If you measure about 1/4 of the way down the quilt - 1/2 and then 3/4 - do you come up with the same as the middle measure of 85"?? Second - i am a little confused by your description that the "sides" are 88-89"....But i sure would not try to "ease" 3-4 inches...but that's just me.....a picture might help. PS....love your Maine Coon.