The Maine Coon holds the prestigious title of being one of the largest breeds of domesticated cats. While it was once considered the absolute largest breed until the introduction of the hybrid Savannah cat in the mid-1980s, the Maine Coon proudly remains the largest non-hybrid cat breed in the world.

Average Size and Weight

When discussing the size of a Maine Coon, the numbers are truly impressive compared to a standard domestic cat:

Males: On average, male Maine Coons weigh between 18 to 22 lbs (8 to 10 kg).
Females: Females are slightly smaller but still massive, weighing 12 to 15 lbs (5 to 7 kg).

Physical Dimensions

Weight is only half the story. The physical dimensions of a Maine Coon are what truly give them their "lion-like" presence.

Height: Adults typically stand between 10 and 16 inches (25 to 41 cm) tall at the shoulder.
Length: They can reach an astonishing length of up to 38 inches (97 cm) from nose to tail.
The Tail: Their magnificent, heavily furred tail alone can measure up to 14 inches (36 cm). It is long, tapering, and almost resembles a raccoon's tail.

A Slow Growth Cycle

One of the most unique aspects of the Maine Coon is their slow physical maturation. While a typical domestic cat reaches its full adult size in about one year, a Maine Coon takes its time.

The body is solid and muscular, which is strictly necessary for supporting their immense weight, and the chest is broad. Maine Coons possess a rectangular body shape and are slow to physically mature; their full size is normally not reached until they are three to five years old.

The European Difference

While these are the standard averages for the breed, European Maine Coon bloodlines (like the ones we breed at Rare Maine Coons) are often selectively bred to emphasize extreme size, heavier boning, and more pronounced feral features. It is not uncommon for our males to push well past the 22 lb mark when fully mature.