World's Longest Cat Dies Of Cancer

Stewie, the world's longest cat, has died after a protracted battle with cancer.

The feline wonder measures 48.5 inches (1.23) from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail, and was declared the record holder by Guinness World Records in 2010.

After a year-long fight with lymphosarcoma cancer, Stewie surrended to the cold hands of death, surrounded by its owner, Robin Hendrickson and her family at home in Nevada. He was eight years old.

"Stewie was always very social and loved meeting new people," Ms Hendrickson said. "He has touched many lives and for that I am grateful."

Ms Hendrickson bought Stewie, a Maine coon breed, in 2005. He recently attended the International Cat Show in Portland, Oregon.

"He did really well at the show, even though he wasn't feeling totally perfect," said Valerie Horton, the show's entry clerk. "He loved being there because he loved the public. He always did."

After being diagnosed with cancer, Stewie initially responded to chemotherapy and was declared cancer-free. But another, more aggressive tumour was found on his kidneys and he could not be saved.

"I knew that although we could fight it, the end was near," said Ms Hendrickson. "I wanted to simply make him comfortable and let him enjoy the time he did have."

After news of his death, hundreds of Stewie fans posted condolence messages on his facebook page.

May his sould rest in peace. . .

. . . Every long inch of it.

News Source: SkyNews