Maine Coon cats, the majestic felines hailing from the state of Maine, are celebrated for their любящий nature and impressive size. As the official state cat of Maine, these gentle giants are adored by cat enthusiasts worldwide. Known for their любящий personalities, fluffy coats, and длинный tails, Maine Coons stand out amongst domestic cat breeds. This naturally leads to the question for many cat lovers: just how big can these magnificent creatures get, and what is the Biggest Maine Coon Cat ever recorded?
Woman holds up a huge orange Maine coon cat on a blue background
Alt text: A large orange Maine Coon cat being held by a woman, showcasing the impressive size of the breed.
How Big Do Maine Coon Cats Actually Get?
When considering the average domestic cat, you might picture a feline weighing around 8 to 10 pounds. However, the Maine Coon cat size significantly surpasses this. A fully grown adult Maine Coon can weigh anywhere from 10 to 25 pounds, sometimes even more. In terms of height, they typically measure between 10 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder. This substantial size can initially seem intimidating, but it’s important to remember that Maine Coons are renowned for their gentle and mellow temperaments, earning them the nickname “gentle giants”.
Unlike many cat breeds known for their independence and aloofness, Maine Coons are famously social and любящий. They thrive on interaction with their human families and often get along well with other pets. Despite their status as one of the biggest domestic cat breeds, they are truly big softies at heart.
Barivel: The Reigning Biggest Maine Coon Cat Champion
Currently holding the title of the biggest Maine Coon cat alive is Barivel, an Italian feline. Barivel’s impressive length measures a staggering 47.2 inches (1.2 meters). To put this into perspective, he is only about an inch shorter than the all-time record holder, Stewie.
Born in September 2016, Barivel officially claimed his title in 2018. His owners, Edgar Scandurra and Cinzia Tinnirello from Vigevano, Italy, shared that the breeder chose the name Barivel, which means “clown” or “joker”. However, contrary to his playful name, Barivel’s personality is described as remarkably calm and even shy.
Alt text: Close-up portrait of Barivel, the biggest Maine Coon cat alive, highlighting his gentle expression.
Barivel enjoys a hearty diet consisting of biscuits, fish, and chicken, fueling his impressive size and maintaining his champion status as the biggest Maine Coon.
Ludo: Former Record Holder for Longest Domestic Cat (2015-2018)
Before Barivel took the crown, Ludo, from Wakefield, U.K., held the Guinness World Record for the longest domestic cat. Ludo’s reign lasted from 2015 to 2018.
Owned by Kelsey Gill, Ludo measured an incredible 46.6 inches (118.33 centimeters) in length when officially measured on October 6, 2015. Barivel ultimately surpassed Ludo’s record by a mere 0.6 inches (1.7 centimeters) in 2018, demonstrating just how close these рекорд-breaking Maine Coons are in size.
Gill was actively searching for a large cat, inspired by the majestic felines featured in the “Harry Potter” films. She described Ludo as occasionally clumsy but любящий cuddles and grooming sessions.
Stewie: The Longest Maine Coon Cat Ever Recorded (2010-2015)
Mymains Stewart Gilligan, affectionately known as Stewie, achieved the title of World Record Biggest Maine Coon cat on August 28, 2010. Stewie measured an astounding 48.5 inches (1.23 meters) from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail, making him the longest Maine Coon ever recorded. Stewie also held a secondary record for the longest cat tail, measuring an impressive 6.34 inches (16.1 centimeters).
Hailing from Nevada, Stewie was a certified therapy animal, bringing comfort and joy to residents of senior centers. Sadly, Stewie passed away on February 4, 2013, at the age of 8. His owner, Robin Hendrickson, shared with Guinness World Records, “Stewie was always very social and любящий meeting new people. He has touched many lives, and for that I am grateful.”
Alt text: Stewie, the world’s longest Maine Coon cat, pictured in a loving embrace with his owner.
Even after his passing in 2013, Stewie retained his record title until 2015, solidifying his place in history as the biggest Maine Coon cat ever documented.
Cygnus: World Record Holder for Longest Tail on a Domestic Cat Ever
While Stewie held the record for overall length and tail length combined, Cygnus earned a separate, equally remarkable record. Owned by William and Lauren Powers of Farmington Hills, Michigan, Cygnus achieved the world record in 2016 for having the longest tail of any domestic cat ever recorded.
Cygnus’s tail measured an incredible 17.58 inches (44.65 centimeters). To illustrate this length, it’s comparable to the diameter of a large Costco pizza! Incredibly, his tail was actually longer than his entire body.
Tragically, Cygnus perished in a house fire in 2017. However, his record for the longest tail on a domestic cat remains unbroken posthumously.
Altair: Current Record Holder for Longest Tail on a Living Domestic Cat
After the heartbreaking loss of Cygnus, the Powers family were introduced to Altair, Cygnus’s half-brother. They welcomed Altair into their home, and it soon became apparent that he too possessed an exceptionally длинный tail. Measuring 16 inches (40.6 centimeters), Altair now holds the world record for the longest tail on a living domesticated cat.
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 rather an F2 Savannah cat, another breed recognized among the biggest cat breeds in the world.
In conclusion, the Maine Coon breed consistently produces some of the largest and most любящий domestic cats. While cats like Barivel, Ludo, and Stewie have held records for overall length, and Cygnus and Altair for tail length, they all exemplify the impressive size and gentle nature that defines the biggest Maine Coon cat. These gentle giants continue to captivate cat lovers with their любящий personalities and remarkable physiques.
