Woman Adopts Tiny Kitten Without Knowing What It Would Grow Up To Be

Yulia Minina adopted Kefir as a kitten roughly 2 years ago - and it has become something extraordinary. While his impressive coat of fur is a sight to be seen, one strange feature has left users with lots of questions…

Meet Yulia

Yulia has a serious love for all animals, whether they're covered in fur or not! Her Instagram is proof of this - it's not all about the selfies but rather snaps and stories of these amazing creatures.

Yulia loves tracking her own pet's progress and can't help but be amazed as she watches her pup Kefir grow into an absolute unit. It is as if her kitten must have been blessed by some wild animal gods. Still, it doesn't matter what size or shape they come in, Yulia is all around animal lover!

Animal Obsessed

Yulia has several pictures of herself with various animal friends. Whether it's a lizard, bird, or a fish, you name it, she'll snap a picture with 'em if she can! Specifically, one photo on her Instagram page shows Yulia blowing a kiss to a fish against a rather large aquarium dweller named Pavlik.

Of course, if there's one animal that always takes the cake, it's the cat. One item that truly reveals her true love for the animal is a decal in her car window of a cat! Although the cat seems rather sassy, that doesn't scare Yulia. All she notices are the kitten's paws and fluffy fur. She tends to see what's on the inside.

Her Furry Friend

When Yulia brought home her new furry friend, she was overjoyed and couldn't wait to show her human friends. However, little did she know that when she would announce her new animal pal, the whole world would be shook! Almost instantly, the whole process caused quite a stir.

It wasn't the experience she envisioned when she bought a cat, but she trusted her gut. When she set off on her quest for an adorable companion, she stumbled across this petite snow-white cutie. It was obvious from the start that they were meant to be. As he snuggled into her arms and gave a purr, Yulia knew he was here to stay.

A Rising Star

It was official. Yulia adopted the little white furball and decided to name him something rather extraordinary. While there is no set agenda on how to name a cat, Yulia went wild and decided to name her kitten after her favorite milk-based yogurt drink, Kefir! However, Kefir was about to startle his new owner.

As days went by, Yulia noticed subtle changes in her small kitten. And after a while, she realized her milk-named kitty was transforming into an enormous feline. It was totally unexpected - and the internet was blindsided by her kitten's size. Before she knew it, Yulia had set herself up to live with an online celebrity.

His Unexpected Size

Considering Kefir's size, one might think that he could cause some series damage to the house - but Yulia didn't blink twice. She confirmed through her social media that his size hadn't been a burden for anything major. Thankfully, she wasn't put off by his growing frame.

Although, there is one element that has caused a bit of a stir. To match his size, Kefir is quite hairy - and let's just say Yulia isn't always pleased when shedding season comes around. Of course, that doesn't come between her love for the kitten. Yulia just makes sure there is a vacuum nearby with an extra large bin attached!

High Maintenance

Yulia worked wonders with Kefir's coat, keeping it prim and proper. She takes pride in Kefir's grooming, and as we can imagine, a lot of work is put into the job. Still, Yulia acquiring these grooming skills has come in handy - especially considering her love for animals!

So, when it comes to the benefits of shedding season, it's not a simple brush, cut, and blowout. To Yulia's advantage, cutting down on fur also takes a lot of weight off of Kefir. His weight is a huge deal, not just to Yulia, but has an impact on whoever he was to live with.

Snuggle Buddies

The gigantic Kefir is still as cuddly and needy as any tiny kitten would be. Just because he is significantly larger in size doesn't mean he isn't 100% huggable. Yulia revealed to Metro in 2022, "He has one more habit: at night, he likes to climb on me and sleep."

Although he might be getting bigger daily, his habit of climbing on her at night definitely hasn't changed - and Yulia doesn't mind one bit! He's like a weighted blanket! She continued, "When he was a kitten, it didn't cause me any inconvenience. But now he has become big and heavy, and, of course, it is difficult to sleep like that."

Gigantic Baby

Ironically, Yulia never expected her lifestyle to be synonymous with a ginormous kitten. Who would? It's not every day that a small white kitten eventually morphs into a majestic white fluffy animal. So, as anyone would respond, she was completely shocked by his turnout.

On the bright side, Yulia looks at the situation positively. It's not every day a house cat outgrows its breed. Unlike any other typical pet, Yulia couldn't believe his growth in size. She said, "I could not even think that an ordinary baby can become so big." Even when he reached a max size, Kefir kept growing.

Let's Talk Numbers

Talk about setting a cat-scratching record! Even if Yulia wanted to let it slide, it physically wasn't possible to let Kefir's growth in size go unnoticed. The ginormous white ball of fur continued to put on the pounds, becoming a serious contender for the title of biggest-ever kitty.

According to the Daily Mail, he is still a growing boy. However, he currently weighs an incredible 27 lbs - that's the same as carrying a 2-year-old child! While it might be hard to believe, this cat exists. When people meet him, they can't believe what they see - and sometimes, he could pass as another species entirely.

Cat or Dog?

Yulia even expressed how people react when they encounter her giant kitty. "When strangers come to the house, everyone first confuses [Kefir] with a dog… The look is generally like that of a person, and Kefir has a formidable appearance." Considering these responses, it's no wonder people are so intrigued online.

Due to all the questions and theories, of course, Yulia began to wonder if she truly picked up a kitten and, for that matter, was raising a cat. Was this a cat? She grew curious about what breed he was exactly. Little did she know she could be entirely mistaken.

A Rare Breed

Whether Yulia carried out multiple DNA tests or asked a simple question to the previous owner, Kefir was actually an established feline. To rule out all of the questions, he was indeed a cat, so now, no one can make any more assumptions. To be precise, he is a Maine Coon, which is a highly popular breed.

Considering his outstanding breed type, he is the pet everyone's talking about! A Maine coon is one of those breeds that grow super-duper big. His luxuriously long fur astonishes almost everyone who encounters one of them. But Kefir must have been blessed by someone up there to turn out so majestic.

Meet Stewie

Imagine a world with no more Maine Coons? Well, they nearly went extinct in the 1950s, but they knew their time wasn't up just yet. Thankfully, the breed had its major comeback, and more were produced. Talk about resilience. They are known to be a huge cat breed, while some can even weigh up to 25 lbs.

While we might think Kefir is close to holding the record for the biggest cat ever, there is one other feline of the same breed that has knocked him out of the litter box. Meet Stewie! Stewie measured at an incredible 48 and 1/2 inches long when he passed away, we can't imagine his weight, but he left behind a feline legacy.

Still Growing...

While we would like to think Kefir is a fully grown cat, this is far from the end of his growth journey. You heard it here first, folks. Kefir's not even an adult yet - he just turned 2! Though we might think, considering his size, that it is impossible to expand any further, Maine Coons keep growing until they are at least 3 to 5 years old.

The rate of their growth is alarming but exciting. We can't imagine what his main growth spurt will result in - potentially human size? He'll soon have the stature of an absolute beast, and if you're wondering about his personality, this cat looks as fierce and fluffy as can be, matching his main character aesthetic.

When Looks Are Deceiving

Just because they are big and furry doesn't mean they are aggressive. Sure, the cat might take a few large leaps, but nothing will harm us. In fact, this feline breed happens to be one of the most gentle! Talk about irony. Yulia says, "He not only grew up big in appearance, he is also very smart and always behaves calmly."

She continued, "He is a very affectionate and modest child." Still, this is nothing out of the ordinary for these types of kittens. They are big and fluffy for a reason - born to cuddle, remember? These breeds were born with this nature, and we couldn't be more grateful for such a gentle creature. No wonder Yulia can never let go!

All Eyes On Kefir

Kefir is definitely a family guy. He loves being around Yulia and especially when she has regular visitors over. He has accustomed himself to calling these friends his own family, and Yulia and her friends treat him likewise! The best part is he knows he is loved and thrives off of attention. Every animal loves a good cuddle!

Yulia admitted, "When friends and acquaintances come to the house, all the attention is on him, and he willingly allows himself to be stroked." He is surrounded by tons of friends, family, and even bigger fans! Kefir is definitely the protagonist, and the spotlight is on him whenever there are people around.

Kefir Takes TikTok

Due to all the in-person attention, Kefir decided to take his furry talent online and on social! Now, he is not only the talk of the town, but he is everywhere all over social media. Let's face it, there wouldn't be a better way to start the day than seeing a cute cat selfie to brighten up our mornings!

We can only imagine what his captions would be. Despite his fluffy fame, we have to remember that being a Maine Coon cat has its perks, mainly allowing him to become an Insta sensation. Now, he even has his own TikTok channel. People are watching him get bigger by the day - but there are some users who truly can't believe he is real.

Large Accusations

Not only did people express their disbelief in Kefir's size, but they even had some drastic allegations. Some users even thought Yulia digitally edited to enlarge Kefir. Now, who would go to that much effort just to make a cat go viral? Yulia is an animal lover, and all she wants to do is have others fall in love with him.

Although there are some TikTok creators who go the extra mile to land as many views and likes as possible, this didn't exactly cross Yulia's mind. She's assured she's not faking it, and these snaps should be enough proof of that. Kefir is one epic cat that encourages everyone else to go out and get themselves their very own furry friend!

Coons Don’t Come Cheap

As for how much these furry friends will cost ya? Sorry to say, these felines come with a hefty price. Maine Coons are one of the coveted pets of choice right now. Whether it was Kefir that kicked off the trend, everyone's sharing their fluffy pics on social media - and it's easy to see why.

For starters, they're super cute. But before you run out to get one, keep in mind that owning a Maine Coon isn't cheap or low-maintenance. Prices can range from $400-$2,000 upfront, plus regular grooming costs. So if you have your heart set on getting this adorable ball of fluff, make sure to budget accordingly. Cuteness comes at a cost.

One-Of-A-Kind

Not only are they expensive to buy first-hand, but think about the upkeep! Considering the size of the cats, we can only imagine the appetite they work up - and of course, they're growing and need to be fueled. These cats deserve the best, they are like Kings. So, it's only the most prestige cans of cat food at feeding time for Kefir.

Despite him wanting the best food, he needs large quantities of it. If Coons are within one's budget, then it's a green light to buy the large cat. These extra-big, fluffy cats make great companions for the whole crew, as well as being gentle giants, perfect for children. They're pricey, though, just do the research.

Weighing In

Despite their natural growth, people remain confused over the cat's extraordinary size. Forget tiny cats, it's Maine Coons all the way. We can never look at a tiny kitten the same way again! While with size comes weight, their chunky bodies allow them to weigh more on the heavier side.

However, to our surprise, despite their gigantic size and fluffy tails, these feline giants vary in size depending on gender. While male coons weigh around 13-18 pounds, females come at 8-12 pounds. So, when it comes to scooping up the snuggly pal, knowing the gender comes in handy if your upper body strength isn't at its finest.

Water 'Repellent'

For all those proud Maine Coon owners out there, then it's not new information that these crazy cats love to have a splash around in the water! While they might be weight down by its fur overload, they are still always willing to get in the water. These gentle giants love nothing more than jumping in the bath and splashing around.

Like most pets, bath time is never an easy time to come around. It's always a hassle, however, not for these feline owners! Alongside their calming personality, an additional benefit is that bath time is never an issue. Plus, their lush coats repel moisture, so they stay smelly-free all day long. These pets are the puurr-fect pal.

How Many Toes?

While there are many benefits to these kittens, they seem to be selling themselves. From their extra fluffy structure to their soothing personality, they're a shoo-in for the perfect pet. More importantly, they have some rather unusual features. It turns out these cats are polydactyls, meaning they have a few bone abnormalities.

It's in no way a disadvantage, just an extra cool feature. These cats have 6 toes! Just check their paws and see for yourself. The Maine Coon is known for having an extra 'thumb.' Becoming face-to-paw with this situation can be striking. Especially when it comes to playtime.

A Connection to Marie Antoinette

But it seems there is even more history behind this interesting feline. Extraordinary animals usually have a story behind them. Otherwise, they wouldn't be highly magnified in public. Not only are they a crowd favorite, but Maine Coons have become the royal cats of choice, with a history fit for royals.

They are suspected to be descendants of furry friends brought over by Queen Marie Antoinette during the French Revolution or Viking explorers in the 1700s. No one truly knows the exact timeline. However, we do know that these pets went through generations to obtain a range of genes and become house cat royalty.

The Best Winter Companion

Whatever the weather, these Maine Coons are always up for a good time! It doesn't matter if the sun is scorching. However, they are the preferred pet to cozy up with in freezing temperatures! They are destined to keep us warm. No blankets needed. Not to mention, they love the cold themselves!

Accrediting their size and fur quantity, they're master shapeshifters. They are built specifically for cold winters as their bushy tail wraps around their entire build to keep them warm. They are their own personal blankets. They give off major husky vibes, except they are equipped to be house pets! The benefits keep on rolling in.

First-Ever "Best Cat"

Not only do these cats hold significant history, but they are now legendary felines! Considering their range of features and advantages, it is no surprise that Maine Coon cats won the "Best Cat" award at America's first juried cat exhibition. We didn't doubt them for a second.

In 1895, New York City held the first ever recorded juried cat exhibition in Madison Square Garden, a rather extravagant venue to judge a selection of cats. But it was all worth it. An entire stadium was filled with the best felines in the tri-state area, and the claws came out. The coons outshined every other cat in the arena.

Making Global Headlines

Not only were they voted America's first-ever "Best Cat," but now the globe is awarding more press to the kitten by the minute! Maine Coon cats are taking over the world, and we're here for it. On top of being a household favorite in America, they're also hugely popular among fans abroad.

These cats aren't just stealing hearts in the United States but taking their fame across the world. From Europe to Japan and beyond, people can't get enough of their gigantic paws, fluffy fur coats, and friendly personalities. It's no wonder they were ranked as the 3rd most beloved breed Stateside in 2015 by the CFA.

Technicolored Feline

While one might think that all Coons are the color of thick white snow, think again. Once again, cats like Kefir bring us endless surprises. These felines are born and can grow into any color that they are desired to be, and the Cat Franciers' Association (CFA) has named a few of the most recognized coat colors.

The CFA has identified purebreds ranging in colors from smoke, cream, camouflage, mackerel, and even tortoiseshell coloring. Still, the options are unlimited. Who knows which color the cat will end up? These kittens are perfect for adding some colorful furriness into our lives.

Wanted in Hollywood!

From cat lovers to general pet fanatics, Coons aren't just wanted by us regular folks. They are in demand to be on the big screen, and are excellent cast members of Hollywood films. Their striking looks are great additional features for some movie magic! Just because they don't have any lines doesn't mean they don't stand out!

While the breed has won multiple awards based on its loving nature and incredible features, the cat even scored a part in the Harry Potter franchise. Throughout the film series, 3 Maine Coon cats were cast as Mrs. Norris, the pet of Argus Filch, the caretaker. The feline clearly exerted something magical to fit the plot perfectly.

Cloning the Coon

While we thought it wasn't pawsible, the inevitable happened. In a dream world, yes, we probably wish there was a land filled with endless coons. So, to make this dream become a reality, in 2004, the world's first commercially cloned kitty made his debut. His name was Little Nicky.

Little Nicky was a 17-year-old Maine Coon from California. His owner paid a hefty price tag of $50k to match its unique status as one of only 2 cats ever created by cloning. The California-based lab, Genetic Savings & Clone, Inc., took his DNA into an egg cell, and the double coon was delivered by birth!

One for the Books

Their exaggerated features manage to take everyone's breath away. But there's more. They are super long, almost like the cat version of wiener dogs! Their extensive body shape has previously broken a Guinness World Record in the 90s, with Barival from Italy in 2018 measuring up to 3 feet and 11 inches! That's longer than a baseball bat.

Along with their mass of fur, weight, fame, and royal history, Coons have exceeded our expectations. It comes down to survival of the fittest. While Coruroy the coon lived up to 27 years, Rubble from Exeter, England, reached 31. Who knows how long Kefir will live until, but we hope he shines for an eternity...