The Maine Coon breed is renowned for its impressive size, often dwarfing other domestic cat breeds. These gentle giants are known for their affectionate temperaments and fluffy coats, making them a popular choice for cat lovers. But just how big can a Maine Coon get? This article explores the fascinating world of oversized felines, highlighting the current and former record-holders for the largest Maine Coon cats.
Understanding Maine Coon Size
While a typical domestic cat might weigh between 8 to 10 pounds (3.6 to 4.5 kilograms), adult Maine Coons can range from 10 to 25 pounds (4.5 to 11.3 kilograms). Their height typically spans 10 to 16 inches (25 to 41 centimeters). Despite their considerable heft, Maine Coons are affectionately known as “gentle giants” due to their kind, mellow, and interactive personalities. They tend to be very social, enjoying the company of people and other pets, a stark contrast to the more independent nature of some other breeds.
Barivel: The Current Reigning Champion
As of now, the title for the biggest Maine Coon cat alive belongs to Barivel. This Italian feline measures an incredible 47.2 inches (1.2 meters) in length, making him just slightly shorter than a previous record-holder. Born in September 2016, Barivel claimed the record in 2018. His owners, Edgar Scandurra and Cinzia Tinnirello from Vigevano, Italy, shared that his name translates to “clown or joker,” though his actual personality is described as very calm and shy. Barivel’s diet consists of biscuits, fish, and chicken.
Ludo: A Former Record Holder for Longest Domestic Cat
Before Barivel, Ludo, hailing from Wakefield, U.K., held the Guinness World Record for the longest domestic cat. On October 6, 2015, Ludo measured an impressive 46.6 inches (118.33 centimeters). While Barivel surpassed him in 2018 by a mere 0.6 inches (1.7 centimeters), Ludo remains a remarkable example of the breed’s potential size. His owner, Kelsey Gill, was inspired to find a large cat after watching the “Harry Potter” movies and mentioned that Ludo enjoys cuddles and grooming.
Stewie: A Multi-Record Holder
Stewie, whose full name was Mymains Stewart Gilligan, held the record for the World Record Largest Maine Coon cat from August 28, 2010. He measured an astonishing 48.5 inches (1.2 meters) from nose to tail. Furthermore, Stewie also held the record for the longest cat tail, measuring 6.34 inches (16.1 centimeters). Stewie, from Nevada, was a certified therapy animal, bringing comfort to residents in senior centers. His owner, Robin Hendrickson, shared after Stewie’s passing in 2013 that he was always social and touched many lives. Stewie’s record stood posthumously until 2015.
Cygnus: Record for Longest Tail Ever
Owned by William and Lauren Powers of Farmington Hills, Michigan, Cygnus achieved a world record in 2016 for the longest tail of any domestic cat. His tail measured an extraordinary 17.58 inches (44.65 centimeters), which was longer than his body. Sadly, Cygnus passed away in a house fire in 2017, but his record for the longest tail ever recorded for a domestic cat remains.
Altair: Longest Tail on a Living Domestic Cat
Following the tragic loss of Cygnus, the Powers family adopted his half-brother, Altair. Altair inherited the impressive lineage of long tails, measuring 16 inches (40.6 centimeters). He now holds the current world record for the longest tail on a living domesticated cat. It’s interesting to note that the Powers also own Fenrir, the world’s tallest domestic cat, though Fenrir is an F2 Savannah cat, not a Maine Coon. This highlights the diversity within large cat breeds.
The Maine Coon breed continues to captivate with its majestic size and endearing personalities. These record-holders showcase the incredible potential of this beloved breed, reminding us of the gentle giants that share our homes. For those interested in learning more about different feline companions, exploring various domestic cat breeds can offer insights into the unique characteristics of each.
References
- Guinness World Records. (n.d.). Longest tail on a domestic cat. Retrieved from [Guinness World Records website]
- HowStuffWorks. (n.d.). What’s the World Record for Largest Maine Coon Cat? Retrieved from [HowStuffWorks.com]
