Record Breakers: The Longest Maine Coons in History#

Every Maine Coon owner secretly hopes their kitten will grow up to be a monster. We measure them. We weigh them. We post photos of them stretching across our 3-seater sofas.

But there are big cats, and then there are giants.

The Guinness World Record for “Longest Cat” is almost exclusively the domain of the Maine Coon. These cats are outliers—genetic anomalies that pushed the boundaries of feline biology.

Let’s meet the Hall of Fame.

1. Stewie (The Legend)#

Full Name: Mymains Stewart Gilligan
Record: 123 cm (48.5 inches) long.
Status: Record Holder (2010 - 2013).

Stewie was a grey tabby from Nevada. To put 48.5 inches in perspective, that is over 4 feet long. That is longer than a 6-year-old child is tall. Stewie was a certified therapy cat, proving that the biggest cats often have the gentlest hearts. He passed away in 2013, but his record remains the benchmark.

2. Barivel (The Current King)#

Location: Italy.
Record: 120 cm (47.2 inches).
Status: Current Living Record Holder (as of 2023).

Barivel is a dignified majestic Maine Coon living a life of luxury in Italy. He has his own Instagram and is reportedly treated like royalty. He is known for being taken for walks in a buggy because he is too heavy to carry for long periods.

3. Ludo (The Previous King)#

Location: UK.
Record: 118.33 cm (46.6 inches).

Ludo held the title before Barivel. He famously shared his house with two other Maine Coons and a Ragdoll, dwarfing them all. His owner noted that despite his size, he was incredibly lazy and gentle.

The “Square-Cube Law” and Health#

Why don’t breeders just try to breed bigger and bigger cats?

Because of physics. The Square-Cube Law states that as an object grows in size, its volume (and weight) grows much faster than its surface area (or bone strength).

A 48-inch cat puts immense strain on its heart and joints. Extreme size often comes with a price:

Shortened Lifespan: Many record-breaking giants do not live into their late teens.
Joint Issues: Hip Dysplasia is rampant in extreme-sized lines.
Heart Strain: The heart has to pump blood further, risking HCM complications.

How to Measure Your Cat#

Do you think your cat might be a contender? Here is how Guinness measures:

The cat must be standing.
Measure from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail bone (not the fur).
The cat must be fully stretched out.

Most “big” Maine Coons measure around 38-40 inches. If your cat hits 45 inches, call the newspapers.

Conclusion#

We love the record breakers because they look like mythical creatures. But remember, the best Maine Coon is a healthy Maine Coon. Whether your cat is 15 pounds or 25 pounds, they are all giants in personality.

Resources & Further Reading#

Guinness World Records. (2024). Longest Cat Living.
TICA. (n.d.). Breed Standards: Size.