Maine Coon cats are famous for their impressive size. These gentle giants can grow much larger than typical house cats. If you’re considering getting a Maine Coon or already own one, you need to know exactly how big they can get.
Quick Facts About Maine Coon Size
Males weigh from 18 to 22 lb (8.2 to 10.0 kg), with females weighing from 12 to 15 lb (5.4 to 6.8 kg). The average size Maine Coon adult can be between 10 and 16 inches (about 25 and 41 cm) tall. It can reach a maximum length of 40 inches (100 cm), including the tail.
Maine Coon Weight by Gender
Male Maine Coons
Male Maine Coons cats weigh, on average, between 18 to 22 pounds (8.2 to 10 kg) when fully grown. Some males can reach up to 25 pounds or more.
Female Maine Coons
Female Maine Coons weigh between 12 to 15 pounds on average. Females can stand at about 8-14 inches tall and be the same length as the male.
Comparison with Regular Cats: To put the Maine Coon’s size into perspective, a regular house cat on average is only 8-10lbs. This means even female Maine Coons are bigger than most regular cats.
How Long Do Maine Coons Get?
Maine Coons are not just heavy – they’re also incredibly long cats. It can reach a maximum length of 40 inches (100 cm), including the tail. The tail is capable of reaching 14 inches (about 36 cm) in length.
Maine Coon Growth Timeline
Kitten Stage (0-6 Months)
A Maine Coon kitten can weigh up to 5 pounds (2.27 kg) after just 3 months. By 16 weeks, they’re typically around 5 to 6 pounds.
My male kittens normally weigh 6–8 pounds by 6 months; females are normally in-between 5–7 pounds.
Young Adult Stage (6-12 Months)
By 12 months of age, males typically weigh between 5.7 kg and 8.7 kg, while females reach between 4.5 kg and 6.5 kg.
My males typically exceed 12 pounds by their first birthday, while my females consistently hover around 8-10 pounds.
Full Adult Size (3-5 Years)
Maine Coons grow slowly, reaching their full size between 3-5 years old. Although some Maine Coon cats are not fully grown until they are 4 years old.
Adult males usually weigh between 6 kg and 11 kg, while females stay in the range of 4.5 kg to 7.5 kg.
What Affects Maine Coon Size?
Genetics
Maine Coon size is largely determined by genetics. Cats from larger parents are likely to grow larger. If you want to predict your kitten’s adult size, look at the parents.
Gender
Males are consistently larger than females. The size difference between male and female Maine Coons is more pronounced than in most cat breeds.
Health and Nutrition
Proper nutrition during the growth phase is crucial. Maine Coons need high-quality food to support their extended growth period.
When Do Maine Coons Stop Growing?
Unlike most cats that reach full size by one year, Maine Coons continue growing for much longer. These gentle giants don’t reach full size until they’re 3 to 5 years old.
This slow growth pattern means you’ll need to be patient. Your Maine Coon kitten will keep getting bigger for years.
Are Oversized Maine Coons Healthy?
While Maine Coons are naturally large, extremely oversized cats can face health problems. Very large Maine Coons may experience:
- Joint stress and arthritis
- Heart problems from carrying excess weight
- Mobility issues
- Shorter lifespan
If your Maine Coon seems unusually large or is gaining weight rapidly, consult your veterinarian. You can use our Pet Symptom Checker to monitor your cat’s health.
Caring for Large Maine Coons
Special Equipment Needed
Most cat toys, perches and beds are not made for Maine Coon cats. You’ll need:
- Extra-large litter boxes
- Sturdy cat trees rated for heavy cats
- Oversized cat beds
- Heavy-duty scratching posts
- Wide pet carriers
Diet Requirements
Large cats need more food. Adult Maine Coons typically eat 1.5 to 2 times more than regular cats. Feed high-quality protein to support their muscle mass.
Maine Coon vs Other Large Cat Breeds
The Maine Coon was considered the largest breed of domestic cat until the introduction of the Savannah cat in the mid-1980s, yet it is still the largest non-hybrid breed.
Size Comparison Chart:
- Maine Coon Males: 18-22 lbs
- Maine Coon Females: 12-15 lbs
- Ragdoll Males: 15-20 lbs
- Ragdoll Females: 10-15 lbs
- Norwegian Forest Cat Males: 13-22 lbs
- Norwegian Forest Cat Females: 9-12 lbs
- Regular House Cat: 8-10 lbs
Signs Your Maine Coon Is Growing Properly
Healthy growth signs include:
- Steady weight gain during the first 2 years
- Proportional body development
- Good appetite and energy levels
- Thick, healthy coat development
- Strong muscle tone
Record-Breaking Maine Coons
Some Maine Coons have reached extraordinary sizes. While specific records vary, some of the largest Maine Coons have weighed over 30 pounds and measured over 4 feet long.
However, extremely large size isn’t always healthy. Focus on keeping your Maine Coon at an optimal weight rather than trying to maximize size.
Preparing for Your Maine Coon’s Size
Before getting a Maine Coon, consider:
- Space Requirements: Large cats need room to move and play
- Budget: Bigger cats eat more and need larger supplies
- Veterinary Costs: Large cats may need specialized care
- Housing Rules: Some apartments have pet size restrictions
Use our Pet Breed Finder Quiz to see if a Maine Coon is right for your living situation.
Common Size-Related Questions
Will neutering affect my Maine Coon’s size?
Spaying or neutering may affect final size slightly, but genetics play the biggest role. Early spaying/neutering might result in slightly larger adult size due to delayed growth plate closure.
How can I predict my kitten’s adult size?
Look at the parents’ sizes and track your kitten’s growth against breed standards. Our Pet Age Calculator can help you understand your cat’s development stage.
Should I be concerned if my Maine Coon is smaller than average?
Not necessarily. Some Maine Coons are naturally smaller. As long as your cat is healthy and growing steadily, size variation is normal.
Conclusion
Maine Coon cats are genuinely large cats that can weigh 18-22 pounds for males and 12-15 pounds for females. They grow slowly over 3-5 years and need special care due to their size. While their impressive dimensions make them stand out, focus on keeping your Maine Coon healthy rather than maximizing size.
Understanding your Maine Coon’s growth pattern helps you provide proper care throughout their development. These gentle giants make wonderful pets when you’re prepared for their substantial size requirements.
If you’re considering other aspects of cat care, check out our guides on how to cut cat nails and what fruits can cats eat for comprehensive pet care information.