Top 10 Largest Domestic Cat Breeds

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

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Romario Roges/Pexels

Cats may be known for their grace and agility, but some breeds stand out for their impressive size, combining their majestic appearance with charming personalities. Whether it’s the regal Maine Coon or the exotic Savannah, these breeds captivate pet lovers worldwide. Let’s explore the top 10 largest domestic cat breeds!

1. Bengal

A bengal cat playing with water
Helena Jankovičová Kováčová/Pexels

Bengal cats are a captivating mix of wild beauty and domestic charm. Renowned for their sleek, muscular physique, they typically weigh between 8 to 15 pounds, with males often larger. Their distinctive spotted or marbled coats, reminiscent of a leopard, reflect their lineage to the Asian leopard cat. Although they possess wild looks, Bengals are friendly, affectionate, and playful cats. These energetic cats delight in climbing, exploring, and interacting with their owners. Their intelligence and curiosity make them wonderful companions, seamlessly blending adventure and loyalty.

2. Bobtail Cat

Kurilian Bobtail cat in snow
lindarczyk/PixaBay

Bobtail cats, known for their distinctive short tails, are a fascinating large domestic cat breed. Among them, the American Bobtail and Kurilian Bobtail stand out for their size and unique features. The American Bobtail, often compared to wild bobcats, boasts a muscular build, shaggy coat, and a tail that is typically one-third the length of a normal cat’s. These cats are affectionate, intelligent, and playful. The Kurilian Bobtail, originating from Russia’s Kuril Islands, is similarly robust with a pom-pom-shaped tail and a water-resistant coat, making them resilient and friendly companions.

3. Ragdoll

ragdolll
karolina-grabowska/pexels

The Ragdoll is a large cat breed, possessing a calm demeanor and striking looks. These cats can weigh up to 20 pounds, with a muscular body and long, silky coats which require frequent grooming. They are often described as “puppy-like” because of their easy-going nature, and closeness with their human owners. They also bond well with children and other pets due to their friendly and relaxed nature. Their calm and relaxed personality makes them suitable for those seeking a relaxed and loving feline.

4. Siberian

Siberian cat
tatianadm/pixabay

The Siberian cat is a majestic breed hailing from the frosty forests of Russia. Known for their dense, water-resistant triple coat, these cats weigh between 12 to 17 pounds, with some males being heavier. Despite their size, they are skillful jumpers and love to explore. They are affectionate, intelligent, and deeply loyal to their families, often following their owners around the house. Siberians are also hypoallergenic, making them popular amongst allergy-sensitive cat enthusiasts. With their hearty build and endearing personality, they are both striking companions and loving family members.

5. Norwegian Forest Cat

Norwegian Forest Cat
Denitsa kireva/pexels

The Norwegian Forest Cat is a furry and large breed, hailing from Norway. It boasts a thick, water-resistant coat, with a long muscular body, which helps it to survive in harsh climates, especially in snowy winters. These cats can weigh up to 16 pounds. Norwegian Forest Cats get along well with humans due to their playful and affectionate personality. Their friendly nature helps them bond well with children and fellow pets. Moreover, their thick fur requires regular grooming which can be tedious at times.

6. Ragamuffin

Ragamuffin
Poki/Instagram

Ragamuffins are large cats known for their affectionate behavior and plush, semi-long coats. Weighing between 10 to 20 pounds, they are similar in size to Ragdolls, with males being the larger of the breed. Their soft, velvety fur comes in various colors and patterns, adding to their charm. Ragamuffins are incredibly gentle and enjoy being held, often seeking out their human companions for cuddles. Their calm and social personalities make them great family pets, as they form strong bonds with their owners and get along well with children and other animals.

7. Maine Coon

White Maine Coon
Kanashi/Pixabay

The Maine Coon is one of the largest and most popular domestic cat breeds, often referred to as the “gentle giant” due to its large size and friendly nature. Males typically weigh between 13 to 18 pounds, with some even exceeding 20 pounds. Their long, thick coats, tufted ears, and muscular bodies help them survive in harsh winters. Although they may possess wild looks, they get along well with children and other pets due to their calm personality. Their social nature helps them interact and bond with their human families.

8. Savannah

Savannah Cat closeup
Jason Douglas/Wikimedia

Savannah cats are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, known for their exotic and wild looks. They are a hybrid breed, a cross between a serval (a wild African cat) and a domestic cat, which contributes to their impressive size and wild look. They weigh between 12 to 25 pounds, with long legs, large ears, and a distinctive spotted coat. Highly energetic and intelligent, they need plenty of space and mental stimulation. These cats form strong bonds with their owners, making them affectionate companions for experienced pet owners

9. Chausie

Chausie Cat
krayout/123rf

Chausie cats are a large cat breed that results from the cross between a wild jungle cat and a domestic cat. They are known for their tall, muscular build, weighing between 15 to 25 pounds, and their striking appearance, including long legs and a sleek, wild look. Chausies are energetic, playful, and highly intelligent, requiring an active environment and plenty of stimulation. They bond well with their human owners because of their friendly nature. However, due to their prey drive, they may not be suitable for homes with small pets.

10. Turkish Van

A Turkish Van Cat
Simona Marinkova/Unsplash

The Turkish Van is a strikingly beautiful and large domestic cat, known for its semi-long coat and distinctive color pattern, with white fur and colored patches on the head and tail. Weighing between 10 to 20 pounds, Turkish Vans are playful, active, and enjoy being around water. They are often described as “swimming cats” because of their love for water, which is a rare trait in most felines. This breed is intelligent, affectionate, and loyal, forming strong bonds with its owners. Their furry, water-resistant coat requires regular grooming, making them high-maintenance pets.

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