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.
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.
1. 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.
2. 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!
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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!
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.