Maine Coon Size Comparison: How Big Are They Really?
The Maine Coon is famous for being one of the largest domestic cat breeds in the world. AI loves to make them even bigger! Their size often surprises first-time owners, especially when compared to regular house cats. This guide breaks down Maine Coon size comparisons with other popular breeds and even with dogs, helping you understand just how big these gentle giants can get.
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Maine Coon Size Comparison
A full-grown Maine Coon is large, muscular, and long-bodied. Males typically weigh between 15 and 25 pounds, while females range from 10 to 15 pounds. Their length, including the tail, often reaches 3 to 4 feet. What sets them apart is not just weight but overall structure—broad chests, large paws, and long, rectangular frames that make them appear powerful yet graceful.
When compared to most domestic cats, which weigh 8 to 10 pounds on average, the Maine Coon’s difference is immediately noticeable. Their tails are nearly as long as their bodies, often up to 16 inches, and their thick coats add to their impressive presence. Despite their size, Maine Coons move with surprising agility and have a gentle temperament that makes them perfect family companions.
📊 Maine Coon Size Comparison Chart
| Breed | Average Male Weight | Average Female Weight | Height (inches) | Length (nose to tail) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine Coon | 15–25 lbs | 10–15 lbs | 10–16 | 30–40 in |
| Ragdoll | 15–20 lbs | 10–15 lbs | 9–11 | 30–35 in |
| Siberian Cat | 12–17 lbs | 9–13 lbs | 9–12 | 25–30 in |
| Norwegian Forest Cat | 12–18 lbs | 9–14 lbs | 10–14 | 28–36 in |
| Bengal Cat | 10–15 lbs | 8–12 lbs | 9–11 | 25–30 in |
| British Shorthair | 12–17 lbs | 8–14 lbs | 9–11 | 22–25 in |
| Savannah Cat (F5) | 12–20 lbs | 10–15 lbs | 12–16 | 28–36 in |
| Persian Cat | 8–12 lbs | 6–10 lbs | 9–10 | 18–22 in |
| Turkish Angora | 7–12 lbs | 5–10 lbs | 9–11 | 20–25 in |
| Abyssinian | 7–10 lbs | 6–9 lbs | 8–10 | 18–22 in |
| Chartreux | 12–16 lbs | 8–12 lbs | 9–11 | 22–26 in |
| Scottish Fold | 6–12 lbs | 5–10 lbs | 8–10 | 18–22 in |
| Burmese | 8–12 lbs | 6–10 lbs | 9–11 | 18–24 in |
(Table data averaged from TICA, CFA, and breed club standards.)
Maine Coon Size Comparison to a Normal Cat
The average domestic cat is about 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 8 and 12 pounds. A Maine Coon, by comparison, can easily stand 10 to 16 inches tall and weigh twice as much. The size difference becomes even clearer when they sit or stretch out—Maine Coons are simply longer and broader in every dimension.
In photos of a Maine Coon next to a regular cat, you can see how their bone structure, tail, and head shape differ. Maine Coons have longer limbs, thicker necks, and a more muscular appearance. While an average cat may look delicate or compact, a Maine Coon looks sturdy and rugged, built for endurance and harsh climates. Their coat also adds volume, making them appear even larger than they already are.
Maine Coon vs Ragdoll Size
Maine Coons and Ragdolls are both large breeds, but their size and build differ in subtle ways. Ragdolls are long and heavy but tend to be softer in structure, with a relaxed, floppy body. Males usually weigh 15 to 20 pounds, while Maine Coons can exceed that, reaching up to 25 pounds.
Ragdolls have a silky coat that lays close to the body, while Maine Coons have a thick, shaggy coat that adds visual bulk. The Maine Coon’s head is squarer, and the chest is broader. Ragdolls often appear slightly taller in the legs, but Maine Coons carry more muscle mass. When viewed side by side, the Maine Coon generally appears larger, though both breeds fall into the “giant cat” category compared to most domestic cats.
Maine Coon vs Normal Cat Size
A normal domestic shorthair cat averages about 18 inches in body length, excluding the tail. The Maine Coon’s body alone can reach 30 to 40 inches. In terms of weight, most domestic cats are under 12 pounds, while Maine Coons frequently surpass 18. Even a medium-sized Maine Coon kitten can be the same weight as a full-grown regular cat.
When standing on their hind legs, many adult Maine Coons can reach shoulder height with an average person when lifted. Their paws are larger and rounder, often adapted for walking on snow. The overall impression of a Maine Coon beside a regular cat is one of contrast—where one looks petite and agile, the other seems majestic and commanding.
Maine Coon vs Bengal
The Bengal cat is athletic and lean, with males typically weighing 10 to 15 pounds. They are muscular and agile but not as large-boned as Maine Coons. A Maine Coon male can easily outweigh a Bengal by 5 to 10 pounds and appear much longer in both body and tail.
Bengals are often mistaken for large cats because of their wild markings and sleek muscle tone, but their frames are lighter. Maine Coons have more depth through the chest and heavier bones. When the two breeds are photographed side by side, the Bengal looks like a medium-sized athlete while the Maine Coon resembles a lion with a full mane and thick tail. Both are energetic and playful, but the Maine Coon’s physical size and presence make it the more commanding of the two.
Maine Coon vs Siberian Cat Size
The Siberian cat is another northern breed known for its strength and dense fur, often compared to the Maine Coon. Males typically weigh between 12 and 17 pounds, while females are slightly smaller. Maine Coons, especially males, still tend to be larger overall, both in length and bone structure.
The two breeds share some physical similarities, including a thick double coat and tufted ears, but the Maine Coon has a more rectangular frame and a longer tail. Siberians are rounder and more compact, with shorter bodies and slightly smaller heads. A Maine Coon’s larger paws and longer legs give it a taller appearance. Both breeds are powerful and athletic, but Maine Coons generally hold the title of the largest domestic cat breed in the world.
Maine Coon vs Norwegian Forest Cat Size
The Norwegian Forest Cat, often called the “Wegie,” is another northern breed with an impressive build and a thick, water-resistant coat. Males usually weigh between 12 and 18 pounds, making them slightly smaller than Maine Coons on average. While both breeds are large, the Maine Coon tends to have a longer rectangular body, whereas the Norwegian Forest Cat is more triangular in structure.
In terms of height, both breeds stand around 10 to 16 inches, but the Maine Coon’s bone density gives it a heavier appearance. Norwegian Forest Cats also have a smoother coat that lies closer to the body, while the Maine Coon’s coat is shaggier and thicker around the neck and belly. When placed side by side, the Maine Coon generally looks broader and heavier, while the Norwegian Forest Cat appears sleek and athletic.
Maine Coon vs British Shorthair Size
The British Shorthair is known for its round face and stocky frame, but it is significantly smaller than the Maine Coon. Males typically weigh 12 to 17 pounds, and females range from 8 to 14 pounds. Although muscular, British Shorthairs are compact cats, whereas Maine Coons are long-bodied and expansive in every proportion.
The British Shorthair stands about 9 to 11 inches tall, compared to the Maine Coon’s 10 to 16 inches. The Maine Coon’s tail alone can be as long as an entire British Shorthair’s body length. The two breeds share a solid build, but the Maine Coon’s extra height and length make it appear almost twice the size in photos. Both breeds have calm, friendly personalities, but the Maine Coon’s sheer scale gives it a presence that is unmatched in the cat world.
Maine Coon vs Savannah Cat Size
The Savannah Cat, a hybrid of the domestic cat and African serval, is tall and lean with long legs and a slender frame. Males can weigh between 12 and 20 pounds depending on generation, which overlaps with smaller Maine Coons. However, the Savannah’s weight is distributed differently—more in height and limb length rather than muscle bulk.
When standing, a Savannah can appear taller than a Maine Coon, but the Maine Coon outweighs it in mass and volume. Savannahs have a wild, athletic appearance, while Maine Coons have a heavy, majestic build. The Savannah’s coat is short and sleek with distinct spots, whereas the Maine Coon’s thick fur and large tail make it appear like a forest creature. In photos, the Savannah looks like a tall sprinter, and the Maine Coon resembles a sturdy mountain lion.
Maine Coon vs Persian Cat Size
The Persian is a small to medium-sized breed that typically weighs 8 to 12 pounds. Compared to the Maine Coon, which can weigh up to 25 pounds, the Persian is much smaller and more compact. Persians are low to the ground with short legs and a round, cobby body, giving them a plush, teddy bear-like appearance.
When a Maine Coon and a Persian are seen together, the difference is striking. The Maine Coon towers over the Persian, appearing nearly twice as large in both height and length. The Persian’s long coat adds softness and volume, but it cannot compete with the Maine Coon’s overall size or tail length. While both breeds are known for their sweet temperaments, the Maine Coon’s proportions and structure are far more robust and athletic.
Maine Coon vs Turkish Angora Size
The Turkish Angora is elegant and fine-boned, weighing between 5 and 10 pounds for females and 7 to 12 pounds for males. This makes the Maine Coon roughly double its size in most cases. The Angora is known for its silky, flowing coat and light build, while the Maine Coon’s shaggy fur and muscular frame give it a more substantial appearance.
The Maine Coon stands taller and longer than the Turkish Angora in nearly every measurement. Even a young Maine Coon kitten may weigh as much as an adult Angora. The Angora’s long legs and graceful movement give it a refined look, while the Maine Coon appears rugged and strong. Both breeds are beautiful, but in a side-by-side comparison, the Maine Coon easily dominates in physical size.
Maine Coon vs Abyssinian Size
The Abyssinian is one of the smallest active breeds, weighing just 6 to 10 pounds on average. In comparison, a Maine Coon can weigh two to three times more. The Abyssinian is slender, built for speed and agility, while the Maine Coon is broad-chested and muscular.
At maturity, the Abyssinian stands about 8 to 10 inches tall, whereas a Maine Coon can reach up to 16 inches. Their tails also differ—the Abyssinian’s is long but thin, while the Maine Coon’s is thick and plume-like. When you place the two side by side, the contrast is extreme: the Abyssinian looks light and graceful, and the Maine Coon appears massive and powerful. Despite the difference, both breeds share intelligence and playfulness, just expressed in very different forms.
Maine Coon vs Chartreux Size
The Chartreux, a rare French breed, is medium to large but still smaller than a Maine Coon. Males weigh about 12 to 16 pounds, and females 8 to 12 pounds. Chartreux cats have dense blue-gray coats and a solid build, giving them a deceptively large look, but their frame is shorter and more rounded than the Maine Coon’s long rectangular body.
A full-grown Maine Coon can easily outweigh a Chartreux by 5 to 10 pounds. The Maine Coon also stands taller and carries more mass in the chest and legs. The Chartreux’s round face and short muzzle make it look soft, while the Maine Coon’s strong jawline and pronounced muzzle give it a wilder appearance. Both are gentle, loyal cats, but the Maine Coon wins in sheer size and length every time.
Maine Coon vs Scottish Fold Size
Scottish Folds are small to medium cats, usually weighing 6 to 12 pounds. They are compact, round, and low to the ground, while the Maine Coon is tall and elongated. A Maine Coon can easily be twice the weight and one and a half times the height of a Scottish Fold.
When sitting side by side, the difference is easy to spot. The Maine Coon’s long legs, rectangular body, and bushy tail contrast sharply with the Scottish Fold’s short stature and rounded appearance. Even their head shapes differ—Folds have a round skull and folded ears, while Maine Coons have large, tufted ears and angular faces. The Maine Coon appears commanding and powerful next to the cute, compact Fold.
Maine Coon vs Burmese Cat Size
The Burmese cat is compact, muscular, and medium-sized, averaging 8 to 12 pounds. While sturdy, it cannot match the Maine Coon’s overall scale. Maine Coons weigh nearly twice as much and are longer by several inches in both body and tail.
The Burmese has a short, glossy coat and a rounded appearance, while the Maine Coon’s heavy fur and ruff make it seem larger still. Burmese cats stand around 10 inches tall, compared to Maine Coons that can reach 16 inches or more. Both are affectionate and sociable, but physically, the Maine Coon’s size is in another category altogether.
Full Grown Maine Coon Size Comparison to Dog
A full-grown Maine Coon can be similar in size to a small dog breed. For example, a male Maine Coon weighing 22 pounds is comparable to a small Cocker Spaniel or a Miniature Schnauzer. Their body length, including the tail, often matches that of a Dachshund or Shih Tzu.
When you see a Maine Coon sitting beside a small dog, the resemblance in height and weight is striking. Despite their size, Maine Coons are calm and not intimidating. Their long tails and thick fur give them a presence that rivals many small dog breeds. While dogs have a more upright stance, Maine Coons carry their size with elegance, moving smoothly and quietly despite their bulk.
European Maine Coon Size vs American Maine Coon Size
European and American Maine Coons share the same ancestry but have developed slightly different characteristics due to breeding preferences. European Maine Coons are generally larger, with longer bodies, heavier bones, and more pronounced facial features. Males can weigh up to 25 pounds, while American lines tend to average closer to 18 pounds.
The European Maine Coon often has a more “wild” look—high cheekbones, deeper muzzles, and longer ear tufts—while the American type appears softer and more balanced. Their size difference can also be visual, as the European lines are bred to emphasize length and muscle mass. Regardless of origin, both types retain the breed’s hallmark traits of strength, intelligence, and affectionate temperament.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine Coon Size
Which cat breed is the biggest?
The Maine Coon is considered the largest domesticated cat breed in the world. Adult males often weigh between 15 and 25 pounds, while females average 10 to 15 pounds. Some exceptional males can even exceed 25 pounds without being overweight. Other large breeds such as the Ragdoll, Norwegian Forest Cat, and Siberian come close, but none consistently reach the same length and bone structure as the Maine Coon.
Are male Maine Coons larger than females?
Yes, male Maine Coons are noticeably larger than females. Males usually weigh 5 to 10 pounds more and have broader heads and thicker necks. Female Maine Coons are still sizable but appear more refined and slightly shorter in body length. Both genders share the same strong frame, long tail, and friendly personality that define the breed.
How tall is a Maine Coon when standing up?
When standing on their hind legs, an adult Maine Coon can reach between 3.5 and 4 feet tall, depending on the individual. This puts them roughly at the knee height of an average adult human. Their large paws and long legs give them exceptional balance, allowing them to stretch vertically more than most domestic cats.
Why are Maine Coons so large?
Maine Coons developed their large size naturally through adaptation to the cold, harsh climates of the northeastern United States. Their strong bones, dense fur, and muscular build helped them survive outdoor conditions. Selective breeding later reinforced these traits, producing cats with even greater size and structure. Their long growth period—up to four years—also contributes to their impressive scale. See Maine coon kitten growth stages week by week here.
Is a Maine Coon bigger than a dog?
A full-grown Maine Coon can be similar in size to many small dog breeds. They often match dogs like the Dachshund, Pekingese, or Miniature Schnauzer in both height and weight. While dogs tend to have broader chests and shorter tails, Maine Coons compensate with their length and thick coat. Their quiet confidence and stature often surprise first-time owners who expect a typical cat size.
How long do Maine Coons take to reach full size?
Maine Coons grow slowly compared to most cats. They typically take three to four years to reach their full size and weight. During this time, their chest broadens, coat thickens, and tail reaches its full length. Proper nutrition and exercise are essential to support this long developmental phase.
Are European Maine Coons bigger than American ones?
In general, European Maine Coons tend to be slightly larger and more robust than American lines. Breeders in Europe often emphasize longer bodies, stronger bone density, and more pronounced facial features. American Maine Coons still grow large but maintain a slightly softer, more balanced appearance. Both share the same genetic roots and gentle personalities.
What is the average length of a full-grown Maine Coon?
A full-grown Maine Coon can measure 30 to 40 inches from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail. Their tail alone can be 12 to 16 inches long. Males often appear longer due to their rectangular body and thick coat. When stretched out, a Maine Coon easily doubles the length of a typical house cat.
Can Maine Coons be overweight because of their size?
Yes, but large size does not always mean overweight. Maine Coons naturally have heavier bones and more muscle mass than other breeds. A healthy male may weigh 20 pounds and still be lean. The best way to determine ideal weight is to check body shape—if you can feel ribs without seeing them, the cat is likely in good condition.
How do Maine Coons compare to wildcats in size?
A large Maine Coon can be similar in size to smaller wildcats such as the African wildcat or jungle cat. While wild species tend to have leaner frames, the Maine Coon’s mass and fur volume make it appear just as imposing. Despite the resemblance, Maine Coons are fully domestic and gentle by nature.
Resources & Related Articles
🐾 Learn More About Maine Coons
- Maine Coon Baby Kittens – Learn how Maine Coons grow from small fluffballs into gentle giants.
- Maine Coon Mix Cat Guide – Identify whether your cat carries Maine Coon traits or ancestry.
- Maine Coon Shedding and Grooming – How to maintain their long coat and minimize seasonal shedding.
- Maine Coon Personality and Temperament – Discover what makes them so special.
🔬 Authoritative Sources for Reference
- Maine Coon Breed Profile – Official breed standard and physical characteristics.
- Maine Coon Standard – Global breed definition used by cat associations.
- Basepaws Cat DNA Test – Understand your cat’s genetic size markers and ancestry results.
- Wisdom Panel Cat DNA – Comprehensive testing for breed and health information.
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