One of the largest and most noble cats is the Maine Coon. This breed has a massive structure, so people often ask: what height and weight do these animals reach?
Folk tales say that this breed can reach a weight category of 25 kg. But these statements may concern some exceptions, because, as a rule, the weight of healthy Maine Coons without signs of obesity is a maximum of fifteen kilograms.
Average weights are seven kilograms for females and ten kilograms for cats. The length of these beauties from the withers to the tip of the tail often reaches 1-1.2 meters. In addition to such indicators as general size and body weight, the Maine Coon is characterized by other details, because they are all increased in size relative to other animals.
This is a long, wide tail, giant paws, and a massive muzzle. Having all these characteristics in combination, the Maine Coon looks like a huge representative of domestic cats, especially if there are ordinary cats in the house, which seem dwarfed against the background of the Coon.
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Record holders among Maine Coons
Among the currently registered record holders, the largest domestic cats are representatives of the American elite breed Maine Coon . Such a pet is not one of the publicly available breeds, since its acquisition and maintenance are quite expensive.
Charming Maine Coons were bred by experienced breeders just over two centuries ago, and the natural conditions in the region where the work was carried out made it possible to obtain an animal with thick and very long hair. As a result, cats and cats of this breed are not only excellently adapted to harsh weather and can easily withstand frost, but also have an original appearance and impressive, large size.
This is interesting! In the course of strengthening and improving the main breed characteristics of the Maine raccoon cat, it was possible to breed a large animal with an original exterior.
The most famous record holder of the Maine Coon breed is the longest and largest cat in the world named Sweetie, originally from Nevada. The body length of this cat from the tip of the nose to the tail is 1 meter 23 cm 2 mm. The record was officially registered, and the owner of the champion characterizes her pet as a very kind and affectionate cat.
Before the cat Stewie, the record holder was also a representative of the Maine Coon breed, whose weight at the age of five exceeded fifteen kilograms, and the length of his tail was 41.5 cm. No less famous was the Finnish Coon named Missy, who had whiskers or whiskers 19.0 long cm.
The record holder was also the mixed-breed cat Velvet, whose age three years ago was a quarter of a century. However, as practice shows, the average life expectancy of representatives of this breed rarely exceeds twelve years.
Maine Coon development by months, weight, length
Maine Coons are real beauties. Long fluffy tails reaching half the length of the body, lush “whiskers” and a collar, giving the animal a majestic appearance, as well as lynx tassels on the ears have contributed to numerous rumors about the origin of the breed.
The breed standard was recognized at the end of the 19th century. At first, only one Maine Coon color was allowed - black tabby. But over time, these parameters were expanded; today all colors and shades are allowed. The only obligatory condition: cats must have a characteristic mark in the shape of the letter “M” on their heads.
Coons are often called tame bobcats or cat raccoons. There is indeed an external resemblance to wild predators, but all assumptions about the appearance of the breed by crossing a domestic cat with a lynx, jungle cat or raccoon are unfounded.
The homeland of Maine Coons is North America. Here these cats were highly prized by farmers for their hunting skills. It is thanks to landowners that the breed has retained its impressive dimensions. Anyone who has ever seen how big rats are when they plunder barns will understand why it was so necessary to breed a large cat.
Misconceptions about the size of Maine Coons are associated with the impressive appearance of the pets. But, like all cats, Maine Coons are graceful, and their massive appearance is the result of a wide shoulder girdle, an elongated body (reaching 1 meter), large paws, neck and head, as well as a lush fur coat.
Important: The myth about Maine Coons, which claims that cats of this breed reach a weight of 20 or even 30 kilograms, is unfounded. In fact, not a single cat exhibition has recorded a cat weighing over 10 kilograms. Only animals with signs of obesity crossed the 9.5 kilogram mark. The average weight of males is 8 kilograms, and females are 7.
Maine Coon adult size
The world's largest breed, the Maine Coon, is surrounded by many myths and stories that also relate to the size of these animals. However, the average weight of an adult and fully developed male Maine Coon Cat ranges from 5.9-8.2 kg, and the body weight of a female ranges from 3.6-5.4 kg.
The height of an adult Maine Coon, as a rule, does not exceed 25-41 cm, with a total body length with tail of up to 100-120 cm . The maximum length of the tail of the average representative of the Maine raccoon cat breed most often does not exceed 35-36 cm. The Maine raccoon cat reaches its full size at the age of three to five years, which is quite late compared to other popular and widespread breeds.
This is interesting! Thoroughbred animals, when gaining a body weight of 8-9 kg, look much larger and more massive, which is due to the characteristic exterior, represented by an elongated and elongated body with large and well-developed muscles, strong limbs, as well as a massive neck, head and shoulders.
Puberty
Due to their large size, Maine Coons are believed to take a long time to develop and become fully mature by the age of three. However, this depends on the individual characteristics of the animal. On average, puberty occurs between the 6th and 15th months of a pet's life.
Before the onset of puberty, Maine Coons are almost completely formed. The bulk has already been recruited. So, at six months, males weigh up to 6 kilograms, females - up to 5. Then only the animal enlarges. The weight finally stabilizes by the age of one and a half years and ranges from 7 to 8 kilograms in males, and from 6.5 to 7 kilograms in cats.
Maine Coons are massive cats. However, their appearance is deceiving: the real weight of pets is half as much as it seems.
Not a single representative of the breed has yet crossed the 10 kilogram bar (even with signs of obesity). Although the average weight of cats is 7.5 kg, it often exceeds the threshold of 8 kg. And the impressive appearance of Maine Coons has given them a reputation as giants among domestic cats.
Important: There are lighter Maine Coons. The weight of a particular pet depends on its individual characteristics. The lower threshold for males is 6 kilograms, for females – 4.5 kilograms. At the same time, the size of the animal does not genetically depend on the physique of the parents: in graceful cats, the adult offspring can be quite large and vice versa.
Source
Maine Coon kitten size
Maine raccoon cats are born quite large in size and weigh an order of magnitude more than kittens of other breeds. For example, if the weight of a newborn Persian breed varies between 125-150 g, then a Maine Coon kitten is born weighing 125-170 g. According to average statistical data, the weight of a newborn Maine Coon is significantly influenced by the number of kittens in the litter, therefore , the fewer kittens, the greater their weight.
The rate of growth processes and weight gain in a newborn directly depends on its gender, as well as the characteristics of the parental genotype. As a rule, kittens born from a physically healthy and massive cat grow and develop faster. The kitten's growth can be negatively affected by the cat's use of hormonal drugs that can provoke a pronounced endocrine imbalance.
In order for a Maine Coon kitten to gain height and weight correctly, it is necessary to comply with a number of requirements, including ensuring optimal sanitary and hygienic conditions in the place where the animals live, preventing stressful situations in the form of noise and temperature changes, and proper and balanced nutrition for the nursing cat and kittens.
Important! remember that the daily rate of weight gain for a healthy newborn Maine Coon should be about 10-11 grams.
The suckling period lasts from birth until four weeks, and is also characterized by constant and stable growth. In the first ten days, the kitten’s body weight doubles, and by a month the weight becomes approximately four times greater.
Kitten development
The weight of Maine Coon cats depends not only on the genetic reserve, but also on how responsibly the owner of the animal treats nutrition. Height and weight vary at different stages of a kitten's development, but should always be consistent with each other.
Cats are immediately born large, and the greater the weight of the newborn, the larger the adult cat grows. Surely, you are concerned about the answer to what age Maine Coons grow. Fluffy cats actively increase in size until about a year old, then such a sharp pace decreases, but development continues until 3-4 years.
The growth stages of cats can be divided into 4 periods:
- The neonatal period of life lasts 4 days.
- In the first month it is a sucker.
- Then transitional, when the cub tries adult food. About three weeks pass, while the babies, adapting to new food, reduce their indicators of physical development.
- And after the post-suction period, at this time the kittens finally switch to independent feeding.
Weight table by age
The development of the animal occurs quite evenly, but a jump in growth processes, as a rule, occurs in the fourth or fifth month of a pet’s life:
| Age | Male weight | Female weight |
| a week | 240-280 g | 240-260 g |
| two weeks | 250-350 g | 300-400 g |
| month | 630-820 g | 560-740 g |
| two month | 1.23-1.50 kg | 1.1-1.4 kg |
| three months | 1.8-2.3 kg | 1.7-2.3 kg |
| four months | 3.0-3.8 kg | 2.7-3.6 kg |
| five months | 3.2-5.5 kg | 2.9-4.3 kg |
| six months | 3.5-5.8 kg | 3.0-4.5 kg |
| seven months | 4.2-6.5 kg | 3.5-4.9 kg |
| eight months | 4.4-6.8 kg | 3.8-5.2 kg |
| nine month | 5.1-7.2 kg | 4.1-5.5 kg |
| ten months | 5.3-7.6 kg | 4.2-5.8 kg |
| eleven months | 5.6-8.1 kg | 4.3-6.1 kg |
| twelve months | 5.7-9.0 kg | 4.5-6.8 kg |
| one and half year | 6.0-9.5 kg | 4.5-7.0 kg |
| two years | 10.0 kg | 4.7-7.3 kg |
| two and a half years | 12.0 kg | 7.5 kg |
| three years | 13.0-16.0 kg | 7.5-8.0 kg |
Mass table by month
| Kitten age | Cat weight (in grams) | Cat weight (in grams) |
| 1 month | 630 - 750 g | 560 - 680 g |
| 2 months | 1230 - 1500 g | 1150 - 1400 g |
| 3 | 1800 - 2300 g | 1700 - 2300 g |
| 4 | 3000 - 3800 g | 2700 - 3600 g |
| 5 months | 3200 - 5500 g | 2900 - 3900 g |
| 6 | 3900 - 6500 g | 3200 - 4000 g |
| 7 | 4200 - 6500 g | 3500 - 4300 g |
| 8 | 4500 - 6900 g | 3800 - 4300 g |
| 9 | 5000 - 7000 g | 4100 - 5000 g |
| 10 | 5200 - 7500 g | 4200 - 5500 g |
| 11 | 5700 - 8000 g | 4300 - 6000 g |
| 1 year | 5700 - 9000 g | 4500 - 6300 g |
| 1.5 years | 6000 - 9500 g | 4500 - 6500 g |
| 2 years | up to 10,000 g | 4500 - 7000 g |
| 2,5 | up to 12,000 g* | 4500 - 7200 g |
| 3 | up to 13,000 g* | up to 7500 g |
* Up to 12,000 - 13,000 g - the weight of adult castrated cats.
How does the size of a cat and a cat differ?
Maine Coon cats develop more slowly compared to males, and their maximum weight at full development does not exceed 7.3-7.5 kg . Males, which are representatives of the Maine coon cat, are noticeably larger than cats, and the average body weight of an adult neutered animal reaches 12-13 kg.
However, when observing the growth and development of such a pet, it is necessary to take into account the fact that a cat at the age of two cannot weigh more than 10 kg. Such excess body weight may indicate metabolic disorders, heart problems or joint pathologies, so it is necessary to consult a veterinarian. Despite their impressive size, Maine Coon cats do not have problems with obesity at all.
Body weight at different stages of development
From the moment of birth to the peak stage of growth, the development of the Maine Coon is divided into four main stages:
- Stage one: neonatal. It lasts for the first four days. Average daily weight gain is directly related to the condition of the baby after birth.
- Stage two: sucking. The stage continues for the next 4 weeks. Body weight increases steadily and evenly: the average increase is from 20 to 50 g. By the end of the first month of life, kittens of the same litter level out, and prenatally underdeveloped babies are restored to a normal state. The weight of a one-month-old kitten should be from 0.5 to 0.8 kg, and that of a two-month-old kitten should be from 0.9 to 1.5 kg.
- Stage three: transitional. The stage continues until seven weeks of age. It is characterized by a change in the type of feeding. In the fifth week, due to the transition to solid food, a slowdown in weight gain is acceptable. But by the seventh week this transition ends and body weight should rise again. Kittens begin to gain weight, as the new diet includes almost all the required vitamins and nutrients.
- Stage four: post-suction stage. The period lasts from the eighth week until the animal completes its growth. These are the kitten’s first steps towards an existence independent from its parent. Growth stops by the age of three, and the final formation of the body ends at 4–5 years of life.
By regularly measuring the weight of a Maine Coon, you can understand whether the formation of offspring is proceeding normally, and give a forecast of what it will be like. The table below shows weight from the first week of life to the age of three.
| Age | Cat body weight, g | Cat body weight, g |
| 7 days | 240 — 260 | 240 — 290 |
| 14 days | 320 — 410 | 340 — 420 |
| 1 month | 550 — 740 | 640 – 820 |
| 2 months | 1000 — 1400 | 1100 — 1500 |
| 3 months | 1600 — 2200 | 1800 — 2400 |
| 4 months | 2600 — 3500 | 3000 — 3800 |
| 5 months | 2800 — 4300 | 3200 — 5500 |
| Six months | 3200 — 4500 | 3900 — 6000 |
| 7 months | 3400 — 4900 | 4200 — 6500 |
| 8 months | 3700 — 5200 | 4500 — 6900 |
| 9 months | 4000 — 5400 | 5000- 7000 |
| 10 months | 4100 — 5800 | 5200 — 7700 |
| 11 months | 4200 — 6100 | 5700 — 8000 |
| Year | 4500 — 6800 | 5700 — 9000 |
| 1.5 years | 4500 — 7000 | 6000 — 9500 |
| 2 years | 4500 — 7200 | 10000 |
| 2.5 years | 4500 — 7200 | 12000 |
| 3 years | 4500 — 7500 | 13000 – 15000(neutered) |
The ideal average weight of a healthy Maine Coon reaches 10 kg, but there are also slightly larger individuals up to 12 - 13 kg. But this is rather an exception, typical of neutered cats aged three to five years.
Excess weight is also observed in artificially fed kittens, since a large number of biological additives cause disruption of the endocrine system. Maine Coons should not be overfed.
A young kitten that has already gained more than 10 kg will have health problems, since obesity causes severe diseases of the pulmonary, cardiovascular system and other internal organs.
No matter how strong and resilient a kitten is, it is also prone to hip dysplasia and other serious, difficult-to-treat diseases, the possibility of developing which increases with every extra kilogram. Such animals must be constantly under the supervision of a veterinarian.
There is no need to believe in the existence of mythical 20-kilogram cats and chase records, achieving the maximum body weight of your pet in every conceivable and inconceivable way. After all, the handsome Maine Coon is not raised for slaughter. It is necessary to create comfortable conditions for your pet, provide a high level of quality of life, maintain his health, and not strive to raise a giant.
What affects the growth of Maine Coons
The growth of the Maine Coon Cat is directly influenced by many internal and external factors . The first category includes determined breed characteristics. Also, as the animal grows older, there is a clearly visible difference in the rate of weight gain in males and females, as a result of which cats become significantly heavier than females by the age of three months.
The category of internal factors includes the body weight of the mother and the genotypic characteristics of the parents - when the parental genotypes are combined, an organism with unique parameters appears with special development of the skeleton and muscular system.
The most significant external factors influencing the growth of the Maine Coon are presented:
- compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards when keeping a cat and its offspring;
- the presence or absence of stress factors or unfavorable conditions;
- quality food characteristics.
Some individual factors that do not belong to the category of external or internal parameters can also affect the growth and weight gain of an animal.
Maine Coon - weight of an adult cat and its dimensions at 2, 3 and 4 months
The standard of any breed suggests that the size and weight of its representatives must fit within a certain framework. A cat of one of the largest breeds, the Maine Coon, grows up to 8-10 kg, and the cat’s weight usually does not exceed 7 kg.
It is interesting that Maine Coon kittens are born almost the same as babies of other breeds, but after 2-3 months they begin to actively gain weight and height at the withers, and this process lasts until the age of three.
Breed records
Online statements that Maine Coons weigh 20 kg or more should be taken as a myth. Excess weight relative to the standard is either a fiction or the result of a disease: diabetes, obesity, teriosis, etc.
INTERESTING! The Guinness Book of World Records has stopped accepting entries for the heaviest weight category because it refuses to support unhealthy weight gain in animals.
The breed is characterized by the phenomenon of sexual dimorphism - sharp differences in the appearance of males and females. Maine Coon cats are much smaller and sleeker, but at the same time they have a strong, wide body and well-developed muscles. An adult Maine Coon cat, of course, inspires respect with its considerable size.
The biggest cat
There is no officially registered weight record for the breed yet. A beefy "maikun" can weigh up to 20 kg. But the breed still holds one real record in the cat world - length. The largest cat measured 123 cm in length from the tip of its nose to the tip of its tail. His nickname is Stewie.
NOTE! “Maykun” and “maykun” are incorrect names. The breed came from the American state of Maine. And the prefix “coon” is part of the word “raccoon”.
A cat named Omar is very famous on the Internet; his weight has already reached 14 kilograms and his body length is 120 centimeters. Considering that this pet is still young, he has every chance of becoming the owner of a new world record.
Something else interesting: The most beautiful cat breeds
Weight prediction
How much a cat weighs depends not only on the breed, but also on the quality of food, health, age and gender. Females are always smaller and lighter, seals are up to two times heavier. Weight and height change naturally from birth to full maturity (approximately 2.5-3 years).
From birth to one year
By the age of one year, these cats can gain ¾ of their final weight. But they are born a little larger than ordinary domestic cats. Females weigh 120-150 g at birth, and males up to 180 g. In two weeks, the weight of babies doubles and reaches a maximum of 330 g in females and 360 in males.
In the first month of life, kittens need only their mother and moderate care. During this period, their basic abilities develop: sensory, movement and thinking. They learn not only to walk and jump, but also to bite, scratch, and make various sounds. Ears, eyes, whiskers begin to work in full force towards the end of this age stage.
By the age of one month, the weight doubles again: a month-old cat weighs up to 680 g (feline) and 740 g (feline) grams. A kitten at this age is distinguished by mobility and curiosity, as well as the absence of any fear. The kids are still very attached to their mother and follow her on her heels, repeating her every step.
At the end of the 4th week, when the kittens’ bite has already formed, you can start complementary feeding and wean the babies off their mother’s milk. The Maine Coon kitten gains a little more weight for 2 months due to muscle development and the transition to a new type of food - predation. This is one of the periods of the most intensive growth: a kitten at 2 months will reach 1.1 - 1.5 kg.
Something else interesting: Jungle cat
Three-month-old kittens are already full-fledged predators, and not small at all: about 2.3 kg. If a young Maine Coon has been developing harmoniously for 3 months, then in addition to its heaviness, it also has well-developed hunting skills, which it diligently hones on littermates, toys or the owner’s things. The Maine Coon reaches a weight of 3.5-3.7 kg at 4 months.
Then the kitten gains kilograms for 2 months and by six months weighs 4-6 kg, that is, the weight of a cat at 6 months is comparable to an adult cat of any other common breed. Before a year, the pet will gain another 2.3-3 kg in weight and will leave the period of adolescence.
A cat’s body can be considered fully formed at the age of 3 years. From one to three years, his body becomes wider, deeper, more voluminous. If the pet eats normally and does not overeat, moves actively and has no diseases, then its build remains proportional:
- The legs don't look short;
- The head does not seem small in comparison with the body;
- The body shape is elongated; when viewed from above, the animal has a “waist” designation.
- Many people think that once they have such a pet, they need to feed it like slaughter in order to show off its impressive size to guests. This will not bring any benefit to the animal. You should not neglect your cat's health for the sake of ambitious ideas.
So. For the Maine Coon breed, the weight of an adult cat ranges from 4 kg for a female to 10 kg for a male. Even without additional feeding, by the end of the first year of life the pet will reach an impressive size and will outstrip all the neighboring cats in height.
Deviations from the norm
Insufficient weight gain and decreased body weight are allowed only during the initial stage of growth, during the first week of life. At the neonatal stage, weight gain and height depend on the characteristics of labor.
This is interesting! In the first four days, even minor weight loss is allowed, which is steadily restored in the coming days.
If an animal whose age is more than a couple of months loses weight, then it is necessary:
- introduce more high-calorie foods into the diet;
- make a competent change in diet;
- supplement the diet with a vitamin-mineral complex;
- use dietary supplements in feeding that stimulate the appetite, as well as quickly normalize the functioning of the stomach and intestinal tract.
It should be noted that at three to four weeks the kitten’s body weight may gradually decrease, which is explained by the transition of the pet from mother’s milk to solid food. And starting from seven weeks, the animal’s weight gains again.
Important! Solid, complete diets with beneficial microelements, vitamins and minerals promote weight gain.
The owner of a Maine Coon should be wary not only of the pet’s underweight, but also of the pet’s excessive body weight . If necessary, you should consult with veterinary specialists who can correctly determine the cause of deviations from the normal weight and height of the Maine raccoon cat.
Choosing a name for a kitten.
Many people find it very difficult to choose a name for a kitten, or one that is too long in the pedigree or simply doesn’t like it. It is worth paying attention that it is best to choose a name for the baby, paying attention to the external characteristics, color, and behavior of the little Maine Coon.
Important: No matter how cute and small your pet is, do not call him with very gentle, diminutive nicknames like “Muska”, “Kroshka”, “Small”. Or ridiculous nicknames - “Pig”, “Red”, “Crow”, etc. Remember that the pet will grow up, become big and will visit exhibitions, a veterinarian, matings and a beautiful, suitable name will become an adornment for a chic Maine Coon .
General size statistics for Maine Coons
A newborn baby often does not predict the large size of an adult. The body length of Maine Coons at birth is about 12 cm. They weigh from 100 to 150 grams . These are very standard parameters for kittens of all breeds. However, over time, the Maine Coon becomes longer, gaining muscle mass. And this happens quite quickly.
The length of the Maine Coon cat increases at a tremendous speed over the months, so nurseries do not even undertake to display any statistics. Much depends on the individual. Some cats grow faster, some more moderately. What can we say if sometimes the length of a Maine Coon cat at 5 months reaches half a meter .
Health of raccoon kittens
Maine Coon cats have enviable health.
The breed was formed in the harsh conditions of the American state of Maine as a result of natural selection, where only the strongest and hardiest animals survived.
Be sure to read:
What to feed a Maine Coon correctly: an adult cat, a kitten or a female cat
To maintain the health of a small pet, it is only important to follow the rules of keeping and carefully monitor its condition.
Key aspects of care:
- good nutrition;
- timely vaccination;
- antiparasitic treatment;
- regular bathing, brushing teeth and ears;
- combing wool.
Diseases
Maine Coon cats are prone to the following diseases:
- Pathologies of the cardiovascular system and joint diseases. A common cause of their development is overfeeding of pets, leading to obesity.
- Inflammation of the gums.
- Liver diseases.
- Ophthalmological diseases: blepharitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis.
- Urolithiasis disease.
- Development of inguinal tumor (in females).
At the first symptoms of any disease, you should immediately seek veterinary help.
Maine Coon cats have enviable health
Vaccinations
For preventive purposes, all Maine Coons must receive their first vaccination at 2.5 months. Subsequent vaccinations occur once a year. These are mandatory procedures.
A few days before vaccination, it is recommended to cleanse the intestines of parasites.
Teeth
Adult cats have very sharp and large teeth. Milk teeth begin to grow in kittens in the second week of their life; at three months of age, their number is 26.
At the age of 3-4 months, the teeth of young Maine Coons begin to change. The front incisors erupt first, followed by the sharp canines. Molars and analogues of “wisdom teeth” grow next.
The process of forming a full set of permanent teeth (adults have 30) lasts up to seven months. During this time, it is important to monitor the development of proper bite.
To prevent Maine Coons from gnawing foreign objects, you need to purchase rubber toys for them.
For the proper development of permanent teeth, it is important to feed cats food with a high content of calcium and phosphorus.
What affects the sizes
The size of a Maine Coon kitten does not always correspond to the norm. The fact is that the growth of any pet very much depends on several factors that can significantly change the initial parameters. Therefore, any table of Maine Coon lengths by month will not be accurate. There are the following reasons for deviations from the development norm:
- genetics;
- environment;
- stress;
- mother's pregnancy period.
Speaking about genetics, there are several main points. First of all, there are certain characteristics of the breed itself. This applies to both Maine Coon cats and any other animals. In addition, the gender of the pet plays a significant role. In males, by the age of six months, the size often increases significantly compared to females. Strongly influence the growth and parameters of the parents.
Especially the size of the future cat depends on the length of the mother. The larger it is, the faster the baby will grow.
In addition to the size of the Maine Coon parents themselves, the combination of their genes also influences. After all, 2 DNAs always create a completely new organism that is unlike anyone else. The newborn develops its own skeletal and muscle tissue characteristics. Therefore, even kittens from the same litter can grow at different rates and reach different lengths and weights.
The size of an adult Maine Coon cat can be affected by taking any hormonal drugs or medications. Even if the course was short, the period of development of the kitten itself can either be delayed or accelerated. It is difficult to predict exactly how treatment will affect the development of the cat.
Much depends on the living conditions of the animal. The size of a Maine Coon cat may change due to changes in sanitary conditions. Poor performance can harm the normal development of the Maine Coon breed, especially in the early stages.
Stress is also related to the previous point. Sharp sounds, temperature fluctuations and other irritating indicators can negatively affect the growth of a Maine Coon baby. Such a negative effect on the kitten’s body, especially on the endocrine system, can significantly change its final length and weight.
Particular attention should be paid to the cat's pregnancy period. She needs to be provided with the necessary care and given a complete diet with all vitamins and minerals. Then newborn representatives of the Maine Coon breed will gain weight well. In addition, this will affect their immunity.
Why can a Maine Coon lose weight?
What should owners do if the weight of an adult Maine Coon cat is pathologically low? Especially when a pet that was bursting with health suddenly began to lose weight? The reasons for obvious weight loss may be as follows:
- The presence of parasites in the animal’s body (both external and internal);
- Stress;
- Diet poor in nutrients;
- Hormonal disbalance;
- Sudden change in diet;
- Ailments (diseases of the stomach, intestines, etc.);
- Oncology.
In addition to weight loss, the cat should also have other alarming symptoms, for example, constipation, interspersed with diarrhea due to helminthic infestations. Or atypical and restless behavior when experiencing stress.
Why measure the length of a Maine Coon?
Measuring your pet's length is a very important step during its development. First of all, the owner can draw informed conclusions about the correct growth and compliance of the pet’s condition with standards. In case of any significant deviations, you can contact your veterinarian with a detailed description of the situation.
For those who do not know how to measure the length of a Maine Coon, there are several tips. First, you should calm your pet down and let him understand that nothing bad is happening. It is better to measure each part of the animal’s body separately. This includes:
If the size of the Maine Coon kitten meets the standards, we can draw conclusions that the correct diet and care have been selected for the baby.
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Maine Coon is an amazing breed of cat. There are many versions about their origin and way of life. These cats amaze with their size, thick long hair and terrifying, wild expression in their eyes.
Breed Features
Recently, scientists are increasingly inclined to believe that the homeland of Maine Coons is the territory of Maine, in the northeastern United States.
The natural conditions in this region are quite harsh. The climate is cold, strong winds, and a lot of snow falls in winter. As a result of natural selection over a long period of time, this variety was formed.
The description of the breed includes the following main points.
- Large sizes - length on average about one meter.
- Impressive weight - from 6 to 12 kg.
- A strong and graceful body of an oblong shape, with strong muscles.
- Large head, heavy shoulders and neck.
- Powerful paws with fur between the toes.
- The most varied colors , including two- and three-colored individuals.
- Very thick and long fur that is not afraid of moisture and almost does not get wet from snow.
- Luxurious fluffy tail , more than thirty centimeters long.
- Tassels on the ears, just like a lynx . The ears themselves are also pubescent and covered with thick hair, which serves as additional protection from frost.
- The sounds made by animals - something between a rumbling and purring - are characteristic only of this breed.
Kitten care
Most experts believe that the Maine Coon, whose price is quite high, needs high-quality food. It is advisable to choose dry food. However, they must be of high quality.
Most cats of this breed can eat well without becoming overweight. Middle-aged pets may have some weight problems, which can be managed by putting them on a low-calorie diet.
Cats of this breed need to drink plenty of fluids. Therefore, you need to provide your pet with free access to fresh water. It must be settled, without chlorine. Do not forget that kittens of this breed must receive all preventive vaccinations.
general Statistics
According to statistics, animal parameters may differ slightly from the generally accepted standard. Moreover, the size of this breed increases faster than that of other species. If at birth the kitten’s body length is approximately 12 centimeters, then by five months it has already grown to half a meter.
The same can be said about body weight, which can vary and increase unevenly. The weight of the born baby already exceeds the statistical average for various breeds of domestic cats and is 125–170 g, and for other varieties it is from 80 to 100 grams. Even fairly large Persians and Sphynxes have kittens that are born weighing less than 120 g.
In the future, as they grow and develop, the difference in size becomes even more noticeable.
Thus, an adult cat weighs on average from 4.5 to 7.5 kg, and a large cat weighs from 9 to 12 kilograms. The maximum recorded weight of a Maine Coon cat is 14 kg. This giant lives in Great Britain, and his name is Omar.
Even compared to humans, they seem like giants. The increase in parameters and maturation continues up to three, sometimes up to four years. The book of records records a record-breaking cat with a body length of 123 centimeters. According to unverified data, somewhere in the world there lives a giant whose full height is 135 cm. However, the average representative of this breed reaches no more than one meter in length.
An ordinary Maine Coon cat grows up to 40 cm at the withers.
How to litter train a Maine Coon
Before bringing a kitten into the house, it is necessary to close all places where the pet can get through unnoticed. It is also better to close the doors to the rooms; in the corridor and in the bathroom it is worth laying different materials on three or four plastic trays:
- For the first, an ordinary rag (an old cotton towel, thick and well-absorbed, is perfect, not a diaper from the store!);
- Place soft, non-rusting paper on the second one (you can tear toilet paper coarsely);
- For the third, special sawdust, soft. There is such sawdust that is sold for animals kept in cages, yes, many cats love to go to the tree;
- On the fourth one, pour the usual litter for cat trays.
Arrange them all in different, but convenient for further use, corners, preferably in a more closed place. Instead of trays, you can purchase deeper and wider plastic basins, but not too high. After all, 90% of Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest cats are the largest two breeds of domestic cats in the world, they prefer to go to such a mini toilet, a proven fact!
You will have to study the pet for about a week, monitor it, and up to 1.5 years, train, train and train five times a day, but never hit!
What affects the size?
How a small kitten will grow up depends on many factors:
- from heredity: the larger the baby’s parents, the more likely it is that he will not be small;
- on the condition of the mother cat during pregnancy, her mood, as well as on what kind of nutrition she receives during this period and when feeding her offspring;
- on the number of cubs born at the same time: the more kittens in the litter, the smaller they are, and accordingly, vice versa;
- from the diet of a growing baby, when he no longer receives mother's milk.
Large kittens will grow faster than their smaller counterparts.
For about seven to eight weeks, the cat feeds the babies with milk. At five weeks of age they begin to try different foods.
Up to a year, the growth and development of animals proceed at an accelerated pace.
What to do if the kitten is not gaining weight?
If the kitten begins to noticeably lag behind its brothers and sisters in size and stops gaining weight, then it should be monitored.
The reasons for the lag may be the following:
- disease;
- stress, especially when changing the usual environment, which soon passes;
- The baby can be eaten by larger kittens.
Be sure to read:
What to feed a Maine Coon kitten: recommendations, diet from a month to a year, what not to give
If the cub is not gaining weight, but looks quite healthy and cheerful, then it may be necessary to change its diet to something more nutritious.
