The Maine Coon cat is the most giant indoor cat in the world, but not all Maine Coons grow that large.
You might want to monitor your cat’s growth to ensure they are healthy and well-nourished. But when do Maine Coons stop growing?
It’s a valid question, given their size. Today, I’m going to take you on a journey to explore this topic.
How Big A Maine Coon Will Get?
Maine Coons are known as the “gentle giants” of the cat world for a reason.
They can be pretty large. Males usually weigh between 13-18 pounds, while females weigh between 8-12 pounds.
But it’s not just their weight; their length also sets them apart from other domestic cats.
They can reach up to 40 inches from nose to tail! However, these are averages, and some Maine Coons can be smaller or larger.
When Do Maine Coon Cats Stop Growing?
The growth journey of a Maine Coon is a long one.
Unlike most cats that reach their full size within a year, Maine Coons can take anywhere between 3 to 5 years to mature fully.
My Maine Coon, Bella, took nearly 4 years to reach her full size.
I remember being astounded by how much she seemed to grow almost every day.
It felt like Bella was always outgrowing her favorite hidey-hole around the house.
The reason Maine Coons take so long to grow is due to their unique genetic makeup.
They continue to grow in size until their bones have fully matured.
So, if you’re a new Maine Coon kitten owner, be ready to watch your little furball grow and grow for several years.
Why Maine Coons Grow So Big?
The exact reason why Maine Coons grow to such a large size remains a mystery.
Some believe it’s an adaptation to the harsh climates of their native Maine, where a large size would help them survive the cold winters.
Others think it might be due to a mixture of their genetic lineage.
Whatever the reason, their size is part of what makes them so fascinating.
When Will My Maine Coon Kitten Develop Her Full Coat and Neck Ruff?
Maine Coons are also famous for their luxurious coats and distinctive neck ruffs.
Bella’s coat fully came in when she was almost two.
It starts with their fur gradually becoming longer and thicker, culminating in a spectacular mane that would make any lion envious.
The neck ruff, a distinctive feature of the Maine Coon, typically develops around the same time.
The Largest Maine Coon In The World
Remember when I mentioned that some Maine Coons can grow larger than the average size?
Well, meet Stewie.
Stewie was a Maine Coon cat who holds the Guinness World Record for being the longest domestic cat ever recorded.
He measured an incredible 48.5 inches from the tip of his nose to the end of his tailbone. That’s longer than some dogs!
We covered this in another post:
Just imagining Stewie stretched out next to me on the couch brings a smile to my face.
It’s hard to believe until you see it, but Maine Coons like Stewie really do exist.
Maine Coon Growth Chart
If you’re curious to track your Maine Coon’s growth, a growth chart can be a helpful tool. However, remember that every Maine Coon grows at its own pace, so don’t be alarmed if your feline friend doesn’t perfectly follow the chart.
- 0-2 months: 1.4-2.6 lbs
- 3-6 months: 4-10 lbs
- 7-9 months: 7-13 lbs
- 10-12 months: 8-15 lbs
- 1-2 years: 8-18 lbs
- 3-4 years: 8-20 lbs
Can Half Maine Coons Grow to the Maine Coon Size?
Half Maine Coons, or mixed-breed cats with some Maine Coon lineage, can sometimes grow to the size of a purebred Maine Coon, but it’s not a guarantee.
It all depends on the specific genetic makeup of the cat.
I’ve seen half Maine Coons that are nearly as large as Bella, and others that are closer in size to regular domestic cats.
How to Tell If Your Maine Coon Is Overweight?
Given their size, it can be easy to mistake a Maine Coon’s heft for obesity.
It’s crucial to maintain a healthy weight for your Maine Coon, and the best way to tell if they’re overweight is by feeling their ribs.
If you can feel but not see the ribs, your Maine Coon is probably at a healthy weight.
If you can’t feel the ribs, your cat may be overweight.
Bella had a phase where she gained a bit too much, and the vet recommended cutting back on her food and increasing her playtime.
How Much Food Should You Feed Your Maine Coon?
Determining the right amount of food to feed your Maine Coon can be a delicate balancing act.
You want to provide enough nourishment for their growth and activity, but overfeeding can lead to obesity.
A general guideline is to feed an adult Maine Coon around 20 calories per pound of body weight for maintenance.
So, for a 15-pound Maine Coon, that would be about 300 calories per day.
However, this formula can vary based on their age, activity level, and health status.
Kittens and young adults who are still growing might need more calories, while older or less active cats may need fewer.
Bella, for instance, is quite active for her age, so she eats a bit more than the average Maine Coon.
It’s always best to consult with your vet to determine the optimal diet and feeding amount for your specific Maine Coon.
They can provide personalized advice based on your cat’s specific needs.
In conclusion, owning a Maine Coon is a unique experience.
Watching them grow from tiny kittens to large, majestic cats over several years is truly a wonder to behold.
I hope this guide gives you a deeper understanding of the growth journey of a Maine Coon.
As I look at Bella now, napping peacefully on her favorite perch, I am again reminded of our incredible journey together. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
