Maine Coon cats, the official state feline of Maine, are celebrated for their amiable nature and impressive size. Known as “gentle giants,” these fluffy companions captivate cat enthusiasts worldwide, prompting curiosity about just how large they can grow. For those wondering about feline grandeur, the question often arises: What exactly is the Largest Maine Coon Cat in the world, and what makes these felines so sizable?
How Big Do Maine Coon Cats Really Get?
While the average domestic cat typically weighs between 8 to 10 pounds (3.6 to 4.5 kilograms), the Maine Coon stands in a league of its own. Adult Maine Coons can tip the scales anywhere from 10 to 25 pounds (4.5 to 11.3 kilograms). Their imposing stature is further accentuated by a height of 10 to 16 inches (25 to 41 centimeters). This substantial size can initially seem daunting, yet it belies their remarkably gentle and mellow personalities.
Woman lovingly cradles a massive ginger Maine Coon cat, showcasing its impressive size
Often described as the “dogs of the cat world,” Maine Coons are notably sociable and affectionate. Unlike their more aloof feline counterparts, they thrive on interaction with humans and other pets. This breed beautifully combines imposing size with a tender disposition, proving that the biggest domestic cats are indeed often the biggest softies at heart.
Barivel: The Current Reigning Largest Maine Coon
The current titleholder for the biggest Maine Coon cat alive belongs to Barivel, an Italian feline whose impressive length measures a staggering 47.2 inches (1.2 meters). This makes Barivel only a mere inch shorter than the legendary Stewie, the former record holder.
Born in September 2016, Barivel officially claimed his title in 2018. His owners, Edgar Scandurra and Cinzia Tinnirello from Vigevano, Italy, revealed that the breeder aptly named him Barivel, which translates to “clown” or “joker.” Contrary to his name, Barivel is known for his calm and even shy demeanor. His diet consists of a hearty mix of biscuits, fish, and chicken, fueling his considerable frame.
Ludo: The Longest Domestic Cat from 2015-2018
Before Barivel’s reign, Ludo, hailing from Wakefield, U.K., held the Guinness World Record for the longest domestic cat. Ludo, owned by Kelsey Gill, measured an impressive 46.6 inches (118.33 centimeters) in length when officially recorded on October 6, 2015. Barivel’s slightly superior length, a mere 0.6 inches (1.7 centimeters) more than Ludo, allowed him to take the crown in 2018.
Gill’s pursuit of a large cat was inspired by the majestic felines featured in the “Harry Potter” films. She describes Ludo as occasionally clumsy but incredibly loving, enjoying cuddles and grooming sessions.
Stewie: The Legendary Record Holder from 2010-2015
Mymains Stewart Gilligan, affectionately known as Stewie, achieved legendary status as the World Record Largest Maine Coon cat on August 28, 2010. Stewie measured an astounding 48.5 inches (1.2 meters) from nose to tail. Adding to his accolades, Stewie also held the record for the longest cat tail, measuring 6.34 inches (16.1 centimeters).
Hailing from Nevada, Stewie was not just a record-breaker but also a certified therapy animal. He frequently visited senior centers, bringing comfort and joy to many. Stewie sadly passed away on February 4, 2013, at the age of 8. His owner, Robin Hendrickson, in a statement to Guinness World Records, fondly remembered, “Stewie was always very social and loved meeting new people. He has touched many lives, and for that I am grateful.” Even after his passing in 2013, Stewie retained his record title until 2015, solidifying his place as one of the largest Maine Coon cats ever known.
Cygnus: Record Tail Length for a Domestic Cat
Cygnus, owned by William and Lauren Powers of Farmington Hills, Michigan, earned a distinctive world record in 2016: the longest tail of any domestic cat. His tail measured an incredible 17.58 inches (44.65 centimeters), comparable to the diameter of a large Costco pizza and proportionally longer than his entire body.
Tragically, Cygnus perished in a house fire in 2017, but his record remains posthumously, a testament to his extraordinary feature.
Altair: The Longest Tail on a Living Domestic Cat
Following the loss of Cygnus, the Powers family adopted Altair, Cygnus’s half-brother. Remarkably, Altair also possessed an exceptionally long tail, measuring 16 inches (40.6 centimeters). Altair now holds the world record for the longest tail on a living domesticated cat, continuing the family’s legacy of extraordinary felines.
Interestingly, the Powers family also owns Fenrir, who holds the record for the world’s tallest domestic cat. However, Fenrir is not a Maine Coon but an F2 Savannah cat, another breed recognized among the biggest cat breeds in the world.
In conclusion, the Maine Coon breed consistently pushes the boundaries of domestic cat size, exemplified by record-holders like Stewie, Barivel, Ludo, Cygnus, and Altair. These gentle giants not only impress with their measurements but also charm with their affectionate and sociable personalities, making them truly remarkable felines.
