When Yulia Minina picked up a kitten two years in the past, she thought she was getting a cuddly home companion.
Small, fluffy and quiet, the snow-white child seemed like the proper addition to her residence.
However Yulia had no concept that her little cat would someday tower over most dogs.
Residing within the peaceable city of Stary Oskol in Russia, Yulia was drawn to the kitten’s light face and tender coat.
She named him Kefir, after the creamy dairy drink, not realizing simply how becoming that identify would develop into.
As a result of because it seems, Kefir wouldn’t stay small for lengthy.
Now almost two years previous, Kefir weighs over 12 kilograms and continues to develop. And never simply in weight.
His lengthy limbs, dense coat and spectacular stature have remodeled him into one thing far past the scale of an odd housecat.
Individuals who go to Yulia’s residence are sometimes left speechless. Some are satisfied they’re a dog. Others ask if he’s even actual.
Many can’t consider their eyes till they see him transfer, stretch, or bounce with the grace of a feline and the load of a medium-sized canine.
“I by no means imagined he would develop into this massive,” Yulia mentioned. “At first he was like every other kitten. Tiny, playful, at all times curious. However then he simply stored rising.”
Maine Coons are recognized for his or her dimension, however even by these requirements, Kefir is extraordinary.
At just below two years previous, he’s nonetheless technically not absolutely grown.
Most Maine Coons proceed to develop till the age of three and even 4. So it’s completely potential that Yulia’s light large nonetheless has extra rising left to do.
However it’s not simply Kefir’s dimension that has made him the focal point.
His persona is simply as fascinating.
“He’s very calm and clever,” Yulia mentioned.
“He appears to grasp what is occurring round him. He’s affectionate and affected person, even with strangers. However his eyes and expression are so human, it surprises folks.”
Yulia defined that Kefir typically turns into the spotlight of any go to.
Family and friends who cease by find yourself spending extra time with the cat than together with her. And Kefir doesn’t appear to thoughts the eye.
He welcomes strokes and sits calmly whereas folks attempt to make sense of his look.
However Kefir does have one behavior that has develop into extra of a problem over time.
“When he was a kitten, he appreciated to sleep on me at night time,” Yulia mentioned. “Again then it was cute. However now, along with his dimension, it’s not really easy. It’s like having a weighted blanket that strikes.”
Regardless of the awkward sleeping preparations, Yulia has by no means as soon as regretted bringing Kefir residence.
The truth is, she says life with him is stuffed with pleasure, even when it does include a number of uncommon moments.
“He nonetheless thinks he’s small,” she mentioned. “Typically he tries to suit into tiny areas or bounce into my arms like he did when he was a child. However now he’s heavy, and I’ve to be prepared.”
On-line, Kefir has develop into one thing of a sensation. Images of Yulia holding him typically depart viewers surprised.
In some pictures, it appears to be like as if she is cradling a snow-white lion. Others examine him to a wolf.
Some even query if the pictures have been altered.
However Yulia insists she doesn’t contact up the images.
“I don’t use Photoshop,” she mentioned. “What you see is what he actually appears to be like like.”
Kefir’s thick coat, lengthy tail and majestic posture have turned him right into a star of kinds. However at residence, he’s simply Yulia’s companion. Quiet, heat and at all times close by.
“He isn’t just a pet,” she mentioned. “He’s a part of the household. Every single day he surprises me, whether or not it’s along with his dimension, his conduct or the best way he reveals love.”
As for whether or not she would ever think about getting one other Maine Coon?
Yulia smiled and mentioned, “Possibly. However I would want an even bigger home.”
