Are you captivated by the majestic Maine Coon and wondering just how big these felines really get? The answer is a resounding YES! Maine Coon cats are indeed the largest domesticated cat breed, often referred to as “gentle giants” due to their impressive size and amiable nature. While online images might sometimes exaggerate their proportions through clever angles, their substantial size is no myth.
Having spent years surrounded by these magnificent creatures, with over 75 Maine Coon cats and kittens gracing my cattery and life, I’ve gained firsthand experience with their growth and size variations. When we first welcomed Maine Coons into our family, we, too, were curious about their actual dimensions.
Take a look at the picture below of my 7-year-old holding Marlin, our Maine Coon male at two years old. Marlin, now 3.5 years old, has experienced significant growth since this photo was taken, increasing in both length and weight by an astonishing 27%! He is undeniably a large cat.
A young child carefully holds a large, fluffy Maine Coon kitten, emphasizing the breed’s substantial size even at a young age.
It’s important to understand that a significant portion of a Maine Coon’s length comes from their tail. According to The International Cat Association’s breed standards, a Maine Coon’s tail, when extended towards their head, should reach their shoulder blades. This means the tail accounts for roughly 3/4 of their total length. So, while they are huge, much of that impressive length is indeed their glorious tail. In the photo, Marlin measures a remarkable 38 inches from nose to tail tip and weighs around 25 lbs.
While male Maine Coons are considerably larger than most domestic cats, they aren’t quite the size of lions, as some humorous comparisons might suggest. Female Maine Coons, while still larger than average cats, are noticeably smaller than their male counterparts. My adult female Maine Coons typically measure around 33 inches in length and weigh approximately 18 lbs.
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a size comparison between Maine Coons and regular domestic cats:
Maine Coon vs. Regular Cat Size Comparison
| Cat Feature | Maine Coon | Normal Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 10 – 20 pounds (4.5 – 9 kgs) | 8 – 12 pounds (3.6 – 5.4 kgs) |
| Height to shoulder | 10 – 16 inches (25.4 – 40.6 cm) | 9 – 10 inches (22.9 – 25.4 cm) |
| Body length, nose to tail base | 19 – 30 inches (48.3 – 76.2 cm) | 15 – 20 inches (38.1 – 50.8 cm) |
| Tail length | 12 – 18 inches (30.5 – 45.7 cm) | 9 – 10 inches (22.9 – 25.4 cm) |
Female Maine Coon vs. Regular Female Cat Size Comparison
| Cat Feature | Female Maine Coon | Female Normal Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 10 – 15 pounds (4.5 – 6.8 kgs) | 8 – 10 pounds (3.6 – 4.5 kgs) |
| Height to shoulder | 10 – 14 inches (25.4 – 35.6 cm) | 9 inches (22.9 cm) |
| Body length, nose to tail base | 19 – 30 inches (48.3- 76.2 cm) | 15 – 20 inches (38.1 – 50.4 cm) |
| Tail length | 12 – 18 inches (30.5 – 45.7 cm) | 10 inches (25.4 cm) |
In conclusion, Maine Coon cats are undeniably large, living up to their “gentle giant” moniker. Their size, particularly in males, sets them apart from typical domestic cats, making them a truly remarkable and impressive breed. If you’re looking for a substantial feline companion with a big personality to match their size, the Maine Coon might just be the perfect cat for you.
