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Maine coons are great large cats that have grown in popularity over the past few decades. While they are known as large cats, it is common to ask if they are the biggest house cats around.
Yes, Maine Coons are the world’s biggest house cats, but Savannah cats occasionally match them in size. Maine Coon cats have held the Guinness World Record for the longest cat for years. Maine Coons have a great temperament and make great family pets despite their size.
Maine Coons are great house cats whose size helps differentiate them from other cats. For more information on how big a full-sized Maine Coon is compared to other cats, read more below.
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How Big is a Full Grown Maine Coon?
Full-sized Maine Coons are some of the most prominent house cats in the world. Maine Coon cats will weigh between 12 to 22 pounds when full grown. This makes a full grown Maine Coon the largest domestic cat.
Maine Coon size will vary depending on age and sex, with adult males being the largest. Still, all Maine Coon cats are enormous.
How Big is a Female Maine Coon?
The average adult female Maine Coon is between 12 to 15 pounds. Female Maine Coons are larger than most domestic cats, regardless of whether they are male or female. Female Maine Coons use their size to their advantage when hunting.
On The International Cat Association’s breed page, they point out that a female Maine Coon is still larger than the average cat. For comparison, most cats weigh under 10 pounds.
How Big is a Male Maine Coon?
The average adult male Maine Coon weighs between 18 to 22 pounds. This is much larger than other cats and can often be a source of shock for people comparing them to other cats for the first time. Put simply, a full-sized Maine Coon will almost always be the largest cat in the room.
Both of the weight ranges listed here are for healthy cats; while larger Maine Coons certainly exist, they usually are either outliers or overweight. In addition, their fur is thick and heavy and can contribute significantly to their look, making them appear even more prominent than they are.
As expected, Maine Coon cats go through a growth period similar to other cats, although they often start larger than usual either way.
How Quickly do Maine Coons Grow?
Maine Coons grow slower than most other domestic cat breeds. A Maine Coon will likely continue to grow until it is 4 years old. Maine Coons are large cats that use their size to their advantage while hunting rodents.
Will All Maine Coons Grow Big?
Yes, all Maine Coons will grow big unless there is a genetic abnormality. Many of the critical factors that play into a Maine Coon’s growth appear during their young years as they are actively growing. While some elements such as sex and heritage are determined at birth, other elements like nutrition and neutering or spaying begin also play a role.
At What Age Are Maine Coons Fully Grown?
Maine Coons reach full maturity around the age of 4. Until that point, your Maine Coon will continue to grow and may already be quite large well before then. At 4 years old, Maine Coons are physically imposing standing up near most domestic cats.
During this period, their nutrition can play a significant role in their size. Proper nutrition and feeding habits will help them thrive rather than simply getting fat. Also, it will help with the health of their coat, making it grow longer and thicker, contributing to their perceived size.
Even after their growth period, it is essential to provide a Maine Coon, like any other cat, with proper nutritional value.
Should I Neuter My Male Maine Coon?
Yes, you should neuter your male Maine Coon. Many people believe Maine Coons grow larger if they are not spayed or neutered, but there is no science for support. Unless you plan on breeding the animal further, it is best to fix your pets to make care easier and prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Are Norwegian Forest Cats Bigger Than Maine Coons?
Norwegian Forest Cats (NFC) are BIG! But, Norwegian Forest Cats are not quite as big as Maine Coon cats. On average, a female Norwegian Forest Cat weighs between 8-18 lbs, and a male Norwegian Forest Cat weighs between 10 – 20 lbs. So, you can see that it is possible that a Norwegian Forest Cat is close in size to a Maine Coon.
| Maine Coon Size vs Norwegian Forest Cat Size | Maine Coon cat | Norwegian Forest Cat |
| Length | 19 to 32 inches | 12 to 18 inches |
| Height | 8 to 16 inches | 9 to 12 inches |
| Weight | 12 to 22 lbs | 8 to 20 lbs |
As stated above, female Maine Coons typically weigh between 12 to 15 lbs, and male Maine Coons usually weigh between 18 to 22 lbs.
Are Maine Coons Bigger Than Ragdolls?
Yes, Maine Coons are bigger than Ragdoll cats. Female Ragdoll cats typically weigh between 8 to 15 lbs, and male Ragdoll cats usually weigh between 12 to 20 lbs. So, Ragdoll cats can get quite large, but are usually smaller than Maine Coons.
| Maine Coon Size vs Ragdoll Cat Size | Maine Coon cat | Ragdoll Cat |
| Length | 19 to 32 inches | 17 to 21 inches |
| Height | 8 to 16 inches | 9 to 11 inches |
| Weight | 12 to 22 lbs | 12 to 20 lbs |
Ragdolls are still a little bit smaller than Maine Coon cats, though. Male Maine Coons can get up to 22 lbs. They can get big!
Are Maine Coons Bigger Than Bobcats?
Maine Coons can be larger than some bobcats, but it is possible for bobcats to be larger than Maine Coons. For example, the average female bobcat weighs 15 lbs and the average male bobcat weighs 21lbs, although bobcats do grow larger. So, just looking at averages, Maine Coons will occasionally be larger than bobcats.
| Maine Coon Size vs Bobcat Size | Maine Coon cat | Bobcat |
| Length | 19 to 32 inches | 18.7 to 49.2 inches |
| Height | 8 to 16 inches | 12 to 24 inches |
| Weight | 12 to 22 lbs | 8.8 to 49 lbs |
However, the largest bobcat on record was weighed 49 lbs. Bobcats can absolutely get larger than Maine Coons.
Here are some of my favorite cat products
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Cat Tree: I have purchased a couple of this Amazon Basics Cat Tree on Amazon (affiliate link). My cat spends a lot of time on and around this cat tree, which I position near my sofa. She uses the scratching posts on this cat tree multiple times a day, which means she is not scratching the sofa instead.
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Are Male Maine Coons Bigger Than Females?
Male Maine Coons are larger than female Maine Coons. Male Maine Coons will on average be taller and weigh more than female Maine Coons, although it is possible for specific cats to grow larger or smaller than one another.
| Maine Coon Cat Sizes | Male | Female |
| Length | 19 to 32 inches | 19 to 32 inches |
| Height | 10 to 16 inches | 8 to 16 inches |
| Weight | 18 to 22 lbs | 12 to 15 lbs |
So, while it looks like there are significant differences in height and weight between male and female Maine Coons, they can get to about the same length.
Maine Coon vs Other Cats
Maine Coons are the largest domestic cat breed in the world, so other domestic cats are smaller. There are some domestic cat breeds that are close to Maine Coons in size. Occasionally, individual cats from other cat breeds, like the Savannah, can be larger than Maine Coons.
Other large cats are often compared to Maine Coons, such as the Norwegian Forest Cat or Savannah cats. However, each breed is distinct in its personality, size, and other traits.
The two largest cats in the world are the Maine Coon and the Savannah. They are distinct from the other in a few key ways, including:
- Hair length
- Build
- Fully domestic VS. hybrid
- Temperament
| Maine Coon Size vs Savannah Cat Size | Maine Coon cat | Savannah cat |
| Length | 19 to 32 inches | 20 to 22 inches |
| Height | 8 to 16 inches | 13 to 15 inches |
| Weight | 12 to 22 lbs | Early Generation: 9.9 to 24 lbs Later Generation: 7.7 to 17 lbs |
As you can see, sometimes, the Savannah can weigh more than a Maine Coon. Typically, Maine Coons will end up weighing more than Savannah cats, though.
Maine Coon vs Savannah Cat
Savannah cats look different than Maine Coons, featuring slick short hair and a slender frame. Maine Coons and Savannahs are both natural hunters, but Savannah cats enjoy heights more than Maine Coons. Maine Coons and Savannah cats are similar in size with individuals from either breed claiming the title for largest domestic cat.
Other large cats such as the Norwegian Forest Cat can be similar in size or even larger than the Maine Coon, but will, on average, be slightly smaller.
What is the Longest Cat in the World?
The Guinness Book of World Records has recognized the longest cat in the world as a Maine Coon for many years. This has held true between a few different Maine Coons; the last time another breed won was in 2009 when the Savannah “Magic” won the award.
A history of the award can be found here.
Currently, the longest cat is Barivel, measuring 120cm long – almost 4 feet.
Are Savannah Cats Well Behaved?
Savannah cats are usually well behaved even though they have wild cat genes in their genetics. Savannah cats are often compared to dogs because they are loyal to their owners and follow them around. Savannah cats will learn tricks that they are taught by their owners, such as fetch.
The Savannah cat is a hybrid, meaning that they mix a wild cat and a domestic. In addition, Savannah cats have the African Serval, a wild cat that looks highly similar to a recent ancestor. This contributes to their strong hunting instincts and characteristics.
While Savannahs can be friendly and sociable, Maine Coons tend to be a better choice for households with other pets and children. This is especially true if the Savannah has not been socialized properly as a kitten; their strong hunting instincts may cause them to attack, similar to a wild cat.
In comparison, Maine Coons tend to have relaxed and playful temperaments that make them easier for large families.
Is Savannah Cat a Hybrid?
Yes, Savannah cats are hybrids between a Serval and a domestic cat. Thanks to their hybrid status, Savannah cats are even banned in Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Georgia. Still, they can be fantastic cats, even for families – they are just likely to require more work with socializing and a closer eye than a Maine Coon would.
Are Maine Coons Dangerous?
Despite their size, Maine Coons tend to be highly relaxed and affectionate cats. Unlike the Savannah cat, which is partially mixed with a wild cat, the Maine Coon is fully domesticated. Therefore, a Maine Coon is no more dangerous than any other cat to keep as a pet.
Are Maine Coons Good Pets?
Yes, Maine Coons are good pets. Maine Coons are commonly regarded as having great personalities and traits. The Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association even suggests that they are great pets for families with kids and other animals, as they stay relaxed through a variety of situations and maintain a great personality.
Are Maine Coons Friendly?
Yes, Maine Coons are friendly and affectionate cats. Maine Coons are known to be good friends to people, dogs, and other cats. Maine Coons are large cats but are known to be loyal and love their owners.
What are Maine Coon Personalities?
The average Maine Coon cat gets along very well with people without ever becoming overly dependent on contact. As with any cat, they may call for attention in several ways:
- Following people around
- Waiting near doors
- Sitting near you
They are unlikely to become aggressive or scratch at people unless particularly annoyed, as with most cats. Their larger size does not mean that Maine Coons are more dangerous or harmful than any other house cat. There is no reason to believe that a scratch will worsen from a Maine Coon than any other smaller house cat.
Are Maine Coon Cats Friendly with Children?
Maine Coon cats are friendly with children. Maine Coon cats have a delightful temperament and easy attitude, that makes them better for children and other pets to be around than other cats who may get frustrated more easily. Especially as kittens, Maine Coons enjoy playing and “helping” with most activities.
Occasionally, you may hear a Maine Coon described as having a “clown-like” personality due to their play preferences long into adulthood. However, they are often amusing to both watch and be around, making them perfect for families.
What Cat is Bigger Than The Maine Coon?
Occasionally, individual Savannah cats will be larger than a Maine Coon. Maine Coons and Savannah cats are clearly the largest domestic cats in the world. Savannah cats get their larger bodies because they are a mix between a Serval and a domestic cat.
Are Maine Coons the Biggest House Cats?
Maine Coons are generally considered the biggest house cats. Healthy Maine Coons usually weigh between 12 to 22 pounds, but can grow larger. Maine Coons use their imposing size to help them hunt rodents.
Are Ragdolls Bigger Than Maine Coons?
Ragdolls are usually not bigger than Maine Coons. Ragdoll cats usually weigh between 12 to 20 pounds which makes them slightly smaller than Maine Coon cats. Additionally, Ragdolls are usually shorter and not as long as Maine Coons.
What is the Largest Cat Breed?
The largest cat breed is the Maine Coon. The average Maine Coon is generally larger than every other domestic cat breed. Maine Coons are large muscular hunters. Occasionally, individual Savannah cats will sometimes be larger than Maine Coons.
Are Maine Coons Really That Big?
Maine Coons really are that big. The average Maine Coon is known to be between 12 and 22 pounds. Average Maine Coons are known to be between 19 to 32 inches long and 8 to 16 inches tall. Maine Coons are the largest domestic cat breed.
Are Maine Coons Always Big?
Maine Coons are always big. Even Maine Coons that may be below average in size are still big domestic cats. The average Maine Coon is the largest domestic cat. People who purchase a pedigreed Maine Coon should expect it to grow big.
Do All Maine Coons Get Huge?
All Maine Coons get huge unless they are abnormally smaller than the average size. Even if a Maine Coon is abnormally small, it will still be a large domestic cat. Maine coons are huge cats and are generally considered the largest domestic cat breed.
Conclusion
The Maine Coon is one of the world’s largest cats, with some other breeds such as the Savannah coming close. They are amiable cats that enjoy playing and can be goofy. As such, they are often referred to as “clown-like.”
A full-sized Maine Coon is between 12 to 22 pounds, depending on their sex. They have long coats that contribute to their size and looks, making them appear even larger. A Maine Coon has won the award for longest cat every year since 2009.
If you enjoyed this article, please check out a few more:
- Maine Coon vs Siamese (See the Full Epic Analysis): Click Here.
- Maine Coon vs Scottish Fold (Surprising Rare Analysis): Click Here.
- Maine Coon vs Burmese (Best Feline Comparison): Click Here.
