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A two-year-old Maine Coon cat from Italy measures an impressive 120 cm (3 ft 11.2 in) - that's longer than a baseball bat! 

The large cat, who's named Barivel, lives with his owners in Vigevano, Pavia, and was crowned as the Longest domestic cat (living), after the record was verified on 22 May 2018.

Barivel's owners, Cinzia Tinnirello and Edgar Scandurra, always knew he was a special cat. 

"He is a very special cat for us because he is a little shy... when people see him they are very shocked, but for us he is a little gift... a big gift!" said Edgar. 

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In Edgar's local Italian dialect, Barivel means clown or joker. But despite his name and being one of the largest domestic cats you'll ever see, Edgar says Barivel doesn't have a larger than life personality. 

In fact, Barivel leads a pampered life, eating plenty of biscuits, chicken and fish -  and even gets taken for walks in a buggy! 

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"People are very surprised to see him him because it's strange to see a cat outside in the buggy," said Edgar, adding that Barivel loves going for walks in the buggy.

As well as the unusual sight of his buggy, many people are taken aback by Barivel immense size, and Edgar and Cinzia are often stopped so people can take a picture. 

This partly inspired the couple to create an Instagram account for their furry friend. However, people online can't believe that the photos of Barivel are real. 

"A lot of people, when I post a photo, ask in a direct message if he is photoshopped."

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With a cat like Barivel, the record books were never far from Edgar and Cinzia's minds. 

"From the start we thought about this Guinness World Records title. We all know the Guinness World Records name and we are so excited to see if Barivel will go in the book."

"For us he is like a gift." 

However, this may not be the end of fame for Barivel. Maine Coons - one of the large cat breeds - usually grow until they are four years old, but Barivel is only two. 

There may well be more growing - and more record-breaking - in store for the feline. 

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If you want to see more of Barivel, follow him on his Instagram account at Barivel_Maine_Coon