Chuck went to the vet and he weighed 30 lbs. The vets had never seen such a large cat. He has been on a diet, and has since dropped about 5-6 lbs. Someone told me he should be at 18 lbs., but that seems way too small his frame. Is it normal for a Maine Coon to be THAT big? He seems like he's just a big cat, or is he really supposed to be 18 lbs.?

-- Anonymous, September 23, 1999

Answers

Hi 30lbs is pretty impressive! It may be that Chuck comes from a line that grows particularly big, try and find out what weights his parents and littermates are. Look at his legs, if they are particularly thick and solid, then you have a cat with a big heavy frame which could account for some of the extra weight. See if you can feel his ribs when you hold his chest, if you can't then there is some fat padding them out and that is extra weight he shouldn't be carrying. 5-6lbs is a lot to lose, I would ease up a little now, keep him on diet food but let him eat a little more and give him lots of exercise. If you can feel his ribs and he is big-boned and he is bright and full of energy.... you've just got a big cat, enjoy him. Cheers Ann Mary

-- Anonymous, September 24, 1999