Cats are known for being our cute and cuddly little friends who are always there, whether we are having a hard day or just want some casual cuddles. Most house cats are also known for being extremely small and agile, seemingly fitting into places that seem impossibly claustrophobic. In contrast to the average small cat breed, some extremely impressive large breeds are loved for their strength, elegance, and of course, size.
Biggest Domestic Cat Breeds
These cats are lesser-known, truly hidden gems of the pet world. Let’s take a little time to show them some love and take a look at the 10 largest cat breeds.
Maine Coon
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One of the most well-known big cat breeds is the Maine coon. These big tufts of fur have fearsome faces and wildly tousled hair. They are commonly regarded as the largest cat breed in the world, which is one of the reasons why they are so popular.
Depending on their sex and age, Maine coons can weigh between 8-25 pounds on average, with males typically being larger than females (which is typical in cats). They are extremely intelligent, yet affectionate cats, which makes them a great pet breed. With this, their coat can sometimes be so luxurious and thick that it requires extra care as compared to other cat breeds. For instance, regular brushing and grooming is crucial to prevent matting and other fur problems.
If you have ever had the lucky chance to see a Maine coon, you are sure never to forget it!
Ocicat
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Moving on to a slightly lesser-known breed, Ocicats are a charming addition to this list. They are a short-haired breed, which lends to a more sleek big cat-like appearance. They are also very muscular, with slightly shortened legs that make them look powerful.
Together, their stature, gait, and sleek coat make them appear like giants of the housecat world. They weigh in at around 6-15 pounds on average, which is around 3-5 pounds larger than the average housecat.
Ragamuffin
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As you can probably guess by their adorable name, ragamuffin cats are a well-beloved breed. Cherished for their cuteness, they are astonishingly large cats. Ragamuffins can range from around 10-20 pounds depending on sex, which is fairly large as compared to other breeds.
On top of their weight, they also have a lot of fur, which makes them appear even larger than they actually are. When paired with their sweet eyes and adorable whisker pads, ragamuffins are a truly irresistible breed!
American Bobtail
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If you are looking for the perfect mix of wildcat and tabby cat, the American bobtail is the perfect breed for you. They have a naturally occurring mutation that creates the appearance of a short docked tail, without any invasive surgeries or procedures. They come in almost any color combination imaginable, which gives them a range of different appearances.
American bobtails are extremely affectionate and adaptable, which makes them perfect for big families with kids who have a lot of love to give. They are slightly smaller than the other cats on this list, clocking in at around 7-14 pounds on average, which is just slightly larger than the average tabby. In culmination, their big size, adorable tail, and loving personalities make them a breed to truly adore!
Selkirk Rex
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These cats are a unique addition to the list, known for having some of the most unique hair among housecat breeds. Sometimes called “sheep cats”, they have hair that is somewhat curly and very dense. They can come in both short hair (which tends to look sheep-like) and long hair (which tends to look more tousled and wild).
Selkirk rex cats are a medium-large breed, weighing in at a maximum of around 16 pounds. They are a very social and amicable breed, meaning that they love to spend time around people. With that said, they also don’t like to be left alone for long periods, which can be difficult for some pet owners. They are also mellow and soft, which are great traits to balance out a high-speed household.
Ragdoll
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Ragdoll cats are a breed that lives up to their name, not minding being carried around like a ragdoll by adults and children alike. They are a very relaxed breed, that combines well with a lot of different personalities and lifestyles. In addition to their easy-going nature, they also have a gorgeous gray-white coat that is soft like a bed of clouds! On top of this, their captivating blue eyes are just another feature that is adored by pet owners.
They tend to weigh in at the lower ranges of large cats, and at the upper ranges of middle-sized cats at around 8-20 pounds on average. If you are a part of a family with young kids or general chaos, the large loving energy of a ragdoll cat may be the perfect match for you (pun intended!).
Norwegian Forest Cat
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As you can guess by their name, Norwegian forest cats appear like they just walked in from a nearby forest to settle down as mild-mannered house cats. They have a huge luxurious coat, which fluffs up their appearance. On average, they can range from roughly 8-18 pounds depending on sex, with males typically being bigger than females. They are a slow-maturing breed that can make an excellent choice for a household that loves interaction.
Although they are a loving breed, they are also very intelligent and independent, which means you may not get as many direct cuddles as you would from a “lap” breed. They also require some serious mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, which usually comes in the form of playing, scratching posts, and entertaining toys.
Siberian Cat
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Siberian cats are yet another gorgeous-looking breed, possessing thick manes of luxurious fur.
Like other long-haired cat breeds, their fur can sometimes make them look even bigger than they truly are. Siberian cats are powerfully built, with short, muscular arms and legs that are fit for pouncing. They tend to be closer to the top range of cat weights, coming in at around 15-20 pounds on average.
Bengal
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The Bengal breed has one of the most unique looks among house cats, with sleek fur that has markings reminiscent of a leopard or cheetah. The breed arose from specific mating that included genes from wild cats, which gave rise to the gorgeous body and rosettes in the fur
On average, Bengals can range from 7-15 pounds on average, which is fairly moderate as compared to other cats on this list. They are a truly intelligent and inquisitive breed, which makes them a treat to have as a pet.
Savannah
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Just like the Bengal breed, savannah cats arose from the selective breeding of wildcats (specifically servals) and house cats. Most savannahs range from around 18 to 20 pounds and are extremely tall, which gives them a rather elegant look.
They are one of the more niche breeds on this list and are considered a hidden gem among house cats. If you are looking for a chill and easygoing breed, the savannah may not be the one for you, as the are known to be incredibly active and intelligent, requiring a lot of interaction and care to remain happy and healthy.
