Cats are extraordinary creatures! They vary dramatically in size, shape, and color. From ordinary tabbies to award-winning show cats, one thing is for sure: cats make our lives better.
Perhaps you’re thinking of adopting a cat and you have fallen for some of the biggest cat breeds, or maybe you want to explore the topic a bit more. In any case, you’ve chosen the right place to do your research.
First of all, the cat that holds the Guinness World Record in terms of size, is the Maine Coon. That is no surprise, but do you know which other breeds of cat are very large house cats? Let’s check out the most stunning large cat breeds.
The 20 Biggest Cat Breeds
Whether they come from a breeder or from accidental experiments, the following domestic cats have earned their spot on the list of biggest cat breeds thanks to their imposing sizes.
I’ve listed them by size, with the Maine Coon, of course, holding the first place, followed by some amazing alternatives.
The Maine Coon Cat
Believed to have been discovered in North America, in the state of Maine, the Maine Coon is the state’s official cat.
Weighing between 8 to 18 lbs, this largest of the domestic cat breeds with enormous ears and ear tufts is a truly impressive sight. While every cat is unique, Maine coon cats are known for their warmth and patience, which is why it’s often called a gentle giant.
Before getting a Maine coon, make sure you’re prepared to clean and wash them on a regular basis, as well as offer them lots of attention. They are sociable with people and other pets, so they may get lonely if they are left alone for lengthy periods of time.
Savannah Cat
Savannahs are huge cat hybrids produced from servals, which are large African wild cats, and domestic cats, most often Siamese cats. They’re also one of the more recent cat breeds, having only been officially recognized in 2001.
Savannah cats aren’t the only hybrid cat breeds that have a strong wild element, with their looks resembling leopards. However, these wild characteristics might fade with each new generation, resulting in a wide range of different looks and sizes.
In general, these huge cats often weigh between 12 and 25 pounds and grow to reach up to 17 inches tall. Savannahs of later generations are also quite big. In fact, the majority of them still reach almost 20 pounds!
Norwegian Forest Cat
This domestic breed, which originated in Northern Europe (Norway), is adapted to cold climates thanks to its thick wooly coat, which keeps it warm.
While they are already one of the world’s biggest cat breeds, the thick coat adds to their appearance – it can be up to 4 inches thick, which makes the cat look much larger!
Norwegian Forest male Cats may reach up to 16 pounds in weight. They’ve been documented to weigh up to 22 pounds in exceptional situations! That’s a truly remarkable size, given several cat breeds seldom weigh more than 10 pounds.
You might also be interested in: Cat Comparison – Norwegian Forest Cat Vs Maine Coon
Turkish Van
The Turkish Van is an unusual breed that can fit into virtually any household and makes a great pet. It is a curious cat by nature, and known for liking to play with the water dish rather than drink from it.
They’re huge and strong, but they also have a thin, long frame that emphasizes their size.
While the Turkish Van might need a bit longer to achieve full maturity, this allows them plenty of time to grow to the magnificent weight and size that earns them their place among the biggest cat breeds.
These Turkey natives may grow to reach 36 inches in length from snout to tail, making them one of the longest cat breeds there is.
Because Turkish Van kittens may develop to such huge proportions, many veterinarians recommend waiting about one year to neuter them. This is due to the fact that the spay/neuter process might affect their hormones, which can affect how they develop.
Ragdoll Cat
In many aspects, the Ragdoll is a fairly new and unique breed, having been discovered in the 1990s and formally recognized in 2000.
The temperament of this breed inspired its name. Ragdoll cats are affectionate and gentle, and they often curl up in their owner’s arms like a ragdoll. The Ragdoll’s gleaming blue eyes give the cat a striking appearance.
Diet is essential for keeping any cat fit and healthy, and especially with Ragdoll cats. They typically weigh from 10 to 20 lbs, with females being lighter than males.
Ragamuffin Cat
Ragamuffins were not always one of the world’s largest cat breeds. In fact, they weren’t even considered as a breed until the late twentieth century. The Ragamuffin, a Ragdoll variation, is recognized for its huge, fluffy body and laid-back demeanor.
A Ragamuffin usually takes about 5 years to reach maturity, which isn’t unexpected given how huge they can get.
Adult Ragamuffin cats may reach 15 inches in height and weigh 20 pounds. With thick fur like their Ragdoll relatives, these sociable felines look much bigger thanks to their fluff!
Check out: RagaMuffin Vs Ragdoll Cat: May The Best Breed Win!
Siberian Cat
The Siberian cat, like the Norwegian forest cat, is adapted to cold temperatures. Brushing the Siberian’s luscious, triple-layered fur on a daily basis is necessary to minimize excessive shedding, overheating, and dander.
All that grooming will help you bond with your long-haired cat, which is great because the amiable Siberian requires a lot of companionship time.
The skin of the Siberian cat has a unique feature: while there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic cat, the skin of this breed produces less of the dander that triggers allergies in allergy sufferers.
American Bobtail
The first characteristic of an American Bobtail cat is, of course, its tail! They have a lovely short tail that is only a few inches long. Male American Bobtails may grow to be extremely huge, weighing up to 17 lbs and standing roughly 11 inches tall.
These cats also possess large, strong back legs and a keen hunting gaze, which are characteristics reminiscent of a bobcat. Bobtails were only recently recognized as a breed by the International Cat Association in 2002 ,and the Cat Fanciers Association in 2006.
This means that these cats don’t have as long a history as some of the more well-known cats on this list. While not as tall as these other cats, their muscular bodies have earned them their place with the largest domestic cats.
Persian Cat
Persian cats are one of the most well-known and recognizable felines on Earth. After all, few breeds can compete with this glamorous feline! With their long coats and huge heads, it’s not difficult to spot a Persian when you see one, especially given their size.
While Persians are not as enormous as some of the largest domestic cat breeds, such as Savannah cats, they have an outstanding size that has earned them a spot on this list.
Persian cats may grow to reach 15 inches tall, which is close to Norwegian Forest cats and Ragamuffins. Despite their inclination to grow large, their maximum weight averages approximately 12 lbs.
Bengal Cat
Bengals are a popular cat breed. They are a cross between domestic cats, primarily Egyptian Maus, and the Asian leopard cat, a spotted wild cat, which is why they are rather huge in size.
Their wild origins have given them a distinctive appearance, with a diversity of breed marks and a golden shine that adds to their majestic appearance.
Bengals have an impressive size at 10 inches tall and up to 18 inches long, before even considering their maximum weight of 15 pounds. There have been tales of males weighing up to 22 pounds!
This size may fluctuate significantly in later Bengal generations.
See also: Are Bengal Cats Hypoallergenic?
Birman Cat
Birman cats have a mysterious history and origin. They were most likely brought to France from Burma and mated with Siamese cats to generate the characteristic Birman cats we currently know.
They are sociable cats who enjoy interacting and cuddling with all members of the family, including children and other pets as they enjoy receiving attention. Male Birmans may grow to weigh up to 12 lbs.
Chartreux
The origins of Chartreux cats are unknown, but they’re believed to have come from France. These beautiful cats make great family pets.
In terms of devotion, Chartreux cats are comparable to dogs. They form a relationship with one person and follow them about the house. This doesn’t mean they aren’t loving to the rest of the family; they simply favor their chosen individual.
Male Chartreux cats typically weigh up to 16 pounds, although females are typically 9 pounds or less.
British Shorthair Cat
The British Shorthair is a devoted and affectionate cat from the UK. They are one of the oldest breeds in Britain and are said to have started with the arrival of the Romans.
Invading Romans carried their best cats with them to chase mice off their ships, which then populated the island and evolved into the common street cat.
Today, the British Shorthair cat is characterized as a delightful cat companion due to its friendliness and loving nature. They are regarded as highly devoted, and the Shorthair prefers to bond with all members of the family instead of a single person.
Chausie
Chausies were created by combining jungle cats with household cats. As a result, they are also one of the world’s most popular domestic cat breeds.
While several different sources mention Chausies as weighing more than 30 pounds, the truth is that they almost never achieve that weight.
The jungle cats used to produce Chausies, sometimes up to 35 pounds but usually weighed much less. Nowadays, Chausies are smaller since they have been mated with domestic cats, with most males measuring 16 lbs max.
Some Chausies may grow to be larger (some stories describe giant Chausies weighing up to 25 pounds), but as is with many hybrid cats, succeeding generations tend to be smaller.
Check out other fascinating Orange Cat Breeds And Interesting Facts About Them.
Ocicat
If you’re looking for a pet cat with a wild-like appearance, the Ocicat is a good choice. This cat gets its moniker from its resemblance to the ocelot, but don’t worry, they’re fully domestic; the only link is the name.
As they are descended from Siamese cats, they value human attention so highly that they will meow if ignored or neglected. As long as they get adequate playtime and company, they will have a lively and cheery attitude.
When it comes to size, Ocicats may grow to weigh up to 15 pounds.
Scottish Fold
Scottish Fold cats are native to Scotland, and all kittens of this breed can be linked to a farm cat with flat ears that produced a litter of kittens who inherited these unusual folded ears.
As a result of this chance birth abnormality, Scottish Folds became one of the most popular breeds in Europe and the USA. These interesting felines are known to be cheerful and loving in nature.
However, due to genetic defects, Scottish Fold cats can develop arthritis in their tails at a young age. The feline’s uncomfortable condition may make it less affectionate, and it requires immediate veterinary attention.
As far as size is concerned, the male Scottish Fold cat may weigh up to 14 pounds, while females typically weigh up to 10 pounds.
Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex is one of the rare cat breeds with naturally wavy fur. Unlike most other domestic cat breeds, this breed was created at an animal refuge. In 1987, a fluffy Selkirk Rex kitten was found and became the original “mother cat” to all Selkirk Rex offspring.
This big cat is a soft, fluffy bundle of curly fur. They adore their family, children, and visitors! The Selkirk rex cats are not couch potatoes; they enjoy playing games and being active. Selkirk Rex cats may reach a weight of 16 pounds.
Abyssinian Cat
Abyssinians are huge and have a distinctive ticked pattern on their coat. These cats are thin and tall, standing 8 to 10 inches tall, measuring 12 to 16 inches in length, and weighing 8 to 12 lbs.
Abyssinians are intelligent, active, and playful, and they have been known to form profound bonds with their owners, similar to how dogs connect with their owners.
Highlander Cat
The Highlander cat has lovely curled ears, but don’t let their unusual appearance fool you about their size. Highlanders are also known to weigh up to 24 lbs because they are a developing experimental breed.
This muscular breed is a mix between the Desert Lynx and the Jungle Curl, both of which have interesting coat patterns. Females typically weigh 10 to 14 pounds, while males average 15 to 20 pounds.
Pixie-Bob Cat
Pixiebobs typically reach a weight of 14 lbs, but there are records of Pixie Bob cats that weighed over 20 lbs. Pixie Bob cats get along nicely with children and other pets.
Their zest for adventure and eagerness to participate in any game makes them great playmates. Pixie Bobs require special maintenance because of their bobbed tails and thick double coats; owners have to brush them often to keep their coats mat-free.
Final Words
All in all, whether big or small, cats warm our hearts like nothing else.
If you’re thinking of getting a big cat, bear in mind that they might require bigger cat trees or litter boxes, and they might sometimes be more prone to certain health issues than other medium-sized or small cats.
Larger cats naturally require a bit more space than smaller cat breeds, but there’s nothing better than cuddling with a cat, so cuddling a big cat can only mean twice as much fluff to keep us cozy, right?
Hopefully, I’ve satisfied your curiosity about the biggest breeds in the cat world with these 20 large breeds of cat.
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