Cats come in all shapes and sizes, but some breeds are truly larger than life. From the majestic Maine Coon to the muscular Savannah, these colossal felines are not only impressive in stature but also in personality.
Whether you’re fascinated by their towering frames or their gentle, affectionate natures, these 15 largest cat breeds in the world are sure to leave you in awe. Get ready to meet some of the biggest cats on the planet, whose size and charm will blow your mind.
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.
10. Chausie
The Chausie is an exotic and impressive breed that earns its place among the largest domestic cats due to its strong, athletic build and impressive size. These cats are a hybrid breed, typically a cross between a wild jungle cat and a domestic cat, which gives them a wild, sleek appearance.
Adult male Chausies can weigh up to 25 pounds, with females slightly smaller but still weighing between 15 to 20 pounds. Known for their long, muscular bodies and large, expressive eyes, Chausies are active and playful, requiring plenty of space and stimulation.
Their striking size and wild appearance make them stand out as one of the largest and most fascinating cat breeds.
11. Chartreux
The Chartreux is a large, solidly built breed with a muscular frame that makes it one of the biggest cat breeds in the world.
This French breed is known for its dense, blue-gray coat and its charming, gentle nature. Adult Chartreux cats typically weigh between 9 to 15 pounds, with males reaching the larger end of this spectrum.
Their broad, powerful bodies, paired with their short, thick coats, give them an imposing yet graceful presence. Despite their size, Chartreux cats are known for being calm and affectionate, making them excellent companions for families and individuals alike.
Their size, combined with their sweet and loving temperament, earns them a spot on the list of largest domestic cat breeds.
12. Bengal
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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.
13. Ocicat
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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.
14. British Shorthair
British Shorthairs are well-known for their solid, muscular build and round faces. Their origins trace back to the domestic cats of ancient Rome, which gives them a long history and a sturdy frame. Known for their calm demeanor and charming personalities, British Shorthairs are as affectionate as they are powerful.
With their large, thick coats and solid frames, these cats can reach impressive sizes, often weighing between 12 to 20 pounds. Their round faces and stocky builds make them visually striking, especially with their signature dense coats that come in a variety of colors.
British Shorthairs are often referred to as “teddy bears” for their endearing looks, and their gentle nature makes them excellent companions.
15. Tonkinese
Tonkinese cats are known for their muscular, athletic builds and graceful appearance. A blend of Siamese and Burmese breeds, they combine the best traits of both: the playful nature of the Siamese and the relaxed demeanor of the Burmese. Their sleek, medium-sized bodies are built for agility, which gives them an active and lively personality.
These cats can weigh up to 16 pounds, with males typically being larger. Their well-proportioned frames and silky coats come in a variety of stunning colors, adding to their beauty and charm.
Tonkinese cats also have bright, expressive eyes that capture attention with their captivating, almond-shaped gaze.