5 Years of Growth
The breed’s long growth cycle
Do Maine Coon Kittens Really Grow Slower?
Sort of! It’s true they can take up to 4–5 years to fully mature - but that doesn’t mean they grow steadily the entire time.
Most of the big height and weight changes happen in the first 12–18 months. After that, growth slows down but doesn’t stop. It shifts to thickening coats, filling out the chest and shoulders, and maturing joints and paws - especially in males, who often stay lanky until age 3 or 4.
A 2019 study even found that growth plate closure happens significantly later in Maine Coons than in other cats - proof that their “late bloomer” rep is the real deal.
If your young Coonie still looks small, don’t worry - there’s more growth ahead (just not overnight)!
💬 In today’s post inside the Coonie Clan, we’re sharing fun before-and-after photos and talking about the final stages of growth. Visit today’s post to read about the full Maine Coon growth timeline and what to expect next!
