Some folks like big things; big cars, big houses, big cities. If this describes you and you’re a cat lover, then you’re in luck! Some of the biggest around are also the most loving and fun to keep as companions -- take a look at these large domestic cats breeds.
The cats on our list not only have sizable bodies, they’ve also been bred to display unique characteristics, which include companionable personalities, beautiful coat colors and styles, and distinctive facial and body features.
The Maine Coon, also known as the American Longhair, has origins (as their name suggests) in the state of Maine. This cat is one of the oldest breeds in America, and certainly one of the largest. Males can weigh up to 25 pounds. Their long, luxurious coat, gentle disposition, and above average intelligence make the Maine Coon a very popular breed.
Some believe that the Norwegian Forest Cat’s ancestors were brought to Norway, their home country, by Vikings around 1000 AD. True or not, this cat is a Viking at heart. They’re hearty enough to thrive even in very cold climates because of their long outer coat and wooly undercoat. Like the Maine Coon, the Norwegian is stocky and powerful and very friendly with their human family.
This blue-eyed beauty of a cat gets their name from the fact that they become relaxed and limp like a rag doll when you attempt to pick it up. The Ragdoll is an American cat of recent origins, first bred in the 1960s from a mix of Persian and Birman cats. The cat is large, with females often approaching 15 pounds, and has an extremely plush, soft coat. Given this and their docile nature, these pets are excellent lap cats.
As their name would suggest, the Siberian cat hails from Russia, where the cat has been known for centuries. Given their soft, luxurious coat that many people believe is hypoallergenic, it seems odd that the breed only appeared in the U.S. as late as the 1990s. Of course, the Siberian is now gaining in popularity worldwide.
The American Bobtail is not the largest of the large cats, but they are larger than your standard housecat. The larger males can weigh up to 16 lbs. The American Bobtail has a distinctive bobbed tail, as their name implies. The bobbed gene in this breed is recessive, so if you decide to mate your bobtail, the little ones may or may not have the feature the breed is known for -- the short tail. American Bobtails are pleasant companions, and are known to get along well with children and other house pets.
Savannah
We’ve saved this cat for last, because among the biggest of the domestics, this breed is tops. The Savannah—a mixed breed between a domestic cat and the wild African Serval—can weigh in at 20 pounds or more! The cat’s Cheetah-like spots and tall pointed ears also make the Savannah one of the most distinctive of all domestic cat breeds. These cats are often compared to dogs because of their loyalty and because they can be quite shy around strangers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest breed of domestic cat?
The Maine Coon is often considered the largest breed of domestic cat. Renowned for their impressive size and friendly personalities, these felines are frequently cited as the biggest cat breed. However, the Savannah cat, another contender among the large cat breeds, can also be quite substantial in size. Both the Maine Coon and Savannah cats are celebrated as the largest domestic cat breeds, making them popular choices for those seeking the biggest cats as pets. When discussing large breeds of domestic cats, these two are consistently at the top of the list for their remarkable size and presence.
What is the largest cat you can legally own?
The largest cat you can legally own is typically a fully domesticated cat, such as the Maine Coon, Siberian, or Ragdoll. These big house cats are among the largest domestic cat species. The Savannah cat, while also one of the big domestic cats, is a hybrid between a domestic cat and a wild cat, which differentiates it from other large cat breeds like the Maine Coon and Siberian. If you're looking for a big domestic cat or a large cat breed that is purely a house cat, the Maine Coon, Siberian, and Ragdoll are excellent choices. Unlike the Savannah cat, these big domestic cats are fully domesticated cats and make for wonderful pets.
What cat is bigger than a Maine Coon?
When considering large cat breeds, the Savannah cat stands out as a breed that is typically bigger than a Maine Coon. The Savannah cat, known for its size and wild appearance, is one of the largest domestic cat breeds, often surpassing the Maine Coon in size. The Savannah cat and the Siberian are among the big cat breeds that cat enthusiasts admire for their size and majestic presence. While the Maine Coon is often recognized as one of the biggest cats, the Savannah cat frequently takes the title of the largest domestic cat breed due to its impressive stature and height.
What's the best big cat to have as a pet?
Known as "gentle giants," Maine Coons are friendly, sociable, and affectionate, making them ideal companions. They are great with children and other pets, exhibiting a playful yet gentle demeanor. While they have long fur that requires moderate grooming, their overall care needs are manageable. Savannah cats are a hybrid between a domestic cat and a serval. They are known for their striking appearance, large size, and high energy levels. Savannah cats are active and playful, requiring a lot of interaction and stimulation.
Ragamuffin cats are known for their sweet, docile nature and plush, soft coats. They are excellent family companions, often getting along well with children and other pets. Ragamuffins also enjoy being held and cuddled. Norwegian Forest cats are large, sturdy, and have a thick, water-resistant coat. They are friendly, independent, and enjoy the outdoors. These cats are good with families and can adapt to various environments.
Siberian cats are another large, robust breed with a luxurious triple coat. They are known for their friendly and playful nature and hypoallergenic qualities. Siberian cats are excellent with children and other pets.
Turkish Vans (or Turkish Van cats) are unique with their love for water and striking appearance. They are energetic, intelligent, and social, often forming strong bonds with their family members. British Shorthairs are known for their calm demeanor, round faces, and dense coats. They are easygoing, affectionate, and good with children and other pets. Selkirk Rex cats have a distinctive curly coat and a relaxed, affectionate nature. They are friendly, playful, and adaptable, making them great pets for families of all sizes. Selkirk Rex cats enjoy being around people and can be very sociable.
More on Cat Breeds
Where Cat Breeds Come From - Infographic
The History of Cats
Wild Cat Breeds for Adventurous Cat Parents
What To Do About Cat Hiccups
How To Treat A Cat's Wound
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