6 Largest Domestic Cats in the World

Countless people around the world love domestic cats for their charm and playfulness. While some people prefer small, manageably-sized cats, others prefer larger breeds. But even if you’ve owned a larger cat like a Maine Coon, you’ll find that these 6 massive domestic cats are in a class of their own!

So, just how large can the most impressive house cat specimens grow to be? Today we’ll look at 6 of the largest cats in the world, and learn how these astounding felines achieved their record-breaking statuses.

6. Scarlett’s Magic – Previously the Longest and Tallest Domestic Cat

Source: wikimedia.org

Scarlett’s Magic is a remarkable cat, not only for her stunning beauty, but for the fact that she’s the first animal to simultaneously hold two Guinness World Records. Not only that–she broke the world record for the tallest domestic cat twice. The first time, she measured 16.49 inches from shoulder to toe. Later, she grew even taller and broke her own record.

Did You Know?

The owners and breeders of Scarlett’s Magic run the Bella Gattini Cattery, and say that the Savannah breed is rising in popularity in California due to their wonderful personalities. The name “Bella Gattini” means “beautiful kittens”.

5. Savannah Islands Trouble – Second Tallest Domestic Cat

Source: dailymail.co.uk

Nicknamed “Trouble” for short, this lanky feline was bred by his owner Debby and lived a pampered life. Trouble was an especially picky eater, turning down pre-processed cat food and preferring to eat rabbit meat and beef. Debby stated that “He expects me to get his food out, warm it up and cut it into chunks – off the bone.”  His luxurious diet and active lifestyle kept him in good health, with his weight remaining around 20 pounds despite his remarkable height.

Did You Know?

Despite his name and his one-fourth Serval content, Trouble was delightfully gentle and friendly. He enjoyed taking walks in his harness and spending hours sitting close by to keep people company.

4. Arcturus Aldebaran Powers – Tallest Domestic Cat

Source: guinnessworldrecords.com

Arcturus stood proudly as the world’s tallest domestic cat according to the Guinness Book of World Records. His adopted brother, a Maine Coon named Cygnus Regulus Powers, also boasted his own claim to fame as the Guinness-verified cat with the longest tail in the world. Arcturus was so large that he ate a pound and a half of food every day to maintain his 30-pound weight, and required a medium-sized dog door to get in and out of his enclosed outdoor play area.

Did You Know?

Arcturus was so tall that he was able to stand and eat at the table with the rest of his family! His owners applied for the Guinness World Records in order to raise awareness for the Ferndale Cat Shelter, which they run jointly.

3. Mymains Stewart Gilligan (Stewie) – Former Longest Domestic Cat

Source: guinnessworldrecords.com

Mymains Stewart Gilligan was formerly the largest cat in the world by length. He held the Guinness World Record for the longest domestic cat ever, until he sadly lost his life to cancer at eight years old in February of 2013. Stewie received certification of his record-breaking length in 2010, and was then given another record in 2011 for having the longest known tail of any domestic cat.

Did You Know?

Stewie was a certified therapy animal, and was taken on plenty of visits to the local senior center near his home. His owner Robin described him lovingly: “He has touched many lives, and for that I am grateful.”

2. Ludo – Second Longest Domestic Cat

Source: dailymail.co.uk

Ludo, former Guinness World Record holder, was adopted when he was only 13 weeks old–and he was already competing with the size of other full-grown Maine Coon cats! He’s so large, in fact, that he requires a dog carrier to travel in. Ludo has a playful attitude, although his agility is compromised due to his massive size. Apart from his size and occasional clumsiness, Ludo is said to be similar in temperament to most other cats.

Did You Know?

Ludo’s owner, Kelsey, found herself wanting to get a member of the majestic Maine Coon breed after she saw the impressive cats featured in the Harry Potter movies.

1. Barivel – Longest Living Domestic Cat

Source: guinnessworldrecords.com

Barivel is the largest living domestic cat in the world. This impressive feline lives with his owners in Pavia, Italy, where he attracts lots of attention during his walks–although sometimes it’s uncertain as to whether the attention is due to his massive size or the fact that he’s often ushered through town in a buggy! Barivel is currently only about halfway through the usual four-year growing period of the breed’s life, so he stands a good chance to get even larger still!

Did You Know?

Barivel’s name means “Clown” or “Joker” in the local Italian dialect. Despite his lively name, he’s reported to be a bit of a couch potato, spending his time reclining and eating generous portions of chicken and fish.