What is the largest breed of domestic cat?

The Maine Coon is the largest breed of domestic cat in the usual purebred-cat sense. It is famous for its substantial build, long body, heavy coat, and unusually long, plumed tail.

Maine Coons developed as a North American landrace in the state of Maine, where their dense fur and large paws helped them cope with cold winters. They became popular show cats in the late nineteenth century and are now recognized by major cat registries. Maine officially named the breed its state cat in 1985.

Adult males commonly weigh more than females, and some Maine Coons can reach around 38 inches in total length, including the tail. They mature slowly compared with many other cats and may not reach full physical size until three to five years old. In 2010, a Maine Coon named Stewie was recorded by Guinness World Records as the longest cat at 48.5 inches.

The main qualification is that Savannah cats can be taller or heavier in some generations because they are hybrids descended partly from servals. For ordinary breed trivia, Maine Coon is the canonical answer because it is the largest widely recognized non-hybrid domestic cat breed.