A Maine Coon Cat Famous For Being Bigger Than A 9-Year-Old Child Has A Very Expensive Diet
While non-feline enthusiasts may think that pet cats only come in a few (small) sizes, they should know that there can be quite a bit of variation between breeds. For example, the Singapura, the smallest cat breed, stands at only 6 to 8 inches, while the largest, a hybrid species called the Savannah, stands anywhere from 10 to 16.5 inches. Close behind is the easily identifiable Maine coon at 10 to 16 inches. However, there are always outliers, and one remarkable cat with an impressive size and a matching appetite is Finn from San Carlos, California.
@theaquarianmermaid 5 years old and still my little baby 🧡 #thoseearstho #mainecoon #fyp #cat #foryou #bigcat #orangecat #catsoftiktok #mainecoonsoftiktok #fypツ #finn @callmestevieray
Finn has a striking stature at 51 inches or 4.2 feet long, making him bigger than most 9-year-old children. Compare that to the average Maine coon length of 19 to 32 inches, and it's clear that Finn towers over most of his breed. With such a big body comes a large appetite. Owner Natalie Bowman confirmed she spends $150 monthly — or $1,800 yearly — to feed her furry companion (via SWNS). Comparatively, most Americans spend between $10 and $40 monthly on cat food, as experts told Newsweek.
Finn's impressive size has also led to local celebritydom, with Bowman telling SWNS how the public reacts to him, saying, "It's really funny, they think he's a dog, and then when they get closer they say oh my god it's a cat and they love him." Yet, despite his intimidating size, Bowman adds, "Finn is really docile and curious. He is so funny and affectionate. He loves cuddles and to be spooned." Finn is undoubtedly a wonder when it comes to size, but he is still like many other kitties; he simply wants affection and an extra helping of food when he can.
How cats like Finn grow to be so big
Finn is undoubtedly an impressive specimen, but he isn't alone among giant cats on record. This includes another Maine coon named Mymains Stewart Gilligan (better known as Stewie), the official Guinness Book of World Records holder for the longest domestic cat at 48.5 inches in length. Regarding height, the current living record holder is Fenir, a Savannah, who stands at 18.83 inches tall. For those who think they have a chonky boy or girl cat, Australia's Himmy, a tabby, holds the record at 46.9 pounds before Guinness permanently ended the category in 1998.
Finn, Stewie, and Fenir are cats that have experienced remarkable growth, but how does this happen? Several factors can affect a cat's development, including breed, sex (males tend to be bigger), litter size, genetics, and diet. While rarer, issues with the pituitary gland can also affect growth. Notably, feline acromegaly can lead to rapid growth (which is most common in Maine coons), and pituitary dwarfism, which is extremely rare and under-documented, can lead to stunted growth. For instance, look to celebrity pet Lil Bub, an online sensation that had the condition. The reason Finn experienced such impressive growth isn't known, but this cuddly Maine coon with a healthy appetite is undoubtedly deserving of the attention that he gets.
Now, for more information about Stewie, read up on the world record holder for the longest domestic cat ever.