When it comes to house cats, Barivel is kind of a big deal. In 2018, this massive Maine coon was certified by Guinness World Records as the longest cat living. He has since become a famous feline, with thousands of adoring fans and global recognition. Read on to learn more about the amazing Barivel, the world’s biggest house cat.
Who Is Barivel?
Maine coons continue growing until they are around three years old.
©iStock.com/Tylinek
As mentioned above, Barivel is a Maine coon who holds the world record for longest house cat currently living. In 2018, he broke the record of the previous title holder, another Maine coon named Ludo. Barivel broke Ludo’s record by just 1 extra inch in length.
Barivel was born in September 2016, so he is currently nine years old. Maine coons have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, so Barivel will likely hold his record for years to come. Barivel lives a pampered life that promotes optimal health. So, unless another hefty cat swoops in and steals his title, he is sure to maintain his reign.
How Big Is the World’s Biggest House Cat?
So, just how big is the biggest house cat in the world? Barivel measures an incredible 120 centimeters in length, which is 3 feet 11.2 inches, or approximately 3.93 feet long. Barivel’s measurements were taken when he was just two years old. Since Maine coon cats grow until they reach three years of age, he might be even longer now. According to an interview with Guinness World Records, one of Barivel’s owners, Edgar Scandurra, explains, “A lot of people, when I post a photo, ask in a direct message if he is photoshopped.”
Barivel’s size is truly incredible, and his Guinness World Records photos prove he is worthy of the title. Check out this video from Guinness World Records to see how big Barivel really is.
Living the Life of a Local Celebrity
Maine coons are the largest domesticated breed, with males typically measuring up to 3.5 feet in length.
©Konstantin Zaykov/Shutterstock.com
Barivel lives in a town called Vigevano, located just south of Milan in the Province of Pavia, Italy. Barivel lives in a beautiful home with his adoring owners, Cinzia Tinnirello and Edgar Scandurra, along with their children. There is no lack of love for Barivel in this family. “He is a very special cat for us because he is a little shy… when people see him they are very shocked, but for us, he is a little gift… a big gift!” said Scandurra in an article for Guinness World Records.
The name Barivel actually means “joker” or “clown” in the local Italian dialect. However, this massive feline is much more reserved than his name implies. Maine coons are known for being gentle giants, and Barivel is no exception. The family decided to keep the first name that the breeder chose, but they note that Barivel is actually very calm.
Barivel leads the pampered life of a local celebrity, eating plenty of fish and chicken and being taken for walks around the neighborhood in a baby stroller. Scandurra says, “People are very surprised to see him because it’s strange to see a cat outside in the buggy…” Barivel loves going for walks in his stroller, and the family is often stopped so people can take a picture of the famous feline.
How Big Do Maine Coons Usually Get?
The Maine coon breed originated in the Northeastern U.S. in the mid-19th century. While their history is uncertain, one prevailing theory suggests that local cats bred with long-haired cats brought to America by Vikings. Many believe this theory may be true due to the Maine coon’s resemblance to Norwegian forest cats, which are also larger than the average house cat.
However, Maine coons are the largest domesticated breed. They are typically much larger than their fellow domestic cats, but only a rare few grow as big as Barivel. The average male Maine Coon typically measures up to 3.5 feet long, with females generally being smaller. Other domestic breeds only average around 2.5 feet in length. While even a small Maine coon can be impressively large, it is uncommon for them to reach Barivel’s measurements of 3.93 feet.
Keep Up with Barivel’s Adventures
Maine coons are known to be gentle giants with calm, sociable temperaments.
©iStock.com/Bettina_Sentner
After learning about this stunning feline, we know you’ll want to keep up with Barivel’s life. To stay up to date on all of Barivel’s content, follow his official Instagram account.
In addition to keeping up with Barivel, you can also follow some other famous massive Maine coons and their friends. Here are a few of our favorites:
There are so many huge felines to keep up with, but Barivel is the cat on top. Have fun following Barivel’s account and keep an eye out for any large cats that come for his title!
