Cats are beloved pets, and for those who want a big cat without going full tiger, there are plenty of large domestic cat breeds to choose from. From the exotic-looking Bengal, Savannah, and Chausie to the fluffy Norwegian Forest Cat and the gentle giants of the Maine Coon breed, these big cats bring plenty of joy and have larger-than-life personalities to match their size. Many of these large breeds are also great with children and make excellent family pets. So, if you're looking for a furry friend with a big presence, these large domestic cat breeds might just be what you're looking for.
What You'll Learn
Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is a large and rugged cat breed native to the U.S. state of Maine, where it is the official state cat. It is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America and the largest of all pedigreed cats, weighing up to 20 pounds and measuring up to 40 inches in length. Maine Coons are often referred to as "the gentle giant" due to their size and friendly temperament. They are known for their dense, water-resistant coats, which can be various colours and patterns, and their large, well-tufted paws that are well-suited for navigating snow. The breed is also characterised by their rectangular body shape, muscular build, and expressive eyes that can be shades of green, gold, green-gold, or copper.
The Maine Coon's lineage is surrounded by mystery, with several folk tales and myths attempting to explain its origin. One myth claims that the breed is a hybrid between a cat and a raccoon or bobcat, hence the name "Coon". Another story involves Marie Antoinette, who allegedly attempted to escape France with the help of Captain Samuel Clough. Her six Turkish Angora or Siberian cats safely reached the shore of Wiscasset, Maine, where they bred with other short-haired breeds, leading to the development of the Maine Coon.
In terms of grooming, the Maine Coon's thick, luxuriant coat requires minimal maintenance compared to other long-haired breeds. Breeders recommend combing the cat's coat two to three times a week to control shedding and prevent hairballs. While regular bathing is not necessary, an occasional bath can enhance the coat's natural beauty.
The Maine Coon is a popular breed, frequently appearing in cat shows and ranking highly in registrations by organisations like the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA). In 2020, the Maine Coon became the third most popular pedigree cat breed in the world.
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Savannah
The Savannah cat is a breed of hybrid cat developed in the late 20th century by crossing a serval with a domestic cat. This hybridisation typically produces large and lean offspring, with the serval's characteristic large ears and brown-spotted coats.
The first Savannah cat was bred in 1986 by Judee Frank, who crossbred a male serval with a Siamese domestic cat. This produced a female Savannah cat, who was then bred with a Turkish Angora male. In 1996, Patrick Kelley and Joyce Sroufe wrote the original version of the Savannah breed standard, and in 2001, The International Cat Association (TICA) accepted it as a new registered breed.
The Savannah cat's tall and slim build gives it the appearance of greater size than its actual weight. Size is very dependent on generation and sex, with early generations (F1 and F2) usually the largest due to the stronger genetic influence of the African serval ancestor. F1 and F2 male Savannahs can be very large, and in 2016 an F2 male attained a world record for tallest cat at 48.4 centimetres (19.1 inches). Later-generation Savannahs are comparable in size to other large domestic cat breeds, such as the Maine Coon or Norwegian Forest Cat.
The Savannah cat's appearance is influenced by specific serval characteristics, including distinctive colour markings, large and erect ears, long bodies and legs, wide noses, and hooded eyes. Their coats should have a spotted pattern, with colours including brown, silver, black, and smoke.
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Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a breed of domestic cat originating in Northern Europe. With a long, dense coat, these cats are well-adapted to cold climates. The breed's ancestors may have included short-haired cats brought to Norway by the Vikings around AD 1000, and long-haired cats brought by Crusaders in the 14th century.
These cats are known for their friendly, intelligent, and independent nature. They are moderately active and can be playful, making them great companions for families with children. They are also good with dogs and other cats. Norwegian Forest Cats are curious and can be vocal, producing a range of high-pitched "chirping" sounds.
In terms of care, their coats require weekly brushing, and more frequent brushing during the spring moulting season. Bathing every few months, trimming nails, and checking ears weekly are also recommended. Norwegian Forest Cats are prone to certain health issues, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, and glycogen storage disease type IV.
Overall, the Norwegian Forest Cat is a striking and unique breed, known for its large size, thick coat, and friendly personality.
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Ragdoll
Female Ragdolls typically weigh between 8 to 15 pounds, while males are significantly larger, ranging from 12 to 20 pounds or more. It can take up to four years for a Ragdoll to reach mature size. They have a sturdy body, bulky frame, and proportionate legs. Their heads are broad with a flat top and wide space between the ears. They have long, muscular bodies with broad chests and short necks. Their tails are long and bushy, and their paws are large, round, and tufted.
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Siberian
The Siberian cat, or Siberian Forest Cat, is a centuries-old breed of domestic cat that originated in Russia. They are known for their affectionate, playful, and energetic personalities. Siberians are highly intelligent and can be trained to play fetch. They are also very social and enjoy being involved in all household activities.
The Siberian cat's coat is semi-longhaired or longhaired, with three distinct layers: a shorter, dense undercoat of downy hair; a layer of slightly longer "awn hair" in the middle; and a longer outer coat layer of "guard hair" that is water-repellent. The coat can vary in texture from coarse to soft. All colours and patterns are accepted, and the most common colour is black (brown) mackerel tabby.
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Frequently asked questions
The largest domestic cat breed is the Maine Coon, which can weigh up to 20 pounds and measure up to 40 inches in length.
Yes, some other large domestic cat breeds include the Norwegian Forest Cat, Ragdoll, Siberian, and British Shorthair.
The tallest domestic cat breed is the Savannah, with individuals standing up to 17.1 inches tall.
The Bengal cat breed, which is descended from the Asian Leopard Cat, can weigh up to 18 pounds and is known for its athletic body and unique coat pattern.
Large domestic cats typically weigh between 10 and 25 pounds, with some individuals exceeding this range.