If you are a proud owner of a maine coon cat, you may have noticed that your furry friend is not like other cats. Maine coons are known for being one of the largest domestic cat breeds in the world, with impressive features such as long fur, tufted ears, and bushy tails. But how big are maine coons exactly? And how can you tell if your maine coon is growing at a healthy rate? Check out the Maine Coon Size Chart.
Table of Contents
Introduction
In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will explore some of the factors that determine maine coon size, such as genetics, gender, age, nutrition, and health. We will also provide you with some statistics on the average weight, height, and length of male and female maine coons. Moreover, we will introduce you to the maine coon size chart, which is a handy tool that can help you track your maine coon’s growth and compare it with other cats. Finally, we will give you some tips on how to measure your maine coon’s size accurately and safely, and how to care for your large cat properly.
By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of what to expect when it comes to maine coon size and how to ensure your cat’s well-being. So let’s get started!
What determines maine coon size?
Maine coons are famous for their large size, but have you ever wondered what makes them so big? In this section, we will discuss some of the factors that influence maine coon size.
- Genetics: Just like with humans, genetics plays a major role in determining the size of a maine coon. If a maine coon comes from a line of large cats, there is a high chance that they will also be large. However, genetics is not the only factor that determines size. Environmental factors and nutrition also play an important role.
- Gender: Gender is another factor that can affect their size. In general, male maine coons tend to be larger than females. Male maine coons can weigh anywhere between 15-25 pounds, while females typically weigh between 10-15 pounds. However, there may be exceptions to this rule. Some females may be larger than some males, depending on their individual characteristics.
- Age: Age is another factor that can affect their size. Maine coons are slow growers compared to other cat breeds. They can take up to 4-5 years to reach their full size and maturity. Therefore, a young maine coon may look smaller than an adult one of the same gender.
- Nutrition: Nutrition is another factor that can affect their size. Maine coons need a balanced diet that provides them with enough calories, make sure they are lying flat and not curled up or stretched out. You should measure your cat from the base of their neck to the base of their tail. You should measure your cat at least once every six months to monitor their growth and development.
- Length: The best way to measure your maine coon’s length is to use a measuring tape or a ruler. You can either measure your cat while they are standing up or lying down on their side. If you measure them while they are standing up, make sure they are standing straight and not slouching or stretching. If you measure them while they are lying down on their side, make sure they are lying flat and not curled up or stretched out. You should measure your cat from the tip of their nose to the tip of their tail. You should measure your cat at least once every six months to monitor their growth and development.
Maine Coon Size Chart
Maine Coon Size Chart: Comparison between male and female
| Age (Months) | Weight Range (Female) | Weight Range (Male) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 – 5 pounds | 4 – 7 pounds |
| 4 | 5 – 9 pounds | 6 – 11 pounds |
| 6 | 7 – 12 pounds | 9 – 15 pounds |
| 8 | 8 – 14 pounds | 10 – 18 pounds |
| 10 | 9 – 16 pounds | 12 – 20 pounds |
| 12 | 10 – 18 pounds | 13 – 23 pounds |
| 18 | 11 – 19 pounds | 14 – 24 pounds |
| 24 | 11 – 20 pounds | 15 – 25 pounds |
Please note that these ranges are approximate and individual Maine Coons may vary in size.
Maine Coon Size Chart: Comparison with Other Cat Breeds
| Feature | Maine Coon | Ragdoll | Persian | Siamese |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 10-20 pounds (4.5-9 kgs) | 10-20 pounds (4.5-9 kgs) | 7-12 pounds (3.2-5.4 kgs) | 6-14 pounds (2.7-6.4 kgs) |
| Height to shoulder | 10-16 inches (25.4-40.6 cm) | 9-11 inches (22.9-27.9 cm) | 8-10 inches (20.3-25.4 cm) | 8-10 inches (20.3-25.4 cm) |
| Body length, nose to tail base | 19-30 inches (48.3-76.2 cm) | 17-21 inches (43.2-53.3 cm) | 14-18 inches (35.6-45.7 cm) | 15-20 inches (38.1-50.8 cm) |
| Tail length | 12-18 inches (30.5-45.7 cm) | 12-14 inches (30.5-35.6 cm) | 10-12 inches (25.4-30.5 cm) | 10-12 inches (25.4-30.5 cm) |
Maine Coon Size Chart: Comparison – Male vs. Female Cat
| Feature | Maine Coon male | Maine Coon female |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 15-25 pounds (5-9 kgs) | 10-15 pounds (4.5-6.8 kgs) |
| Height to shoulder | 10-16 inches (25.4-40.6 cm) | 10-14 inches (25.4-35.6 cm) |
| Body length, nose to tail base | 19-30 inches (48.3-76.2 cm) | 19-30 inches (48.3-76.2 cm) |
| Tail length | 12-18 inches (30.5-45.7 cm) | 12-18 inches (30.5-45.7 cm) |
How To Keep A Maine Coon Growth Chart
Keeping a Maine Coon growth chart is essential for monitoring the healthy development of these majestic feline companions. As one of the largest domesticated cat breeds, Maine Coons can take up to four years to reach their full size and weight. To create an effective growth chart, start by recording the kitten’s birth weight and date of birth. Regularly weigh the kitten (usually weekly during the first few months) and plot the data on a graph. Make sure to measure the length and height as well, as these dimensions can also provide valuable insights into their overall growth.
As the Maine Coon transitions from kittenhood to adulthood, consider incorporating other factors into the growth chart, such as milestones in their physical and behavioral development. Note when they start to explore their surroundings, when their adult teeth come in, and when they achieve their full coat length and coloration. These markers can give you a comprehensive picture of your cat’s progress.
Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in a Maine Coon’s growth, so keep a record of their dietary habits, including the type and amount of food consumed daily. Monitoring their weight gain in correlation with their diet can help you adjust their nutrition as needed and avoid issues like obesity or malnourishment.
Maintaining a Maine Coon growth chart can also alert you to any potential health concerns early on. If you notice any abrupt changes or stalling in their growth, it’s advisable to consult with a veterinarian promptly to address any underlying issues.
Additionally, don’t forget to include relevant environmental factors in the growth chart. Changes in living conditions, stress levels, or physical activities can influence a Maine Coon’s growth and overall well-being.
Table 1: Data that can be recorded to track Your cats development
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Initial Data | – Record birth weight and date of birth |
| – Maine Coons can take up to 4 years to reach full size and weight | |
| Regular Weigh-ins | – Weigh the kitten weekly during the first few months |
| Measurements | – Record length and height in addition to weight |
| Development Milestones | – Note when they start exploring surroundings |
| – Record when adult teeth come in | |
| – Document when they achieve full coat length and coloration | |
| Nutrition | – Keep a record of dietary habits (type and amount of food consumed daily) |
| Health Monitoring | – Watch for abrupt changes or stalling in growth |
| – Consult with a veterinarian promptly if any health concerns arise | |
| Environmental Factors | – Consider the influence of living conditions, stress levels, and physical activities on growth and well-being |
Here’s an example Maine Coon Growth Chart to help You to start with.
| Date | Age (Weeks/Months) | Weight (lbs/kg) | Length (inches/cm) | Height (inches/cm) | Developmental Milestones | Diet & Food Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-07-01 | 8 weeks | 1.2 lbs (0.54 kg) | 6 inches (15.24 cm) | 4 inches (10.16 cm) | Started exploring surroundings | Kitten kibble, 1/4 cup | First entry, brought home from the shelter |
| 2023-07-08 | 9 weeks | 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg) | 6.5 inches (16.51 cm) | 4.2 inches (10.67 cm) | First vet visit, received vaccinations | Kitten kibble, 1/4 cup | Active and playful |
| 2023-07-15 | 10 weeks | 1.8 lbs (0.82 kg) | 7 inches (17.78 cm) | 4.5 inches (11.43 cm) | Transitioned to wet and dry food | Kitten kibble, 1/4 cup | Coat starting to get longer and softer |
| 2023-07-22 | 11 weeks | 2.2 lbs (1.0 kg) | 7.5 inches (19.05 cm) | 4.8 inches (12.19 cm) | First use of the litter box | Wet food, 1/3 cup | Sleeping more, still very playful |
You can download and copy this Google Sheet – Maine Coon Growth Chart here for your personal use
How to care for your large cat?
Maine coons are wonderful cats that can bring a lot of joy and companionship to your life. However, they also require some special care and attention due to their large size and unique characteristics. Here are some tips on how to care for your large cat:
- Nutrition: Maine coons need a high-quality diet that provides them with enough calories, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water to support their growth and health. You should choose a cat food that is specially formulated for large breeds or maine coons, as they may have different nutritional needs than other cats. You should also consult your veterinarian or a cat nutritionist to find out the best food and feeding schedule for your maine coon. You should avoid overfeeding or underfeeding your maine coon, as this can lead to obesity or malnutrition, which can affect their size and well-being.
- Grooming: Maine coons have long and thick fur that needs regular grooming to keep it clean and healthy. You should brush your maine coon’s fur at least once a week to remove any dirt, mats, or tangles. You should also trim your maine coon’s nails and clean their ears and teeth regularly. You should bathe your maine coon only when necessary, as too much bathing can dry out their skin and coat. You should use a mild shampoo and conditioner that are suitable for cats and rinse them thoroughly. You should also dry your maine coon with a towel or a hairdryer on a low setting.
- Exercise: Maine coons are active and playful cats that need plenty of exercise to keep them fit and happy. You should provide your maine coon with enough toys, scratching posts, and climbing structures to stimulate their physical and mental activity. You should also play with your maine coon every day for at least 15 minutes to bond with them and keep them entertained. You can use interactive toys, such as laser pointers, feather wands, or balls, to engage your maine coon in fun games. You can also train your maine coon to do some tricks, such as sit, stay, or fetch, to challenge their intelligence and reward them with treats.
- Health care: Maine coons are generally healthy and robust cats, but they may be prone to some genetic or acquired diseases that can affect their size and well-being. Some of these diseases include hip dysplasia, spinal muscular atrophy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, polycystic kidney disease, and dental problems. Therefore, you should monitor your maine coon’s health regularly and take them to the vet for check-ups and vaccinations. You should also spay or neuter your maine coon to prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce the risk of some cancers and infections.
Conclusion
Maine coons are amazing cats that can impress you with their large size and friendly personality. However, they also need some special care and attention due to their unique characteristics. In this article, we have explored some of the factors that determine maine coon size, some statistics on the average weight, height, and length of male and female maine coons, and how to use a maine coon size chart to track your maine coon’s growth and compare it with other cats. We have also given you some tips on how to measure your maine coon’s size accurately and safely, and how to care for your large cat properly.
We hope this article has helped you learn more about this topic and answered some of your questions. If you have any more questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. We would love to hear from you and your maine coon!
FAQs
How big can a maine coon get?
The size of a maine coon can vary depending on their individual characteristics and environmental factors. However, the largest maine coon on record was a male named Stewie who measured 48.5 inches long from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail. The heaviest maine coon on record was a male named Ludo who weighed 34.8 pounds. The tallest maine coon on record was a male named Arcturus who stood 19.05 inches tall at the shoulder.
How can I tell if my cat is a maine coon?
There is no definitive way to tell if your cat is a maine coon or not, unless you have a pedigree certificate or a DNA test. However, there are some physical and behavioral traits that are typical of maine coons, such as:
Large size and muscular build
Long and thick fur with a ruff around the neck and britches on the legs
Tufted ears and paws
Bushy tail
Lynx-like appearance
Green, gold, or copper eyes
Variety of colors and patterns
Friendly and sociable personality
Intelligent and playful nature
Vocal and expressive sounds
Are maine coons good pets?
Maine coons are excellent pets for people who are looking for a loyal, affectionate, and fun-loving companion. They are gentle giants that can get along well with children, other cats, dogs, and even strangers. They are also very smart and curious, and they enjoy learning new things and playing games with their owners. However, they also need some special care and attention due to their large size and unique characteristics. They need a high-quality diet, regular grooming, plenty of exercise, and health care to keep them happy and healthy.
How much do maine coons cost?
The cost of a maine coon can vary depending on several factors, such as the breeder’s reputation, the location, the demand, the quality, the color, the gender, and the age of the cat. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere between $400-$2000 for a purebred maine coon kitten from a reputable breeder. However, you may also find cheaper or more expensive options depending on the situation. You should also consider the additional costs of owning a maine coon, such as food, litter, toys, grooming, vet bills, and insurance. Also make sure that you are buying from a reputable breeder who can provide you with health certificates, pedigree papers, and guarantees. Better avoid buying from pet stores, online ads, or backyard breeders who may sell you unhealthy or mixed-breed cats.
How long do maine coons live?
The lifespan of a maine coon can vary depending on their individual health and lifestyle. However, the average lifespan of a maine coon is between 10-15 years. Some maine coons may live longer or shorter than this range. The oldest maine coon on record was a female named Corduroy who lived to be 26 years and 13 days old. You can increase your maine coon’s lifespan by providing them with the best care possible, such as a balanced diet, regular grooming, plenty of exercise, and health care.
More on Maine Coon Size
Maine coon size is a fascinating topic that can help you understand your cat better and provide them with the best care possible. We hope this article has given you some useful information and insights on this topic. Whoever has experienced the weight and size of a Maine Coon cat sleeping on their chest knows the awe-inspiring presence these majestic felines possess. If you want to learn more about maine coons and other cat breeds, you can check out our other articles on our website. We have plenty of resources and tips for cat lovers like you. Thank you for reading and have a wonderful day with your maine coon!
