World's longest cat dies

Stewie was surrounded by family when he succumbed to a yearlong battle with cancer on Monday evening at his Reno home, owner Robin Hendrickson said. He was 8.

Guinness World Records declared Stewie the record-holder in August 2010, measuring 48.5 inches from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail.

Hundreds of fans have flooded Stewie's Facebook site with memories and condolences. The Maine Coon cat was a certified therapy animal that frequently visited a Reno senior centre and helped promote animal welfare awareness with the Nevada Humane Society.

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

Stewie's full name was Mymains Stewart Gilligan. Hendrickson bought him from a breeder in Hermiston, Oregon, in 2005. Last month, he attended the International Cat Show in Portland, Oregon