Meet Fenrir, the world’s tallest living domestic cat, officially recognized by Guinness World Records. Beyond his towering stature, Fenrir, an almost three-year-old therapy cat, has a heartwarming story that resonates with cat lovers worldwide.
Fenrir’s owner, Dr. William Powers, a family physician and HIV specialist from Farmington Hills, Michigan, adopted him at just 12 weeks old. What sets Fenrir apart is his unique breed—he’s an F2 Savannah Cat, a cross between a domestic cat and an African serval, recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) since 2001. This breed, known for its distinctive heritage, has made Fenrir’s record-breaking height even more impressive.
Hailing from the F2 generation, with serval grandparents, Fenrir’s genetic makeup contributes to his exceptional height. He stands at an astonishing 18.83 inches (47.83 centimeters), surpassing the typical height range of 14 to 17 inches for his breed.
Fenrir’s Guinness World Record achievement has garnered attention and occasionally sparked discussions about fairness, as he is a Savannah cat. However, it’s important to note that Guinness allows any cat recognized by TICA to compete for the record. In this context, Fenrir, as an F2 Savannah cat, is eligible to vie for this accolade. Interestingly, this record transitioned from measuring the heaviest cat to the tallest to prevent unhealthy practices like force-feeding to inflate a cat’s weight.
Yet, beyond the record, Fenrir’s true distinction lies in his loving personality. Dr. Powers, who frequently takes Fenrir to events for cat shelters, emphasizes that Fenrir’s remarkable nature extends far beyond his height. The cat’s gentle demeanor and affectionate disposition have endeared him to many. Moreover, Fenrir serves as a therapy cat in Dr. Powers’ medical practice, offering comfort and support to patients. His calming presence and soft, comforting distractions prove invaluable during difficult consultations.
Dr. Powers invests significant time and effort in caring for his six cats, ensuring they receive outdoor playtime in a spacious enclosure, one-on-one attention, early socialization, and enrichment activities. His cats enjoy a carefully crafted diet that includes nutritionally rich ingredients like ground-up pig bones, raw chicken, slow-cooked meats, krill oil, and multivitamins and supplements.
Fenrir’s unique character adds a delightful dimension to Dr. Powers’ life. He’s known for playful “zoomies” around the room and a penchant for “rough play.” Fenrir’s friendly disposition shines through as he approaches strangers with head rubs and affectionate “bunting.”
Fenrir’s captivating story has reached global audiences, but it’s not just his remarkable achievements that captivate—it’s also the profound connections and relationships forged through his owner’s dedication to feline companionship and therapy services. As the Guinness World Record title holder for the “tallest living domestic cat,” Fenrir is a towering example of the incredible bonds between humans and their feline friends.
Follow the antics of Dr. Powers’ amazing animals on Instagram and Facebook.