How Much Do Maine Coon Cats Weigh?

Maine Coon cats are beautiful animals. Large, sleek, with a unique and large ruff of fur around their necks, the Maine Coon can seem like a cross between a wild and a domestic feline. In truth, Maine Coons are delightful companions, with very tractable, almost dog-like, dispositions.

  1. History

    • The Maine Coon has an interesting history. Stories of its origins claim that the cats were crossed with raccoons to produce the Maine Coon, but this is genetically impossible. Others claim that various people named "Coon" were the breeders of the unusual cat that then continued to propagate. More than likely, the Maine Coon breed results from the survival of the fittest principle. Cats imported to Maine with settlers were faced with bitter cold and vicious damp. They grew larger and stronger in order to hunt prey, and developed their famous heavy, thick coats. They retained their tractable dispositions because they maintained their amicable relations with people. Thus, the Maine Coon was born.

    Identification

    • Maine Coons are usually large cats. Males can weigh up to 25 pounds without being considered overweight. Females are generally much smaller, ranging between 6 and 15 pounds. Many colors are found, but the coats are long and thick, with an exceptional "ruff" around the neck. Winter coats are lush and incredibly full. Summer coats are thinner, but still retain long hairs. The cat acts more like a dog than a regular house cat. They enjoy playing with people, will follow their owners around with dedication and even enjoy playing fetch.

    Size

    • The male Maine Coon is as large as a small dog, standing nearly 2 feet at the shoulder. Maine Coons have large paws with thick fur between the pads. Their faces are large and square, their ears long and well tipped. Fur often grows out of their ears as well. Overall, the cats are extremely large, strong felines that are borderline feral in appearance.

    Geography

    • Maine Coons hail from Maine, as their name implies. However, the popularity of the cat has now gained them worldwide reach, and the animals are bred and exported to fans globally. Records exist of Maine Coons in their home state from well before 1800.

    Considerations

    • A Maine Coon's weight depends on its overall build as well as the amount it is fed. Photos of grossly obese Maine Coons have given the masses the impression that these cats are actually normally much larger than they really are. A healthy, full-sized Maine Coon male should weigh no more than 25 pounds, with few exceptions. A female should weigh no more than 15 to 18 pounds, which would be a very large female.