Woman Shares Photos of Amazingly Large and Majestic Maine Coon Cat

Most people imagine cats as small little pets that are easy to pick up and cuddle. That is not the case for Lotus, the Maine coon cat. Although he may seem small in photos, as soon as you see him next to his owner, you realize he’s about the size of a small lynx. And his Instagram is full of followers who can’t get over this massive fluffy majesty. [1]

Lotus the Maine Coon Cat

It’s easy to see why Lotus became such a sensation. His white fur is like a ruff of cotton candy, his ears are shaped like a lynx’s ears, and his paws are huge and fluffy. He looks regal, almost mythical, on Instagram as he poses on cushions and in nature. He also has some silly-looking photos, as he yawns or has his long fur get swept hilariously by the wind. [2]

Swedens Kitty Star

Lotus, with occasional photos of his kitty mates, Chivaz and Lady Marion, has garnered over 354 thousand followers on Instagram. Although he comes from Norway, he lives in Sweden with his owner Lindstein, and his playmates. Like many Maine coon cats, Lotus is a gentle giant, with a soft purr and a calm and gentle personality. He’s about five years old, with many more years ahead of him to snuggle, cause mischief, and charm his followers. 

About Maine Coons Cats

There’s a rumor that Maine coons come from cats mating with raccoons, but there is no evidence of this. Most Maine coons have a rich brown coat, which makes Lotus and his bright white fur extra unique. They can weigh up to 18 pounds. It’s no wonder that people who see them in the wild assume they are bobcats. [3] They became the official state cat of Maine in 1985.

The Norwegian Forest Cat

Maine coons actually descend from Norwegian forest cats, who also come in big sizes. Keep in mind that their coats are extremely fluffy, giving them the illusion of looking larger. This fur keeps them warm in cold climates.

Adapted to Thrive In The Cold

“They adapted their physiology to deal with the harsh New England winters,” said Liz Hansen, Chair of the Maine Coon Breed Committee at The International Cat Association (TICA). “They have thick coats, longer on their undersides and ruff to protect them from the snow, tufts of extra hair between their toes (so that it covers the bottom of the feet as they walk in the cold climate) and bushy tails that they can use as a blanket when they sleep.” [4] 

Show Cats

These cats were originally documented in 1861 and became popular show cats. “In 2017, there were 3,021 Maine Coons registered with TICA, making it the third-most popular breed within the organization,” said Hansen. 

“Similar to large dog breeds, such as the Great Dane, the Maine Coon is bred for size, among other characteristics. All written standards for the breed indicate the body size should be medium to large. They should be broad-chested and muscular.” 

“Longest Domestic Cat” Guinness World Record

Maine Coons have caught the public eye with their roles in the Guinness World Record for the longest domestic cat category. The current longest cat on record is Barivel, a Maine Coon from Italy, at 120 cm (3 ft 11 in). (Maine coons typically become about 30–40 inches long).

Who Wins The Largest Cat Title?

However, Barivel isn’t the largest domestic cat ever. That crown goes to another Maine coon named Mymains Stewart Gilligan, who was 123 cm (48.5 in). He was also recorded to have the longest tail on a domestic cat, with it being 41.5 cm. “Stewie” was a certified therapy animal who helped people at the Reno Senior Center. He also helped the Nevada Humane Society promote awareness of animal welfare. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2013 from cancer. [5]