A Maine Coon cat weighing 13 kilograms and standing over four feet tall has become an internet sensation, attracting millions of views online.
The cat, named Zeus, lives in Moldova with his owner, Daniela Ermolaeva, 33, an IT professional. Daniela had long dreamed of owning a Maine Coon—the largest domestic cat breed—but didn’t think it would ever happen. That changed in 2021 when her partner, Liviu, surprised her with a Maine Coon kitten.
Zeus quickly became a star on social media. Through her account @zeus.mainecoon.official, Daniela has shared videos and photos of the massive feline, gaining thousands of followers and millions of views. “He may scare some people because of his size, but he’s the sweetest cat,” Daniela said.
Zeus measures 130cm (about 4 feet 3 inches) when standing on his hind legs with front paws stretched. He performs simple tricks, such as giving his paw, high-fiving, and pressing buttons to get treats. At night, he sleeps on a husky-sized bed, though his long, fluffy tail still spills out.
“He’s a very good actor,” Daniela said. “But he is a cat—he’ll do a trick for 10 seconds, then lie down and ask for food.”
Daniela’s fascination with Maine Coons began in her childhood. She once believed owning one was impossible. “I didn’t need presents like jewelry or cars,” she told Liviu. “My dream was to have a Maine Coon.”
After thorough research, Daniela spent three months looking for the right cat. When she saw a kitten with big eyes and a bushy tail in an online listing, she knew he was the one. Liviu placed a deposit, then surprised her by bringing the kitten home.
Even as a kitten, Zeus was larger than the couple’s rescue cat, Mata. By age one, he weighed 10kg. Now four years old, Zeus weighs 13kg and is expected to reach 14kg, as Maine Coons typically grow until age five.
Daniela originally reserved the name “Zeus” for a future dog, but decided it was the perfect fit for her majestic cat. “After a week of searching for names, I gave up and said, ‘No, this cat will be Zeus.’”
Maine Coons are known for their thick coats, long tails, and intelligent expressions. Their size, gentle temperament, and unique appearance make them one of the most admired cat breeds in the world—and Zeus is now one of its most famous representatives.
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