When you picture a cat, you might think of smaller breeds like the agile Abyssinian or the sleek Siamese. However, the feline world is also home to magnificent, larger cat breeds that offer just as much affection and companionship. These gentle giants often possess personalities as grand as their size, sometimes even rivaling those of large dog breeds! Whether you’re considering adding a feline to your family or simply admire impressive felines, explore these 10 remarkable large cat breeds that are sure to capture your heart.
1. Bengal: The Wild-Looking House Cat
The Bengal cat immediately grabs attention with its striking, athletic build reminiscent of a Bengal tiger. Despite their wild appearance, Bengals are known for their friendly and loyal nature, making them wonderful family pets. These energetic cats are natural climbers and thrive on interactive playtime. Their coats are incredibly diverse, ranging from brown to sepia tones, and feature distinctive marbled or spotted patterns that highlight their exotic charm.
Weight: 8–18 pounds
Height: 8–16 inches
2. Ocicat: The Spotted Domestic Look-Alike
Continuing the theme of exotic-looking felines, the Ocicat bears a striking resemblance to its wild counterpart, the ocelot. Both share a lean, muscular physique and boast beautiful spotted coats that evoke images of the jungle. However, the Ocicat is purely domestic, bred to be a loving house companion. They are among the most trainable cat breeds, eagerly participating in playtime and interactive games. Interestingly, many Ocicats enjoy water, which can simplify bath time!
Weight: 9–15 pounds
Height: 9–11 inches
RELATED: Cats and Water: The Mysterious Relationship Explained
3. American Bobtail: The Sturdy and Sweet Companion
Don’t let the name fool you – the American Bobtail, with its distinctive short tail and sturdy body, is indeed a large cat breed. These muscular felines can reach up to 20 pounds. Their build is characterized by long hind legs that provide balance to their stocky frame. They possess a shaggy coat that comes in a vast array of colors and patterns. Beyond their physical attributes, American Bobtails are known for their gentle and comforting nature, especially with children. Their temperament often leads to their use as therapy cats, as recognized by ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, highlighting their gentle giant status.
Weight: 14–20 pounds
Height: 9–10 inches
4. Maine Coon: America’s Native Gentle Giant
The Maine Coon, with its impressive size and bushy tail, is often mistaken for a cat-raccoon hybrid. While this isn’t the case, their origins are quite fascinating. As the oldest cat breed native to America, it’s believed Maine Coons descended from long-haired cats that arrived with Vikings and subsequently interbred with local short-haired cats, according to Rover. Regardless of their exact history, Maine Coons are celebrated for their affectionate and laid-back personalities, thriving in family environments. Their thick double coat, a hallmark of the breed, requires regular brushing, making a cat grooming glove a must-have for owners.
Weight: 10–20 pounds
Height: 10–16 inches
5. Selkirk Rex: The Curly-Coated Cuddler
The Selkirk Rex stands out with its unique, plush-like coat of curly hair, giving them the appearance of oversized, cuddly toys. This comforting appearance is matched by their equally comforting personality. Selkirk Rex cats are known for their love of cuddling, their playful and slightly goofy demeanor, and their deep affection for their human families. Notably, Selkirk Rex cats typically get along well with dogs, making them excellent additions to multi-pet households where canine companionship is desired.
Weight: 10–16 pounds
Height: 9–11 inches
6. Savannah: The Leopard-Like Leashed Walker
Evoking the image of a miniature leopard, the Savannah cat is a striking large domestic cat breed. Their wild appearance comes from their heritage as a crossbreed between a domestic cat and a serval, a wild cat native to sub-Saharan Africa. Despite this exotic ancestry, Savannahs are known to be friendly and outgoing cats who even enjoy walks on a leash, adapting surprisingly well to domestic life. Their coats are low-shedding and can present in solid colors or tabby patterns. However, their hunting instincts remain strong, so caution is advised in homes with smaller pets.
Weight: 12–25 pounds
Height: 10–17 inches
7. Ragdoll: The Relaxed and Sociable “Puppy Cat”
The Ragdoll isn’t just one of the largest domestic cat breeds; they are also renowned for being among the most sociable. Affectionately nicknamed “puppy cats,” Ragdolls crave attention and thrive on interaction with their owners. Their gentle and easygoing nature makes them ideal companions, and many Ragdolls even enjoy being carried around. Ragdoll coats are found in a stunning array of colors, including chocolate, lilac, blue cream, and seal. A signature feature of the breed is their captivating blue eyes, present in nearly all Ragdolls.
Weight: 10–20 pounds
Height: 9–11 inches
8. Siberian: The Hypoallergenic Russian Beauty
For centuries, the Siberian cat has charmed people with its elegant presence. While they only arrived in the United States in 1990, their Russian lineage stretches back over 1,000 years, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. Siberians are known for their intelligence and composed temperament, making them highly trainable. 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. Siberian cats exhibit a wide variety of colors, from reds to blues.
Weight: 10–15 pounds
Height: 10–12 inches
9. Norwegian Forest Cat: The Mythical Climber
With their long, flowing coat and muscular build, the Norwegian Forest Cat seems to step straight out of Norse mythology. Their thick, water-resistant double coat evolved to protect their ancestors from harsh Scandinavian winters, contributing to their impressive size. Today, these large house cats captivate with piercing green or yellow eyes and display a friendly, playful, and sweet disposition. Norwegian Forest Cats have a natural love for climbing, so providing ample vertical space for exploration is crucial.
Weight: 12–20 pounds
Height: 9–12 inches
10. Turkish Van: The Aquatic Athlete
Encountering a Turkish Van is a special occasion, as their striking cloud-like physique is truly memorable. Despite their popularity in Turkey, they remain relatively rare in the United States. Easily identified by their predominantly white body with colored markings on the head and tail, Turkish Vans are considered the athletes of the cat world, thanks to their natural athleticism and broad shoulders. Adding to their unique traits, Turkish Vans are known to enjoy swimming, making them potential poolside companions!
Weight: 8–18 pounds
Height: 10–14 inches
Embracing the Big Cat Cuddle
Large Domestic Cats bring immense joy to any home. Their warm and affectionate personalities make it easy to bond with them, and their impressive size is sure to impress everyone they meet. Falling in love with these fascinating felines is an effortless experience.
Curious about smaller felines? Explore the charming world of small cat breeds to see the other end of the feline size spectrum.
