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Maine Coon cats are a popular breed. These cats are known for their generous size, shaggy coats, and extra-long tails. This breed is native to Maine and is a popular pet, skilled mouser, and show cat. Maine Coon cats get much larger than the average domestic housecat, leading to their “gentle giant.” nickname. They have a unique look and many urban legends surrounding their origin. No, these cats are not a mix between a housecat and a raccoon. That crossbreed is biologically impossible, as they are two completely different species. They are, however, native to Maine and serve as the official state cat.
Many factors affect size, including health, lifestyle, nutrition, and exercise. It is good to have an overall idea of how big a Maine Coon cat will be. Some grow faster than others. These big kitties can take longer to mature than other breeds. Knowing what milestones to look out for and what to expect as they grow from tiny fluffy kittens into adult cats Is one of the best ways to keep your kitty healthy.
This is a quick guide to your cat’s growth from kitten to adulthood. This guide looks at month-to-month growth expectations for the first year and offers a simple growth chart to provide a quick reference point throughout your cat’s developing years. We discuss what to expect from your adult cat and what factors go into their growth. Finally, we address and answer a few frequently asked questions about the size of these cats.
Maine Coon Size: What To Expect
It is important for cat owners thinking about bringing a cat into their home to know what to expect about this very large breed. Owners need to know right away that they grow for longer than most other domestic cat breeds. While most house cats tend to mature physically at about two years old, these big guys can continue to grow up until three or four years of age. This extended growth period may play a role in their larger size.
Along with growing physically larger for several years, it also takes a Maine Coon longer to mature mentally than most other feline breeds. The gentle giant retains their playful kitten-like personality well into adulthood. Owners should be aware of this extended growth cycle and remember that these cats will not be fully grown for a few years.
It is not known what makes this feline breed grow so large. However, genetics play a role. These husky felines developed over time, evolving to brave the harsh New England winters. They are one of the oldest natural feline breeds in North America.
Regarding this breed’s growth, keep in mind that it takes them longer to reach their full size than other kittens. They will add about 2 pounds per week after about three months of age until almost a year. Many owners have questions about this rapid growth rate and can even grow worried about their cats gaining too much weight. Some owners often wonder if all Maine Coons get so big, and the answer is that not reach 20 or more pounds. Some kitties remain smaller and look similar to other feline breeds.
How Big Do Maine Coon Cats Get?
These gentle giants are known for their generous size. To give an accurate picture of how big they are, we should first talk about the size of an average house cat. On average most cat breeds reach about 8 to 12 pounds. Most domestic felines reach between eight and 10 inches tall and measure approximately 18 inches, excluding their tails. The average cat’s tail measures about 12 inches. This can all vary depending on breed, gender, and lifestyle.
Even on the smaller side, the gentle giant is much bigger than the average house cat. Males are significantly larger than females of the same breed. Adult females average 8 to 15 pounds, though many get much larger. Males can reach 15 to 20 pounds, but it is quite common for them to reach 20 or even 25 pounds or more. This breed of cat is much heavier than the average domestic feline, even on the smaller side.
A female can stand between 8 and 15 inches tall, and many have grown taller. Males will reach a height of 10 to 16 inches on average, though they often grow taller. Females and males can reach 19 – 40 or more inches long. Currently, the longest on record comes in at a whopping 48.5 inches long, excluding the tail.
The gentle giant’s tail is long and fluffy. Tails will continue to grow until this feisty feline reaches full size. They range from 11 to 16 inches in length. Some have been recorded as being over 17 inches long.
Average Maine Coon Cat Size
| Male | Female | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 15 – 25 pounds | 8 – 15 pounds |
| Height | 10 – 16 inches | 8 – 15 inches |
| Length | 19 – 40 inches | 19 – 40 inches |
| Tail Length | 11- 16 inches | 11 – 16 inches |
Kitten Growth Timeline
Keep in mind that this information is a guideline to reference, not a prediction of what size every cat reaches. Do not be alarmed if your kitten does not follow this growth estimate perfectly. Kittens can experience growth spurts, with lags and sudden increases in weight and size. These are normal and unpredictable. If you are concerned about a lengthy period of slow or rapid growth, contact your veterinarian for a checkup.
1 Month
Newborn kittens are quite tiny and weigh about a pound and a half around one month of age. Kittens are born both blind and deaf. At this stage, they will rely solely on their mother for nutrition. Her milk is the best thing they can eat at this time. By four weeks of age, their eyes and ears should be open, and they should be shakily learning to use their legs.
2 Months
By two months, a Maine kitten will start to gain noticeable weight. They are steadier on their feet, and baby teeth will begin to grow. Your kitten will weigh between 2 1/2 and four pounds by the end of two months. You can introduce kitten food between one and two months of age.
3 Months
At three months, your Coon kitten will weigh between 3 1/2 and five and a half pounds on average. You will start to see significant weight gain over the next few months. By this age, kittens should have started vaccinations and had a first visit to the vet. They should be eating well-balanced kitten food and have weaned off mom’s milk.
4 Months
At four months old, your sweet kitten is much sturdier. He will start to lose baby teeth. Weight at this age reaches between 6 and 8 and a half pounds on average.
5 Months
These kittens weigh between 6 and 12 pounds on average at five months. Females are smaller. If one were to have a male and female kitten in the same home, one would be able to see a significant size difference. Kittens will now be steady on their feet and start to be highly interested in playing. Conversations about when to spay and neuter should be happening now.
6 Months
A Maine Coon can be confused for a full-grown cat at six months of age. They can weigh anywhere between 6 and 13 pounds or more. Males will likely be over 10 pounds. Females will weigh six and a half pounds to 8 or 9 pounds on average. Female cats will go into heat around five or six months old. Once females hit this milestone, they will experience heat about every three weeks. If you have not had the conversation about spaying or neutering your kittens by now, six months is a great time to have it.
7 Months
A seven-month-old gentle giant kitten can be comparable to an adult of other breeds. Many people are surprised that he is not even a year old. Males can weigh between 9 and 14 pounds. Females will weigh between 7 and 10. Expect your kitty to be a handful at this stage. Gentle giant kittens are playful, large, and clumsy. Their size will surprise them and you as they continue to grow.
8 Months
At eight months, your kitten is well on his way to reaching adult size. Males can be anywhere from about 10 to 15 pounds by now. Females can be 8 to 11 pounds or more. Despite their generous size, these kitties still need kitten-formulated food for a few more months. Do not switch them over to adult chow just yet. If you have not already, this is a suitable time to start cleaning their teeth.
9 Months
A 9-month-old kitty is going to be a big cat already. They will likely be bigger than other cats in the household by now. Males reach anywhere from 12 to 15+ pounds. Females will weigh 8 to 11 pounds.
10 Months
At ten months, the true size of a gentle giant kitty starts to become more apparent. Males can reach anywhere from 11 to 17 pounds or more. Females are smaller, about 9 to 12 pounds. Around this age, you can start looking into adult cat food. You can begin slowly introducing the adult formula. Do not simply switch foods. This needs to be a gradual process.
11 Months
Your sweet kitty is now clearly growing into a big cat. Though he may be huge, he is not fully mature. He will be better behaved and understand commands, etc., but still has a long way to go to become an adult. Males will weigh 12 to 17 pounds or more. Females are smaller, about nine and a half to 13 or more pounds.
1 Year
One year and time to celebrate! Your big cat has made it to his first year. This is a significant milestone. However, remember this breed takes far longer to mature than other felines. Though he is a year old and possibly huge, your kitty has another couple of years before he fully matures. By 12 months, your Maine Coon cat may weigh anywhere from 13 to 20 pounds. Females will be smaller, weighing about 10 to 14 or so pounds.
What Happens Next?
After his first year, your gentle giant has grown into a reasonably sturdy, independent cat. He will still grow slowly over the next two to three years. These felines reach maturity between three and four years old. You may see slow growth or a periodic growth spurt or two. Many will have another growth spurt when they reach one year old. He will continue to fill out and mature. Keep in mind that not every feline reaches the same size, and you will not know for sure how big a size your cat will be until he is about three years old.
Adult Maine Coon Cats
These cats are considered adults when they hit the one-year mark, even though they still have years of growing left. Once they reach full growth, these cats can be quite large. Caring for a big cat like this requires a dedicated owner and a home with plenty of room. These cats love to play outside and will need regular exercise throughout their lives. Even when they reach adulthood, they retain many of their kitten-like qualities. They are highly affectionate, very playful, and can even be trained to walk on leashes and play fetch.
Adults can weigh anywhere from 11 to 25 pounds or more. Owners must ensure they feed their cats high-quality, well-balanced food as adults. Be incredibly careful not to overfeed. It can be easy to attribute obesity to being a large breed. Above all, owners want their kitties to be healthy and should not be too concerned if their kitty is not as large as expected.
Maine Coon Cat Growth Chart
| Age | Weight Male | Weight Female |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | 1.5 pounds | 1.5 pounds |
| 2 Months | 2 – 4 pounds | 2 – 4 pounds |
| 3 Months | 3.5 – 5 pounds | 2 – 5 pounds |
| 4 Months | 6 – 8 pounds | 5 -7 pounds |
| 5 Months | 7 – 12 pounds | 6 – 9 pounds |
| 6 Months | 6 – 13 pounds | 6.5 – 9 pounds |
| 7 Months | 9 -14 pounds | 7 -10 pounds |
| 8 Months | 10 -15 pounds | 8 -11 pounds |
| 9 Months | 12 – 15 pounds | 8 -11 pounds |
| 10 Months | 11 – 17 pounds | 9 – 12 pounds |
| 11 Months | 12 -17 pounds | 9 -13 pounds |
| 1 year | 13 – 20 pounds | 10 – 14 pounds |
| 15 Months -3/4 years | 15 – 25 pounds | 9 -15 pounds |
Factors To Consider
The information presented in our guide is a guideline; it does not represent every single cat. While this breed is known to be large, that does not mean that every single one will grow to be 20 pounds or more. Many are equitable in size to other popular feline breeds. How large each kitty will get depends on a few different factors.
Genetics
Genetics is one of the most significant factors determining a cat’s size. While this is known to be a larger breed overall, owners should not expect that he will get huge just because their cat is a Maine Coon. Looking at the parent cats can help indicate what size a cat may be when they are fully grown. Additionally, many of these cats may be mixed breeds, affecting how large they will get.
Health
A cat’s overall health will affect how large they get. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, obesity is the most common disease in cats that can be preventable. This can affect how large a cat gets and how healthy he is overall. Maine Coon cats are overall a healthy breed. However, they can have some genetic predisposition to specific health issues, including hip dysplasia, heart disease, and spinal muscular atrophy.
Nutrition
Along with genetics, nutrition is one of the most pivotal factors in how large any cat breed will get. Cats need to be fed a healthy, well-balanced diet. They should be provided with a mix of dry cat food and wet cat food. Foods high in animal protein, like chicken and fish, are best for this breed. They also need small amounts of healthy fatty acids (Omega 3 and Omega 6), carbohydrates, and vitamins (A, B, K, and Niacin). The amount they eat and the quality of their food will significantly impact how large they get. You can discuss with your veterinarian any particular concerns about your cat’s nutritional balance, the best food to feed him, and how to maintain his dietary needs throughout his life. Nutrition is essential from the very first day of his life all the way until he is a senior cat.
Activity Level
Cats, just like humans, need to be active to stay healthy and fit. A big cat like this will need plenty of regular exercise to stay healthy and burn off excess fat in his diet. These cats should have several play sessions a day. Many like to explore outside. Cats like their downtime and will spend several hours a day lying about and sleeping. They should be given plenty of opportunities for physical play. Toys, balls, laser pointers, and climbing structures are among the many options out there to keep these big cats engaged and active.
Frequently Asked Questions
At What Is A Maine Coon Full Size?
These cats take a little longer than other cat breeds to mature. While most felines will mature around one or two years of age, the gentle giant can grow until they are three or four years old before reaching full maturity. They retain many of their kitten-like qualities and playfulness well into adulthood.
How Big Should My Maine Coon Kitten Be?
While we can present different guidelines as a reference point, there is no real way to predict how large a specific cat should be. You can look at the parent cats to estimate their size, one of the best indicators of how big a kitten might be once fully grown. If your cat is eating well, getting plenty of exercise, and is not sick, you should not worry about how large they are. Like every other breed, these felines have a range of sizes, some are much smaller, and some will be much larger.
Are Maine Coon Cats Bigger Than Savannah Cats?
Both cat breeds are known to be on the large side. Savannah cats have long slender limbs, making them seem larger than they are. Savannahs range in weight from 7 to 15 pounds, while Maine Coon cats can range from 11 to 15 pounds.
How Much Bigger Is A Maine Coon Than A Normal Cat?
These cats can almost double other kitties in size. Maine Coons can reach between 9 and 25 pounds and reach 40 inches long. Most other breeds reach between 6 and 12 pounds and reach 30 inches long. Maine Coons stand 8 to 16 inches tall, while regular cats reach about 10 inches in height.
How Can I Tell If My Cat Is A Maine Coon?
Unfortunately, there is only one 100% accurate way to know if your cat is a Maine Coon, and that is to do genetic DNA testing. Besides that, you can look at the different physical attributes to see if your cat has some of the physical traits of this breed. These kitties have long rectangular bodies with extra-long shaggy tails. This fur covers their whole bodies but is thicker on their tail. They also have large furry ears that make them look similar to a bobcat. Gentle giants are known for their very large eyes and outgoing personalities. However, despite these features, it may be tough to tell if your cat is a true gentle giant unless you have the documentation to prove it.
Final Thoughts
Owning a Maine Coon cat is a big responsibility. These large cats can be quite a handful. They will need a home with tolerant owners who do not mind their generous size and clumsiness. As owners, we are responsible for ensuring that they get the highest medical care, proper nutrition, and regular exercise and live in a comfortable, safe home.
This cat is one of the largest domestic cat breeds. Some can grow to 25 pounds or more, though plenty are much smaller. Many different factors will go into how large one gets, including gender, genetics, nutrition, activity levels, and overall health. Prospective owners should do their research ahead of time to learn more about this intriguing breed and their unique needs. Remember, if you are concerned about your cat’s growth rate, it is always best to reach out to your veterinarian for a checkup and discuss your specific cat’s health needs.
