The Maine coon is one of the largest breeds of cats. These gentle giants usually average between 8 and 18 pounds in size as adults. Note that these kitties take a bit longer than other types of cats to mature and won't achieve their full adult weight until they reach around 5 years old.
A Weighty Issue
Female Maine coon cats are smaller than their male counterparts, averaging between 8 and 12 pounds when they reach adulthood. Some females may weigh up to 14 pounds, according to "Maine Coon Cats: Everything about Purchase, Care, Nutrition, Reproduction, Diseases and Behavior." Mature male Maine coons are usually between 12 and 18 pounds in size. While some Maine coons may exceed these weight ranges, contrary to popular belief, this is not common. Although Maine coon cats are big-boned muscular kitties who do tend to weigh slightly more than your average American shorthair, their long, puffy coats give them the illusion of being even bigger than they are.
Weight Matters
Consult with your vet to determine the ideal weight for your Maine coon kitty. This breed has a tendency to become overweight without proper exercise and careful dietary management, according to the Hill's Pet Nutrition website. It's important to keep your Maine coon's weight in check because this breed is prone to hip dysplasia, a condition that rapid weight gain and obesity may worsen, warns petMD.
References
- Maine Coon Cats: Everything about Purchase, Care, Nutrition, Reproduction, Diseases, and Behavior; Carol Himsel Daly
- Hill's Pet Nutrition: Maine Coon at a Glance
- petMD: Hip Dysplasia in Cats
- Doctors Foster and Smith: Maine Coon
- Fanciers.com: The Maine Coon: Cat Breed FAQ
- Tanstaafl & Calicoon: MC Seminar -- CFA Standard
Photo Credits
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Writer Bio
Based in Las Vegas, Susan Paretts has been writing since 1998. She writes about many subjects including pets, finances, crafts, food, home improvement, shopping and going green. Her articles, short stories and reviews have appeared on City National Bank's website and on The Noseprint. Paretts holds a Master of Professional Writing from the University of Southern California.