World's longest cat: 48 1/2 inches

RENO, Nev., Oct. 20 (UPI) -- A Nevada woman said her 48 1/2-inch-long cat is being officially recognized as the longest domestic feline by Guinness World Records.

Robin Hendrickson of Reno said she received a certificate last week making it official that Stewie, her 5-year-old Maine Coon, is the world's largest domestic cat after he was last measured in August, the Reno (Nev.) Gazette-Journal reported Wednesday.

Hendrickson said she first submitted Stewie for the record in July 2008, when he measured 47 inches from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail, but he was beat out by a car named Leo.

The pet owner said she has some ideas for how to use Stewie's newfound celebrity for positive causes.

"He really likes people, especially kids. We hope that maybe Stewie can visit classrooms to help awareness of animal welfare," she said. "We also would hope that he continues to be the great guy he is. But it wouldn't hurt to see his picture on a bag of cat food. Or maybe sponsorships to cat shows. I think it would be great if Stewie was known worldwide. Mostly though, I hope he makes people smile."