Maine Coon cats are truly impressive felines, often referred to as the gentle giants of the cat world. Hailing from the northernmost state in the contiguous United States, they’re celebrated for their amiable nature and striking size. It’s easy to see why Maine Coon enthusiasts are so passionate about these affectionate companions.
Beyond their luxurious, flowing coats and impressively long tails, Maine Coons stand out due to their substantial size, exceeding that of most other domestic cat breeds. This naturally leads to a fascinating question for cat aficionados: What exactly is the world record for the largest Maine Coon cat?
How Big Do Maine Coon Cats Really Get?
While your average domestic cat might tip the scales at around 8 to 10 pounds (3.6 to 4.5 kilograms), a fully grown Maine Coon is significantly larger. These magnificent cats typically weigh between 10 and 25 pounds (4.5 to 11.3 kilograms). In terms of height, they range from approximately 10 to 16 inches (25 to 41 centimeters) at the shoulder.
Considering these measurements, it’s understandable why some might find the standard Maine Coon cat size a bit daunting. However, despite their imposing stature, these longhaired beauties are renowned for their gentle and mellow personalities, perfectly embodying the “gentle giant” moniker.
Unlike many cat breeds known for their independence or aloofness, Maine Coons thrive on interaction with people and even get along famously with other pets. Yes, these largest of domestic cats are truly big softies at heart!
A woman proudly displays a large orange Maine Coon cat, emphasizing the breed’s substantial size compared to typical domestic felines.
Barivel: The Reigning Champion of Large Maine Coon Cats
The current titleholder for the biggest Maine Coon cat alive belongs to Barivel, an Italian feline who has captured hearts worldwide. Barivel measures an astonishing 47.2 inches (1.2 meters) in length, making him just a whisker away from the all-time record held by Stewie.
Born in September 2016, Barivel officially claimed his prestigious title in 2018. According to his loving owners, Edgar Scandurra and Cinzia Tinnirello from Vigevano, Italy, the name Barivel was chosen by the breeder, meaning “clown” or “joker.” However, contrary to his playful name, Barivel is known for his remarkably calm and somewhat shy demeanor.
To fuel his impressive size, Barivel enjoys a hearty diet consisting of biscuits, fish, and chicken, ensuring he maintains his status as one of the largest Maine Coon cats.
Ludo: A Predecessor in Size and Stature
Before Barivel ascended to the throne, Ludo, from Wakefield, U.K., held the Guinness World Record for the longest domestic cat. Ludo reigned as the champion from 2015 to 2018, paving the way for future Large Maine Coon Cats to be recognized.
Owned by Kelsey Gill, Ludo measured an impressive 46.6 inches (118.33 centimeters) long when officially measured on October 6, 2015. Barivel eventually surpassed Ludo’s length by a mere 0.6 inches (1.7 centimeters) in 2018, highlighting just how close these record-breaking Maine Coons are in size.
Gill was actively seeking a large cat, inspired by the majestic felines featured in the “Harry Potter” movies. She described Ludo as being a little clumsy at times but absolutely adoring cuddles and grooming sessions, showcasing the affectionate nature common in large Maine Coon cats.
Stewie: The Legendary Longest Maine Coon Cat
Mymains Stewart Gilligan, affectionately known as Stewie, achieved legendary status when he earned the title of World Record Largest Maine Coon cat on August 28, 2010. Stewie measured an astounding 48.5 inches (1.2 meters) from nose to tail, setting a benchmark for large Maine Coon cat size. Remarkably, Stewie also held the record for the longest cat tail, measuring 6.34 inches (16.1 centimeters).
Hailing from Nevada, Stewie was more than just a record-breaker; he was a certified therapy animal who regularly visited senior centers, bringing joy and comfort to many. His owner, Robin Hendrickson, shared with Guinness World Records upon Stewie’s passing on February 4, 2013, at the age of 8: “Stewie was always very social and loved meeting new people. He has touched many lives, and for that I am grateful.”
Even after his death in 2013, Stewie’s legacy as the longest Maine Coon cat lived on, and he held the record posthumously until 2015, forever etching his name in the annals of large Maine Coon cat history.
Cygnus: The Record Tail Holder
Cygnus, owned by William and Lauren Powers of Farmington Hills, Michigan, earned a unique world record in 2016, recognized for having the longest tail of any domestic cat.
His tail measured an incredible 17.58 inches (44.65 centimeters) long. To put that into perspective, that’s about the diameter of a large Costco pizza! Incredibly, Cygnus’s tail was even longer than his body, a testament to the exceptional traits found in Maine Coon cats.
Tragically, Cygnus perished in a house fire in 2017, but his record remains unbroken, a lasting tribute to this remarkable large Maine Coon cat.
Altair: Carrying on the Long Tail Legacy
After the heartbreaking loss of Cygnus, the Powers family welcomed Altair, Cygnus’s half-brother, into their lives. It turned out that long tails were a family trait, as Altair also possessed an exceptionally long tail, measuring 16 inches (40.6 centimeters). Altair now proudly holds the world record for the longest tail on a living domesticated cat, continuing the legacy of record-breaking Maine Coon cats in the Powers household.
Adding to their extraordinary feline family, the Powers also own Fenrir, who holds the record for the world’s tallest domestic cat. Interestingly, Fenrir is not a Maine Coon but an F2 Savannah cat, another breed known for its impressive size, further demonstrating the diverse world of large cat breeds.
