Maine Coon cats, the gentle giants of the feline world, are celebrated for their impressive size and amiable personalities. As the official state cat of Maine, they’ve captured the hearts of cat enthusiasts globally, and it’s easy to understand why. Their luxurious fur, bushy tails, and playful demeanor make them cherished companions. But beyond their charming traits, one question consistently piques the curiosity of cat aficionados: Just how big can these magnificent felines get, and what is the world record for the largest Maine Coon cat?
Understanding the Impressive Size of Maine Coon Cats
While the average domestic cat typically tips the scales at around 8 to 10 pounds (3.6 to 4.5 kilograms), Maine Coon cats dwarf their smaller counterparts significantly. Adult Maine Coons commonly weigh between 10 to 25 pounds (4.5 to 11.3 kilograms), showcasing their substantial build. In terms of height, these felines stand tall, measuring approximately 10 to 16 inches (25 to 41 centimeters) from paw to shoulder. Their length, however, is where they truly impress, often reaching up to 40 inches (100 centimeters) or more from nose to tail tip in standard sizes.
A majestic orange Maine Coon cat being held by a person against a vibrant blue backdrop, showcasing its impressive size
Despite their imposing stature, Maine Coon cats are renowned for their gentle and good-natured temperament, earning them the moniker “gentle giants.” Unlike some cat breeds known for their aloofness or independence, Maine Coons are remarkably sociable and thrive on interaction with humans and other pets. This combination of size and affectionate personality makes them truly unique and highly sought-after companions. These largest of domestic cats are not just big in size; they are also big in heart, offering endless love and companionship to their families.
Barivel: The Current Living Record Holder for Longest Maine Coon
The title of the longest living Maine Coon cat currently belongs to Barivel, an Italian feline who has captured global attention for his remarkable length. Measuring an astounding 47.2 inches (1.2 meters), Barivel is a true testament to the breed’s impressive size. Born in September 2016, Barivel officially claimed his Guinness World Record title in 2018, solidifying his place in feline history.
According to his owners, Edgar Scandurra and Cinzia Tinnirello from Vigevano, Italy, the name Barivel was chosen by the breeder, meaning “clown” or “joker” in local dialect. However, contrary to his name, Barivel is described as having a calm and rather shy personality, enjoying a peaceful life with his loving family. His diet consists of a hearty mix of biscuits, fish, and chicken, fueling his impressive physique.
Ludo: A Preceding Record Holder for Longest Domestic Cat
Before Barivel’s reign, Ludo, a Maine Coon from Wakefield, U.K., held the Guinness World Record for the longest domestic cat. Owned by Kelsey Gill, Ludo measured an impressive 46.6 inches (118.33 centimeters) in length when officially measured on October 6, 2015. While Ludo was eventually surpassed by Barivel by a mere 0.6 inches (1.7 centimeters) in 2018, his size was still extraordinary.
Gill had been actively searching for a large cat, inspired by the majestic felines depicted in the “Harry Potter” movies. She described Ludo as being a bit clumsy at times, but also a loving cat who enjoyed cuddles and grooming sessions, highlighting the gentle nature often found in Large Maine Coon Cats.
Stewie: Remembered as One of the Longest Maine Coons
Mymains Stewart Gilligan, affectionately known as Stewie, achieved legendary status in the Maine Coon world by earning the title of World Record Largest Maine Coon cat on August 28, 2010. Stewie measured an incredible 48.5 inches (1.23 meters) from nose to tail, setting a high bar for Maine Coon size. 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, bringing comfort and joy to residents of senior centers. His owner, Robin Hendrickson, shared with Guinness World Records after 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 retained his record title until 2015, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of large Maine Coon cats.
Cygnus: The Cat with the Longest Tail Ever Recorded
Cygnus, owned by William and Lauren Powers of Farmington Hills, Michigan, set a different kind of record within the Maine Coon breed. In 2016, he was recognized for having the longest tail of any domestic cat ever recorded. His tail measured an astonishing 17.58 inches (44.65 centimeters), exceeding even the diameter of a large pizza. Remarkably, Cygnus’s tail was proportionally longer than his body, a truly unique feature.
Tragically, Cygnus passed away in a house fire in 2017, but his record remains unbroken posthumously, a testament to his extraordinary tail length.
Altair: Carrying on the Legacy of Long Tails
Following the loss of Cygnus, the Powers family adopted Altair, Cygnus’s half-brother. Incredibly, Altair also possessed an exceptionally long tail, measuring 16 inches (40.6 centimeters). Altair now holds the Guinness World Record for the longest tail on a living domesticated cat, keeping the long-tailed legacy alive in their family.
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 known for its large size, showcasing the diverse world of large cat breeds.
In conclusion, Maine Coon cats stand out as magnificent examples of feline grandeur. While the records may shift, the stories of these gentle giants like Barivel, Ludo, Stewie, Cygnus, and Altair highlight the impressive size and endearing qualities that make large Maine Coon cats so beloved around the world. Their combination of imposing size and affectionate nature continues to fascinate and charm cat lovers everywhere.
