The Maine Coon is the gentle giant of domestic cats. With its plumed tail, lynx-like ear tufts and impressive size, it turns heads wherever it goes. But how big does a Maine Coon really get? And is it true that they take years to reach full size? In this article you will read everything about the weight, length and growth of this remarkable breed.
Weight and length of an adult Maine Coon
| Male | Female | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | about 6 to 9 kg (13 to 20 lb), sometimes more | about 4 to 6 kg (9 to 13 lb) |
| Height at the shoulder | about 25 to 40 cm (10 to 16 in) | about 25 to 35 cm (10 to 14 in) |
| Length, nose to tail tip | up to about 100 cm (40 in) | about 80 to 90 cm (31 to 35 in) |
| Fully grown | 3 to 5 years | 3 to 4 years |
For comparison: an ordinary domestic shorthair usually weighs 3.5 to 5 kg and measures around 70 to 75 cm including the tail. A Maine Coon is easily one and a half to two times as heavy.
The record for the longest domestic cat in the world has belonged to Maine Coons for years, with record holders measuring more than 1.20 metres (4 feet) from nose to tail tip. Those are exceptions, of course.
How fast does a Maine Coon grow?
Maine Coons grow far more slowly than most cats. Where an ordinary house cat reaches adult size after about a year, a Maine Coon keeps growing for years, especially in width and muscle.
- 0 to 6 months: rapid growth. A three-month-old kitten often already weighs 1.5 to 2 kg.
- 6 to 12 months: the cat gets longer and taller; males often weigh 5 to 6 kg by their first birthday.
- 1 to 3 years: the cat becomes broader and more muscular, the head grows and the coat gets fuller.
- 3 to 5 years: final size is reached.
So don't worry if your young Maine Coon still looks a bit lanky after a year: that is normal for the breed.
'XXL' Maine Coons: a word of caution
You regularly see adverts for 'XXL' or 'extra large' Maine Coons. Be careful. Breeding for extreme size can come at the expense of health, for example through joint problems. A good breeder selects for health and temperament first, and only then for size.
Heavier is not always bigger either: a Maine Coon of 10 kg or more is often simply overweight. If you can no longer feel the ribs and there is no visible waist, talk to your vet.
Temperament: a gentle giant
Despite its size, the Maine Coon is a friendly, sociable and playful cat. The breed is known for its chirping sounds, its fascination with water and its curiosity. It originally comes from the US state of Maine, where it survived harsh winters as a hardy farm cat. That is where its thick, water-repellent coat and large, furry paws come from.
What does that size mean at home?
A big cat needs big equipment:
- A sturdy, tall cat tree with wide platforms that won't topple when seven kilos of cat jumps on it.
- A spacious litter box, ideally an extra-large one or an open storage box.
- A large carrier, which you can buy while your cat is still small.
- Weekly brushing, especially of the belly, the 'trousers' and the ruff, to prevent tangles.
Health and life expectancy
A Maine Coon lives 12 to 15 years on average. Health issues to watch for in the breed are the heart condition HCM, hip dysplasia and the muscle disease SMA. A good breeder screens the parents for these. Read more about feline lifespan in our article on how long cats live.
Looking for a slightly smaller but equally affectionate cat? Take a look at the ragdoll.
A big portrait for a big cat
A cat with this much presence deserves a spot on the wall. At Get Your Print Together you turn a photo of your Maine Coon into a portrait in styles such as Renaissance, Van Gogh or a magazine cover. You first see a free preview and then choose a poster or digital download from our products.
