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How Big Do Aspen Maine Coon Cats Really Get? The Gentle Giants Explained

  • Writer: Robin Chatmas
    Robin Chatmas
  • 5 hours ago
  • 3 min read
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Average Maine Coon Size

While not every Maine Coon becomes a viral giant, even the average ones are notably larger than regular house cats.


Weight


  • Male Maine Coons: 18–22 lbs (some reach 25–30+ lbs depending on genetics)

  • Female Maine Coons: 12–15 lbs


Our own boys at Aspen Maine Coons demonstrate this beautifully:


  • Ranchcat has the textbook heavy, muscular male build — long, broad, and thick-boned.

  • Carbon is a prime example of the “tall + long” Coon type with an extra-long frame and show-stopping presence.


Both fall into the upper range of the breed standard, representing the kind of size people dream of when they picture a Maine Coon.


Height


Maine Coons aren’t always the tallest cats, but they have impressive body depth and structure.


  • Maine Coon height: 10–16 inches

  • Domestic Shorthair height: 10–12 inches


Even if a Domestic Shorthair is tall, it lacks the bone mass and muscular frame of a Coon.


Length — The True Signature of the Maine Coon


This is where Maine Coons dominate.

  • Average Maine Coon length: 19–40 inches (nose to tail)

  • Domestic Shorthair length: 15–25 inches


A well-bred male like Ranchcat or Carbon often looks twice the size of a typical house cat simply because of length, tail fullness, and bone structure.


Record Holders for Length


  • Stewie: 48.5 inches — still the longest domestic cat ever recorded.

  • Ludo: 46.6 inches — another enormous Maine Coon.

  • Barivel: Nearly 4 feet long.


Almost every Guinness World Record for longest cat belongs to a Maine Coon — further proof of their unmatched size.


Comparison Chart: Maine Coon vs. Domestic Shorthair

Feature

Domestic Shorthair

Maine Coon

Weight

6.5–12 lbs

18–22 lbs

Height

10–12 in

10–16 in

Length

15–25 in

19–40 in

Growth Time

Grows to 1 year

Grows until 3–5 years

Build

Lean to average

Heavy-boned, muscular

Coat

Short coat

Long, shaggy, double-layer

Overall Presence

Cat-sized

“Whoa… THAT’S a cat!”

Why Are Maine Coons So Big?


Maine Coons didn’t get this size by accident — nature and genetics worked together for centuries.


1. Natural Selection in Harsh Winters


Their ancestors needed larger bodies and thick fur to survive Maine’s extreme cold.

2. Strong Working Origins


Early Maine Coons were farm and ship cats, requiring strength and stamina.


3. Long Growth Timeline


Most breeds stop growing in one year.Maine Coons grow slowly until age 3–5, giving them time to develop:

  • heavier bones

  • broader chests

  • thicker muscle

  • longer frames


4. Bloodline Genetics


Certain pedigrees naturally produce larger males.Ranchcat and Carbon both come from lines known for:

  • exceptional length

  • thicker bone

  • large paws

  • strong muzzles

This is why your photos go viral — people are not used to seeing the upper end of the Maine Coon size spectrum.


Are All Maine Coons Huge?


No — and that’s completely normal.

Size can vary based on:

  • genetics

  • gender

  • nutrition

  • growth rate

  • early spay/neuter timing

A 12 lb female Maine Coon is perfectly standard and still visibly larger than most average cats.


Personality: The Heart Behind the Size


Maine Coons aren’t just big — they are big-hearted.

They are known for being:

  • gentle

  • patient

  • playful

  • intelligent

  • people-oriented

  • talkative (those chirps!)

  • great with kids and other pets

Your Coon may look like a small bobcat, but they act like a goofy best friend.


So… How Big Do Maine Coon Cats Get?


If you share your home with a Maine Coon, here’s the truth:

👉 They will be one of the largest cats you’ll ever own.👉 Even the “small” Maine Coons outsize most house cats.👉 The largest males — like Ranchcat and Carbon — become unforgettable.


This is a breed that fills your home with presence — and fills your heart with joy.

Conclusion


There’s a reason Maine Coons consistently break world records and dominate social media feeds. Their size is breathtaking, their personalities are deeply loving, and their history makes them one of the most fascinating cat breeds in the world.

Whether your Coon reaches 12 lbs or 25 lbs, you’re living with a gentle giant, a loyal companion, and one of the most iconic cats on earth.

Ranchcat is 41" and 22 lbs!

 
 
 
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The International Cat Association

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