When you picture a cat, you might think of a petite and graceful creature, perhaps a nimble Abyssinian or a sleek Siamese. However, the feline world is wonderfully diverse, and it includes some truly impressive, larger breeds that offer just as much, if not more, love and companionship. These “Big House Cats” often possess personalities as grand as their size, sometimes even rivaling those of large dog breeds! Whether you’re considering welcoming a new feline friend into your home or simply admire majestic meowers, explore these 10 remarkable big cat breeds guaranteed to capture your heart.
#1: Bengal
The Bengal cat immediately catches the eye with its wild appearance, reminiscent of a Bengal tiger. This athletic and muscular build suggests a fierce nature, but don’t be deceived! The Bengal is renowned for being an incredibly friendly and loyal big house cat, making them fantastic family pets. They are energetic and playful, thriving on interactive play sessions and their innate love for climbing. Bengal cats boast striking coats in various colors, from brown to sepia, adorned with marbled or spotted patterns that highlight their exotic charm.
Weight: 8–18 pounds
Height: 8–16 inches
#2: Ocicat
Speaking of exotic-looking big house cats, the Ocicat bears a striking resemblance to the ocelot, a wild cat known for its beauty. Both share a lean, muscular physique and a captivating spotted coat that evokes images of the jungle. However, the Ocicat is perfectly adapted for domestic life. This intelligent breed is among the most trainable of cats and thrives on interaction and playtime. Many Ocicats even have an affinity for water, simplifying bath time and adding to their playful nature.
Weight: 9–15 pounds
Height: 9–11 inches
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#3: American Bobtail
The American Bobtail, recognized for its sturdy build and distinctive short tail, might initially seem medium-sized. However, this muscular feline is surprisingly heavy, often weighing up to 20 pounds. Their robust body is balanced by strong, long hind legs and a shaggy coat that comes in a delightful array of colors and patterns. Beyond their impressive size, American Bobtails are known for their gentle and affectionate temperament, especially towards children. Their comforting presence makes them excellent therapy cats, as recognized by ASPCA Pet Health Insurance. They are true gentle giants among big house cats.
Weight: 14–20 pounds
Height: 9–10 inches
#4: Maine Coon
With their imposing size and bushy tail, the Maine Coon is frequently mistaken for a cat-raccoon hybrid. While this is a myth, their origins are indeed fascinating. As the oldest natural cat breed in North America, Maine Coons are believed to have descended from long-haired cats brought to America by Vikings. These seafaring felines may have interbred with local short-haired cats, as suggested by Rover. Regardless of their exact history, Maine Coons are celebrated for their affectionate and laid-back personalities, making them ideal family companions. Their thick double coat, essential for cold climates, requires regular brushing – a cat grooming glove is a must-have tool for Maine Coon owners. This breed is a quintessential example of a lovable big house cat.
Weight: 10–20 pounds
Height: 10–16 inches
#5: Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex stands out with its uniquely curly, plush coat, giving them the appearance of a cuddly, oversized teddy bear. This comforting appearance is matched by their equally comforting personality. The Selkirk Rex is a naturally affectionate big house cat who loves to cuddle and has a playful, slightly goofy side. They thrive on companionship and adore being around their human families. Remarkably, Selkirk Rex cats often get along well with dogs, making them excellent additions to multi-pet households for those seeking a gentle giant.
Weight: 10–16 pounds
Height: 9–11 inches
#6: Savannah
The Savannah cat is a truly striking big house cat, resembling a leopard with its distinctive spotted coat. Adding to their exotic allure, the Savannah is a hybrid breed, a cross between a domestic cat and a serval, a wild African cat. Despite their wild ancestry, Savannahs are known for being friendly and outgoing. They even enjoy leash walking, adapting surprisingly well to domestic life. Their coats, which can be a solid color or tabby patterned, require minimal grooming. However, due to their hunting instincts, it’s important to supervise Savannahs in homes with smaller pets. They are a captivating and energetic example of a big house cat breed.
Weight: 12–25 pounds
Height: 10–17 inches
#7: Ragdoll
The Ragdoll isn’t just one of the biggest house cats; it’s also one of the most sociable. Affectionately nicknamed the “puppy cat,” Ragdolls crave attention and love spending quality time with their owners. They are known for their docile and gentle nature, and many Ragdolls enjoy being carried around like babies, going limp in your arms – hence their name. Ragdolls have beautiful blue eyes and come in a stunning array of coat colors, including chocolate, lilac, blue cream, and seal. Their laid-back personality and striking appearance make them a highly sought-after big house cat breed.
Weight: 10–20 pounds
Height: 9–11 inches
#8: Siberian
The Siberian cat has captivated people for centuries with its elegant charm and impressive size. While relatively new to the United States, arriving in 1990, their Russian lineage stretches back over 1,000 years, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. Siberians are intelligent and trainable, often described as one of the smartest and most composed big house cat breeds. Despite their dense triple coat, they are often considered hypoallergenic because they produce lower levels of Fel d 1, a major cat allergen, as noted by Treehugger. Their coats come in a wide spectrum of colors, from reds to blues, adding to their allure as a magnificent big house cat.
Weight: 10–15 pounds
Height: 10–12 inches
#9: Norwegian Forest Cat
With their long, flowing coat and powerful build, the Norwegian Forest Cat appears to have stepped straight out of Norse mythology. Their thick, water-resistant double coat was essential for survival in harsh Scandinavian winters and contributes to their grand appearance. Today, these impressive big house cats charm their families with piercing green or yellow eyes and a playful, sweet temperament. Norwegian Forest Cats are natural climbers and explorers, so providing them with ample vertical space and opportunities to climb is crucial for their happiness. Their majestic look and affectionate nature make them a truly special big house cat breed.
Weight: 12–20 pounds
Height: 9–12 inches
#10: Turkish Van
Encountering a Turkish Van is a relatively rare treat, especially outside of Turkey, but their striking appearance is unforgettable. Recognizable by their predominantly white body and contrasting dark-colored tail and head, Turkish Vans are considered the athletes of the cat world, thanks to their muscular build and natural athleticism. Interestingly, Turkish Vans are known for their love of water, a trait uncommon in domestic cats. They might just become your favorite poolside companion, adding a playful and unexpected dimension to the world of big house cats.
Weight: 8–18 pounds
Height: 10–14 inches
Embrace the Big Cat Love!
Big house cats bring an abundance of joy and affection into any home. Their warm and friendly personalities make it easy to get your cat to like you, and their impressive size is sure to turn heads and spark conversations. Falling in love with these gentle giants is effortless, and they offer a unique and rewarding pet ownership experience. If you’re looking for a feline companion with a big heart and an even bigger presence, a big house cat might be the perfect addition to your life.
Interested in exploring smaller feline companions? Discover the charm of adorable small cat breeds.
