Breed-Specific Weight Standards
Average Cat Weight by Breed: A Comparison Guide
Compare weight ranges across popular cat breeds. Learn about Siamese, Persian, Maine Coon, and other breed-specific standards, including male vs. female weight differences.
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Cat Breed Weight Comparison
Weight ranges for popular cat breeds organized by size category
Small Breeds
| Breed | Weight Range (lbs) | Average (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Singapura | 4-8 | 6 |
| Munchkin | 5-9 | 7 |
| Cornish Rex | 6-10 | 8 |
| Devon Rex | 6-9 | 7.5 |
Medium Breeds
| Breed | Weight Range (lbs) | Average (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| American Shorthair | 10-15 | 12.5 |
| British Shorthair | 9-18 | 13 |
| Persian | 7-14 | 10.5 |
| Ragdoll | 10-20 | 15 |
| Siamese | 5-10 | 7.5 |
| Bengal | 8-15 | 11 |
| Abyssinian | 6-8 | 7 |
| Birman | 8-12 | 10 |
| Sphynx | 6-12 | 9 |
Large Breeds
| Breed | Weight Range (lbs) | Average (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Maine Coon | 12-20 | 16 |
| Norwegian Forest Cat | 8-16 | 12 |
| Siberian | 8-17 | 12.5 |
| Turkish Van | 7-20 | 13 |
Note About Tabby and Domestic Shorthair
"Tabby" refers to a coat pattern, not a breed. Most tabby cats are domestic shorthairs or American Shorthairs.
"Domestic Shorthair" refers to mixed breed cats with short coats. These cats typically weigh 8-12 pounds, with an average of 10 pounds.
For mixed breed cats, compare to the breed that most closely matches your cat's size and build, or use the general domestic cat range of 8-12 pounds.
Male vs. Female Weight Differences
Understanding gender-based size variation
Typical Weight Difference
Male cats typically weigh 1-2 pounds more than females of the same breed. This difference is most noticeable in larger breeds. For example, male Maine Coons may weigh 15-20 pounds, while females typically weigh 12-15 pounds. Breed weight ranges account for this variation.
Why Males Are Heavier
Male cats are generally larger due to hormonal differences and genetics. They tend to have more muscle mass and larger bone structure. This size difference is natural and should be considered when assessing weight. Both males and females can be healthy within their breed-specific ranges.
Assessing Weight by Gender
When using breed weight ranges, remember that males typically fall in the upper portion of the range, while females typically fall in the lower to middle portion. However, individual variation exists, and Body Condition Score (BCS) is often more reliable than weight alone for assessing health.
Neutered vs. Intact Cats
Neutered cats may have slightly different weight requirements due to metabolic changes. Neutered cats typically need 20-30% fewer calories than intact cats. However, breed weight ranges apply to both neutered and intact cats. Use our Cat Nutrition Calculator to determine appropriate calorie intake.
Popular Breed Weight Details
Detailed information about commonly asked breeds
Siamese Cat Weight
Siamese cats typically weigh 5-10 pounds, with an average of 7.5 pounds. They are a medium-sized breed known for their sleek, muscular build and distinctive color points. Siamese cats are active and may require more calories than sedentary cats.
Persian Cat Weight
Persian cats typically weigh 7-14 pounds, with an average of 10.5 pounds. Their long, thick coat can make them appear heavier than they actually are. When assessing weight, feel for body condition rather than relying solely on appearance.
Maine Coon Weight
Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, typically weighing 12-20 pounds with an average of 16 pounds. Males are often larger, sometimes reaching 20+ pounds. Maine Coons may continue growing until 18-24 months old. Use our Maine Coon Food Calculator for breed-specific nutrition guidance.
Domestic Shorthair Weight
Domestic shorthair cats (mixed breed cats) typically weigh 8-12 pounds, with an average of 10 pounds. However, weight varies significantly based on genetics, body frame, and individual variation. Use our Cat Weight Calculator or Cat BMI Calculator to assess your cat's health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Breed Weights
Common questions about breed-specific weight ranges and comparisons
What is the average weight for a Siamese cat?
Siamese cats typically weigh 5-10 pounds, with an average of 7.5 pounds. Males are usually slightly heavier than females, typically weighing 1-2 pounds more. Siamese cats are a medium-sized breed known for their sleek, muscular build.
How much should a Persian cat weigh?
Persian cats typically weigh 7-14 pounds, with an average of 10.5 pounds. Their long, thick coat can make them appear heavier than they actually are. Use our Cat Weight Calculator to compare your Persian cat's weight to breed standards.
What is the average weight for a Maine Coon?
Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, typically weighing 12-20 pounds with an average of 16 pounds. Males are often larger, sometimes reaching 20+ pounds. Maine Coons may continue growing until 18-24 months old. Use our Maine Coon Food Calculator for breed-specific nutrition guidance.
How much should a tabby cat weigh?
"Tabby" refers to a coat pattern, not a breed. Most tabby cats are domestic shorthairs or American Shorthairs, which typically weigh 8-12 pounds (domestic shorthair) or 10-15 pounds (American Shorthair). Use our Cat Weight Calculator to assess your tabby cat's weight based on their actual breed or body frame.
What is the average weight for a domestic shorthair cat?
Domestic shorthair cats (mixed breed cats) typically weigh 8-12 pounds, with an average of 10 pounds. However, weight varies significantly based on genetics, body frame, and individual variation. Use our Cat Weight Calculator to compare your cat's weight to ideal ranges, or our Cat BMI Calculator to assess body condition.
Do male and female cats weigh the same?
No, male cats typically weigh 1-2 pounds more than females of the same breed. This difference is most noticeable in larger breeds. For example, male Maine Coons may weigh 15-20 pounds, while females typically weigh 12-15 pounds. Breed weight ranges account for this variation.
How do I know if my mixed breed cat is at a healthy weight?
For mixed breed cats, compare to the breed that most closely matches your cat's size and build, or use the general domestic cat range of 8-12 pounds. Body Condition Score (BCS) is often more reliable than weight alone for mixed breeds. Use our Cat BMI Calculator to assess body condition visually and tactually.
What if my cat's weight doesn't match breed standards?
If your cat's weight is outside breed standards, consider their body frame and Body Condition Score. A small-framed cat may be healthy at 7 pounds, while a large-framed cat may be healthy at 15 pounds. Use our Cat Weight Calculator and Cat BMI Calculator together for a complete assessment. Consult your veterinarian if concerned.
Compare Your Cat's Weight to Breed Standards
Use our free Cat Weight Calculator to see how your cat compares to breed-specific weight ranges.