Few things in life are as adorable as a kitten, but did you know that some domesticated cats can grow to be quite large? In fact, there are several breeds of cats that can weigh over 20 pounds.
While these large cats may not be suitable for everyone, they can make great companions for those who have the space to accommodate them.
In this blog post, we will look at 17 of the largest domestic cat breeds in the world.
Top 17 Large Domestic Cat Breeds
Siberian Cat
The Siberian cat is a large, muscular breed that originates from Russia. They are one of the largest breeds of cats and can weigh up to 26 pounds.
Siberian cats have long, thick fur that helps to protect them from the cold weather of their homeland. They also have special pads on their feet that act like built-in snowshoes, further aiding their survival in cold climates. They come in various colors, including brown, black, silver, and white.
In addition to their impressive size and fur, Siberian cats are also known for their loving and affectionate nature. They are pretty vocal and will often meow when they want attention.
Savannah Cat
The Savannah cat is a large and elegant cat breed with a spotted coat.
They are a mix of a domestic cat and an African serval known for their leopard-like markings, colossal size, and long, thin legs.
While they make excellent pets, Savannah cats are not for everyone. They require a lot of space to roam and can be very active, making them unsuitable for small apartments or homes with limited outdoor areas.
Similarly, they are also known for being very vocal. So, it may not be the best choice for those who prefer a quiet environment.
In addition, Savannah cats are notoriously independent and can be challenging to train. However, for those who are willing to provide the necessary care and attention, Savannah cats can make excellent companions.
Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is a large cat breed native to Maine in the United States. They are among the most significant domestic cat breeds, with adults typically weighing between 12 and 25 pounds.
Maine Coons are known for their long, thick fur. It helps to protect them from the cold winters of their homeland. They come in various colors and patterns, including black, brown, silver, and tabby.
Maine Coons are very social animals and enjoy spending time with their human companions. Likewise, they are also known for their friendly dispositions and their capacity for forming strong bonds with their human companions.
Ragdoll
Ragdoll cats are a popular breed known for their laid-back personalities and fluffy, long coats. Initially bred in California in the 1960s, Ragdolls get their name from their habit of going limp when picked up (much like a ragdoll doll).
They have blue eyes and a long, thick coat that comes in various colors and patterns, including Seal Point, Blue Point, Chocolate Point, and Lilac Point.
While they are notoriously relaxed, Ragdolls are also playful and affectionate, making them great companions.
They are relatively large cats, with females averaging around 10 pounds and males around 20 pounds. Thanks to their excellent nature and striking appearance, Ragdolls have become one of the most popular cat breeds in the world.
Ragamuffin
The Ragamuffin is a large, laid-back cat breed with a medium-length plush coat.
They are among the largest domestic cat breeds, with males typically weighing between 12 and 20 pounds and females typically weighing between 12 and 15 pounds.
Ragamuffins are a relatively new breed, having been developed in the early 1990s. The Ragamuffin is a cross between the Ragdoll and the Himalayan breeds. The breed was developed to create a cat with the best qualities of both Ragdolls and Himalayans: a large size, thick fur, and a relaxed personality.
Ragamuffins are affectionate, gentle, and good-natured. They are often described as “dog-like” due to their loyalty and willingness to please their owners. Ragamuffins enjoy being held and cuddled and following their owners around the house. They are also docile and ideal pets for those who prefer a low-key companion.
Turkish Van
The Turkish Van is a special breed of cat prized for its unique appearance and playful personality. As the name suggests, Turkish Vans originated in Turkey, and they are one of the only breeds of cats native to that country.
Turkish Vans are large cats, with males typically weighing between 15 and 20 pounds. They are also distinguished by their striking markings, including a white body with patches of color on the head and tail.
Turkish Vans are very active and playful, and they often enjoy swimming. In fact, the Turkish Van is the only breed of cat known to like water.
Chausie
The Chausie is a tall, elegant cat with a wild appearance. It is a cross between a domestic cat and the Jungle Cat, and it has the strength, agility, and intelligence of its wild ancestor.
It is also characterized by its lynx-like appearance, with pointed ears and tufted cheeks. Their long legs and large feet also distinguish Chausies.
These cats are very active and playful, and they love to climb and explore. They are also brilliant and can be trained to perform tricks. Chausies make excellent pets for families with children and other pets. However, they require more exercise than most domestic cats.
Chartreux
The Chartreux is a domesticated cat characterized by its blue-gray fur and stocky build.
Chartreux cats are native to France, where they were first developed in the 16th century. They are one of the oldest cat breeds in existence, and they were brought to America in the early 1900s.
These cats are medium-sized and have a dense, water-resistant coat ideal for cold weather. They are known for their quiet dispositions and love of human companionship. Chartreux cats make excellent pets for families with children and other pets. They are also relatively low-maintenance, requiring only regular grooming and occasional baths.
Pixiebob
Pixiebob cats are domestic cats known for their striking resemblance to a bobcat. The breed was developed in the 1980s by American breeder Carol Ann Brewer, who set out to create a cat that looked like the mythical “pixie-bob” – a cross between a domestic cat and a Pixie.
The result was a stunning cat with a round head, large ears, and stripped legs and tail. Although Pixiebobs are not related to bobcats, they share many of the same physical characteristics. They are also known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, making them popular pets.
British Shorthair
The British Shorthair is a domesticated cat characterized by its blue-gray fur and stocky build.
Often described as a “teddy bear” cat, the British Shorthair is known for being gentle and even-tempered. Originally from Great Britain, the British Shorthair was brought to America in the early 1900s.
Today, it is one of the most popular cat breeds globally. British Shorthairs are typically very loving and affectionate cats, making them ideal pets for families.
They are also relatively low-maintenance cats, requiring only basic grooming and occasional vet check-ups.
Bengal
The Bengal is a domestic cat breed developed to look like exotic jungle cats such as leopards, ocelots, and margays. They are the result of crossing a domestic cat with an Asian leopard cat. Bengal cats were first developed in the United States in the early 1960s.
Although they are still relatively rare, Bengals are becoming increasingly popular as pets, particularly in the United States.
Bengals are relatively large cats, with males typically weighing between 15 and 20 pounds. They are also distinguished by their short, dense fur, which is often brown or black with spots of orange or gold.
Bengals are known for being very active and playful, and they often enjoy climbing and swimming. They are also very intelligent and can be trained to perform tricks.
Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a large, powerful breed. They have a thick coat of fur that helps to protect it from the cold weather of its native Scandinavia.
Norwegian Forest cats are very independent and have a reputation for being aloof with strangers. However, they are very affectionate with their family and friends, and they make excellent companion animals.
Norwegian Forest cats are also known for their hunting ability. They have been used to control rodents and rabbits in Norway for centuries. Today, Norwegian Forest cats are popular pets worldwide, and their unique appearance and personalities make them one of the most popular breeds of cats.
Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex is a domestic cat developed in the United States in the late 20th century. It is characterized by its curly coat, resulting from a natural mutation.
The Selkirk Rex is a cross between a British Shorthair and a Persian, and it is distinguished by its thick, dense coat and compact body.
Selkirk Rex cats are very affectionate and social animals, and they love to be around people. Their curly fur does not require special grooming, and they are not prone to shedding.
American Bobtail
The American Bobtail is a medium to large size cat. It is a muscular cat with a short tail. The tail is about one-third to one-half the size of an ordinary cat’s tail.
The ears are large and upright. The eyes are almond-shaped and can be either green, gold, or yellow. Its coat is short to medium in length and can be any color or pattern. The American Bobtail is a friendly and outgoing cat.
It is also an active cat that enjoys playing and climbing. It is an intelligent cat that can be trained to do tricks. The American Bobtail is suitable for families with children and other pets.
Siamese
The Siamese is a domestic cat characterized by blue eyes and seal point coloration. These cats are native to Thailand, where they were first developed in the 19th century.
Siamese cats are very social animals, and they love to be around people. They are also very vocal, and they will often “talk” to their owners using a high-pitched voice. Siamese cats make excellent pets for families with children and other pets. However, they require more care and attention than most domestic cats.
Persian
The Persian cat is a glamorous long-haired breed that originated in Iran. The Persian is one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. They are known for their sweet dispositions and loving nature.
The Persian has a wide variety of coat colors and patterns. The most common coat colors are black, blue, cream, white, and red. They can also have tabby markings or be bi-colored.
The Persian is a medium to a large-sized cat with a long body and short legs. They have round heads with large eyes. Their ears are small and set far apart. They have a long, thick coat that requires regular grooming.
Persians are gentle, affectionate cats that enjoy the company of their humans. They are not particularly active, but they do enjoy playing with toys. They are relatively easy to train and make excellent house pets.
Manx
The Manx is a tailless domesticated cat originating from the Isle of Man. This anatomical feature is caused by a naturally occurring mutation.
Thought to bring good luck, the Manx has been popular on the Isle of Man for centuries. Later it was introduced to the British Isles in the 19th century.
Today, the breed is recognized by all major cat fancy organizations. Now, it is one of the most famous cats in Britain and North America. Known for their outgoing and cheerful personality, Manx are intelligent and playful cats that enjoy being part of the family.
They are also relatively easy to care for, requiring only regular grooming and vaccinations.
Characteristics of Large domestic cats
Consider a few things if you’re thinking about getting a large domestic cat, such as a Maine Coon or a Savannah. Here are some key characteristics:
Size
Large domestic cats can weigh anywhere from 15 to 25 pounds, with some Maine Coons exceeding 30 pounds. They’re significantly more significant than the average house cat, typically weighing around eight pounds.
Coat
Most large domestic cats have long coats that require regular grooming. Maine Coons and Savannahs, in particular, are known for their luxurious coats. Be prepared to invest in a good pet brush and spend some time brushing your cat’s fur each week.
Activity level
Many large domestic cats are relatively active and playful, especially when they’re young. They enjoy climbing, chasing toys, and leaping around. While they’re not as active as some small breeds of cats, they still need plenty of exercise and stimulation to stay healthy and happy.
Diet
Large domestic cats typically eat more than their smaller counterparts. They may need up to twice as much food. So, be prepared to budget for a higher quality cat food.
Benefits of adopting larger cat breeds
Many people think that only small cats make good indoor pets, but that’s not necessarily true. There are several benefits to adopting larger cat breeds. They are:
- Tend to live longer than small breeds so that you can enjoy their company for a longer period.
- Usually very affectionate and social animals that enjoy being around people.
- Relatively easy to care for, requiring only regular grooming and vaccinations.
- Active and playful, making great pets for families with children.
Caring for your large domestic cat
Once you’ve welcomed a sizeable domestic cat into your home, there are a few things you’ll need to do to make sure they’re comfortable and healthy. Here are some tips:
- Provide them with plenty of space to roam and explore. Large cats need plenty of room to move around, so consider getting a large cat tree or investing in wall-mounted shelves.
- Keep their coat well-groomed. Regular brushing will help reduce shedding and keep their fur looking its best.
- Make sure they have plenty of toys and playtime. Large domestic cats need to stay active, providing them with plenty of opportunities to run, jump and play.
- Feed them a high-quality diet. Large cats need a high protein and fat diet to help them maintain their energy levels. Look for cat food that’s specifically formulated for large breeds.
Conclusion
Whether you’re considering a Maine Coon or a Savannah, there are many benefits to adopting a large domestic cat. They make great pets for families with children and can provide years of companionship. Just give them plenty of space to roam and play, and keep their coat well-groomed. Your large domestic cat will be a happy and healthy family member with proper care.
Do you have any experience with large domestic cats? Share your stories in the comments!
