The Maine Coon is considered one of the largest breed of domestic cat in the world. Wondering how big these beautiful felines can get? The answer may surprise you. Maine Coons are known for being large in size as well as gentle and loving, winning over cat fanciers around the globe. With their large size and friendly disposition they are different than many other breeds. Let us explore in detail about Maine Coon cat size that means how big do Maine Coon cats get, what plays a role in their growth and development, and what makes them unique compared to different cats.
What Makes Maine Coon Cats So Big?
Maine Coon cats are larger by nature and they have a slow growth pattern compared to other cats which tends to make them reach a full size. An average Maine Coon cat weighs between 10 and 25 pounds and males are typically larger than females. They are 10 to 16 inches tall and can reach up to 40 inches in length (including their tails).
Elements Influencing the Size of Maine Coon Cats
A few things can affect how big a Maine Coon gets:
Genetics: If the parents are big, chances are their kittens will be big, too.
Diet: A nutritious, healthy diet is vital to ensuring your Maine Coon grows strong and stays healthy.
Exercise: If you have a Maine Coon cat that has space to move, they can build up better muscle tone and become larger.
Other Big Breeds Compared to Maine Coons
In comparison with other large cat breeds, the Maine Coon is most often the largest, including the Norwegian Forest Cat and the Siberian Cat. Although both Norwegian Forest and Siberian can grow big Maine Coons are bulkier in build.
| Cat Breed | Average Weight | Average Length |
| Maine Coon | 10 – 25 lbs. | Up to 40 inches |
| Norwegian Forest Cat | 10 – 18 lbs. | Up to 38 inches |
| Siberian Cat | 8 – 17 lbs. | Up to 38 inches |
As you can see, Maine Coons are generally the largest of the three, especially when it comes to weight. Their muscular bodies and thick fur make them appear bigger than they actually are.
How much space does a Maine Coon cat need?
Maine Coons require a lot of space because they are big cats. Ideally, however, it is best for them to have a large home or a more open space where they can climb and explore. These large cats are powerful but playful and agile. If you’re thinking of welcoming a Maine Coon into your family, you must make sure that they have enough places to stray easily.
When do Maine Coon cats stop growing?
Compared to most other cat breeds, the Maine Coon has the slowest rate of growth. Most cats reach their full size by age one or two, but Maine Coons keep growing till they’re about 3 to 5 years old. They grow slowly, which is one of the reasons they are as large as adults. Raising a Maine Coon requires patience, since these pets take time to grow into adults!
How to Support Your Maine Coon’s Growth
Provide a Nutrient-Rich Diet: It’s important to have nutrient-dense food. A Maine Coon needs a lot of protein due to its muscular build, which means they need high quality cat food.
Encourage Regular Activity: These cats love to play and stay active. Playtime on a regular basis helps to keep their health and size maintained.
Routine Veterinary Checkups: Routine veterinary checkups are important for assessing your Maine Coon’s growth rate, and general health.
The Remarkable Size of Maine Coon Cats
But some Maine Coons are oversized, getting larger than average. Stewie, a Maine Coon, formerly held the Guinness World Record for the longest domestic cat, measuring an astonishing 48.5 inches, from nose to tail. There are even some much rarer stories of Maine Coons reaching sizes beyond 30 pounds, but this size is often reported as being due to obesity instead of natural growth.
Cost of Owning a Maine Coon Cat
Adopting a Maine Coon cat is an adventure, these loving companions are a wonderful addition to your life, but the functional commitment required to care for them is also significant. At the same time, Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, loved for their regal appearance, loving temperament, and playful disposition. But, there are several reasons these adorable cats can be quite expensive, including their pedigree, age, breeder reputation, and unique physical features.
Generally, a Maine Coon kitten costs on average $800 — $2,500. Kittens from champion bloodlines or rare coat colors can fetch even higher prices, over $3,000 in some cases. You will find adult Maine Coons for a bit lower, but show-quality cats or cats intended for breeding will generally range higher in price.
Main Factors Affecting the Cost of Maine Coon
Breeder Reputation: Reputable breeders with a history of healthy cats may charge higher prices due to their investment in the health of their cats. These responsible breeders conduct appropriate veterinary care, genetics testing, and use ethical breeding practices to maintain kittens free from genetic health conditions. Buying from a reputable breeder provides peace of mind, though it will be more expensive.
Pedigree and Bloodline: The family history of a Maine coon can influence its price. Official pedigree cats including those bred for shows are generally more expensive. However, the best Maine Coons with show-quality look, size, and friendship are of higher value.
Coat Color and Pattern: While Maine Coons are available in many colors and patterns, owners of rare colors, such as silver, smoke, or shaded coats may pay a premium. Special characteristics, such as extra toes (polydactyl) or specific eye colors may also increase the price.
Location: Where you live can influence price. The prices are higher in areas where Maine Coons are rare or in high demand. Prices may be lower if breeders are more common in your area. Purchasing from a different country may also incur expenses, including shipping, health checks and customs fees.
Age of the Cat: Kittens typically cost more than adult cats because they’re in higher demand. Retired breeding cats or older Maine Coons may be cheaper if breeders are looking to rehome.
Final Thoughts
Maine Coons are wonderful pets that are loved for their large size, fluffy tails, tufted ears, and sweet personalities. Before owning one of these cats, it’s essential to know both the initial purchase price and the maintenance costs over time.
They require lots of space to run and play, regular grooming, nutritious food and routine vet care to remain happy and healthy. Maine Coons will grow up to be strong, loving, and loyal members of your family with the right care.
While the price might first seem a little excessive, Maine Coons are totally worth the cost due to the love and affection they provide. These gentle giants of the cat world are known for their sweet temperament and loving personality, making them excellent pets for cat lovers seeking a regal feline friend.