When you think about big domestic cats, the first breed that pops in mind is probably the Maine Coon. The Maine Coon is not only one of the most popular cat breeds in the United States, this cat is also known for its great length. In fact, the cat with the greatest length is a Maine Coon according to the Guinness Book of World Records. His name is Stewie and he measured 48.5 inches long and weighed almost 15 kg (exactly 33.0693 pounds)!
Besides the size, the Maine Coon is known for its sturdy and muscular appearance. With the tufts on top of their pointed ears they almost look like a smaller sized lynx. Nevertheless, they aren’t related in any way. Do you want to know how big a Maine Coon can get? You will discover the answer in this article, together with some general information as well!
The origin on the Maine Coon
The Maine Coon has its origin in the United States, to be more precise Maine. They were known as great mousers, farm cats and also ship’s cats. The exact date of their origin is unknown, however, references about the Maine Coons date back to the early 19th century. But Maine is only part of the name that the breed got. Why are they named ‘Coon’ after a raccoon?
The long and fluffy ringed tail resembles that of the raccoon. However, the Maine Coon is, contrary to what the name suggests, not the result of a mating between a raccoon and a cat. The real origin of the breed remains a mystery to this day, no one knows exactly which cat mated with which cat to create the Maine Coon. In some way this makes them even more special and unique as a breed.
How big can Maine Coons get?
A full-grown male Maine Coon can weigh up to 5,9-8,3 kilograms (approximately 130 – 183 pounds), the female Maine Coon weighs between 3,6-5,4 kilograms (approximately 79 – 119 pounds) and the average height of a Maine Coon is around 10 to 16 inches. Also, their length can vary from 30-40 inches. The female Maine Coon tends to be less tall than the male Maine Coon, however they can be the same length.
Why are Maine Coons so big?
The Maine Coon is naturally so large because it is descended from the Norwegian forest cat. In addition, the cats are so big because they grow slowly. This slow growth allows, among other things, the muscles to develop properly, making the Maine Coon bigger.
Tips and things to take into account before owning Maine Coon cats
Are you also considering bringing a Maine Coon into your home? Or could you use some tips? We have listed some tips for you. Also, there are some important things you should know before buying this beautiful cat.
Since Maine Coons get very heavy because of their height and length, you might want to consider buying a scratching post specially designed for bigger cats. These will allow your cat to scratch their nails and stretch fully while doing so. These posts are heavier, so they won’t fall over as quickly as the smaller and lighter ones. There are even cat castles that can hold multiple Maine Coons at the same time. In addition to specially designed scratching posts, you might also want to consider purchasing a larger litter box.
To conclude
You have had the opportunity to read about the origin of the Maine Coon and why these cats are so big. The Maine Coon is one of the most popular cats in the United States. A full-grown male Maine Coon can weigh as much as 183 pounds and a female Maine Coon as much as 119 pounds. The length of this beautiful cat can be as high as 40 inches!
Do you also have a Maine Coon? If yes, how big is your Maine Coon, does he come anywhere close to Stewie who earned a spot in the Guinness Book of world records? In short: is your cat also one of those beautiful big felines? Please let us know, we want to hear from you!
