As a Maine Coon kitten owner it’s critical to understand the different stages of growth and development for your furry companion. Maine Coons are known for being large, sociable and intelligent cats, but they also require a lot of attention to thrive. In this article, we will provide you with everything you need to know about your Maine Coon’s developmental stages so you can understand how to take proper care of it, including a Maine Coon growth chart.
When comparing Maine Coons with other cat breeds such as Norwegian Forest cats or Ragdolls, it’s clear to see that these big cats are actually much bigger. In fact, Maine Coons are the second-largest domestic cat breed, so it’s no surprise that many people are interested in tracking their growth.
Maine Coons are known for being very sociable and gracious. They love playtime, and they have high intelligence. That means you’ll need to teach them some tricks, but it will be easy since they are typically willing to do that. However, these cats need a lot of your attention in order to thrive. As they are very sociable, being with other pets and children won’t be a problem for them.
One of the best ways to ensure that your Maine Coon is growing and developing properly is to use a growth chart. This chart will allow you to track your kitten’s weight, height, and other measurements as they grow and change. By using a growth chart, you can better understand what is normal for your kitten and what might be cause for concern.
When it comes to feeding your Maine Coon kitten, it’s important to choose a high-quality cat food that is formulated specifically for kittens. The right food will provide all the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to help your kitten grow healthy and strong. Some of the key nutrients to look for include protein, fat, and carbohydrates, as well as essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D.
As your kitten grows, it’s important to monitor its weight and make sure it’s gaining weight at a healthy rate. A healthy Maine Coon kitten should gain about 1-2 pounds per month during its first year of life. If your kitten isn’t gaining weight as it should, it may be a sign that something is wrong and you should consult with your vet.
In addition to monitoring weight, it’s also important to keep an eye on your kitten’s overall health and well-being. This includes watching for signs of illness or infection, such as coughing, sneezing, or runny eyes, as well as keeping an eye on your kitten’s behavior and activity level. If you notice any changes or concerns, it’s important to contact your vet right away.
As your Maine Coon kitten grows and develops, it’s important to continue providing it with the right care and attention. This includes regular veterinary check-ups, a healthy diet, and plenty of playtime and exercise. It’s also important to provide your kitten with a safe and comfortable living space, as well as plenty of love and affection.
Maine Coon Growth Chart
| Age | Male Kitten | Female Kitten |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 90 – 170 g (0.19 – 0.37 lb) | 90 – 150 g (0.19 – 0.33 lb) |
| 1 Week | 190 – 290 g (0.41 – 0.63 lb) | 160 – 260 g 0.35 – 0.57 lb) |
| 2 Weeks | 290 – 430 g (0.63 – 0.94 lb) | 280 – 410 g (0.61 – 0.90 lb) |
| 3 Weeks | 430 – 600 g (0.94 – 1.32 lb) | 410 – 550 g (0.90 – 1.21 lb) |
| 1 Month | 620 – 820 g (1.36 – 1.80 lb) | 550 – 740 g (1.21 – 1.63 lb) |
| 2 Months | 1.1 – 1.6 kg (2.42 – 3.52 lb) | 1 – 1.4 kg (2.20 – 3.08 lb) |
| 3 Months | 1.7 – 2.4 kg (3.74 – 5.29 lb) | 1.5 – 2.3 kg (3.30 – 5.07 lb) |
| 4 Months | 2.9 – 3.8 kg (6.39 – 8.37 lb) | 2.5 – 3.5 kg (5.51 – 7.71 lb) |
| 5 Months | 3.3 – 5.5 kg (7.27 – 12.1 lb) | 2.7 – 4.2 kg (5.95 – 9.25 lb) |
| 6 Months | 3.4 – 6 kg (7.49 – 13.22 lb) | 3.1 – 4.3 kg (6.83 – 9.47 lb) |
| 7 Months | 4.1 – 6.5 kg (9.03 – 14.33 lb) | 3.3 – 4.6 kg (7.27 – 10.14 lb) |
| 8 Months | 4.4 – 6.9 kg (9.7 – 15.22 lb) | 3.7 – 5 kg (8.15 – 11.02 lb) |
| 9 Months | 5 – 7 kg (12.56 – 15.43 lb) | 4.1 – 5.2 kg (9.03 – 11.46 lb) |
| 10 Months | 5.1 – 7.8 kg (11.24 – 17.19 lb) | 4 – 5.5 kg (8.81 – 12.12 lb) |
| 11 Months | 5.5 – 8 kg (12.12 – 17.63 lb) | 4.3 – 6 kg (9.47 – 13.22 lb) |
| 12 Months | 5.8 – 9 kg (12.78 – 19.84 lb) | 4.5 – 6.5 kg (9.92 – 14.33 lb) |
Maine Coon cats go through several growth stages during their development. Here’s a breakdown of the different stages and what to expect during each:
Newborn stage (0-4 weeks) – During this stage Maine Coon kittens are completely dependent on their mother for nourishment and care. They will spend most of their time sleeping and nursing. At this stage, their eyes and ears are closed, and they have a limited ability to move. Kittens will grow rapidly during this stage, gaining weight and developing their muscles.
Weaning stage (4-8 weeks) – Kittens will begin to eat solid food and will start to wean off their mother’s milk at this time. They will also start to explore their surroundings and begin to play with toys. They will become more active, and their coordination will improve.
Juvenile stage (8-12 weeks) – They will continue to grow and develop rapidly as juveniles. They become more independent and will start to develop their own personalities, as well as lose their baby teeth and develop permanent teeth. Their coordination will continue to improve, and they will become more agile and playful.
Adolescent stage (12-24 weeks) – As adolescents Maine Coon kittens will continue to grow and develop. They will become more confident and will start to assert their independence. They will also become more vocal and will start to communicate more with their owners.
Adult stage (24 weeks and older) – At this stage, Maine Coon cats will have reached their full size and will have completed their physical growth. They will continue to develop emotionally and socially, but their physical growth will slow down. They will become more independent and will start to establish their own routines. They will also become more settled and less active.
It’s important to note that these stages are approximate and can vary depending on the individual cat. Also, it’s important to keep track of your cat’s weight, size, and overall health as they grow to ensure they are developing properly and consult with your vet if you have any concerns.
What Can Influence Cat Size?
Breeder
The growth chart for Maine Coon cats listed above is an average size for the breed. However, it is important to note that size can vary depending on the breeder from which you purchase your kitten. Some breeders may not have purebred Maine Coons, which can result in smaller size for your kitten compared to a purebred Maine Coon. Therefore, it’s important to pay close attention to your kitten when you first bring her home and to choose a reputable breeder who can provide information on the kitten’s parents and allows you to meet them in person to ensure you get a purebred kitten.
Spaying or Neutering
Spaying or neutering can have an impact on the growth rate of Maine Coon cats. This is because when a cat reaches sexual maturity, they may use more energy to seek a mate, which can divert energy away from growth. This can result in slower growth during this period. However, if you choose to spay or neuter your Maine Coon kitten, you may notice a growth spurt as the kitten no longer expends energy on seeking a mate and instead uses it for growth. This can result in changes in weight and height that are more noticeable.
Diet
Diet plays a crucial role in the growth and development of Maine Coon cats. Providing your cat with a high-quality diet that is properly portioned can help ensure healthy growth and avoid issues related to size. It is important to adjust your cat’s diet according to the stage of development they are in.
Maine Coon cats grow slower than other breeds, so their diet should be tailored to their specific needs. Until they reach 1 year old, they should be fed a kitten diet that consists of high-quality dry kibble food. Additionally, incorporating raw meat into their diet can provide them with extra protein and help prevent dental disease and obesity.
It’s worth noting that, while many house cats reach full size earlier, Maine Coon cats typically reach their full size at around 4 to 5 years old. As a new Maine Coon owner, it’s important to consult a growth chart to understand the normal rate of growth for the breed and to avoid concerns about your cat being too small.
Fun Facts About Maine Coons
- Maine Coons are one of the oldest cat breeds in North America, with origins dating back to the 1700s.
- They are known as “gentle giants” due to their large size and friendly personalities.
- Maine Coons are the largest domestic cat breed, with some males weighing up to 18 pounds.
- They have a distinctive “lynx-like” appearance, with tufted ears and a bushy tail.
- Maine Coons are known for their playful and mischievous personalities and are often compared to dogs in their loyalty and intelligence.
- They have a unique “raccoon-like” feature, hence the name “Maine Coon”
- They have a thick, water-resistant coat that protects them from the cold New England winters.
- Maine Coons are known for their love of water and will often play in the sink or bathtub.
- They are a very vocal breed, known for their chattering and trilling sounds.
- Maine Coons are known to be very sociable and enjoy the company of other pets and children.
- They are known for their affectionate nature and will often follow their owners around the house.
- Maine Coons are known to be very trainable and can learn to play fetch and even walk on a leash.
- They are a very adaptable breed and can do well in both indoor and outdoor environments.
- Maine Coons are known for their high intelligence and are often used as therapy cats.
- The Maine Coon is the official cat of the state of Maine and is featured on the state’s quarter coin.
