You must have seen the pictures —those giant cats weighing down their tiny humans? Yup, that’s the Maine Coon, but they are not quite as big as those colossal lynx-eared kitties you see on YouTube. If you Google Maine Coon mass, you might be surprised that everyone has a different opinion: so, what is a Maine Coon’s actual mass?
The International Cat Association (TICA) states that male Maine Coons average 15-20 pounds, while females average 9-12 pounds. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) does not make an explicit weight assessment for the breed, but they do state that exhibitors should never sacrifice quality for size.
Even if the typical Maine Coon isn’t the size of a small truck, they are certainly one of the most sizeable domestic cat breeds, earning them their loving nickname: “Gentle Giants.” Let’s take a deep dive into the weighty issue of Maine Coon Mass.
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What Factors Affect Maine Coon Mass?
Not every Maine Coon is the size of a dog; in fact, in showing circles, Maine Coons tend towards the breed average in size and weight. Breeding solely for size can also cause health issues in Maine Coons, and the quality of the cat’s health should always take precedence. However, certain factors will influence just how big your Maine Coon will be.
1. Guys and Dolls: Gender and Size Differences
Did you know that the Maine Coon breed has one of the most visible size differences between male and female cats out of all the cat breeds? This disparity in size and weight is called sexual dimorphism and occurs throughout much of the animal kingdom.
| Gender | Male Maine Coon | Female Main Coon |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Average 10-16 inches | Average 8-14 inches |
| Weight | Average 15-20 pounds (6.8-9kgs) | Average 9-12 pounds (4-5.4kgs) |
2. Genetics and Size
Purebred Mane Coons tend to be larger than hybrids or mixed-breed Coons. You can generally tell from the size of your Maine Coon kitten’s parents what size they will grow. However, this is not always true, as some kittens can surprise you! Pure-bred, pedigreed Coons are more likely to produce consistently sized kittens than non-purebreds.
3. Grow Slow and Grow Huge
The Maine Coon takes much longer to reach maturity and maximum growth than an average domestic cat. According to CFA, the Coon can take between 3-5 years to reach their full size, so they make allowances when judging these beauties at show level. The prolonged maturation time also gives the Coon time to fill out and develop their bones and musculature.
4. It’s What You Feed ‘Em: Nutrition and Mass
Maine Coons develop mass quickly in their kitten months, so they must gain all the necessary nutrients to build their bodies and brains. You can expect your Coon to grow exponentially in their first months, so it’s evident that these feline Great Danes need special care with their diet.
Key Maine Coon Kitten Requirements are as follows:
- Energy
- Protein
- Calcium
- Phosphorous
- Fatty acids such as omega-3
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
- Antioxidant support
As your Maine Coon matures, you should provide nutrition in line with their fierce carnivorous ancestry. AAFCO recommends that cats require the following:
- A high-protein diet (30.0% for growth and breeding) 26.0% for adult )
- Low carbohydrates (less than 10%)
- Good fats like omega-3 and omega-6 (9%)
- Vitamins
Medical Issues That Affect Maine Coon Mass
Like most purebred animals, the Maine Coon suffers from a genetic predisposition to certain illnesses. If your Maine Coon is undersized, you should ensure that your cat’s health is not compromised. Common ailments that cause stunted growth include the following:
- Polycystic Kidney Disease is an inherited condition that causes pockets of fluid or cysts to form in the kidneys. The condition is present from birth but may worsen as the cat ages. The condition causes the cat to lose weight due to the protein excreted from the kidneys.
- Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a condition where the muscular walls of the cat’s heart begin to thicken. This thickening affects heart efficiency and can often lead to stunted growth in younger cats or weight loss and lethargy.
- Feline Diabetes Mellitus is another disorder common in the Maine Coon breed. This disease occurs when your cat’s body can’t produce enough insulin to balance their blood sugar or glucose levels. This disorder leads to weight loss despite eating their proper nutritional quota.
If your Maine Coon is losing weight and or exhibiting symptoms of decreased appetite, be sure to consult your local veterinarian.
Size-Off: Maine Coon vs House Cats
If you are seeking an XL Maine Coon companion to hog your bed, it is best to look for a male kitten. Full-sized male Maine Coons can reach the most fabulous size and mass. Large Maine Coons are substantially larger than average house cats, as shown below:
| Cat Type | Maine Coon | House Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-16 inch (25-40cm) | 9-9.8 inch (23-25cm) |
| Length (Head-Body) | 19-32 inch (48-81 cm) | 18 inch (46cm) |
| Weight | 9- 20 lbs (4.5-9 kg) | 10 lbs (4.5kg) |
| Reach Full Size | 3-5 years | 1.5-2 years |
How Heavy Is Too Heavy for a Maine Coon?
Coons are burley furries, but the weight can tip too far on the scales. Large Maine Coons are a little calmer, but they are just as active as their diminutive domestic cousins. Like most other cats, they can be prone to weight gain and potential obesity. To ensure your cat is a healthy weight, do this simple checklist.
- Can you feel your cat’s ribs when you stroke him firmly down his side? If not, your kitty is likely overweight.
- When viewed from above, does your kitty have a defined waist, or does the belly bulge at the sides?
- Does your cat’s belly sag or have pads of fat that hang down? Oops, it’s time for a diet!
XL Maine Coons: Maine Coons That Broke the Scale
Superlarge “Stewie”
The heaviest Maine Coon on record is that of Guinness Record breaker Mymains Stewart Gilligan or “Stewie” for short. This nickname is funny because it is a relatively short name for the unbroken record holder for the world’s longest cat!
Stewie was 48.3 inches long, which is over four feet! This supersize feline also boasted the longest tail at 16.3 inches (41cm.) Sadly, Stewie passed away in 2013.
Check out this YouTube video of Stewie (RIP):
Barival the Monster Maine Coon
Barival is an Italian Maine Coon who slams the Guinness record for the longest cat from 2018. This shy Coon is quite a handful in size at 47.2 inches long (3 ft11in), but his doting owners claim he is super chilled. They named him Barival, which means “clown” in their dialect, for his quiet and quirky personality.
Here is the fine fellow for you to admire:
Ludo the Legend
Ludo is a British Maine Coon who won the longest domestic cat record from 2015 to 2018. This ginormous furry boy loves cuddles if you can lift him —he is 46.5 inches (3 ft 8 inches) long! He is a lazy boy and enjoys playing with his toys, but his cat mum says he is a bit clumsy for a kitty.
Have a look at the XL couch potato here:
The Downside to XL Maine Coons
Scientific studies have shown a link between Hip Dysplasia and large-breed Maine Coon Cats. Much like in dogs, the larger breed Coons also have a high incidence of HD which is a painful condition where the joint of the hip bone (the ball) does not fit properly in the socket, causing discomfort and often leading to painful arthritis.
Hip Dysplasia is degenerative, so it worsens over time and can shorten your cat’s life and significantly impair their mobility. So the larger the Maine Coon, the more likely that your moggy might be heading for trouble in the long term.
Besides, Maine Coons have giant personalities, so they don’t need to be giants in size to be fantastic feline sidekicks. This potential condition is also why it is so important to choose a reputable breeder who tests their litters for some of the genetic problems to which Maine Coons are prone.
Closing Thoughts
Maine Coons stand muzzle and shoulders above the ordinary housecat, and their imposing size matches their Viking gaze. However, when seeking an extra-large Maine Coon, take care that the extreme size doesn’t compromise their health. After all, you want to spend as many happy years as you can with your Maine Coon; besides, your back will thank you!
