The soft, silky fur of a Maine coon cat, his easily managed coat and his winning personality combine to make this large feline breed highly popular. The Maine coon is often called "The Gentle Giant." The breed is among the largest of the domestic cats.
The Ever-Growing Maine Coon
Most cats will reach their full size at about one year of age. The Maine coon, however, is slow to develop and won't show its true physical grandness until it is 3 to 5 years old.
Weight
Maine coon females weigh between 9 and 13 pounds at maturity. Males are significantly larger, at 13 to 18 pounds. This weight is not fat; Maine coons are muscular and strong, with well-balanced, athletic bodies.
Length
Maine coons are longer than other breeds of house cats, stretching up to 40 inches from the tip of the nose to the end of their long, flowing tails. They will look rectangular, and despite their length have only medium-sized legs.
The World-Record Holder
The World's Longest Cat, according to the 2012 Guinness World Records, is a 5-year-old Maine coon named Stewie. He measures a full 48.5 inches, or just a bit more than 4 feet long.
