Can Maine Coons Be Small?

by Leslie
(Michigan)

I have a young Maine Coon from a registered breeder, and I love her to pieces - but I’m starting to wonder if she’s smaller than she should be.

She’s over a year old now and seems to have stopped growing at a little over 8 pounds.

I always thought Maine Coons were supposed to be these big, fluffy giants, but mine is on the petite side!

Can Maine Coons be small, or should I be worried that something’s wrong? She is healthy, eats well, and has plenty of energy, but I just want to make sure I’m not missing something.

Do some Maine Coons just stay small, or is she still growing?

Reply:
Hi Leslie,
First of all, I completely understand your concern!

When we picture a Maine Coon, we often imagine these enormous, lion-like cats with massive paws and thick, luxurious coats.

But the truth is, not every Coonie grows into a giant. In fact, my own little Alice was quite petite - she never weighed more than 8 pounds, even as an adult!

She was healthy, happy, and full of personality, but she just never hit those big Maine Coon numbers on the scale.

Your girl sounds just like Alice - small but perfectly healthy.

So, let’s talk about what’s normal when it comes to Maine Coon size, growth, and why some stay smaller than others.

Do Some Maine Coons Stay Small?

Yes, absolutely! While they are known for their large size, there’s still quite a bit of variation.

The breed standard doesn’t actually require them to be massive - just well-proportioned and muscular.

Most females tend to be smaller than males, with an average weight range of 8 to 12 pounds. Males are the ones who often reach those impressive 15- to 20-pound sizes.

Some Coonies simply have smaller genetics, even when they come from registered breeders.

Just like in humans, you can have siblings where one grows tall and another stays petite.

If your girl’s parents were on the smaller side, there’s a good chance she was always going to be a lightweight.

When Do Maine Coons Stop Growing?

This breed is known for their slow and steady growth.

Unlike most cat breeds, which reach full size around one year old, Coonies take much longer. They typically don’t stop growing until they are 3 to 5 years old!

However, most of their rapid growth happens in the first year, and after that, things slow down significantly - kind of like a human teenager who has a big growth spurt and then just fills out over time.

By the time a Coonie reaches one year old, their growth isn’t necessarily finished, but it has slowed down a lot.

You might see some additional muscle development or a little bit of weight gain over the next couple of years, but it won’t be as dramatic as those first 12 months.

If your girl is over a year old and sitting at a little over 8 pounds, she might gain a bit more, but she’s likely close to her adult size.

Should You Be Worried About Her Size?

The most important thing is that she’s healthy - and from what you’ve described, she is!

She eats well, has plenty of energy, and isn’t showing any signs of illness. Those are all great signs that her smaller size is just part of who she is.

That said, if you ever notice changes in her appetite, weight loss, or lethargy, it’s always a good idea to check with your vet.

Some health conditions, like hyperthyroidism or malabsorption issues, can affect weight, but they would usually come with other symptoms as well.

How to Tell If Your Maine Coon Is a Healthy Weight

Instead of focusing on the number on the scale, it’s better to look at her overall body condition. Here are a few quick checks you can do:

• Feel her ribs: You should be able to feel her ribs under a thin layer of fat, but they shouldn’t be sticking out.


• Look at her waist: From above, she should have a slight inward curve at the waist (but not too dramatic).


• Check her energy levels: A healthy cat will be active and playful, not sluggish or weak.

If she passes all these checks, then she’s at a great weight for her body!

Can You Help a Small Maine Coon Grow Bigger?

If you’re hoping she might fill out a little more, the best thing you can do is make sure she’s getting a high-quality, protein-rich diet.

Young cats need plenty of protein to support their slow-growing bodies.

You might also try feeding her small, frequent meals throughout the day to encourage healthy weight gain if needed.

But at the end of the day, some Coonies are just naturally small, and that’s perfectly okay!

Small Coonies: The Bottom Line

Maine Coons can be small, especially females. While many grow into big, solid cats, others - like my Alice - stay on the petite side.

If your girl is healthy, eating well, and full of energy, then she’s likely just naturally small.

And honestly, there’s something special about having a “mini Maine Coon” - you get all the charm and personality of the breed in a perfectly compact package!

I hope this helps ease your worries, Leslie! Give your girl some extra chin scritches from me.

Take care,
Carrie

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