Giant Maine Coon Cats — Unraveling the Legendary Size of European Maine Coons
While the compact pets are handy and adorable, nothing stands more charming than a purebred Maine Coon cat. These giant Maine Coon cats are among the largest domesticated cat species, with some males weighing up to 30 pounds .
So, you might be wondering: How big can Maine Coon cats get? Maine Coons are recognized for their vast size and are referred to as the "gentle giants” of the feline world. The specific reasons for Maine Coon cats' large size are unknown, although multiple theories may assist in explaining it.
Considering this, we have created a detailed guide to uncovering the mystery of this legendary being’s size with everything you need to know. This article will talk about the size of European Maine Coons, why they get so big, and some interesting facts about the breed's history and present state.
So, let’s get started!
Why Are Maine Coon Cats So Big?
If you look around for a definite answer, the genetic makeup is responsible for the size of this breed. This genetic makeup includes the type of cats that Maine coons descend from and their growth rate. Read on to learn how these giant Maine coon cats got so significant and interesting facts surrounding these giant felines.
The Impact of Norwegian or Siberian Forest Cats
It is believed that early settlers carried large cats with them to Maine, where this domesticated Maine coon cat breeder originated. Although it's unclear who brought the cats to the area, some assume it was Viking explorers. The cats did well as wild cats and adapted well to the hard winters in Maine.
Still, this doesn't quite explain why Maine coons are so big. These cats are larger than typical, while Norwegian and Siberian forest cats are still more giant. Larger cats may have been more dangerous predators, and it's believed that natural selection preferred gigantic cats with thicker fur.
Urban Raccoon Myth
One of the most common misconceptions about giant Maine coon cats is that they are a combination of wild cats and raccoons mixed. The mythology is not based on scientific evidence, even though it is a fun story.
There is a widespread belief that Maine coons and raccoons do not share DNA, even though certain Maine coons have markings that are similar to those of raccoons and that they share specific characteristics.
Science of Slow Growth Rate
Compared to other domestic breeds, the growth rate of Maine coons is significantly slower. Did you know this? It is true that the Maine coon does not stop growing at the age of one year, in contrast to the majority of other breeds.
When they are approximately three or four years old, the Maine coon continues to grow consistently, if slowly, until they reach their full maturity.
The Real Reason
As discussed above, the real reason for Maine Coon cats' varying sizes is genetics. Natural selection and selective breeding have produced the breed of Maine Coon cats. One of their most distinctive characteristics is their size, and breeders have made a concerted effort to choose cats with larger frames and more robust bone structures.
The dominant gene that causes Maine Coon cats to be large. This trait, known as "polydactyl," can cause cats to have additional toes on their paws. Maine Coon cats carrying this gene may also have larger bodies than those without it because of the gene's association with higher body proportions.
Understanding the Actual Size of Giant Maine Coon Cats
Kitten’s Size
The size of a Maine Coon kitten is slightly larger than that of most other kittens. You will already have a tiny cat at three months old, weighing between three and five pounds (1.36-2.27 kg)! At just a few months old, your Maine Coon will be ready to play with a small cat. Additionally, consider purchasing a sturdy scratching post.
Female Maine Coons tend to be smaller than males on average. Nevertheless, due to a lack of growth hormones, your pet might not grow to its full size if it is neutered or spayed before it reaches sexual maturity, which is around a year.
Average Size of Maine Coons
It is said that Maine Coons are a gigantic breed of cat. One of its most distinctive characteristics is size. Male Maine Coons typically weigh between 15 and 25 pounds (6.8 and 11.34 kg), while females weigh approximately 10 pounds (4.54-6.8 kg), or around 10% less than males.
A giant Maine Coon cat can weigh up to thirty pounds (13.6 kg), which is not unusual, but this puts the cat at risk of obesity and being overweight, which can lead to diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and arthritis in later life.
Adult Cat’s Size
Upon reaching maturity, the average height of a female Maine Coon ranges from 8 to 14 inches (20.32 to 35.56 cm). The height of males ranges from 10 to 16 inches (25.5 to 40.64 cm). Maine Coons are one of the few breeds of cats that can reach an adult weight of more than 10 pounds; they tend to get huge and fluffy after reaching adulthood.
Male vs. Female Maine Coon Size Comparison
Maine Coons are big, muscular cats with round, big paws and curled fur. Males can get as heavy as 25 pounds (11.34 kg). The Maine Coon that was the longest on record was a male cat called Stewie, who was 48.5 inches long.
| Size of Maine Coons | Weight (in pounds) | Height (in inches) | Length (in inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 15-25 | 10-16 | 19-40 |
| Female | 10-15 | 8-14 | 19-40 |
Male Maine Coon Cats
While female Maine Coons tend to be sleeker and have longer legs, males have a broad, lengthy body with relatively short legs.
The size of the heads of male and female Maine Coons is the most noticeable distinction. Females typically have rounder heads with less defined faces, while males usually have wider heads that taper down to a narrower nose.
Female Maine Coon Cats
Female Maine Coons have the head shape of a longhaired Siamese, with an angular contour, larger cheeks, and no prominent cheekbones. Females typically have more noticeable curves than males of the same size.
Size Chart: Maine Coon Size vs. Other Cats and Animals
| Breed | Weight (pounds) | Height (inches) | Length (in inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maine Coon | 10-25 | 10-16 | 19-32 |
| Average Cat | 8-11 | 9-10 | 18 |
| Turkish Angora | 7-10 | 8-10 | 14-16 |
| Norwegian Forest Cat | 9-20 | 9-12 | 12-18 |
| Pomeranian Cat | 4-8 | 7-12 | 14-17 |
What Determine the Size of Maine Coon Cats?
Health and Wellness
The general health of a cat will determine how big they grow. The most prevalent preventable illness among cats is obesity which may impact a cat's eventual size and general health. Overall, Maine Coon cats are a healthy breed.
Nevertheless, there may be a hereditary component to some common medical conditions such as hip dysplasia, heart disease, and spinal muscular atrophy. Thus, one of the critical factors influencing the size of giant Maine coon cats is their health.
Diet and Environment
Maine coon cat breeds are recognized for their huge size, and their diet and environment have a considerable impact on their development. These cats are natural hunters with a rapid metabolism that requires a protein and fat-rich diet.
Their thick layer of fur protects them from the cold, and their huge paws serve as snowshoes, letting them travel on snow without sinking. Maine Coons need more calories to stay warm in colder climates. Therefore, their food needs to be changed correspondingly.
Feeding diets heavy in animal fat and protein while avoiding grains and fillers will increase the likelihood that Maine Coons will grow to their maximum size. In addition, giving them access to the outdoors, a chilly atmosphere, and lots of playing and exercise can help Maine Coons develop strong muscles and maintain a healthy weight.
Exercising Routine
Like us, cats require exercise to keep in good health. A large cat needs plenty of daily exercises to grow in size and burn off excess fat in its diet. These kitties ought to play for several hours every day. Many people enjoy going on outdoor adventures.
Cats enjoy their downtime and lie around and nap for several hours daily. They ought to have lots of chances to engage in physical play. Among the numerous devices available for determining Maine Coon Cat size are toys, balls, laser pointers, and climbing structures.
The Bottom Line About Big Maine Coon Kittens for Sale
The Maine Coon is a legendary breed of feline world that is usually calm and friendly despite its large size. It would be great to have one in your home. These cats like being with people and would make great pets. They can also be very playful and love interacting with their favorite humans when they are interested.
They love being around people. Giant Maine Coons cats often follow their owners from one room to another in the house. That's possible because they're big enough to keep up with you.
If you want to have one of the big Maine Coon Kittens for Sale, we recommend buying it from a reputable Maine Coon cat breeder. Registered breeders such as MasterCoons Cattery can provide extra large European Maine Coons and make your investment count!
