Animals have always been social media darlings, with the hashtag #pets amassing over 100 million posts on Instagram. As the digital world evolves, so does our fascination with animals online, now mixing with the rise of AI-generated images. Recently, social media platforms saw a flood of AI-enhanced pet images, from cuddly puppies to cats with patriotic accessories. Even during the 2024 U.S. election campaigns, images of pets supporting political figures, such as “Cats for Trump” or “Harris 2024,” made a quirky appearance, captivating online audiences.
One animal that has specifically captured the attention of millions is the Maine Coon cat, often featured in TikTok videos that have left viewers questioning if what they’re seeing is real or AI-generated. A particular video of an oversized Maine Coon cat, viewed over 19 million times, has people debating its authenticity. Maine Coons are naturally large cats, but the exaggerated size in some viral videos showcases how AI tools can stretch reality, making viewers wonder where the line between real and digitally enhanced lies.
What Is a Maine Coon Cat?
Maine Coon cats are one of the largest domestic cat breeds and are known for their friendly and gentle nature, earning them the nickname “gentle giants.” They originated in the U.S. state of Maine, where they’re so beloved they became the official state cat. Maine Coons are the fourth most popular cat breed in the UK, with fans worldwide, including high-profile owners like rapper Megan Thee Stallion.
Just How Big Do Maine Coons Get?
These cats are genuinely big. The largest recorded Maine Coon, named Mymains Stewart Gilligan, reached an impressive length of 48.5 inches. Maine Coons typically reach their full size between 3-5 years, with males averaging between 18-36 inches and females between 18-30 inches in length. Despite their large size, the colossal Maine Coons we see in viral videos are often enhanced, as even the biggest real-life cats rarely match the massive proportions displayed online.
While Maine Coons' natural size and friendly appearance make them the perfect subject for online videos, it’s always worth questioning if an image or video is digitally altered. The internet’s fascination with these “gentle giants” shows no signs of slowing down, especially as AI-generated content continues to expand.
In the end, whether real or AI-enhanced, Maine Coons will likely continue to charm audiences worldwide, reinforcing the enduring appeal of pets in our digital lives. So, next time you see an unusually large Maine Coon pop up in your feed, you’ll know to enjoy the magic with a hint of skepticism.