Kefir: The White Russian Cat Who People Mistake For A Dog!
In the quiet Russian town of Stary Oskol, a dazzling white Maine Coon named Kefir has become a global sensation – not for flashy tricks, but for his astonishing size and serene demeanor.
At 1 year 10 months, he weighed a staggering 12.5 kg (27.5 lb), which is well above the typical male Maine Coon range of 8.2 to 10 kg.
Despite his formidable stature, Kefir is exceptionally gentle and affectionate, so much so that neighbours often mistake him for a calm, giant dog rather than a cat!
His owner chose the name “Kefir” due to his snowy white coat, elegance worthy of the milky fermented drink.
Still Growing After Two Years
Maine Coons are notoriously slow growers, only reaching full size by 3-5 years of age.
Yet, even before his second birthday, Kefir far exceeded breed averages. At 12.5 kg, he surpassed the top end of male Maine Coon weight, transforming from an adorably skinny kitten into a mountainous companion in under two years!
Experts expect he may continue gaining size into his third year, making him a contender for world-record proportions.
From Siberian Cottage To Social Stardom
Purchased during the 2020 lockdown after browsing cattery ads, Kefir was the only white kitten in the litter.
Initially unimpressed by his appearance as a kitten, his owner, Yulia Minina, was stunned as he grew into a fluffy, snow-white feline.
Despite limited space in their 2-bedroom apartment, Kefir’s energy and curiosity shone through. He delighted in parkour-style window-sill jumps and knocking over flowerpots until his family moved into a larger house.
His transformation from quiet kitten to social media star happened when Yulia shared a few photos on her Instagram @yuliyamnn, and the internet watched in awe as the whiskered giant unfolded.
Across platforms, including Russia Beyond, The Independent, Metro, and the Mirror, media outlets applauded Kefir’s size and spirit
Personality: Gentle Giant
Though his size impresses, it’s Kefir’s character that truly captivates. Yulia describes him as “very modest and affectionate,” more akin to a human companion than a typical cat.
He eagerly seeks human company, climbs onto his owner’s chest to nap (even though he’s too heavy these days), and enjoys joining the family at the dinner table from “his own chair”.
When strangers arrive, they often mistake him for a dog, but with familiarity, he welcomes attention and strokes with calm grace.
Despite his vast size, he vocalizes softly and seems sensitive to loud sounds or chaos, always favouring peaceful conditions at home.
Social Media & Community
- Instagram: @yuliyamnn features daily posts and stories of Kefir lounging, walking, and interacting with his family. He’s amassed tens of thousands of followers drawn to his unique scale and sweet temperament.
- TikTok: Videos show Kefir standing on hind legs to open doors like a toddler, climbing stairs, and enjoying walks on a leash, often drawing comments like “He eats better than my kid” and “That cat is better than half the dogs out there.”
Daily Care: Diet, Grooming & Lifestyle
Kefir’s size demands thoughtful care. He refuses dry food and thrives on a raw or fresh meat-based diet, typically chicken or fish, and abundant wet food to support his muscular build and plush coat.
This choice, Yulia reports, fuels his steady growth and shiny fur.
His yearly growth and coat require consistent grooming:
- Regular brushing to prevent mats
- Nutritional meals
- Space to stretch and climb
- Mental stimulation through interactive play and leash walks
Authentic Size Vs. Camera Tricks
Online skeptics have suggested camera tricks or forced perspective exaggerate Kefir’s size.
Reddit users and commentators note odd angles in photos, yet those familiar with Maine Coons insist that even adjusted for lens distortion, he is undeniably massive.
Despite some disbelief, live videos, third‑party media, and Yulia’s consistent documentation confirm that Kefir is real, and exceptionally large, regardless of photographic technique.
Here is a short YouTube video of Kefir the Maine Coon cat in person. Credit for the video goes to the Daily Mail YouTube channel:
