When you picture a cat, you might think of a petite and graceful creature. While smaller felines like Siamese and Abyssinians are undeniably popular, the world of domestic cats also boasts some impressively large breeds that offer just as much affection and companionship, if not more! These Big Domestic Cats often possess personalities as grand as their size, rivaling even the most charismatic large dog breeds. Whether you’re actively seeking a larger feline companion or simply captivated by majestic meowers, prepare to be charmed by these ten magnificent breeds that redefine “big kitty” love.
#1: Bengal
The Bengal cat immediately captures attention with its wild appearance, reminiscent of a Bengal tiger’s athletic build and striking coat. However, beneath this exotic façade lies a friendly and exceptionally loyal companion, perfectly suited for family life. Bengals are energetic and playful cats who thrive on activity. They are known for their love of climbing and boundless enthusiasm for interactive playtime. If you’re looking for a cat to engage with and keep you entertained, the Bengal’s playful nature and intelligence make them ideal. Their distinctive coats come in a range of colors, from warm browns to cool sepias, adorned with marbled or spotted patterns that highlight their truly exotic charm.
Weight: 8–18 pounds
Height: 8–16 inches
#2: Ocicat
Continuing the theme of exotic-looking felines, the Ocicat bears a striking resemblance to its wild namesake, the ocelot. Both share a lean, muscular physique and boast beautiful spotted coats that evoke images of jungle habitats. Despite their wildcat looks, Ocicats are thoroughly domestic in temperament. They are known to be among the most trainable cat breeds, eager to learn tricks and respond to commands. This intelligence, combined with their affectionate nature, makes them highly engaging pets who thrive on interaction. Many Ocicats even have an unusual affinity for water, making bath time a surprisingly manageable affair for these jungle-inspired beauties.
Weight: 9–15 pounds
Height: 9–11 inches
#3: American Bobtail
The American Bobtail is instantly recognizable by its distinctive short, stubby tail and sturdy build. While their compact body might initially mislead you, don’t underestimate their size – these muscular felines can weigh up to a surprising 20 pounds. Their robust build is balanced by long, powerful hind legs, contributing to their agility and distinctive gait. American Bobtails are known for their shaggy coats, which come in a diverse array of colors and patterns, adding to their unique appeal. Beyond their physical attributes, they are celebrated for their gentle and comforting nature, particularly with children. Their calm and reassuring presence has led to their frequent use as therapy cats, a testament to their gentle giant status.
Weight: 14–20 pounds
Height: 9–10 inches
#4: Maine Coon
The Maine Coon, with its impressive size and long, flowing tail, often sparks comparisons to a raccoon, though their lineage is purely feline. As the oldest natural cat breed native to North America, the Maine Coon boasts a fascinating history. It’s believed they originated from long-haired cats brought overseas by Vikings, who then interbred with local shorthair cats. Regardless of their exact origins, Maine Coons are renowned for their affectionate and easygoing personalities, making them wonderful family pets. They are known for being gentle giants, playful yet not overly demanding, and adaptable to various home environments. Their luxurious, thick double coat, while beautiful, requires regular brushing to prevent matting, making a grooming glove an essential tool for Maine Coon owners.
Weight: 10–20 pounds
Height: 10–16 inches
#5: Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex is instantly recognizable by its uniquely plush, curly coat, giving them the endearing appearance of oversized, cuddly stuffed animals. Beyond their charming looks, the Selkirk Rex possesses an equally comforting personality, characterized by sweetness and affection. These cats are natural cuddlers, relishing in lap time and enjoying close contact with their human companions. They have a playful and slightly goofy side, adding to their endearing charm. Selkirk Rex cats are also known for their amiable nature with other pets, often getting along well with dogs, making them a wonderful addition to multi-pet households where canine companionship is present.
Weight: 10–16 pounds
Height: 9–11 inches
#6: Savannah
The Savannah cat stands out as a truly striking breed, resembling a miniature leopard with its distinctive spotted coat. Adding to their exotic allure, the Savannah is a hybrid breed, resulting from a cross between a domestic cat and a serval, a wild cat native to sub-Saharan Africa. Despite their wild ancestry, Savannahs are known for being friendly and outgoing cats who often enjoy leash walking and exploring the outdoors, adapting surprisingly well to domestic life. Their coats are typically short and shed minimally, and can feature a single solid color or a tabby pattern. It’s important to note that Savannahs retain a strong hunting instinct and may require careful introduction and supervision in homes with smaller pets.
Weight: 12–25 pounds
Height: 10–17 inches
#7: Ragdoll
The Ragdoll is not only celebrated for being one of the largest domestic cat breeds but also for its exceptionally sociable and gentle temperament. Affectionately nicknamed “puppy cats” due to their dog-like devotion and eagerness to please, Ragdolls thrive on attention and actively seek out interaction with their human families. They are known for their laid-back and docile nature, often going limp when held, hence their name. Many Ragdolls even enjoy being carried around, further reinforcing their puppy-cat persona. Their semi-long coat comes in an astonishing variety of colors and patterns, including chocolate, lilac, blue cream, and seal, and almost all Ragdolls are blessed with captivating blue eyes, adding to their overall enchanting appearance.
Weight: 10–20 pounds
Height: 9–11 inches
#8: Siberian
The Siberian cat has captivated people for centuries with its graceful charm and majestic presence. While they only appeared in the United States in 1990, their Russian heritage stretches back over a thousand years, steeped in folklore and history. Siberians are known for their intelligence and composed demeanor, excelling in cat obedience training and demonstrating a remarkable adaptability. Despite their dense, luxurious triple coat, Siberians are often considered hypoallergenic. This is because they produce lower levels of Fel d 1, a primary cat allergen, making them a potentially suitable breed for individuals with mild cat allergies. Their coats come in a wide array of colors, from warm reds to cool blues, offering a Siberian to suit every preference.
Weight: 10–15 pounds
Height: 10–12 inches
#9: Norwegian Forest Cat
With their long, flowing coats and muscular build, Norwegian Forest Cats truly embody a creature straight out of Norse mythology. Their thick, water-resistant double coats are a testament to their adaptation to the harsh Scandinavian winters, contributing to their grand and robust appearance. Today, these big house cats impress with their piercing green or yellow eyes and express their friendly nature through a playful and sweet disposition. Norwegian Forest Cats are natural climbers and explorers, requiring ample vertical space and opportunities to satisfy their adventurous spirit within the home. Cat trees and shelves are essential to keep these majestic felines happy and entertained.
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 instantly memorable. They are easily recognized by their distinctive color pattern: a predominantly all-white body contrasted by dark coloring on their tail and head. Turkish Vans are often described as the “jocks” of the cat world, a nod to their natural athleticism, muscular build, and broad shoulders. Adding to their unique characteristics, Turkish Vans have a notable love for water, an unusual trait among domestic cats. They may very well become your furry poolside companion, eager to splash and play in water, setting them apart as a truly unique and engaging breed.
Weight: 8–18 pounds
Height: 10–14 inches
More to Love About Big Cats
These biggest house cats bring an abundance of joy and affection into any home. Their warm and friendly personalities make forming a strong bond effortless, and their impressive size is sure to awe anyone who meets them. Choosing a large breed cat means welcoming a truly remarkable and loving companion into your life. For those captivated by felines at the opposite end of the size spectrum, explore the charming world of small cat breeds to discover the diversity and delight within the feline family.
