]	Smaller, more feminine, less bulky

@shutterstock

Factors that Influence Maine Coon Size

There are many factors that play a role in the size of Maine Coons, resulting in an unusually large breed of cat.

Here are the biggest factors:

Sexual Dimorphism: Like many animals, Maine Coons are sexually dimorphic, where males are larger than females.

Genetics: Genes that turn on for size and muscle are emphasized in males, producing greater overall growth and heavier body weight.

Selective Breeding: Breeders typically favored large, impressive male show cats, producing a strong size disparity over time.

Growth Patterns: Males typically have a longer, more robust growth pattern to their height and body weight compared to females.

Physical Movement: Ample opportunities for physical movement need as much room as each cat needs to develop strong, muscular bodies, as opposed to unnecessary weight.

Life Circumstances: Cats that have contracted kittens for stimulating, space-optimizing life have the fullest growth circumstances.

The Role of Diet and Lifestyle

Maine Coons require more food than the average cat, since they are large cats. They require high-protein diets, with plenty of good fats. They are generally playful and active, which contributes to maintaining their shape[5].

However, given their large size, it is easy for them to be overweight if they eat too much or don’t exercise enough. This is a reason to monitor their diet, as well as exercise activity.

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Maine Coon vs. Other Large Cat Breeds: A Size and Personality Showdown

Let’s see how Maine Coons stack up against other big cats:

Breed	Typical Weight (Male)	Typical Weight (Female)	Height (inches)	Personality
Maine Coon	15–25 lbs	10–15 lbs	10–16	Gentle, playful, adaptable
Norwegian Forest Cat	13–22 lbs	9–18 lbs	9–12	Agile, independent
Savannah Cat	12–25 lbs	10–18 lbs	10–17	Energetic, exotic
Ragdoll	15–20 lbs	10–15 lbs	9–11	Docile, affectionate
Siberian	10–20 lbs	8–15 lbs	9–11	Playful, loyal

Maine Coons stand out because they’re the biggest of the non-hybrid breeds and have a super friendly, easy going personality[6].

Final Thoughts: Big by Design, Big by Heart

Maine Coons are larger due to genetics, environments, foods, and the influence of humans through the years. But more than being big, they are very big-hearted, friendly, playful, and a wonderful companion.

They are larger than normal cats, which factors into their great appeal. If you are thinking of getting a Maine Coon, please remember, it is not just about having a large cat; it is having a special pet that is loving, healthy and a wonderful fit for your family.

FAQs

How big do Maine Coons get?

Maine Coons are the largest domesticated breed of cat. Males generally weigh between 18 to 22 lbs (8.2–10 kg) and females between 12 to 15 lbs (5.4–6.8 kg). However, some males can weigh well over 30 lbs (13.6 kg).

They can be up to 40 inches (100 cm) long (including tail), and their height varies from 10 to 16 inches (25–41 cm).

How is Maine Coon size compared to other cat breeds?

Maine Coons are larger than most other domestic breeds such as Siamese, Sphynx, or British Shorthairs, and are similar in size or larger than Norwegian Forest Cats or Ragdolls.

When do Maine coons reach full size?

Maine Coons reach full size at a significantly slower rate than most other domestic cat breeds. Usually, they are still growing until they are between the ages of 3 and 5 years old, and most cats will reach full maturity and size at the age of.

References:

Maine Coon Cats Size: Myth vs. Reality

Survival of the Biggest: Why Are Maine Coon Cats So Big