You’ve probably seen the photos. A massive, silver-gray cat draped across a person’s chest, looking more like a small snow leopard than a house pet. That was Stewie. He wasn't just a big cat; he was a phenomenon. Honestly, calling him a "pet" feels like an understatement.
Mymains Stewart Gilligan, known to the world simply as Stewie, remains a legend in the feline community. Even years after his passing, his name is the first one that comes up when people talk about Maine Coons. Why? Because he was basically the size of a primary school child.
In August 2010, the Guinness World Records team officially measured him at a staggering 48.5 inches. That is over four feet of cat. From the tip of his nose to the end of his tail, Stewie set a bar that most cats—even the beefiest Maine Coons today—struggle to touch.
The Life of a Giant: From Oregon to Reno
Stewie’s journey started in 2005. Robin Hendrickson, his owner, bought him from a breeder in Hermiston, Oregon. She knew she wanted a big cat, but nobody predicts they’re going to bring home a literal record-breaker.
He lived most of his life in Reno, Nevada.
Life with a four-foot cat isn't exactly standard. Imagine a cat that doesn't need to jump to see what’s on your kitchen counter; he just stands up. Stewie was known for being incredibly mellow. This is a hallmark of the Maine Coon breed, often called "gentle giants," but Stewie took the "gentle" part as seriously as the "giant" part.
He wasn't just a trophy pet. He worked.
He was a certified therapy animal. Stewie frequently visited the Reno Senior Center and helped promote animal welfare with the Nevada Humane Society. There’s something special about a creature that size being so soft and patient. He spent his days letting strangers marvel at his length while he purred through the attention.
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Why the Stewie Maine Coon Cat Broke the Internet
Long before TikTok made every "chonky" cat a star, Stewie was a viral sensation. People couldn't wrap their heads around the 48.5-inch measurement.
To put that in perspective:
- The average domestic cat is about 18 inches long (minus the tail).
- Stewie was more than double that.
- He also held the record for the longest tail on a domestic cat at 16.34 inches.
It wasn't just about being long, though. He was a beautiful specimen of the Maine Coon breed. He had the tufted ears, the thick "lynx" paws, and a coat that looked like it belonged in a high-end rug shop.
The Genetics of Size
Maine Coons are North America’s only native long-haired breed. They evolved to survive harsh New England winters. They needed those massive paws to act as snowshoes and that thick, water-resistant fur to keep the freezing rain off their skin.
But Stewie was an outlier. While most male Maine Coons tip the scales at 18 to 22 pounds, Stewie was built for length. He was lean, stretched out, and incredibly athletic for his size.
The Battle No One Saw Coming
The sad reality is that giant breeds often face health hurdles. In early 2012, Stewie was diagnosed with lymphosarcoma. It was a gut punch to his fans and, obviously, to Robin.
He underwent intensive treatment.
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For a while, it actually looked like he might beat it. He went through chemotherapy and radiation, and by mid-2012, doctors declared him cancer-free. It was a brief moment of hope. Unfortunately, the cancer returned, this time attacking his kidneys.
Stewie passed away on February 4, 2013, at just eight years old. He died at home in Reno, surrounded by his family.
The news hit the internet hard. Hundreds of condolences flooded his Facebook page. It felt like the end of an era for the "Gentle Giant" movement.
What Most People Get Wrong About Stewie’s Record
There’s a lot of confusion about who holds the record now.
People often confuse "longest cat living" with "longest cat ever." As of today, Stewie still holds the record for the longest domestic cat ever recorded. Other cats have come close. Barivel, a Maine Coon in Italy, was measured at 120 cm (about 47 inches). Ludo, from the UK, hit 118 cm. But that extra inch and a half that Stewie possessed has proven remarkably hard to top.
Measuring a cat for Guinness isn't a casual "grab a tape measure while he's sleeping" situation. It requires:
- Official witnesses.
- A vet to confirm the health and bone structure.
- Extremely specific positioning to ensure the cat isn't being "stretched" unnaturally.
Stewie’s measurement was rock solid.
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Living With a Modern Giant: Actionable Advice
If you're looking at Stewie and thinking, "I need a cat that can open my fridge," there are a few things you should know. Maine Coons are amazing, but they aren't "starter cats."
Check the Breeder’s History
If a breeder promises you a "record-sized" kitten, run. Real Maine Coon growth is slow. They don't reach full size until they are 4 or 5 years old. Look for health screenings for HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy), which is common in large breeds.
Prepare for the Grooming
Stewie looked majestic because he was groomed constantly. A cat that long has a lot of surface area. You’ll be brushing them at least three times a week to prevent matting, especially under the "armpits" and the belly.
Invest in Large-Scale Infrastructure
Standard litter boxes are a joke for a cat like Stewie. Most owners end up using large plastic storage bins with the sides cut down. Same goes for cat trees. If it’s built for a Tabby, a Maine Coon will snap it in half the first time they zoom.
Watch the Heart
Because of their size, their hearts work harder. Regular vet check-ups aren't optional. You need a vet who understands the specific caloric needs of giant breeds so they stay "long" rather than "overweight."
Stewie’s legacy isn't just a number in a book. He showed the world that a cat could be the size of a dog but keep the soul of a lap cat. He was a therapy worker, a record-breaker, and a beloved family member. While another cat might eventually grow an extra half-inch to take the title, the impact Mymains Stewart Gilligan had on the world’s perception of Maine Coons is permanent.
To keep your own large-breed cat healthy, prioritize high-protein diets and ensure they have vertical space to stretch those long spines. This prevents the joint issues that often plague larger felines.