If you see a Maine Coon cat, you might be intrigued by their size and mysticism. These felines are one of the largest domestic cat breeds in the world. They are native to the state of Maine and New England as a whole.
Did you know they are the official state cat of Maine? This cat is often also referred to as the tabby Maine Coon.
Their size (from their bushy tail to their paws) and fur fluffiness make them a beautiful sight to see, and they can be amazing companions. All of these attributes add to the popularity of this long-haired cat.
There are fables and stories about the Maine Coon cat. (It’s rumored that Marie Antoinette bred raccoons with cats in France to create this breed.) People ponder where this cat comes from, their duty out in the wild, and their demeanor. Yet, despite all the tall tales about this majestic feline, one thing remains very consistent—and that’s the Maine Coon cat’s size.
They are often the cat breed to beat for Longest Cat in the Guinness Book of World Records, and there’s a good reason for that. These cats are noticeably big, often mistaken for bobcats. Not all cats will grow up to be massive, but if you pick up a Maine Coon kitten, don’t expect them to stay tiny for long.
But how big are Maine Coon cats compared to other domestic breeds? We’ve got all the answers for you here, so you know what you’re getting yourself into.
All about the Maine Coon cat
The Maine Coon cat is the only natural breed of long-haired domestic cats native to the United States. In Maine, they adapted to long, harsh winters by growing thick coats that help keep them warm. These cats are friendly and sweet-tempered, despite looking like a wild feline predator.
Unfortunately, this breed often has health problems, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), stomach issues, and hip dysplasia.
We will discuss everything you need to know about the size of a Maine Coon cat. These cats can grow quite large, meaning they might inadvertently knock over your knick-knacks and require proper physical activity to maintain their weight. Luckily, they're very playful, so getting them moving shouldn’t be an issue.
All cats have their own personalities; no two cats will be exactly the same, even if they are the same breed. Understanding the needs of a Maine Coon cat and knowing what to expect of their size can help determine whether this is the cat for you.
Average weight
Despite their notable length, the Maine Coon cat isn't always a hefty cat. In general, male Maine Coon cats will be larger than female Maine Coon cats.
Males can weigh up to 25 pounds and females up to 18 pounds. A healthy weight for Maine Coons depends on gender, but typically ranges between 10-20 pounds.
You might be thinking, “That doesn’t sound too big,” and you’re not wrong. Not all Maine Coons will be heavy, but their height and length give these cats the impression of being massive.
Average height
The Maine Coon cat is likely to be taller than your other domestic cat breeds, but not always. The height of a Maine Coon Cat ranges from 10-16 inches tall, so some of the shortest Maine Coons will be around the same height as other breeds.
One of the main reasons that people think the Maine Coon cat is so massive is because of their height. Again, genetics play a role in how big each individual cat can grow, but don’t be surprised if they come up to your knee caps!
Average length
There is a reason why the Maine Coon cat is constantly beating out other breeds when it comes to the World Record for the longest cat. The longest Maine Coon cat on record was “Stewie” at 48.5 inches long from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail. Usually, Maine Coons can be up to 3 feet long.
Sheer size is what makes these cats stand out from other domestic breeds. They look like wild animals, yet they make wonderful pets.
Maine Coon cat size vs standard cats
Domestic house cats will typically be much smaller than a Maine Coon cat. Even the smallest Maine Coon will be about the size of a large domestic house cat.
Average weight
The average weight of other domestic breeds can range from 6-12 pounds, while a Maine Coon ranges from 10-25 pounds.
Average height
Most domestic cat breeds will only stand 10 inches tall, which is the shortest height typical for a Maine Coon. Due to this height difference, it is easy to tell the stature of a Maine Coon from other domestic cat breeds.
Average length
Maine Coon cats are long, very long. Their length becomes obvious when compared to other domestic cats. A typical domestic cat breed will be between 15-20 inches long. On the other hand, Maine Coon cats can be double that size.
Wait, so how big are they really?
To get straight to the point: big—really big.
Maine Coon cats are just like your average domestic cat breed. They love to play with toys, get pets from their humans, and bask in the sunlight while perched on a cat tree. They just happen to be quite big. The Maine Coon cat has repeatedly beaten other breeds as the biggest domestic cat alive, and there doesn’t seem to be any other true contenders (save the Savannah cat).
At their biggest, a male Maine Coon cat can be anywhere from 18-25 pounds, 18-36 inches long, and 10-16 inches tall. This is not a pet that you can hide away easily from a landlord, and they need plenty of space to be continuously stimulated.
A female Maine Coon cat will be slightly smaller than a male, but not by much. They still hold their own in the size department. A typical female Maine Coon cat will be 10-18 pounds, 18-30 inches long, and 10-14 inches tall.
Living with a Maine Coon cat
People are drawn to Maine Coon cats, and it’s not just their size. These cats are lovable, gentle giants who just want to enjoy their time with their humans. They don’t recognize their size difference, which can cause problems if you don’t like picking up items that they’ve knocked down.
Maine Coon cats are incredibly patient and loving, making them lovely family pets. They are also very intelligent, which means training them is easy.
Male Maine Coon cats tend to be more outgoing and friendly, while female Maine Coon cats are more reserved. Females may take a bit longer to open up to you, but the effort to coax them out of their shell is totally worth it.
Maine Coon cats are thought of as “dog-like” because of their friendly and playful demeanor. It’s not often that a cat will come up to a stranger and greet them, but this is not uncommon for a Maine Coon. With proper care, these cats can live long and happy lives.
If you are looking to add a big lovable kitty to your family, the Maine Coon cat might just be the perfect fit. Just make sure you have plenty of space to accommodate them, a big enough litter box—such as Litter-Robot 4, a self-cleaning litter box with a wide opening—and time in your day to interact with them.
Who knows—maybe your Maine Coon cat will be the one to enter the Guinness Book of World Records!
Sources:
- World’s Longest Feline | Guinness World Records
- Cat - General Features And Special Adaptations | Britannica
- Maine Coon Cat | Maine Secretary of State Kids' Page
Photo credits:
- Kanashi via Unsplash
- Bob Commander via Unsplash
- Sergey Semin via Unsplash
