The Maine Coons know how to make an amazing impression on everyone who saw them, even in the picture. Externally similar to wild forest cats, they are distinguished by a good-natured disposition, accuracy and livability. After the kitten has appeared in your home, you should track the weight of the Maine Coon for months, in order to avoid deviations from the norm, and if something happens, take timely measures.
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This is one of the most persistent misconceptions regarding these giant cats. In fact, an adult cat weighs an average of 7 to 9 kilograms, and the weight of a neutered animal reaches 12 kg. Maine-coons, oddly enough, weigh a little more British, although they look much bigger. Measuring the weight of a Maine Coon by month, one can understand whether the animal is developing correctly and predict how it will grow.
What influences the development of the little one?
- Paul kitten. Little cats are born bigger than their sisters and gain weight faster.
- The weight and size of the mother cat. The larger the mother, the more at birth her kittens and the faster they develop.
- The state of the kitten at birth and in infancy. If a kunyonok was born weak and prone to illness, it will grow more slowly than his fellows and will weigh less than they do. But this circumstance does not prevent the smallest kittens in the litter from turning into huge cats weighing 10 kilograms.
- The number of kittens in the litter. The more kittens are born, the less each of them weighs compared to kittens from a small litter.
- Genetics. The length, weight and overall development of the kitten is influenced not only by the maternal genes, but also by the father’s heredity. Because the kittens of one cat, born of different cats, may differ at birth in size, and later on the speed of development.
- Nutrition nursing mom. The fuller and more varied the cat-mom's diet, the healthier and larger her kittens will be.
- The conditions of the nursing feline family.
- Stressful situations. Any disturbances (noise, presence of other animals, change of residence) may affect the development of kittens. The female in stress can stop feeding offspring, which leads to a change in the diet of growing animals, which is why they are gaining weight more slowly. The hormonal surge during stress also leads to the same consequences, and this applies to both cats and kittens.
Maine Coon weight in numbers
Maine Coon kittens are born larger than their brethren of other breeds. The minimum weight of a viable newborn baby is 80 grams, on average it is 100-180 grams.
Conventionally, there are several periods of development of kittens in infancy:
- The neonatal (newborn) period lasts 4 days. Daily weight gain in kittens may vary - this is due to how the Maine Coon gave birth.
- The suckling period lasts 4 weeks. At this time, kittens eat mother's milk, weight gain should not be less than 10 grams per day and on average is from 20 to 50 grams per day.
- Transition period. Kittens are gradually switching to solid food, so the rate of weight gain is slightly reduced. It lasts from a month to 7-8 weeks of life.
- Post-suction period. The young are completely transferred to solid food, and the weight again begins to grow rapidly. Its duration - from 7-8 weeks to complete the development of a kitten.
Breed description
Large Maine Coons have a large body, broad neck and chest. The length of the tail of an adult animal is equal to half the length of the body. It is covered with long and thick hair. The head of this animal is large, the ears and cheekbones are high, the chin is pronounced, and often there are brushes on the ears.
Breed Maine Coon favorably with other representatives of the cat with large and very expressive round eyes. Their color may be yellow, amber, green or golden. Blue or blue color is acceptable, but only for white cats.
Cats have thick, hair falling along the body, longer on the back, sides and abdomen. On the head and shoulders, it is much shorter. Color is any. Breeders managed to bring different shades and color combinations.
As already mentioned, there is a mistaken view that these beauties can reach gigantic sizes (up to 15 kg, and some indicate a weight of 25 kg). In fact, the weight of a healthy animal of this breed is no more than 12 for cats, and cats weigh about 8 kg. The growth of cats is usually not measured in height, as in other animals, but in length. It averages up to 100 cm.
There are many characteristic signs by which animals of the Maine Coon can be distinguished. Kittens are born much larger than babies of other species. For example, a newborn of this breed weighs 120-170 g, while kittens, for example, “Persians” (not the smallest) are born with a maximum weight of 120 g.
If you take the average numbers, the weight of Maine Coon kittens at the time of birth is 120-140 g. An important factor affecting the weight of the baby is the size of the litter in which he was born. For example, if 5 babies appeared, then the average weight will be 125 g. If only one baby was born, then the kitten’s weight will significantly exceed the average. Such a baby can weigh 145-160 g.
It is important to know that the growth and development of a kitten is affected by various aspects - both natural, which we can not influence, and household, which the owner can adjust. Consider them further.
Genetic factors
Immediately make a reservation once again that this is a rather unusual cat - Maine Coon. Kittens grow and develop depending on the mass determined by the characteristics of the breed. The greater the weight of the breed, the greater the growth rate of the animal.
The second reason why the weight of a Maine Coon varies by month is a gender trait. For example, by 3 months, males gain much more weight than females.
The third factor can be called the weight of mother cats. This parameter depends on the genotypes of the parents. The larger and healthier in a physical sense, the cat, the faster the kittens will grow.
Individual genetic characteristics. Any combination of parental genotypes leads to the emergence of a unique, new organism. This is manifested in the features of the development of muscular and skeletal systems, as well as in the rate of growth of kittens.
Hormonal factors. This implies the use of various hormonal drugs prescribed for therapeutic purposes. When an uncontrolled intake of funds of this group or a change in the prescribed dosages, the imbalance in the endocrine system of the kitten can be disrupted, which will further negatively affect its growth and development.
External factors
- Sanitary and hygienic condition of the nest where the kittens live.
- Stress factors. They are produced under the influence of stress. Hormones have a negative effect on the baby’s endocrine system, as a result, growth disorders occur. Therefore, a nursing cat and kittens should be carefully protected from stress.
- Cat food. The development and growth of babies depends on the full and balanced feeding of the cat during pregnancy. A newborn maine coon should add at least 10 g per day. A slight weight loss is possible only in the first days of life. If the calf does not gain weight within 48 hours, you should seek the assistance of a specialist.
It is not necessary to artificially feed the kitten up to the transition to a normal diet, it is likely that it will take him only a few days to feed up to regain lost weight.
Maine Coon kittens are charming and very interesting soft balls, which amaze with their beauty, confidence, restraint and firm character, despite their tender age. Although, most likely, even one beauty is enough to love this breed.
Many owners of these animals know how rapidly the weight of a Maine Coon varies by months. Very quickly, fluffy lumps turn into smart, strong, fun-loving and animal games. They are very easy to get used to the new environment, get along well with their owners (especially with children), do not require complex care.
Periods of development
From this factor depends largely on how correctly the weight of the Maine Coon will vary by month.
- Neonatal period. Its duration is only four days. Weight gain at this time is different and primarily depends on the course of childbirth.
- The suckling period lasts four weeks. At this time, you can observe a stable and uniform weight gain (on average - 35 g / day). For four weeks, the kitten should score 500-800 g.
- From the fourth to the eighth week, the transition period lasts. Changing kitten feeding. Weight gain is slightly slowed down by week 5. This is due to the transition to solid feed. But by the seventh week the weight begins to grow.
- The post-suction period lasts from 8 weeks to the completion of the cat's growth.
Maine Coon Weight by Month
Week 1 - 200-260 g (cats), 180-230 g (cats).
1 month - 650-750 g (cats), 560-660 g (cats).
2 months - 1.25 kg (cats), 1.15-1.4 kg (cats).
3 months - 1.8 kg (cats), 2 kg (cats).
4 months - 3 kg (cats), 2.7 kg (cats).
5 months - 5.6 kg (cats), 3.9 kg (cats).
6 months - 6.2 kg (cats), 4.3 kg (cats).
8 months - 6.9 kg (cats), 4.3 kg (cats).
9 months - 7 kg (cats), 5 kg (cats).
10 months - 7.7 (cats), 5.6 kg (cats).
11 months - 5.7-8 kg (cats), 6 kg (cats).
12 months - 9.0 kg (cats), 6.4 kg (cats).
18 months - 9.5 kg (cats), 6.5 kg (cats).
24 months - 10 kg (cats), 7 kg (cats).
30 months - 12 kg (cats), 7.5 (cats).
3 years The weight of a cat can be 12 kg, and cats - within 8 kg.
Thus, the weight of an adult Maine Coon should not exceed 12 kg. You should not be too happy if your pet has gained such weight by the age of one. Your pet may have problems with the heart and blood vessels, joints. In kennels very strictly monitor the weight of animals, we advise you and do not let this matter take its course.
Kitten care
Most experts believe that Maine Coon, the price of which is quite high, needs high-quality food. It is advisable to choose dry food. However, they must be of high quality.
Most of the cats of this breed can eat well and not become overweight. Middle-aged animals may have some problems with overweight, which can be controlled by transferring pets to a low-calorie diet.
Cats of this breed need plenty of drink. Therefore, you need to ensure your pet free access to fresh water. It must be separated, without chlorine. Do not forget that kittens of this breed must be given all preventive vaccinations.
Care and maintenance
Caring for an adult animal is not difficult - you need to comb your pet once a week. Only during the molting period (once a year) should it be done more often. Bathe Maine Coon should be polluted.
An adult animal has a body length of 135 cm (with a tail) and a height of 45 cm at the withers.
Where to buy a kitten
Probably, it is not necessary to say that buying a kitten of such a rare breed is by no means on the market. Acquiring a charming baby breed of Maine Coon, the price of which is from 25 to 40 thousand rubles, is necessary only in a specialized nursery.
Today we introduced you to a rather rare breed of cats in our country. They learned how the weight of a Maine Coon changes by months, what kind of care this animal needs. We hope that the information will be useful to you, and you will get such a beautiful and very kind pet.
Maximum weight and size
Its almost maximum weight and size of the Maine Coon reaches at the age of 2 years or 24 months. However, if a young cat is programmed to be more than average, then he or she can develop up to 3 or even 5 years. During this time, she will develop muscles and increase slightly in weight.
Record holders
According to the Guinness Book of Records, the Maine Coon Stewie is considered the longest cat, the full name is Stuart Gilligan. Its length was 123 cm. The record was set in the United States, August 28, 2010. In 2013, Stewie died. The current champion in length is another Maine Coon cat named Ludo, whose length is 118.33 cm.
Photo Stewie:
Factors affecting weight and size
One of the main factors that influence the size of a cat is its diet. A kitten that feeds well and often on breast milk in the first days and weeks of life is likely to grow faster and become larger. After the transition to self-nutrition, Maine Coon to reach its maximum size is designed to a healthy diet rich in proteins and nutrients. Healthy eating with quality dry food and / or feeding with wet food will provide the cat with proper nutrition that will promote healthy growth.
Nevertheless, the size of an adult Maine Coon is determined, first of all, by its genetics, the size of its both parents and pedigree. Therefore, the weight and height of a kitten, especially at an early age, are poor indicators of its final size. Some kittens grow earlier than others, and some continue to grow up to 4 years or more.
Maine Coons are big cats with powerful muscles, so the next factor affecting growth is physical activity. In this, the Maine Coons are similar to other breeds, they have an enormous amount of energy, so they can and should be stimulated by various games. For this they will need toys and one with whom you can play. Cats that do not perform regular physical exercises may soon begin to suffer from obesity.
Many owners teach their Coons to walk on a leash or in a harness, so that they can walk with them, as with dogs. So cats can enjoy the walk, and it will be a great exercise not only for the cat, but for you.
