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The World Record Holder For The Longest Domestic Cat Ever Was The Size Of A Small Human
ByJessica DesrosiersMarch 11, 2025 11:25 am ESTGuinness World Records has many spots for cats, including largest and tallest. Maine coons have made a big impression in several categories, appearing as some of the biggest pet cats on record. One in particular stands out in terms of sheer size: Stewie (full name Mymains Stewart Gilligan) holds the world record for the longest domestic cat ever. He measured a whopping 48.5 inches, making him the same size as a 6-year-old child. Stewie died in 2013, but his status as the longest feline remains unchallenged.
Barivel, the record holder for longest living domestic cat as of 2025, measures 47.2 inches. He took the record in 2018, and has held it for almost a decade. He also has his own Instagram account, where he shows off his gorgeous fluff and extra-long legs.
Why do Maine coon cats get so big?
One of the Maine coon's key identifiers is the fact that it reaches nearly double the size of your average housecat. Multiple factors likely contribute to their exceptional growth. "They adapted their physiology to deal with the harsh New England winters," Liz Hansen, Chair of the Maine Coon Breed Committee at The International Cat Association (TICA), shared with Guinness World Records. "Similar to large dog breeds, such as the Great Dane, the Maine Coon is bred for size, among other characteristics. All written standards for the breed indicate the body size should be medium to large."
Bergmann's rule may have played a part in helping along the Maine coon's evolution. According to this concept, warm-blooded animals, like cats, will increase in size in colder, higher latitudes like those found in the Northern states to help them stay warm. This could explain why felines similar to the Maine coon, such as the Norwegian forest cat, are also larger and fluffier.
