What's the World Record for Largest Maine Coon Cat?
Maine coons are the official state cat of the northernmost state in the continental U.S. and are known for their easygoing temperaments. It's no wonder why many a Maine coon owner will profess their love for their affectionate feline friend.
Beyond their fluffy coats and long tails, Maine Coons possess greater heft than any other domestic cat breed, prompting many in the cat world to wonder: What's the world-record largest Maine Coon cat?
How Big Are Maine Coon Cats?
While a typical domestic cat may weigh around 8 or 10 pounds (3.6 to 4.5 kilograms), an adult Maine coon can weigh between 10 and 25 pounds (4.5 to 11.3 kilograms). Their height spans approximately 10 to 16 inches (25 to 41 centimeters).
Based on the standard Maine Coon cat size, you might feel a bit intimidated by the breed. But these longhaired cats are often called a gentle giants because of how kind and mellow they are.
Unlike many other cats that are known for being more independent — or even standoffish — this particular breed loves to interact with people and other pets. That's right: The biggest domestic cats are also big softies!
Barivel: World Record Holder for Biggest Maine Coon
The Italian feline Barivel is the current reigning champion, aka the biggest Maine Coon cat alive today. Barivel measures 47.2 inches (1.2 meters), making him only 1 inch shorter than Stewie.
Born in September 2016, Barivel took the title in 2018. According to his owners (Edgar Scandurra and Cinzia Tinnirello of Vigevano, Italy), the breeder chose the name Barivel, which translates to clown or joker. However, his personality is actually very calm and shy.
Barivel eats a lot of biscuits, fish and chicken.
Ludo: 2015-2018 World Record Holder for Longest Domestic Cat
From Wakefield, U.K., Ludo was the Guinness World Record holder for longest domestic cat, before he was dethroned by Barivel.
Owned by Kelsey Gill, Ludo was 46.6 inches (118.33 centimeters) long when measured on October 6, 2015. Barivel took the crown in 2018 with only 0.6 inches (1.7 centimeters) of extra length on Ludo.
Gill was actively looking for a large cat, after being inspired by the big felines in the "Harry Potter" movies. She said that Ludo can be a little clumsy, and he loves being cuddled and groomed.
Stewie: 2010-2015 World Record Holder
Mymains Stewart Gilligan, known as Stewie, earned the title of World Record Largest Maine Coon cat on August 28, 2010. Measuring an astonishing 48.5 inches (1.2 meters) from nose to tail, Stewie also held the record for longest cat tail, at 6.34 inches (16.1 centimeters).
From Nevada, Stewie was a certified therapy animal who often visited senior centers. When Stewie died on February 4, 2013, at 8 years old, his owner Robin Hendrickson told the Guinness World Records: "Stewie was always very social and loved meeting new people. He has touched many lives, and for that I am grateful."
Though he died on 2013, he held onto the record posthumously until 2015.
Cygnus: World Record Holder for Domestic Cat With the Longest Tail Ever
Owned by William and Lauren Powers of Farmington Hills, Michigan, Cygnus earned the world record for having the longest tail of any domestic cat in 2016.
His tail measured 17.58 inches (44.65 centimeters). That's about the diameter of a large Costco pizza. His tail was longer than his body.
Though Cygnus tragically died in a house fire in 2017, he still holds the record posthumously.
Altair, Who Holds the Record for the Longest Tail of a Living Domestic Cat
After the Powers lost Cygnus, they were introduced to Cygnus' half-brother Altair, and they decided to adopt him. Turned out he also had an enormously long tail, at 16 inches (40.6 centimeters), and Altair now holds the world record for the largest tail on a living domesticated cat.
Fun fact: The Powers also own Fenrir, the cat that holds the record for world's tallest domestic cat. However, Fenrir is not a Maine Coon. He's an F2 Savannah cat, another one of the biggest cat breeds.
Original article: What's the World Record for Largest Maine Coon Cat?
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