Nicolas the cat likes to tout himself as nothing less than the “biggest British Shorthair in the world.” It’s a bold and big claim, but it’s one that this sterling Minsk-based cat can certainly pull off — at least if the popularity of his Instagram account is anything to go by.

After that big intro then, let’s get you up to speed with Nicolas’s story, with a little help from his owner, Katia.

From fluff-ball roots

Nicolas came into Katia’s life back in 2011. Recounting their meeting, she says he was “one little ball of blue boy fur from a litter that nobody wanted.” She immediately fell in love with him, while being promised that Nicolas would grow a lot. More on that in a minute.

What’s in a name?

According to previously super-secret records, Nicolas is named after Katia’s favorite actor, Nicolas Cage. Rumors that Nicolas will be part of the central plot to National Treasure 3 are completely unfounded.

It’s all in the eyes

When it comes to Nicolas’ personality, his owner describes him as an “undercover human.” Getting specific, she says that he’s “very smart, he talks with his eyes, he’s very independent but at the same time he’s such a momma’s boy.”

Nicolas is also a cuddle enthusiast: “He will come to me with head bumps and show me how much he loves me so I’ll cuddle him or kiss his belly.”

Meet the supporting cast

If you’ve ventured over to Nicolas’s Instagram account, you’ll notice that he’s often snapped alongside another cat. That’s Alex, a refined white-and-gray kitty who Katia calls “Nicolas’ shadow.”

While the two of them have settled on some sort of day-to-day domestic harmony, when it comes to nap time, Nicolas is all about his personal space. Apparently, he sets a 10-minute limit for allowing Alex to snooze alongside him — after which he’s politely asked to leave and find his own spot.

Big-boy toys

Let’s go back to that thing about Nicolas’s size. According to Katia, he currently weighs a whopping 8.5 kilograms (just under 19 pounds). That’s a kilogram down from his old weight. She adds that he’s been told it’s his “perfect weight,” and he’s proud to show off his extra bulk.

Snack time

As befits a boy of his stature, Nicolas has a healthy interest in snacking. While you might catch him scarfing down kitty cookies on his Instagram account, those with keen eyes will also notice how he’s become a master of the ancient art of balancing a treat on his head, as pictured above. Poise, restraint, and focus!

An amazing sight

Katia says that people usually experience some degree of shock when they see her holding Nicolas, on account of his magnitude. This British Shorthair’s heft has also put something of a halt on some of his nap plans: “When he is trying to fit on my lap, most of the time he just falls down because I am too skinny for his big butt!”

Mosey over to Nicolas’s Instagram outpost to get your daily dose of this larger-than-life feline.

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About the author: Phillip Mlynar writes about cats, music, food, and sometimes a mix of all three. He considers himself the world’s foremost expert on rappers’ cats.