How Big do Maine Coons Get?
When I mention to people that I own Maine Coon cats I either get a very puzzled look or a response similar to "oh those are those big cats,right"? Simply put, yes.
There are a lot of breeders looking to make a quick buck on what they claim to be a purebred Maine Coon. Key indicators of a purebred Maine Coon are the tufts on the tips of the ears, hair between the toes, a long lion like mane, and of course their large size. But how big do Maine Coons really get? The answers vary and several factors determine the size of your Maine Coon. Diet, ancestry, lineage, type of Maine Coon (American or European), and gender all will play a part in how big your kitty will be. Because Maine Coons are so large, it takes up to 3-5 years for them to fully mature and reach their full grown size.
Average Size
Males are generally 15-25lbs, and females are usually smaller at 10-15lbs. The height of male cats is on average 10-16 inches and are about 40 inches long.
Females can stand at about 8-14 inches tall and be the same length as the male (these averages vary greatly). To put the Maine Coon's size into perspective, a regular house cat on average is only 8-10lbs! Most cat toys, perches and beds are not made for Maine Coon cats. Keep that in mind when shopping for your furry friend, we have several products that our big cat's love!
Just a helpful hint on your big baby's diet; don't skimp on the Maine Coon cat's diet thinking that a lot of cheap food will make them bulk up and grow. They need a diet high in calories and high in protein, not an off brand cheap food. Skimping out on their food will be detrimental to their health and longevity.
Record Breaking Maine Coon
Ludo, a Maine Coon kitten in England currently holds the record for the largest Maine Coon. At 3 ft 10.59 inch and 35lbs, he resembles the size of a small dog and is a gentle giant. That's nearly 3 times the size of a normal domesticated cat! If you're interested in seeing pictures of Maine Coon cats that will make your house cat look tiny, check out this article from Big Panda. Those cats are incredible and GIANT!
Maine Coon Size vs. Regular House Cats
Not only are Maine Coons known for their large size, but they also have a friendlier disposition in comparison to normal kitties. Their sweet personality, laid back go with the flow attitude, and large size makes them one of the most popular cat breeds. If you compare the sizes of our Maine Coon cats to our rescue cats, Sheed and Lily, they are GIANT. The size of our Maine coons paws is double the size of our "regular" cat's paws. They have to have large sized paws in order to support a big body size and all of that weight!
Maine Coon Average Lifespan
Like with most cat breeds, a Maine Coon’s average lifespan is somewhere between 10 and 13 years. Some Maine Coons have been known to live beyond that, with a few reaching up to 15 years of age. Of course, that depends on many factors including the cat’s lifestyle, diet and even genes. In our home our cats are kept indoors only. Some may argue with this but there are several dangers and risks involved if you allow your kitty to go outdoors. Your kitty may pick up diseases from being outdoors, even if they are vaccinated. They also could run away, be stolen, or hit by a car. Not to mention they could become infected with fleas, ticks, or worms. Keep your kitty safe and keep them inside!