Table of Contents
Introduction
How big do Maine Coon Cats get? One of the more popularly asked questions about the Maine Coons, and the question makes sense. Maine Coons do look like a very large housecat, and at a first glance could look like a small wildcat. Maine Coons do have long bodies, gigantic thick paws, big fluffy tails, and a thick coat. Maine Coons are not wildcats. Maine Coons are a big gentle social domestic housecat breed. Maine Coons have a long history in the United States.
Maine Coons are quite slow when it comes to growing. Many cats are done growing around their first birthday. Maine Coons take anywhere between 3 to 5 years to reach their fully grown size. The International Cat Association notes that Maine Coons develop slowly and may not reach full size until they are three to five years old. This information comes from TICA. Maine Coons do take significant time to become large. Because the slow growing nature of Maine Coons, it makes a good deal of sense for them to have a large frame and a strong body. Maine Coons do not shoot large and endangered species overnight surprisingly. Maine Coons grow like trees, in a steady and patient manner.
How Big Do Maine Coons Get When Fully Grown?
How many pounds do Maine Coon cats typically reach upon full maturity? The average weight of male Maine Coon cats is approximately 18 to 25 pounds, and females weigh on average 10 to 14 pounds. The average female Maine Coon weighs 10 to 14 pounds and the average male weighs between 10 and 25 pounds.
With their weight also comes a lot of dimensions. Maine Coons are long cats and also have plumed tails, wide chests, and long legs. A single Maine Coon can take up a lot of space and they have their health determined by other means. Maine Coons have a bigger average size than the average cat and, like a lot of large animals, their size comes with the slower development. You can also use our compare cat breeds page to see how Maine Coons measure against other popular cat breeds.
Here’s how large they can get:
Maine Coon Size Parameters:
| Category | Average Size |
| Male Weight | 18 – 25 lbs |
| Female Weight | 10 – 15 lbs |
| Length with Tail | Up to 38 inches |
| Height | 10–16 inches |
| Period of Full Size | 3 to 5 years |
An average Maine Coon cat showing its height and length.
Male vs. Female Maine Coon: Size Differences Explained
Male Maine Coons are known to be more muscular and larger. The Cat Fanciers’ Association also notes that mature male Maine Coons may reach or exceed 20 pounds, while females are usually smaller. In addition to developing broader shoulders, they develop a broader, deeper chest. In winter their coat thickens and makes their appearance even more dramatic.
Though Maine Coons are one of the larger domestic breeds, females are smaller compared to their male counterparts. Many female Maine Coons are long, lean, and strong. Maine Coons are still quite large compared to even the largest of commonly known house cats. Maine Coon size is caused by more than just genetics. Health, diet, and level of activity also factor into their size.
Gender Comparison Table
| Gender | Weight Range | Build |
| Male | 18 – 25 lbs | Broad & muscular |
| Female | 10 – 15 lbs | Lean but strong |
The size difference between male and female Maine Coons
Maine Coon vs Regular Cats: Size Comparison
Maine Coons’ size generally compared to common domestic cats. The average domestic cat weighs between 8 to 12 pounds. Maine Coons typically exceeds that weight range. Maine Coons have longer, more rectangular bodies.
This is highlighted when Maine Coons stand next to average domestic cats. Average domestic cats are more compact while Maine coons are more stretched, rugged, and powerful. With a tail that appears to be a feather duster.
Maine Coon Growth Stages: From Kitten to Full Size
Maine Coon kittens seem to grow extraordinarily fast in their first year and may look oversized by six months. Their pads may look comically large for their bodies which gives them that awkward teenage look. During that first year, overall solidity is an indicator of the more growing left to do.
From year one to year three, their body starts to fill out. Their muscles grow stronger. Their chest becomes wider. Their coat often gets fuller. By years three to five, many Maine Coons finally reach their adult size. For a wider look at feline development, our guide on when cats stop growing explains the key growth stages for cats in general. This slow maturity is one reason the breed feels so special.
Age What Usually Happens
Why Are Maine Coon Cats Larger Than Other Breeds?
The size of Maine Coons is largely a factor of geography. The Maine Coons breed originated in the icy climate of Maine. The combination of large frames with thick fur, large foot pads, and bushy tails helped tolerate these cats in the very cold weather. Their shaggy fur acts much like a complete jacket for winter.
Genetics still play the biggest role. The size of Maine Coons cannot be continually aided by diet. Food serves to support the genetically established sizes of Maine Coons. It is an unreasonable dive to think of diet as a means of Maine Coons size extension. It is much more reasonable to think of diet as fuel for energy.
How to Tell if Your Maine Coon Is Overweight or Healthy
In terms of being big, it is certainly possible for a Maine Coon to be big and healthy, but it can also be big and overweight, and the two situations are definitely not compatible. A Maine Coon that is large and healthy should be strong and the owner should be able to feel the cat’s ribs. There should also be rib cage structure that is visibly obvious as a narrowing shape at the cat’s waist, which should be seen.
Instead of weight, veterinarians say a Maine Coon’s health should be in terms of body condition. The Merck Veterinary Manual explains that ideal body condition includes ribs that are easy to feel, a well-proportioned waist, and an abdominal tuck. One Maine Coon that weighs 18 pounds can be perfectly healthy and debatably be a Maine Coon that does not be to make any weight loss attempts. While the negative connotation of the scale implies that excess weight is a burden, it is the Maine Coon’s body that will say it and tell its full story. Cornell Feline Health Center recommends checking a cat’s ribs, side profile, and overhead shape when judging whether a cat is overweight.
Maine Coon Mix Height and Weight
Maine Coons mixed breed cats come in different sizes. Some of them inherit the lengthy body and large paws while others tend to be closer in size to a conventional domestic cat. Additionally, some mixed breed cats can have features which are consistent with Maine Coons but may not reach the full length that typical Maine Coons tend to have.
Due to this variety in appearances, there can be some misleading assumptions. For instance, having a fluffy tail doesn’t mean that the cat is a Maine Coon and having a big frame doesn’t either. Other factors that contribute to the mixed breed Maine Coons include genetics, the size of the parents, and the history of the breed. Most Maine Coon mixes grow to be large and extremely social animals.
Can Maine Coon Cats Grow Larger Than 30 Pounds?
What is the extreme size of a Maine Coon cat? Maine Coons tend to dominate longest cat records, due to body length, tail length, and the length of everything else. Apparently, a Maine Coon named Stewie once measured an astonishing 48.5 inches from the tip of its nose to the end of its tail. Guinness World Records reported Stewie as the world’s longest cat at 48.5 inches, but record cats are rare and should not be treated as the normal Maine Coon size.
These record cats are rare. They are not the normal goal. A healthy 15-pound Maine Coon can be just as wonderful as a 25-pound one. Chasing size can lead to poor feeding choices. Health should always beat bragging rights.
Can Food Really Make Maine Coons Big?
Food is an important part of a Maine Coon’s growth, but isn’t a deciding factor in how large they’ll grow. Kittens need as much food as possible. Their bones and muscles, as well as their developing brains and immune systems, need food. Adult cats need food too, but as a guess, it needs to be controlled. Otherwise, they’d go from looking and being strong to being weak and large.
Large cats need to be large, but need to be in good shape and still need to be able to be alert. Maine Coons are large, but more so, large and sluggish is not Maine Coons’ main purpose, as they are large due to the herd mentality as a species. The vet can help with the correct quantities and help determine where they need to go in the Maine Coons’ fitness journey.
Maine Coon Cat Supplies: What You Need for a Big Cat
A Maine Coon requires more sizable items than what is usually needed for most cats. A small litter box may feel more cramped for a Maine Coon than for a typical cat; For the right setup, see our guide to the best litter box for Maine Coon cats before buying a box that may be too small. A cat tree that isn’t made of strong materials may tremble under their weight; a tiny carrier may make a stressful situation like a vet visit much worse. Maine Coons put a heavier demand on their owners’ budget than what most new cat owners would expect.
Initial designs that are under a Maine Coon’s significant needs can make a better quality of life. A well-made, large litter box, scraping post, and food bowl; a wide, washable sleeping area; a carrier that is big, strong, and easy too. Additionally, Maine Coons need to be groomed more frequently so owners may want to also think about a slicker brush and a long coat comb to easily brush the long coats. Long coats can easily get tangled.
Do Maine Coons Fit in Apartments?
Yes, Maine Coons can live in apartments, as long as there is enough room for them to stretch and play. They also need to have a few extras to enrich their environments like tall climbing trees, scratching posts, play areas, and different levels to play on. This is where a sturdy cat tree for large cats becomes especially useful, because Maine Coons need climbing space that can handle their size. AAHA and AAFP feline life-stage guidance says an ideal cat environment should include thoughtfully placed resources such as resting areas, feeding stations, water sources, scratching posts, and litter boxes. Window branches are also a good addition for apartments.
Because Maine Coons are social, they like being near you. Because they are all a good mix of social and intelligent, Maine Coons enjoy playing fetch, using puzzle toys, and playing games. Maine Coons might sleep for hours, but that is just a boost for them being their high energy characters. This all also means that they need to have activities. They need to have their activities to be able to play, climb, interact, and recharge. Otherwise, they will take over the high ground.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine Coon Size
How long does it take for Maine Coons to become fully grown?
Most Maine Coons stop growing by 5 years of age. They are a slow growing breed. A one-year-old Maine Coon still has a long way to go.
Are Maine Coons bigger than average house cats?
Absolutely, Maine Coons are bigger than average house cats. They weigh more, grow longer, and are more healthy than average cats. Also, house cats are not equipped with a double coat.
How large are male Maine Coons?
Male Maine Coons often weigh between 18 and 25 pounds. Some weigh more, but that does not always mean they are healthy. Body shape matters as much as weight.
Are Female Maine Coons Lighter?
Female Maine Coons are in range of 10 to 15 lbs. Compared to males, they are smaller, yet large for average cats.
Do Maine Coons in general weigh 30 lbs.?
While it is a fact that large Maine Coons may weigh 30 lbs., that weight is not as normal. It is often the case that Maine Coons of this large size actually are overweight. 30 lbs is in fact not an ideal weight for a Maine Coon.
Why is my Maine Coon not very big?
There are a range of possibilities depending upon a Maine Coons smaller size, including sex, age, mixed ancestry or even genetics. It’s worth mentioning that some Maine Coons are of a moderate size. Some Maine Coons do not grow to large size.
Are Maine Coons the biggest domestic cats?
Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds. If allergies are also part of your decision, read our guide on Are Maine Coons hypoallergenic before choosing this breed. Due to their large and fluffy physique, they are often referred to as the largest non-hybrid domestic cat breed. If you’re looking for domestic cat breeds which are large and also tall, Savannah cats could be taller, however, they are hybrid breeds.
Conclusion
The size of Maine Coon cats varies based on sex, genetics, diet, age, and health. Overall, Maine Coons are larger than most cats. Male Maine Coons are generally 18 to 25 pounds and female Maine Coons are generally 10 to 15 pounds. Their thick coats and slow growth on top of their long bodies cause them to be even more impressive size-wise.
Bigger is not always better. Maine Coons are best when strong and active, not when they are the largest animal in the area. It is best to strive to have a gentle giant Maine Coon that has eyes filled with joy, a healthy body, and is in good shape and is all around catlike fit.
