What's the World Record for Largest Maine Coon Cat?

As the official state cat of the northernmost U.S. state, Maine Coons are beloved for their calm and friendly nature. It’s no surprise that many owners express deep affection for these gentle and loving cats.

With their luxurious fur and impressive tails, Maine Coons are notably heavier than other domestic cat breeds. This has led many feline enthusiasts to ask: What is the world-record size for the largest Maine Coon cat?

How Big Are Maine Coon Cats?

Domestic cats usually weigh between 8 and 10 pounds (3.6 to 4.5 kilograms), but Maine Coons can range from 10 to 25 pounds (4.5 to 11.3 kilograms) and stand about 10 to 16 inches (25 to 41 centimeters) tall.

The size of a Maine Coon might seem daunting at first, but these fluffy felines are famously known as gentle giants due to their calm and friendly nature.

While some cats are known for their aloofness, Maine Coons thrive on human interaction and get along well with other pets. Despite their large size, they are incredibly affectionate and sociable.

Barivel: World Record Holder for Biggest Maine Coon

The Italian cat Barivel currently holds the title of the largest Maine Coon alive. Measuring 47.2 inches (1.2 meters), he is just an inch shorter than Stewie.

Barivel, born in September 2016, claimed his title in 2018. His owners, Edgar Scandurra and Cinzia Tinnirello from Vigevano, Italy, shared that the breeder named him Barivel, meaning clown or joker, though he is known for his calm and reserved demeanor.

Barivel enjoys a diet rich in biscuits, fish, and chicken.

Ludo: 2015-2018 World Record Holder for Longest Domestic Cat

Hailing from Wakefield, U.K., Ludo was the Guinness World Record holder for the longest domestic cat until Barivel surpassed him.

Kelsey Gill’s cat, Ludo, measured 46.6 inches (118.33 centimeters) long on October 6, 2015. Barivel surpassed him in 2018 by just 0.6 inches (1.7 centimeters).

Inspired by the large cats in the "Harry Potter" films, Gill sought out a big feline. She described Ludo as slightly clumsy but affectionate, enjoying cuddles and grooming sessions.

Stewie: 2010-2015 World Record Holder

Stewie, officially named Mymains Stewart Gilligan, claimed the title of World’s Largest Maine Coon on August 28, 2010. He measured an impressive 48.5 inches (1.2 meters) from nose to tail and also held the record for the longest cat tail at 6.34 inches (16.1 centimeters).

Hailing from Nevada, Stewie was a certified therapy animal who frequently visited senior centers. After his passing on February 4, 2013, at age 8, his owner Robin Hendrickson told Guinness World Records: "Stewie was incredibly social and loved meeting new people. He impacted many lives, and I’m deeply grateful for that."

Despite passing away in 2013, Stewie retained his record title until 2015.

Cygnus: World Record Holder for Domestic Cat With the Longest Tail Ever

Cygnus, owned by William and Lauren Powers from Farmington Hills, Michigan, secured the world record in 2016 for having the longest tail of any domestic cat.

His tail measured an impressive 17.58 inches (44.65 centimeters), comparable to the diameter of a large Costco pizza. Remarkably, his tail exceeded the length of his body.

Cygnus tragically lost his life in a house fire in 2017, but his record remains unbeaten to this day.

Altair, Who Holds the Record for the Longest Tail of a Living Domestic Cat

Following the loss of Cygnus, the Powers were introduced to his half-brother, Altair, and chose to adopt him. To their surprise, Altair also possessed an exceptionally long tail, measuring 16 inches (40.6 centimeters), earning him the world record for the longest tail on a living domestic cat.

Interestingly, the Powers also care for Fenrir, the world's tallest domestic cat. Unlike Altair, Fenrir is not a Maine Coon but an F2 Savannah cat, one of the largest cat breeds.