Also called the American Long Hair, Maine Coons are big but lovely cats that have become extremely popular in many parts of the world.
However, many people wonder why they are so large compared with the normal cats.
In this article, we’ll explain why Maine Coon cats are so big.
Table of Contents
How Big Are Maine Coon Cats?
A Maine Coon can grow as large as a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, but they are definitely bigger than your ordinary household cat.
A full grown Maine Coon cat usually weighs around 8 to 18 pounds. They rarely weigh less than eight pounds, but they can weigh more than 18 pounds.
Why Are Maine Coon Cats So Big?
There are different theories that try to explain why Maine coon cats are so big. According to one such theory, their big size can be attributed to the temperature of their habitat. It’s widely believed that they grow large to lower the rate at which they lose their body heat. However, this has not yet been confirmed or proven.
These felines are often referred to as ‘gentle giants’ – and it’s easy to see why. They are the biggest breed of domesticated cats and are known for their calm demeanor.
Not much is known about their real ancestry, so there’s actually no way of knowing why these cats grow as big as they do. What we know is that the Maine Coon cats can be very big and there’s a genetic reason for it.
There are different beliefs about the lineage of the Maine Coon cats. Some believe that they descended from raccoons. The myth argues that the Maine Coon’s lineage is related to the raccoon. It claims that the Maine Coon is a result of a raccoon mating with a domestic cat, many years ago.
Another story claims that they are part bobcat mated with a domestic cat. However, scientists have confirmed that this is genetically impossible. The reality is that the actual origin of the Maine Coon remains a mystery.
This giant breed is native to America. It could be a descendant of the Norwegian Skogkatt, which could have been introduced to America by the Vikings during their travels. The Maine Coon shares many physical characteristics with the Norwegian Skogkatt, so it’s possible this large boned, muscular beast is a descendant of the latter.
The size of a Maine Coon cat is adapted to thrive in severe winter weather conditions. Their huge paws allow them to walk comfortably on snow and the long hairs between their toes are designed to keep their feet warm. Moreover, their furry hairs with very long tufts of hair help to keep them warm. Their long, furry tail helps to provide more protection during cold weather.
As you can see, the origin of the Maine Coon breed remains a hot topic of discussion. Without sufficient evidence, however, this mythical creature’s heritage will remain a mystery.
If you’re looking for a definite answer to the question, ‘Why are Maine Coon Cats so big?’, it is safe to conclude that the Maine Coon size has a genetic link to it. Moreover, it is safe to conclude that the Maine Coon is not related to the raccoon, as that match is genetically impossible.
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Is The Male Maine Coon Bigger Than The Female?
Yes, the male Maine Coon is bigger than the female Maine Coon.
However, let’s take a closer look at the size of both to give you a better idea of the male Maine Coon Vs female Maine Coon size differences.
Despite looking almost the same, they can differ in size based on the gender. Generally speaking, male Maine Coons are bigger and heavier than females.
Male Maine Coons have an average weight of around 15 to 25 pounds, while female Maine Coons tend to weigh between 8 and 12 pounds.
When choosing either a male or female Maine Coon as your pet, you need to consider their size and the amount of space they will need as they mature. As we’ve already mentioned, males tend to be bigger in size, so they obviously would need a larger space.
Remember that these cats do no normally attain their full adult size until they are around 3-5 years old. You could find a kitten’s size to be physically possible, but you might find it hard to manage them later on as they attain their full-grown size. A few inches could make a big difference, particularly if you live in a very small space.
While female Maine Coons can attain the length of their male counterparts, they usually do not match their height, as they stand between 8 and 14 inches tall. Male Maine Coons have an average height of around 10-16 inches.
How Big Does the Average Maine Coon Get?
As we’ve already mentioned, Maine Coons are the largest cat breed. They typically grow bigger than most other breeds. Most cat breeds achieve their full adult size at around two years of age. However, the Maine coon cats can grow until they are around 4 years of age.
Average Maine Coon Size
The male Maine Coon is generally bigger than the female. The average size of a mature male Maine Coon is normally 15 to 25 pounds whereas the females weigh between 8 and 12 pounds. They grow to reach a height of around 10 to 16 inches, but can reach as long as 40 inches.
Females will stand around 8 to 14 inches tall, but reach the same length as their male counterparts. However, these average figures can vary significantly.
If you’re still wondering “what makes them so big?” you need to know that there is no way to accurately verify why these giant cats are so large. All we can tell you, for sure, is that they do get very big and that there is a genetic connection to their size.
Do All Maine Coon Cats Get So Big?
While not all Maine Coons are large, these cats will still be bigger than the average cat.
If you think your Maine Coon cat is not on the large end of the spectrum, this might be because he is not genetically inclined to grow as big. Nonetheless, there are several other factors that can influence their overall growth in size. These include:
1. Smaller parents: if the parent cats are smaller in size, you should expect your Maine Coon not to reach the “large” size category that this breed is known for achieving.
2. Mixed breed: you should not expect mixed breed Maine Coons to reach the larger sizes as they have mixed genetics. It will usually depend on the dominant genes. On the other hand, a purebred Coon is generally expected to achieve the average size of the breed.
3. Health Problems: underlying health conditions might also influence the size of an adult Maine Coon. If you are worried about the health of your Maine Coon, contact your vet as soon as possible.
4. Diet: can diet affect the size of your Maine Coon? Yes, food can certainly affect a Maine Coon’s size. However, what you should be more concerned about is feeding your cat a proper diet from the word go.
Avoid trying to increase your Maine Coon’s size by overfeeding him since this can lead to obesity. You don’t want an obese cat as this can lead to more health issues and reduce their lifespan.
If possible, you should feed your cat twice per day. Maine Coons tend to be fussy eaters, so make sure to try a specific food brand before purchasing it in bulk.
As with other cat breeds, the Maine Coon’s nutritional requirements include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.
You need to always buy cat foods that are specifically formulated for cats since these provide the correct balance of nutrients for optimal health.
Is It Possible to Predict the Adult Size of Your Maine Coon Kitten?
No. There’s no way to predict the adult size of your Maine Coon cat. Just like us humans, genetics usually play a huge role in determining the size of your full-grown cat. Even if their parents are of a given size, it doesn’t necessarily mean that that cat will attain the same size.
What you should know is that your Maine Coon cat will be bigger than the average household cat.
Conclusion
This article is supposed to help you gain a good understanding of the size of Maine Coon cats, and provide answers to some of the questions that many cat lovers might have.
Yes! Maine Coon cat tend to grow very big, but they are calm and delightful creatures at the same time.
Many people wonder ‘why are main Coon cats so big?’ In reality, it all boils to genetics and their size will vary from one cat to another.
However, the size they will ultimately achieve will not worry you since by the time they are mature, you’ll have fallen in love with your loyal and loving feline companion.
