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The Big Maine Coon Cat
Big Cats, Big Personalities, Big Love!
by Carrie Profenno: Author, lifelong Mainer & veteran Maine Coon owner
Everyone loves a big Maine Coon Cat!
Whether you're a new Coonie parent, or just curious about the breed, their size is probably their most famous feature.
Check out our photos of these beauties, descriptions of just how big they can be, and all about what life is like with a gentle giant.
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Table of Contents:
Life With The Largest Domestic Cats:
Having a big Maine Coon cat can be a lot like having a medium-sized dog.
They like to meet and greet you at the door, they come when called, they can be leash trained for visits outdoors, they cuddle or lounge with the human family in the evening, and they can be cheeky too!
- Their large size allows them to do things like check the counter for goodies and open doorknobs!
With their unique traits, their sweet temperament, shaggy coat, and formidable appearance, there is nothing quite like these jumbo boys and girls!
It's no wonder they are stars of social media and the internet!
Affectionate, gorgeous, friendly and laid-back are just some of the traits they have in common.
It's hard to describe that unique, silly, quirky, smart personality, but we'll try to give you a peek into life with them!
A beautiful, large and loving Coonie a true character. They have such wonderful quirks and traits!
These gorgeous guys and gals will steal your heart with their laid-back personalities and clown-like antics. Just visit our page on funny, silly Coonies to see stories from Coonie lovers from around the world.
This page is all about the size these kitties. But there is so much more to them!
An extra-large kitty makes himself part of the family. They are affectionate, intelligent, and full of personality!
There is no doubt about it, this is the largest domestic breed.
They need large furniture, jumbo litter boxes, and lots of attention.
We'll meet the new record holder for the worlds kitty, and we'll talk about just how long and heavy they get.
Yes, they can get really huge!
"How Giant Are They, Really?"
It seems like there is often a new record holder for the worlds longest domestic cat! Just one internet search immediately brings up a selection of stunning, huge Maine Coons.
"Just how long and heavy do they get?" They can get really huge!
There is no doubt about it, this is the largest domestic breed. They need large cat trees, jumbo litter boxes, and large doses of attention!
So, as the largest domestic cat breed, how big do they get? Well, first let's talk about weight. An average house cat weighs between 8 pounds and 11 pounds.
There will be exceptions where a one may weigh as little as 5 pounds or more than 11, if they become overweight.
It is pretty unusual for an average domestic cat to weigh around 13 - 15 pounds at full size. That is a lot of kitty to look upon.
So, now let's put that in perspective for the weight and length of these extra-large kitties:
Females of average size weigh between 9-12 pounds, and a male has an average weight of 13-18 pounds.
So, an 18 pound Coonie weighs about twice as much as his domestic counterpart! That's 100% more!
Add that fluffy, shaggy coat, and you are looking at quite a specimen!
And, yes, there are really huge Coonies! Often, our photo gallery is graced by a big Maine Coon cat weighing in the 25 pound range. Spectacular!
Big Boy Royce is in the foreground on a glass desk - emphasizing his impressive size!You may think that such a hefty pet would have a "rough" or "wild" temperament. This is a common misperception.
in fact, their personalities are exceptionally, gentle and sweet. The myths and tall tales that surround them are pretty interesting, though!
Myth: Maine Coons are all the same extra-large size.
Fact: Their size can vary greatly.
While purebred Maine Coon Cats are famous for their impressive size, not all are the giant cats we often imagine.
The myth that all Maine Coons are uniformly extra-large overlooks the natural diversity within the breed.
Typically, male Maine Coons weigh between 13 to 18 pounds, while females range from 8 to 12 pounds.
However, some individuals may be smaller or larger than these averages. Genetics, diet, and overall health play roles in their final size.
So, while your Coonie might not reach the size of a small dog, they’re still every bit as majestic and full of personality, no matter their size!
"Who Is The Largest Maine Coon Cat?"
In October, 2010, Guinness World Records named Mymains Stewart Gilligan (aka Stewie), from Reno, Nevada as the official world record holder of largest cat and therefore, biggest Coonie!
At 48.5 inches (123.2cm) from tip of nose to tip of tail, five-year-old Stewie has become the worlds longest house cat (ever), beating out the previous record holder of 48 inches.
credit: Guinness World Records YouTube Channel
Sadly, Stewie lost his battle with cancer and died at the age of eight in February 2013. This very special boy who traveled and worked as a therapy animal will be missed by many. RIP, Stewie.
Stewie, the biggest Maine Coon, with his owner, Robin Hendrickson
Interestingly, the record for longest tail on a domestic cat (ever) is also held by a mega Coonie. Cygnus the handsome silver male has the longest tail ever at 44.66 cm (17.58 in).
Verismo Leonetti Reserve Red held the 2006 Guinness Book of World Records for length.
He was measured at 48 inches, and topped the scale at 35 pounds! Leo's vet pointed out that his length and frame can carry this weight, so he was is a healthy, not overweight or obese.
The breed standard for felines doesn't specify length, as it does for dogs. A big Maine Coon cat should have a rather square build, and be strong.
Since Leo is four feet long he can weigh 35 pounds and be healthy!
For reference, our boy (also Leo, coincidentally) is a Red Tabby who measures about 36 inches, or three feet long. He weighs a little over 18 pounds. There are photos of him further down.
This falls in the upper range, but it's not uncommon at all. Part of the breed standard is that these felines will be in good proportion. Some are longer (and therefore heavier) than others.
Origins of the biggest domestic cat:
You may know that they are the official state cat here in Maine in the United States, but are you wondering now how they got so sizable?
Actually, the history of the breed is a bit murky! Resembling the Norwegian Forest Cat, some folks think they are related.
Maybe have heard the story of Turkish Angoras coming to the state of Maine in a ship prepared by Marie Antoinette when she planned to flee to North America.
Legend has it that the ship sailed without her, the felines were set free, breeding with the local feline population.
If that is the case, it may explain their rugged good looks and generous size. Are they descendants of longhaired cats from Europe? Maybe!
"Are There Any Health Problems Related To This Big Breed?"
In general, this is a hearty, robust breed! It's important to understand how to take care of this breed, though.
With the big Maine Coon cat breed, like any, there are a few health conditions to be aware of. Hip dysplasia comes to mind. Any feline can have this, but larger ones bear more weight on the area.
Another genetic disorders include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) which affects the heart, and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
Responsible, ethical breeders are diligent about screening and genetic testing for these conditions so you can welcome home a healthy Maine Coon kitten.
Genetic tests aren't a guarantee, but it certainly helps keep these health issues at bay as much as possible.
"I Want A Really Big Maine Coon Cat"
That's part of the attraction to this breed! We've included many photos of our Leo on this page. He is alongside his sister Alice.
She weighs just 8 pounds, and they were born in the very same litter!
There are huge Coonies, and there are small ones.
So, it's not enough to just look at the parents of a kitten and expect that if they are big, their offspring will be, too. (Although there is a good chance!)
It's the same as a human family. Imagine if two parents have many children.
There will be many differences between the children. But they should have a general family resemblance. In this case, size is the theme of the day.
The best way to get a big Maine Coon Cat is to ask your breeder! Breeders know how the kittens are shaping up, and how they will fill out.
You might be on their waiting list, and they will do their best to match families with the kind of kitten they are looking for.
Maine Coon fans often request a kitten of a certain gender, color, or size. Of course, families who will take any kitten at all are more likely to get a kitten sooner.
For example, if you have your heart set on a Silver Tabby With White male who is going to be a big cat, you may have to wait a bit!
Our Big Boy and His Small Sister
A great way to get a feel for their size is to look at these photos of Leo and Alice.
At 8 pounds, she was just about the size of an average kitty. Leo was a healthy and hefty 18+ pounds. Look at the difference!
When we picked him up, Leo's size was very noticeable. This breed has a strong, solid build.
Leo weighed more than our Sheltie, who was markedly larger than him! Even his face and head were noticeably solid and, well, big.
When people visited, they noticed right away that Leo was one hefty boy. But, they were also impressed by the beauty of both of our furry family members.
All Coonies are specimens of feline beauty! This is something that many people don't get to see every day!
There is something alluring about these oversized felines. It's unusual to see a household kitty of such size. They are so hefty and strong, but so gentle and easy-going.
And there are many gorgeous girls and boys who are not breaking any records in the size department.
And that is perfectly fine with their owners. Because by the time a big Maine Coon Cat steals your heart, it won't matter to you how large he gets (or doesn't get)!
Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQ's)
"What is the biggest Maine Coon cat?"
"What is the biggest Maine Coon cat?"
In 2010, Guinness World Records recognized Stewie, also known as Mymains Stewart Gilligan from Reno, Nevada, as the world's biggest cat, at 48.5 inches long.
In 2013, this special kitty who had traveled and worked as a therapy animal, lost his battle with cancer at age eight.
"How big does a giant Maine Coon get?"
"How big does a giant Maine Coon get?"
Female Maine Coon Cats may have an average weight between 9-12 pounds, or 4-5.5 kilos. Male can average 13-18 pounds or 6-8 kilos.
Massive size Coonies can be much more, with healthy males weighing 25 or 30 pounds or even more. This is uncommon though!
"Why is a Maine Coon so big?"
"Why is a Maine Coon so big?"
The history of this breed is actually unknown. We do know that they developed here in the state of Maine as 'barn cats.' Theories abound about where their descendants came from, or how they got here.
Two top theories about the origins of the Maine Coon include the idea that Norwegian Forest Cats arrived on early sailing ships, or that Marie Antionette's Turkish Angoras were set free here.
Either way, it stands to reason that these shaggy-coated beauties began as a mix of some sort. They survived our harsh winters for generations, developing into a hefty breed with a strong body.
"Are giant Maine Coon cats friendly?"
"Are giant Maine Coon cats friendly?"
Oh, yes! Even though they have formidable size, don't be taken aback. These kitties are known for being sweet, lovely pets.
They are great with children and other pets. They are playful, gregarious, talkative and above all - friendly family members!
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