10 Largest Domestic Cat Breeds (Ranked)
Big and cute are words that seem to contradict each other and even defy logic when used together. But, big and cute are the perfect words to describe the large domestic cat breeds. It would take a strong willpower to resist the cute, adorable, and huggable big cats that you wish you can cuddle with forever.
Which are the largest domestic cats? The Guinness World Record holder for the longest cat was actually a Maine Coon called Barivel, and measured an impressive 3ft 11.2in from head to tail tip. That’s longer than a baseball bat or equivalent to seven iPads laid out in a row!
Here is a list of the 10 largest domestic cat breeds that you can choose from.
- #1. Maine Coon (up to 35 lbs)
- #2. Savannah cat (up to 30 lbs)
- #3. Siberian cat (up to 28 lbs)
- #4. Chausie (up to 25 lbs)
- #5. Bengal cat (up to 22 lbs)
- #6. Norwegian Forest Cat (up to 22 lbs)
- #7. Ragdoll (up to 20 lbs)
- #8. Ragamuffin (up to 20 lbs)
- #9. Turkish Van (up to 20 lbs)
- #10. British Shorthair (up to 18 lbs)
10British Shorthair
Weight: up to 18 lbs
The British Shorthair cat has a very easy-going, calm personality. The adult British Shorthair usually weighs between 13 and 18 pounds. This cat is the best pet and companion for a single working individual because British Shorthair does not vie for much attention. You may continue working without worrying about making your cat feel neglected. It is recommended to keep two cats to be each other’s company so you can work continuously. This is especially beneficial to someone working at home. The British Shorthair cats don’t want to get picked up all the time but enjoy petting time.
9Turkish Van
Weight: up to 20 lbs
The Turkish Van cat has a strong and playful personality. The adult Turkish Van cat usually weighs between 10 and 20 pounds. A Turkish Van cat can be very playful sometimes. The Turkish Van may have a strong personality, but it possesses an abnormality in its gene that makes it vulnerable to deafness.
In its home country, Turkish Vans enjoy being treated as some kind of treasure. They are known for their strong, large bodies. Many Turkish Vans have a small, colored marking that can be found in the middle of the shoulder blades. In Turkey, people call it the thumbprint of Allah. The people believed that it is the place that Allah bestowed a blessing on the beast. The people of Turkey consider the Turkish Vans as a national treasure.
8Ragamuffin
Weight: up to 20 lbs
The Ragamuffins are affectionate and friendly. The adult Ragamuffin usually weighs between 10 and 20 pounds. Ragamuffin and Ragdoll cats are closely related and both breeds are two of the largest domestic cat breeds that are good for cuddling. The Ragamuffins’ dense, thick fur and their affectionate and friendly personalities are enough reasons to cuddle them to your heart’s content.
Expect a ragamuffin kitty to follow you wherever you go and be the first to greet you with a cute-sounding meow when you get home. Ragamuffins are outgoing and social. They can get along with all types of humans and pets without trouble. Ragamuffins are intelligent and patient. You will find it easy to teach them a few cool tricks and make you hug them a bit more.
7Ragdoll
Weight: up to 20 lbs
The Ragdoll cats are friendly, lovable, and simply adorable. The adult Ragdoll usually weighs between 10 and 20 pounds. Like its cousin, the Ragamuffin, the Ragdoll is one of those cat breeds that want to lead a laid-back life and plenty of cuddle time.
The Ragdoll is one of the friendliest cat breeds around. It is lovable, low-maintenance, friendly, tolerant, and adorable. They got their name, Ragdoll, due to the fact that they can easily go limp with relaxation once you hug them close to you. They seem like a literal ragdoll in your arms. Spending some time cuddling this large domestic cat is truly worth your while.
6Norwegian Forest Cat
Weight: up to 22 lbs
The Norwegian Forest cat is family-friendly, affectionate, strong, smart, and healthy. The adult Norwegian Forest cat usually weighs between 13 and 22 pounds. It looks like a long-haired, wild barn cat that has a muscular body, yellow eyes, and adorable personality. It was first bred in Norway when the Norwegian breeders crossbred the domestic cats with wild forest cats.
The Norwegian Forest cats became domesticated and proved to be good pets. A Norwegian Forest cat is a loyal pet that will always stay by your side. Its muscular body made it possible for this breed to land a spot as one of the largest domestic cat breeds.
5Bengal cat
Weight: up to 22 lbs
The Bengal cats usually love to climb and play all day and every day. Owners of Bengal cats say that these cats have friendly and loving personality traits. The adult Bengal cat usually weighs between 15 and 22 pounds. You may find it hard to believe that it is a domesticated cat due to its patterned, unique coat that makes it look like it came from a jungle. Bengal cats are people-oriented and can be great pets and companions.
4Chausie
Weight range: up to 25 lbs
Chausie has an exotic look, intelligent, large, and extremely active. The adult Chausie usually weighs between 15 and 25 pounds. Based on history, this cat breed started in ancient Egypt. It has a regal demeanor and a large appearance that tells anyone that it is the one in charge. Chausie is a natural hunter and loves to explore the outdoors.
3Siberian cat
Weight: up to 28 lbs
The Siberian cat is intelligent, sturdy, large, playful, and affectionate. It is a great house pet. The adult Siberian cat usually weighs between 10 and 28 pounds. It comes in various color combinations, including white. It is definitely one of the largest domestic cat breeds that can weigh up to 28 pounds. Despite the large physique, Siberian cats don’t need much care from their owners, and they are extremely playful. Siberians can get along well with other pets in the house as well as young children. Siberians love to explore outside and can do well as family pets.
2Savannah cat
Weight: up to 30 lbs
The Savannah is probably the most photogenic cat today. Looking at it, you will think that it is a cross between a tiger and a leopard. The Savannah is densely muscled, energetic, and intelligent. The adult Savannah usually weighs between 12 and 30 pounds. Many pet cat enthusiasts that are looking for the largest domestic cat breeds choose Savannah due to its leopard-like, wild appearance.
1Maine Coon
Weight: up to 35 lbs
If you're looking for a big cat breed, you'll find everything you want with a Maine Coon. Maine Coon cats are loyal, friendly companions that you can rely on. But, they also want to remain independent at the same time. The adult Maine Coon usually weighs between 11 and 35 pounds.
Maine Coons can maintain the right balance between being loyal to their owners and being independent. They are also called gentle giants due to the affection that they openly show to their owners who they consider as family. Despite the Maine Coons’ affectionate nature, they are also good hunters with high intelligence.
The Bottom Line
There you have it, the 10 largest domestic cat breeds. Take your pick and enjoy the company of your big and cute friend.
Keep in mind that larger cat breeds tend to be better hunters than smaller breeds. If you do keep your large house cat outside, be sure to add bells to their collar to make sure they can’t sneak up on prey.
References
- [1] ^ YouTube: Top 10 Biggest Cat Breeds
- [2] ^ Guinness World Records: A history of big cats as another Maine Coon becomes the world's longest feline
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