Barivel The Maine Coon: World’s Longest Living Domestic Cat

Barivel is a brown tabby Maine Coon from Italy who became internationally famous after being recognised by Guinness World Records as the longest living domestic cat. His official measurement of 120 cm (47.2 in) from nose to tail tip puts him at an extraordinary size even for a breed already known for length, substance, and slow maturation.

He lives in Vigevano, Pavia, Italy, with owner Cinzia Tinnirello.

What makes Barivel so compelling is that he is not simply a big cat in a flattering photo. His size was formally verified, and his story fits a broader pattern that cat lovers already find fascinating: Maine Coons are one of the most impressive domestic breeds, and rare individuals like Barivel seem to push those traits almost to the edge of belief.

That is why he is often compared with other giant Maine Coons and why people keep asking whether his photos are even real.

Barivel Summary

• Born: September 2016 in Vigevano, Pavia, Italy
• World Record: Verified by Guinness on 22 May 2018 as the longest living domestic cat, measuring 120 cm (47.2 in) – about 3 feet 11.2 inches
• Preceded by: Ludo (118.3 cm), just 0.6 inches shorter than the record held by Stewie (123 cm, deceased).

Personality: The Gentle Giant

Despite his extraordinary size, Barivel is known by his owners, Cinzia Tinnirello and Edgar Scandurra, as:

• Deeply shy
• Serene
• Affectionate

His name, which in regional dialect means “clown or joker,” is lovingly ironic, as Edgar describes him more as a “Buddhist cat”:

• Peaceful
• Soft-spoken
• Aware

Rather than seek attention, Barivel prefers family time.

The household occasionally wheels him out in a pet stroller, where stunned passersby marvel at his size, but always only when he seems comfortable with it.

Physical Traits And Lifestyle Highlights

While Barivel’s exact weight is unpublished since the Guinness World Records ceased measuring to discourage overfeeding, local media estimated him at 9 kg (around 20 lb) at age two.

He eats meals rich in protein, including tuna, chicken, and premium kibble, which help maintain his muscular build and glossy coat.

A few visual details charm fans instantly:

• Black classic tabby markings swirl in bull’s-eye patterns
• Tufted ears, long ruff, bushy tail – typical Maine Coon hallmarks
• His elongated form gives him both majesty and a cuddly presence

Social Attention And Digital Fame

Barivel’s Instagram profile, @barivel_maine_coon, had achieved over 7,100 followers by early 2025.

His calm demeanor and home life stream in quiet, thoughtful photos and videos, not flashy tricks, but real-life moments of peaceful coexistence.

International media, like The Sun, picked up his story, prompting online disbelief. Skeptics questioned the reality of his stature, but live video evidence and third-party documentation confirmed his legitimacy!

Below is a short video of Barivel, the Maine Coon cat, from the Guinness World Records YouTube channel:

Why Barivel’s Story Matters

• Maine Coons grow slowly: Often until age 3-5, making Barivel’s extraordinary growth at just two years all the more notable.
• Temperament over size: At nearly four feet long, he remains unusually mellow, challenging stereotypes about big cats needing to be energetic or unruly.
• A responsible record: His owners documented the process, allowed measurement by authorized officials, and shared regular updates with followers, establishing trust and credibility.

Age

As of July 19, 2025, Barivel is 8 years, 9 months, and 21 days old

He’s approaching his 9th birthday and is now considered a senior cat, though Maine Coons often age gracefully and remain active and affectionate well into their teens.

Conclusion

Barivel stands out because he represents the most dramatic version of what people already love about Maine Coons. The breed is famous for size, length, heavy bone structure, and a striking presence, but Barivel pushes that image into true record territory. At 120 cm, he is not just a large pet cat. He is a verified example of how exceptional a Maine Coon can look when genetics, growth, and breed type all align at the end.

His appeal also goes beyond the number itself. The reason giant Maine Coons spread so widely online is that they look almost unreal beside ordinary furniture, people, and other pets. Barivel captures that perfectly. He is long enough to feel more like a wild-looking showpiece than a typical house cat, yet he is still part of a familiar domestic breed. That contrast is what makes him so memorable.

He is also worth understanding in context. Barivel holds the record for the longest living domestic cat, not the longest domestic cat ever recorded. That distinction still matters because the record has been credited elsewhere to Stewie at 123 cm.

Barivel’s fame, therefore, comes from being a current living benchmark rather than a historical absolute, which actually makes his story more useful for readers curious about what a modern giant Maine Coon can really look like.

FAQs

Who is Barivel the Maine Coon?

Barivel is a Maine Coon from Italy who holds the Guinness World Record for the longest living domestic cat.

How long is Barivel?

Barivel measures 120 cm (3 ft 11.2 in) from nose to tail tip.

Where does Barivel live?

Barivel lives in Vigevano, Pavia, Italy.

When did Barivel get the record?

His record was officially verified on 22 May 2018.

Is Barivel the longest cat ever?

No. Barivel is the longest living domestic cat. The longest domestic cat ever recorded is widely cited as Stewie at 123 cm.

Why is Barivel so famous?

He is famous because his size is extraordinary even for a Maine Coon, and his Guinness World Record made him one of the best-known giant cats online.

What breed is Barivel?

Barivel is a Maine Coon, a breed already known for being one of the largest domestic cat breeds.

Who owns Barivel?

Guinness lists his owner as Cinzia Tinnirello.