Cat owners know that cats are not just cute; they are truly magical and mysterious creatures. They have even set numerous Guinness World Records, impressing and astonishing people alike. This article compiles 10 incredible Guinness World Records held by cats. Let’s take a look at just how amazing these feline stars really are!
The Wealthiest Cat: Blackie's Unforgettable Inheritance
In 1988, a British antiques dealer named Ben Rea passed away, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that would forever etch his beloved pet cat Blackie into the record books. Rea bequeathed a fortune valued at $12.5 million USD to Blackie, his cherished black cat.
However, Blackie could not directly use this inheritance to buy food or other necessities. Instead, Ben Rea arranged for the money to be placed in trust and divided among three animal charities, with explicit instructions that they care for Blackie throughout his life. This arrangement ensured that Blackie would live in comfort and luxury, cared for by organizations dedicated to animal welfare.
Ben Rea, a reclusive millionaire who made his fortune in antiques, did not leave his wealth to family members. Rather, he entrusted the bulk of his estate to these charities to guarantee Blackie's well-being. This unique bequest earned Blackie the Guinness World Record title of the wealthiest cat in the world, a distinction that still stands today.
Though Blackie himself could not directly inherit the money, the trust fund mechanism allowed his caretakers to use the funds for his care, ensuring the cat's lavish lifestyle until his passing. This story highlights the extraordinary bond between humans and their pets and the lengths to which some owners go to provide for their animal companions after death.
The Longest Domestic Cat: Ludo the Maine Coon from the UK
Meet Ludo, a remarkable Maine Coon cat from the United Kingdom, who once held the Guinness World Record for the longest domestic cat. Measuring an astonishing length of approximately 118 centimeters (3 feet 10.5 inches), Ludo captured the hearts of cat lovers and record enthusiasts alike.
Ludo's owner shares that despite his impressive size, the cat has a charming personality but cannot easily hide due to his extraordinary length — he is almost always visible at a glance!
Maine Coons are known for their large size and friendly temperament, and Ludo exemplifies these traits. His length of 118.33 cm was officially measured and recognized by Guinness World Records in 2015. Although Ludo no longer holds the current record, which is now held by Barivel from Italy at 120 cm, and Stewie from the USA who measured 123 cm, Ludo remains one of the longest domestic cats ever recorded.
Ludo's size means he is a bit clumsy compared to other cats and enjoys a relaxed lifestyle filled with play and cuddles. His owner notes that he loves being groomed and often lounges around, making him a gentle giant in the feline world.
The story of Ludo highlights the fascinating diversity of domestic cats and the unique charm of the Maine Coon breed, celebrated for its impressive size and affectionate nature.
Boomer: The Most Talented Skateboarding Cat in Australia
Meet Boomer, a remarkable Bengal cat from Australia who has captured the hearts of many with his extraordinary skateboarding skills. Not only can Boomer ride a skateboard by himself, but he also set an impressive Guinness World Record in 2017 by skateboarding through a human tunnel formed by 13 people. This incredible feat showcases Boomer's unique talent and charm.
Boomer's skill is not just a casual trick; it is the result of dedicated training and a natural affinity for skateboarding. His owner, Robert Dollwet, has spent years training Boomer and his sister Didga, another famous skateboarding cat, using positive reinforcement techniques. Boomer's ability to push the skateboard with his back foot and confidently glide along smooth surfaces is both amusing and awe-inspiring.
The 2017 record involved Boomer skateboarding underneath a tunnel made by 13 people standing side by side, a challenging task that requires precision and calmness. This achievement was officially recognized by Guinness World Records, highlighting Boomer's place among the world's most talented animal performers.
Boomer's story is a testament to the surprising capabilities of cats when given the right environment and training. His performances have been shared widely on social media and video platforms, inspiring many to see cats in a new light beyond typical pet behaviors.
Truly, Boomer is a shining example of feline talent and charisma, proving that with patience and care, cats can master extraordinary skills.
The Most Liked Cat on Facebook: The World-Famous Grumpy Cat
Known worldwide for her perpetually grumpy expression, the internet celebrity cat "Grumpy Cat" is a feline you have surely seen in photos. Her real name was Tardar Sauce, and her distinctive sour face was due to a congenital condition called feline dwarfism, which gave her a permanently frowning look.
Grumpy Cat rose to fame in 2012, quickly gaining a massive fan base. By 2017, she set the record for the most liked cat on Facebook, amassing over 8.7 million likes. Although she passed away in 2019, her iconic grumpy face has become an eternal internet meme classic.
About Tardar Sauce (Grumpy Cat)
Born on April 4, 2012, in Morristown, Arizona, Tardar Sauce was one of four kittens. Her unique facial expression was caused by feline dwarfism and an underbite, which gave her the signature "grumpy" look that captured the hearts of millions around the world. Despite her appearance, she was a normal and affectionate cat most of the time.
Her owner, Tabatha Bundesen, shared that Tardar Sauce's grumpy face was a result of her genetic condition rather than her mood. This expression made her a perfect subject for internet memes, where her photos were often paired with humorously cynical captions.
Internet Fame and Legacy
Grumpy Cat's rise to internet stardom began when a photo of her was posted on Reddit in September 2012. The image quickly went viral, spawning countless memes and parodies. Her popularity led to millions of followers on social media platforms and appearances in commercials, TV shows, and even a movie.
By 2017, Grumpy Cat held the record for the cat with the most Facebook likes, surpassing 8.7 million. She became a cultural icon representing a new era of internet meme celebrities.
Sadly, Grumpy Cat passed away on May 14, 2019, due to complications from a urinary tract infection. However, her legacy endures through the countless memes, merchandise, and fond memories she left behind.
Grumpy Cat, or Tardar Sauce, was more than just a cat with a funny face; she was a global phenomenon who changed internet culture and became an enduring symbol of feline meme fame. Her grumpy expression, caused by feline dwarfism, made her instantly recognizable and beloved by millions worldwide.
The Most Talented Performing Cat: Alexis Sets a Guinness World Record
In 2020, a remarkable tortoiseshell cat named Alexis from Austria made history by performing an incredible 26 different tricks within just 60 seconds, setting a new Guinness World Record for the most tricks performed by a cat in one minute. Alexis's impressive repertoire included commands such as high-fives and head shakes, all flawlessly executed in rapid succession.
Alexis's owner, Anika Moritz, began training her when Alexis was just a kitten, using positive reinforcement techniques to nurture her talents. This training method, which rewards desired behaviors immediately, helped Alexis become exceptionally quick at learning and responding to commands. Anika describes Alexis as trusting, affectionate, yet independent—truly a genius in the feline world.
The record-breaking event took place on June 10, 2020, in Bruck an der Leitha, Austria. Anika and Alexis's unique bond and consistent practice sessions turned Alexis into a star performer, demonstrating that with patience and positive encouragement, cats can master a wide array of tricks.
Alexis's achievement not only showcases her extraordinary intelligence and agility but also highlights the potential of cats to engage in complex training when approached with kindness and motivation.
Jim: The First Cat Awarded the Blue Cross Medal
In 1942, during a nighttime fire in London, a remarkable 19-year-old cat named Jim became a hero by saving his entire family. Despite his advanced age, Jim bravely rushed upstairs to awaken his owners, Mr. and Mrs. Coffey, alerting them to the danger and enabling their escape from the blaze.
In recognition of his courageous act, the British animal charity Blue Cross awarded Jim the prestigious Blue Cross Medal. This honor was especially significant because, until then, only dogs had received this medal for acts of bravery. Jim was the first cat ever to be bestowed with this distinction, marking a historic moment in the recognition of animal heroism.
The Blue Cross organization, founded in London in 1897, initially focused on the welfare of working horses but later expanded its scope to honor animals demonstrating extraordinary loyalty and bravery. Jim's award highlights the vital role animals have played in human lives, especially during the challenging times of World War II.
Jim's story remains a testament to the profound bond between humans and their animal companions and stands as a proud chapter in the history of animal heroism.
Fizz Girl: The World's Shortest Cat
Meet Fizz Girl, a remarkable short-legged cat from the United States who holds the Guinness World Record for being the shortest living cat. Standing at only about 15 centimeters tall (approximately 6 inches) at the shoulder, Fizz Girl is incredibly miniature yet full of vitality.
Miniature Size, Mighty Agility
Despite her tiny stature, Fizz Girl is far from fragile. Her limbs are exceptionally agile, allowing her to leap and climb to the highest spots within her home with ease. This agility defies what one might expect from such a small cat, proving that size does not limit her adventurous spirit.
About the Breed
Fizz Girl belongs to the Munchkin breed, known for its distinctive short legs caused by a genetic mutation. Originating in the United States, the Munchkin cat is a relatively new breed officially recognized in 1991. While their short legs give them a unique appearance reminiscent of dachshunds or corgis, they maintain the typical feline grace and agility.
Record and Recognition
Fizz Girl was officially measured at 15.24 cm (6 inches) tall on July 23, 2010, and was recognized as the shortest living cat by Guinness World Records. She weighs about 1.93 kilograms (4.25 pounds), a healthy weight for her size. Her owner, Tiffani Kjeldergaard from San Diego, California, proudly cares for this tiny feline marvel.
Conclusion
Fizz Girl exemplifies how extraordinary nature can be, combining a diminutive size with remarkable agility and personality. Her record-breaking stature and lively demeanor continue to captivate cat lovers worldwide, making her a beloved icon among miniature cats.
Bibi the Cat: Malaysia's Dice-Stacking Champion
Meet Bibi, a black and white domestic short-haired cat from Malaysia with an extraordinary sense of balance. Bibi stunned the world by balancing 10 dice steadily on his paw, holding the precarious stack for several seconds without toppling it.
This remarkable feat was achieved on June 18, 2017, in Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia, by Bibi and his owner, Siew Lian Chui. The impressive balance earned Bibi a place in the Guinness World Records for the "Most Dice Stacked on a Cat's Paw". Videos and photos of Bibi calmly allowing the dice to be stacked on his paw quickly went viral, captivating audiences worldwide.
Many viewers expressed amazement and curiosity, wondering how Bibi's owner managed to train the cat to perform such an unusual and delicate trick. According to reports, Bibi's talent was discovered somewhat by accident, yet the cat's calm demeanor and natural balance made this quirky record possible.
Bibi's achievement is not only a testament to his unique skill but also highlights the surprising and delightful ways pets can astonish us. This record remains one of the most unusual and charming entries in the Guinness World Records, showcasing that even cats can be world record holders.
The Loudest Purring Cats: Smokey and Merlin from the UK
In the United Kingdom, two remarkable cats, Smokey and Merlin, have set world records for the loudest purring by domestic cats. Smokey first established the record in 2011 with a purr reaching 67.8 decibels, a volume comparable to the noise of a conversation or an air conditioner. This record was matched and slightly surpassed by Merlin in 2015, who also achieved a purr measuring 67.8 decibels, making these cats the kings of purrs in the feline world.
To put this in perspective, a purr at 67.8 decibels is nearly as loud as a shower or a dishwasher running, which is unusually loud for a cat's purr. Merlin, a rescue cat from Torquay, Devon, was 13 years old at the time of his record and was known for his loud purring during activities such as eating or being groomed. His owner noted that sometimes the purring was so loud it required turning up the television volume or even asking Merlin to leave the room to hear properly.
Smokey, who lived in Northamptonshire, was the original record holder and achieved this impressive purr level in a relaxed home environment, which likely contributed to the intensity of the sound. Both cats have since passed away, but their records stand as a testament to their unique and extraordinary vocal talents.
These records highlight an interesting aspect of cat behavior: while most cats purr quietly, these two British felines demonstrated that purring can reach volumes comparable to common household sounds, making their purrs not only a sign of contentment but also a remarkable natural phenomenon.
In summary, Smokey and Merlin hold the Guinness World Record for the loudest purrs by domestic cats at 67.8 decibels, a sound level that is surprisingly loud and nearly as noisy as some everyday appliances, delighting cat lovers and record enthusiasts alike.
The Cat That Jumps the Farthest: A 2024 Record in Italy
In 2024, American trainer Melissa Arleth brought her cat Sputnik to a live show in Italy to challenge the record for "farthest cat jump".
During the event, Sputnik successfully leapt approximately 230 centimeters (about 7.54 feet), eliciting continuous gasps of amazement from the audience. This remarkable feat crowned Sputnik as the champion of long jump in the cat world.
Melissa Arleth's training and Sputnik's impressive athleticism demonstrated extraordinary feline jumping ability, making this moment a highlight in the realm of animal performance records.
Conclusion
After watching these super hilarious and admirable records, don't you think cats really have superpowers?