Maine coons top the most popular cat breed for a reason; they are unique and beautiful cats with quirky and laid-back personalities. Maine Coons are also pretty huge compared to the average house cat and share many dog-like traits that make them irresistible. If you are lucky enough to have a Maine Coon kitty, you may ask: When do Maine Coon cats stop growing?
According to PetMD, your Maine Coon’s skeletal structure should have stabilized by two years old, and you will have a good idea of their height. However, your XL gentle giant will continue to develop and fill out in bone density and musculature for another two to three years—especially male Maine Coons.
Pedigreed Maine Coons tend to be smaller than some of their non-pedigree counterparts, which can reach 34lbs (15.42 kg), according to some sources. The larger your Maine Coons genetic size, the longer your cat will take to mature, as larger cats need extra time for their bones and skeletal structure to develop. If you are curious as to just how giant your favorite feline is going to be—let’s explore the intriguing facts behind Maine Coon growth.
Contents
The Biology Behind the Growth of Your Cat
Your Maine Coon has growth plates at the ends of the limb bones, which determine bone growth and lengthening. As your cat approaches adulthood, these growth plates begin to harden and close, ensuring your Maine Coon stops growing. Although most cats average 18 months for bone maturation, Maine Coons may not reach their full size until two years old.
That is not to say that your Maine Coon is finished filling out. Although your cat may have reached their skeletal height, your cat will develop and broaden for another couple of years, particularly the male Maine Coons.
Studies show that male cats are, on average, 36.2% heavier than females, with a 20% greater bite force. Testosterone is responsible for male cats’ sturdier, heavier build and the characteristic jowls of unneutered males or males neutered after reaching sexual maturity.
Why Are Coonie Cats Larger Than Other Domestic Species?
Various factors influence the modern Maine Coon physiology. Some theorists believe that the Maine Coon developed their larger size in reaction to the cold and harsh winter conditions in some regions of Maine. Bergmann’s rule suggests that larger body mass aids species in coping with icy conditions and retaining body heat.
Some suggest that the Maine Coon resemblance to the Norwegian Forest Cat is a form of convergent evolution to cope with similar challenging winter conditions. Another theorist indicates that the size of their selected prey influences the size of cats in the wild and, therefore, determines their evolution.
Perhaps the native New England Cottontail rabbits native to Maine, which are active all year round, may have provided a much-needed food source for the frosty Maine Coon population?
Another theory suggests that early breeders chose larger cats for their aesthetic appeal and thus influenced the XL status of the Maine Coon breed.
Growth Spurts in Maine’s Grand Feline
Maine Coons experience growth spurts from three months to seven months, gaining mass between 1-2 pounds per month depending on their genetic size. Untamed Cat Food suggests that your Maine Coon will experience a second growth spurt at around 8-11½ months.
What Influences the Growth of Majestic Coon Cats?
1. Genes and Gender
Although poorly understood, feline genetics determine the eventual body size of your Maine Coon Kitty. Pure-breed Maine Coons show a more predictable and consistent size outcome than mixed breeds; pedigreed Maine Coons are often smaller than mixed-breed Maine coons.
Gender also plays a part in when your Maine Coon stops growing. Males are larger than females quite substantially, as seen in these TICA breed standards:
| Average Size | Average Weight | |
|---|---|---|
| Male Maine Coon | Average 10-16 inches | 15-20 lbs |
| Female Maine Coon | Average 8-14 inches | 9-12 lbs |
Studies show that neutering increases growth in males and even more so in females, especially when neutered before sexual maturity. Early sterilization promotes adipose fat development and a lesser gain in lean mass.
2. Activity levels
With the world increasingly overpopulated, many people live in apartments without access to gardens or open spaces. With the external dangers of vicious dogs, traffic, and unkind humans, many cats are no longer free to roam their territories as they once enjoyed in the past.
However, activity is essential for mental and physical health and your kitten’s proper growth. Remember that your Maine Coon Kitten still has developing bones, and play gently. The kitty’s growth plates are still soft at the end of their bones and need time to harden and close.
Cats are crepuscular—meaning they are most active from dusk until dawn. It is a great time to use Mane Coon’s natural activity rhythms to engage in some play. Having a good play session with your Maine Coon can strengthen your bond and make your cat less kamikaze in the wee hours.
Here are some great ways to get your kitty active so they grow big and strong:
Let’s Get Hunting! Maine Coon Games
Find some toys that mimic your cat’s prey in the wild, and try out some Maine Coon fishing! Fishing pole toys are fantastic for your cat to stalk and jump like a lunatic at a feathered “lure.” You can also simulate mouse activity by hiding a mouse-like toy by sliding it under objects. Play should last at least 20 minutes to give your Maine Coon a good workout.
Giving your kitty food after your play session is also a good idea. That way, the process mimics the reward of captured play—a full tummy.
Other Ideas To Keep Your Maine Coon Active
- Mix it up: Don’t use the same toy daily, and keep a selection to keep play exciting.
- Cat-proof your yard by placing fences where your cat can explore without danger.
- Provide your kitty with a window perch where he can sing and trill to the birds and squirrels outside.
- Some suggest setting up a kitty TV, but my Maine Coon, Halo, doesn’t give a fig about what’s on the telly!
- Walk your Maine Coon: Main Coon are famously chill, and some take well to going walkies with their favorite human. You can introduce your cat to a cat harness slowly and start walking them around your apartment before venturing out.
3. Feeding Your Gentle Giants: Cat Nutrition
A rule of thumb is always to ensure that your Maine Coon’s food matches The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommended nutrient requirements for their breed and life stage. You might consult with your vet about nutritional joint supplements for your individual kitty’s needs, as Maine Coon’s have delayed physical maturity.
When choosing your Maine Coon food, ensure the following:
- The food should be full of essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients
- Avoid food with high-carb fillers like corn, wheat, and starch
- Food should mimic your cat’s obligate carnivore diet as closely as possible
- Protein-rich food promotes proper growth
- Low carbohydrates prevent excessive weight gain
- Moderate fats such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
Due to their slow development, you should extend the length of kitten-appropriate food for up to 15 months. The Maine Coon can vary considerably in size (10 to 16 inches), although the International Cat Association (TICA) standards place healthy male Maine Coons between 15-20 pounds, while females average at 9-12 pounds.
As Maine Coons are one of the “Great Danes” of the cat world, you need to focus on foods that promote healthy bone growth. Larger Maine Coons are particularly prone to Feline Hip Dysplasia (FHD) caused by their heavy, tall, and elongated bodies.
4. The Importance of Kitty ZZZZs
Adequate sleep is often overlooked in kittens’ optimal growth necessities but is also essential for cat growth and health. Cats are polyphasic sleepers, meaning they sleep in multiple phases over 24 hours. Cats have adapted to take advantage of diurnal and nocturnal prey by crepuscular activity, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk.
The sleep foundation reports that cats need between 12 and 18 hours a day, even more before three months (up to 20 hours). The body produces several hormones during sleep that:
- Help the kitten’s body grow
- Build proper muscle
- Fight illness and boost immunity
- Repair damage to the body
- Cats release certain essential feline growth hormones during sleep
Is It Healthy for Maine Coons To Be XL?
Although people love the oversize huggable shape of the beloved Maine Coon, bigger is not always better from a health point of view. Supersize Maine Coons have a greater tendency towards issues such as hip dysplasia, just as the giant breed canines.
The long body and large size of an XL Maine coon can put undue pressure on the spine and joints and cause problems in the long run. Maine Coons tend to gain weight due to their size and appetites, especially later in life.
Certainly! If you’re interested in learning how to effortlessly manage the weight of your Maine Fluff, check out our article for valuable insights and tips.
Closing Thoughts
Maine Coons are impressive in their stature and will reach their full height at around two years old and continue to fill out until they are 4 or 5. While Maine Coons are substantially larger than the average moggy, their health should always trump aesthetics when it comes to your feline companion. Even if your Maine Coon is smaller, they have just as much love to give their lucky human family.
