Owner Adopts Kitten, Can't Believe What Happens to Tail 10 Months Later

Newsweek

15-05-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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A cat owner from the United Kingdom thought her kitty was a little "scrawny" when she first got him, and that his tail would never grow. Ten months later, she can't believe what her kitty has grown into.
In a viral TikTok video shared on Wednesday under the username @mainecoonleonard, the poster compares footage of her fur-baby, Leo, now, to when he was a kitten, and the difference is mind-blowing.
The first half of the clip shows 14-week-old Leo with a small tail that looks highly unlikely to ever fluff out. However, the second half, shows him now, boasting a tail that is almost bigger than him, and that, according to his owner, "won't stop growing."
"He's a little scrawny, I don't think his tail will get that fluffy. Him at 10 months old," reads layover text in the clip. "His tail is bigger than him at this point, it won't stop growing!" a caption reads.
The poster, Scarlett Jackson, told Newsweek that Leo, whom they also affectionately call Leonard, weighs 16 pounds already, even though he still has four more years of growing left to do.
"His tail is already 16.5 inches long and is so big and fluffy, it shocks me everyday!" Jackson said.
The red silver-ticked tabby purebred Maine coon loves going on adventures and exploring the world, traveling in his stroller, and walking on his leash.
"He especially loves all the birds and bugs that the world has to offer. He's a little shy at first with strangers but soon shows his sweet, loving personality through his very passionate head butts!" Jackson added.
While most domestic cats are fully grown by the time they are 1 year old, this time-frame changes with breeds. The Maine coon, for example, can grow up until 5 years of age, says a Catster article medically reviewed by Dr. Lauren Demos.
Maine coons are also a lot bigger than regular cats. Male specimens can weigh up to 25 pounds, while females can reach 15 pounds. They are also around 40 inches long, with a height of up to 16 inches.
Screenshots of the viral video show 14-week-old Leo with his small tail lounging on his owner's bed.
Screenshots of the viral video show 14-week-old Leo with his small tail lounging on his owner's bed.
@mainecoonleonard
The video quickly went viral on social media and has so far received over 411,000 views and more than 81,000 likes on the platform.
One user, RatStar, commented: "That cat doesn't have a tail. The tail has a cat."
Emoseal posted: "Whoa that's a feather duster."
Siiri added: "My Maine coon also looked so tiny and scrawny as a kid and now she's huge."
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