I am sad to report that Stewie, a Maine Coon cat certified as the world’s longest moggie, died February 4 at the age of only 8. He lived in Reno, Nevada, and succumbed to cancer.
I’ve reported on Stewie before, and on his official certification as Longest Cat, but didn’t know of his death. As the Reno Gazette-Journal reports:
Robin Hendrickson, Stewie’s owner, said she received the [Guiness Book of World Records] certificate in the mail.
The certificate reads: “The longest domestic cat ever was Mymains Stewart Gilligan at 123 cm (48.5 in) long. He was owned by Robin Hendrickson and Erik Brandsness (USA) and was measured on 28 August 2010.”
Stewie was certified as the longest living domestic cat before his death. Friday’s certificate certifies him as the longest domestic cat ever, according to Guinness Book of World Records.
This was one large cat—almost the size of a wildcat.
The Gazette-Journal also notes:
Stewie worked as a therapy cat to help people in medical care and also served as an ambassador for animal causes.
The measurement!:
The victory certificate:
Rest in peace, Stewie.
h/t: SGM
Stewie: Rest In Peace!
This article touch my heart
Bad timing. I have to take two coons to the vet this morning for preventive care. They don’t make cat carriers big enough for this breed.
Only eight years old? He was barely more than a kitten. And, by all I can see, a very sweet cat happy to be with his people.
So sorry to hear of his death. The Fates have some ‘splainin’ to do….
b&
Yeah. Stewie was dealt a pretty crappy hand. Average life expectancy for Maine Coons’ is 12 + years.
I had an Abyssinian who also died young, at 8 years old. His name was Ender (regularly wreaked havoc and yet was totally innocent), and instead of cancer his kidneys lost function starting at about 3 years. With diet and medical care he still had a good fairly active life till his eighth year. Then, his companion cat died (old age), and he went straight downhill. He was, I think, the sweetest cat I have ever known, and very sociable, but when his life long friend died he became, apparently, depressed. Within three months he also died.
I’m still amazed that there are people who think that cats aren’t social animals, or who express surprise and disbelief at displays of social behavior by cats. I still don’t know where that notion came from….
b&
May your carbon and nutrients be recertified stewie, you gorgeous kitty.
What a magnificent creature! Condolences to Stewie’s parents.
And Stewie made a fantastic cat-beard in all four shots above (pharaoh-style in the top one).
Eight years is not enough to enjoy such splendour. Condolences.
Robin must miss him so much as he looked like a most wonderful cat, and their relationship seemed a close one.
What an absolutely gorgeous cat! *sigh* Long cat is no longer…
Condolences Robin. You had a beautiful friend in Stewie.
Stewie is meowing with (at) Ditty. Love, BigG
This isn’t the sort of news I want on Caturday, my condolences to Stewie’s staff, they must be very upset.
Reblogged this on Mark Solock Blog.
Does anyone know whether Stewie Cat had the standard number of thorax / lumbar vertebrae? If there is a standard number for cats.
Thank you all so much for your condolences. Stewie was very much loved and adored. Stewie was a true giant. A gentle giant. He touched many lives, but none more than my own.