Discover the Largest Maine Coon Cat Ever

The Maine coon cat is widely known as a “gentle giant,” and that’s not just due to their big personalities. Maine coons rank with Norwegian forest cats, Ragdolls, and Siberians as some of the biggest domestic cat breeds in the world. In fact, Maine coons have actually been ranked multiple times as the largest domestic cats alive. Since the late 1990s, Guinness World Records has been ranking the biggest cats by length and height instead of weight. These are the measurements we will use for the largest Maine coon ever, as the cat’s record has been officially verified. So, how large do Maine coons normally get and how long is the longest Maine coon? Keep reading to find out.

A Primer on Maine Coon Cats

Evolutionary theory can often explain what conditions allowed a particular animal to survive in its environment. However, that’s not always the case with domesticated cats. Yet, the Maine coon’s most distinctive features are also well-adapted to the environment in which it lives. Maine winters are known for being particularly brutal, but the Maine coon is well adapted. The heavy coat of the Maine coon is resistant to both cold and water. Their heavy paws are also well-suited to walking on the surface of snow without sinking.

The Maine coon cat may have been descended from the similarly enormous and similar-looking Norwegian forest cat. Most breeders believe they are descended from domestic shorthaired cats bred with overseas longhaired cats, which were either brought back by New England fisherman or introduced by Vikings. More fanciful explanations suggest that they’re the result of interbreeding between cats and raccoons. Another theory suggests they are descendants of six pet cats sent to America by Marie Antoinette when she was planning her escape from France.

In any case, the Maine coon cat’s size seems to be the result of environmental circumstances rather than selective breeding. Maine coons can be documented in American life at least as far back as the mid-19th century. They were popular as mousers in cold climates before they’d eventually become recognized for their beauty. The first major cat show of the modern age, held in 1895 in Madison Square Garden, was even won by a Maine coon cat named Cosey.

Average Size of a Maine Coon Cat

The cats on our list are large, even by the standards of their breed. Yet t can be hard for anyone who hasn’t seen a Maine coon to truly grasp how much larger they are than the typical domestic cat. The average house cat measures around 18 inches long without the tail. They typically measure 9 to 10 inches tall.

In contrast, a Maine coon can reach 19 to 40 inches long, even before measuring the tail. They can tower over the typical domestic cat with a height of 10 to 16 inches. It stands to reason that these big cats would also weigh more. While a typical house cat weighs about 8 to 12 pounds, adult male Maine coons can weigh 18 to 22 pounds. However, some large males have been reported to weigh more. Females generally reach 12 to 15 pounds. Suffice it to say, the largest Maine coon in the world is guaranteed to be a giant among giants.

Longest Maine Coon Cat Living: Barivel

The Italian town of Vigevano may not be as renowned as the nearby fashion capital of Milan, but it does have one thing that Milan doesn’t: the longest cat in the world still living. Barivel was awarded the title by the Guinness Book of World Records on May 22, 2018 at the age of two. Barivel was recorded at 3 feet and 11 inches, making him just an inch shorter than a regulation hockey net.

Edgar Scandurra and Cinzia Tinnirello are the proud parents of Barivel, and they aren’t shy about the fame he’s gained in the community. They’ve been known to take him on walks through the neighborhood. You may want to withhold asking for autographs if you happen to see him in public, as Barivel is notable for his shyness. When in public, he rides in a stroller pushed by his pet parents. He lives a spoiled life, although his serious and shy personality hardly suits his name, which roughly translates into English as “clown.”

Former Longest Maine Coon Cat Living: Ludo

The town of Wakefield in the United Kingdom is home to the former record-holder for the longest Maine coon cat in the world. Ludo was recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records in October 2015, nearly three years before Barivel claimed the title. However, there’s a good chance you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference if you were there in person. At 3 feet 10.5 inches, he’s only 0.5 inches shorter than his Italian successor.

While Ludo may be almost the same size as Barival, his personality couldn’t be more different. Ludo is an affectionate and sociable cat who loves nothing more than to snuggle. He also shares his home with three other Maine coons. Ludo’s brief position as the largest Maine coon in the world brought with it a flurry of photo shoots, but he seemed to love all the attention he gained in his three years as the title holder.

Maine Coon Cat with the Longest Tail on Record: Mr. Pugsly Addams

As of February 2025, there is a new record-holder for the longest tail on a living domestic cat. Mr. Pugsley Addams is a silver Maine coon from Mound, Minnesota. The official record states that his tail measures 18.5 inches long.

Mr. Pugsley Addams’ owners decided to attempt a Guinness World Record after receiving many comments about the incredible length of his tail. When they discovered Pugsley’s tail was longer than the previous record of 16.07 inches, they applied for the record.

Largest Maine Coon Cat of All Time: Stewie

When it comes to length, the largest Maine coon cat of all time is Mymains Stewart Gilligan, known as Stewie. Stewie holds the official record for the longest domestic cat ever, which also makes him the longest Maine coon ever. He measured an impressive 48.5 inches in length, which is just over 4 feet long. Stewie was measured in August of 2010, and his record still stands as of 2025.

Unfortunately, Stewie passed away in 2013 at the age of eight. In addition to his fame for his large size, Stewie was a well-known humanitarian. Stewie, who lived in Reno, Nevada, was a certified therapy animal and spent his free time visiting the local senior center. This Maine coon will be remembered as much for his big heart as for his big frame.

What Is the Lifespan of a Maine Coon?

If you are considering adopting one of these gorgeous cats, you may be wondering if they have certain health problems. You may also wonder if giant cats have shorter lifespans, just as giant dogs tend to live shorter lives. The Maine coon is a hardy cat breed with few health problems. However, they are subject to heart problems such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia, as well as other joint disorders due to their large size.

The lifespan of a Maine coon cat is generally between 10-15 years, with about 12.5 years being the average. However, some individuals have been known to live into their late teens. There have been Maine coons who have lived to be 26 years old. If you compare the Maine coon’s lifespan to other large cat breeds, the average is slightly lower. Norwegian forest cats average 14-16 years, while Siberians are said to live 12-15 years. The lifespan of a typical indoor cat in the U.S. is between 13-17 years. However, like any pet, a Maine coon can live longer with proper care and nutrition.