So long ... to the world's longest cat

Stewie was the longest cat in the world (AP Photo)

Stewie the world's longest cat has died. Guinness World Records declared Stewie the Cat the record-holder in August 2010, measuring 48.5 inches (123.19 cm) from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail.

Robin Hendrickson, of Nevada in the United States, told KOLO-TV in Reno that Stewie lost his battle with cancer at about 7.30pm Monday. He was eight years old.

Hundreds of fans have flooded Stewie's Facebook site with memories and condolences.

The Maine Coon cat's full name was Mymains Stewart Gilligan. Hendrickson bought him from a breeder in Hermiston, Oregon, in 2005.

The previous record-holder, Leo, owned by Frieda Ireland of Chicago, died several years ago. There's no word yet from Guinness about a new record-holder.

AP