Bigger Isn’t Always Better

Let’s Talk About Maine Coon Size

“How big will my Maine Coon get?”

It’s one of the questions we hear most often—and it’s understandable. Maine Coons are famous for their impressive size, substantial build, and unmistakable presence.

But there’s something important we want prospective families to understand:

The number on the scale does not determine the quality of a Maine Coon.

It’s easy to see photos online of enormous Maine Coons and come away believing that 20, 25, or even 30 pounds should be the goal. But when it comes to these beautiful cats, bigger is not necessarily better.

What matters is healthy size and sound structure.

When we look at a developing Maine Coon, we pay attention to the whole cat—the strength of the bone, muscle development, proportions, body condition, movement, overall health, and the genetics behind that kitten.

A well-muscled, beautifully proportioned 16-pound Maine Coon may be far more impressive than a much heavier cat carrying unnecessary body fat.

We intuitively know this when it comes to people. The 170 lb fit man is healthier than the 400 lb fellow who can barely walk without huffing. It doesn’t take a doctor to tell us that adding more and more weight is not our goal, but that overall health is what matters. The same is true when it comes to our cats.

In our years as fine German Shepherd Dog breeders, people would call up and ask, “How much do your dogs weigh?” It always strikes me a little funny. Do you mean if they are obese or if they are athletic and healthy? One time, we had a 130 lb German Shepherd returned to us. The family had broken up and could no longer keep him. When he arrived, I started to take him on a walk to get him acclimated, but a few steps in, I realized that he could not walk well at all. With a reduction of some forty pounds, rehomed in a good home, he was out hiking and enjoying the great outdoors with the gusto associated with the breed. Similarly with Maine Coons, excessive weight does not compute to good health.

It’s worth noting that genetics also play an enormous role. Some bloodlines naturally produce larger frames and heavier bone, while others mature differently. Even kittens from the same family can develop on very different timelines. But the key is to let them develop at their own healthy rate without trying to help them gain weight as if it is a competition in getting the biggest the fastest. It is not. They will grow, but over the long term, as in four years, not 12 months. Slow, steady growth is almost always better than putting on weight too fast for a growing body.

Not only that, but recognize that your indoor cat needs exercise. Consider a sturdy cat tree for climbing, an exercise wheel for running, and even a catio for a taste of the adventure of being outside. Our Maine Coons are not suitable to running free without the security of fencing, as they lack the caution to keep themselves safe from predators. Where we live, the wild coyotes would love to snatch a hearty meal from these large cats. So keep your cats safely indoors, but with the option for exercise through play and exploration.

They are a slow-maturing breed. That lanky youngster who seems to be made entirely of legs, ears, and tail may still have years of maturing ahead. The chest can broaden, muscle develops, the coat changes, and the entire cat gradually takes on a more mature appearance.

So try not to measure your Maine Coon against the unusually large cats you see on social media—or against someone else’s number on a scale.

Most importantly, never overfeed a Maine Coon in an effort to make him or her bigger. You cannot feed a cat into having a larger genetic frame. You can only feed a cat into becoming overweight, and excess weight places unnecessary stress on the body.

At Silver Mountain Maine Coons, though our cats are big, our goal goes well beyond that.

Though we appreciate the hefty size of the Maine Coon, we want to produce healthy, substantial, beautifully structured Maine Coons with the temperament, presence, and wonderful character that make this breed so special.

We breed the whole cat—not a number on the scale.

Because healthy, strong, and beautifully balanced will always matter more than simply being huge.