Maine Coons are big boned and muscular cats. They are distinguished by their long silky coats of fur, which make them look bigger.
They are known to be the largest breed of domestic cats, but just how big is the average Maine Coon?
The typical Maine Coon cat grows bigger than other cat breeds, but grows slower once it reaches its full grown stage. It can reach an overall weight of 10-25 lbs or 5-11 kg.
Known as “gentle giants” of the world, they are popular for their huge and strong stature.
The lineage of Maine Coon cats remains a mystery to this day, so it’s hard to determine why they are so big. However, there are still some ways to know the influences behind the size of the Maine Coon cats.
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How Gender Plays a Part in a Maine Coon’s Size
Despite looking pretty much the same, male and female Maine Coons actually differ in size. Their gender has a big influence on how big they can get over their lifetime.
Male Maine Coons are naturally larger, when compared to their female counterparts. A few inches taller and many pounds heavier, they also have bigger personalities. It takes a good three to five years before male Maine Coons are fully grown.
Once they reach full maturity, they can weigh as much as 25 pounds and be 16 inches tall. Their length usually varies from 30 to 40 inches.
The biggest cat recorded to date is a male Maine Coon cat named Stewie the Maine Coon. He is 48 inches long and weighs 33 pounds. His tail alone measures 16 inches.
On the other hand, female Maine Coons have a slightly leaner physique. Weighing around 10 to 18 pounds when fully grown, they also tend to be more calm and collected than males. Their maximum growth range is between 8 and 14 inches.
Regardless of the gender of your Maine Coon, you should be careful not to overfeed them. Doing so will affect their health negatively and could lead to health problems.
Genetics and Diet Affect Maine Coon Size
Studies show that Maine Coon cats’ genetics play an important role in how big they grow. Even so, it should be noted that while genetics can influence their size, it does not accurately predict the future size of your cat.
This means that even if the parents are huge, there is no guarantee that the size of the kitten will be the same as parents’ size. However, you can always expect that your Maine Coon will be larger than the average cat.
Maine Coons are naturally energetic, but they do not need a special diet to fuel their energy. They are not as sensitive as other breeds. What’s important is to make sure that your Coons are well-fed and taken care of, but not overfed.
Make sure they follow a diet low in saturated fat, with common foods like chicken and fish. Along with a proper diet, Maine Coons need regular exercise to maintain good health and a long life.
Maine Coons’ Common Health Problems Caused by Size
Because Maine Coon’s are so large and heavy-boned, they can commonly suffer from hip dysplasia. As described by the Mayo Clinic, hip dysplasia is “a hip socket that doesn’t fully cover the ball portion of the upper thigh bone and doesn’t fully cover the ball portion of the upper thigh bone. This allows the hip joint to become partially or completely dislocated.”
Hip dysplasia is often genetic. The painful condition can be caused by rapid weight gain or lack of proper nutrition. To avoid your Maine Coon suffering from hip displaysia, make sure she gets regular exercise and eats a healthy diet.
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Common questions about Maine Coons
Are all Maine Coons big?
Despite being known as the largest breed of domestic cats, not all Maine Coon cats are overly large. It depends on genetics, diet and the gender of the cat. There are also cases where people adopt a Coon cat with a mixed lineage, so it ends up being smaller and a pure bread Maine Coon.
How much is a Maine Coon cat?
When buying a Maine Coon cat, the price is determined by their health, age and history. The price range depends on the age of the Maine Coon and is approximately $400-$1500. The healthier their body and hair are, the more they cost. Despite being pricey, it is always worth it in the end to cuddle with this adorable creature.
How long do Maine Coons live for?
Diet and regular exercise play a very important role in the life expectancy of Maine Coons. Their lifespan average ranges anywhere from 10-12.5 years. Some Maine Coons even live up to 15 years if they are physically and mentally stimulated.
Maine Coon cats are lovable giants and are generally a healthy breed. People may seem to think Maine Coons are high maintenance, but actually they aren’t hard work at all. Truth be told, Maine Coons are easy to care for and can live long lives, as long as they are get exercise and are well-cared for.
