When you picture a cat, you might think of a small, agile feline gracefully navigating your home. While there’s undeniable charm in smaller breeds like Abyssinians or Siamese cats, the world of domestic felines boasts a magnificent array of large cat breeds that offer just as much, if not more, love and companionship. If you’re captivated by the idea of a substantial, cuddly feline friend, you’re in for a treat. Large Pet Cat Breeds often possess personalities as grand as their size, bringing a unique and heartwarming presence to any home. Whether you are actively searching for a new furry family member or simply adore learning about the fascinating diversity of cats, let’s explore ten remarkable large cat breeds that are sure to win you over with their impressive stature and endearing natures.
#1: Bengal
The Bengal cat immediately captures attention with its striking resemblance to a wild Bengal tiger. This breed boasts an athletic build and a captivating spotted or marbled coat, available in shades from brown to sepia, lending it an exotic allure. However, beneath this wild exterior lies a heart of gold. Bengal cats are renowned for their friendly and loyal personalities, making them wonderful companions for families and individuals alike. Energetic and playful, Bengals are natural climbers who thrive on interactive play sessions. If you are looking for an active and engaging large pet cat breed, the Bengal, with its intelligence and zest for life, could be the perfect match.
Weight: 8–18 pounds
Height: 8–16 inches
#2: Ocicat
Speaking of exotic-looking felines, the Ocicat is a breed that truly embodies the wild aesthetic. Named after the ocelot, this large cat breed shares a striking visual similarity with its wild namesake, exhibiting a lean, muscular physique and a stunning spotted coat reminiscent of jungle dwellers. Despite their wild appearance, Ocicats are entirely domestic and known for their remarkably trainable nature. These intelligent cats thrive on interaction and crave playtime, often displaying dog-like loyalty and affection. Interestingly, many Ocicats have a fondness for water, making bath time a surprisingly manageable task. For those seeking a large pet cat breed with both beauty and brains, the Ocicat is a captivating choice.
Weight: 9–15 pounds
Height: 9–11 inches
#3: American Bobtail
Don’t let the name “Bobtail” mislead you; while they are known for their short, stubby tails, the American Bobtail is indeed a large and sturdy cat breed. From a distance, their compact body might not immediately scream “large,” but these muscular felines can weigh up to 20 pounds. Their robust build is characterized by long hind legs that provide balance to their stocky frame. American Bobtails sport a shaggy coat that comes in a delightful array of colors and patterns, adding to their endearing charm. Beyond their physical attributes, they are celebrated for their gentle and comforting nature, particularly with children. In fact, their therapeutic qualities have led to their frequent use as therapy cats, a testament to their kind and patient temperament. If you desire a gentle giant among large pet cat breeds, the American Bobtail is a heartwarming option.
Weight: 14–20 pounds
Height: 9–10 inches
#4: Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is perhaps the quintessential large pet cat breed, instantly recognizable for its impressive size and luxurious long tail, often leading to the playful misconception that they are a cross between a cat and a raccoon. As the oldest natural cat breed native to North America, their history is as fascinating as their appearance. It’s believed that Maine Coons descended from long-haired cats that arrived with Vikings and subsequently bred with local short-haired felines. Regardless of their precise origins, Maine Coons are known for their affectionate and easygoing personalities, thriving in family environments and readily adapting to various households. Their thick double coat, while contributing to their majestic appearance, requires regular brushing to prevent matting, making a grooming glove a must-have for Maine Coon owners. For those seeking a gentle, family-friendly, and undeniably large pet cat breed, the Maine Coon reigns supreme.
Weight: 10–20 pounds
Height: 10–16 inches
#5: Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex stands out with its unique, plush, curly coat, giving them the appearance of oversized, cuddly teddy bears. This distinctive feature, combined with their comforting and sweet personality, makes them exceptionally endearing. Selkirk Rex cats are known for their love of cuddling and their slightly goofy, playful nature. They genuinely enjoy being around their human companions and thrive on affection. Notably, Selkirk Rex cats are generally known to get along well with dogs, making them a harmonious addition to multi-pet households where canine companionship is present. If you are charmed by a large pet cat breed with a unique look and a loving disposition, the Selkirk Rex is a wonderful choice.
Weight: 10–16 pounds
Height: 9–11 inches
#6: Savannah
The Savannah cat is another breed that immediately evokes a sense of the wild, bearing a striking resemblance to a leopard with its distinctive spotted pattern. This large domestic cat breed is the result of crossing a domestic cat with a serval, a wild cat native to sub-Saharan Africa. Despite their exotic ancestry, Savannah cats are known for their friendly and gregarious nature, often enjoying activities like leash walking, making them surprisingly adaptable to domestic life. Their coats are low-shedding and can display a variety of patterns, including single colors and tabby markings. However, it’s important to be mindful of their natural hunting instincts, particularly in multi-pet homes, as Savannahs may exhibit predatory behaviors towards smaller animals. For experienced cat owners seeking a truly unique and adventurous large pet cat breed, the Savannah offers an exciting and engaging companionship.
Weight: 12–25 pounds
Height: 10–17 inches
#7: Ragdoll
The Ragdoll cat is not only recognized as one of the largest domestic cat breeds but also as one of the most sociable and affectionate felines you could ever meet. Affectionately nicknamed “puppy cats” due to their dog-like devotion to their owners, Ragdolls crave attention and thrive on spending quality time with their human families. Their gentle and easygoing temperament makes them ideal companions for households seeking a relaxed and loving feline presence. Many Ragdolls even enjoy being carried around, further solidifying their reputation as docile and people-oriented cats. Their semi-long coat comes in a breathtaking array of colors, including chocolate, lilac, blue cream, and seal, and almost all Ragdolls are blessed with captivating blue eyes, enhancing their gentle and serene appearance. If you are looking for a large pet cat breed that embodies cuddliness and unwavering affection, the Ragdoll is a breed to seriously consider.
Weight: 10–20 pounds
Height: 9–11 inches
#8: Siberian
The Siberian cat has captivated hearts for centuries with its graceful charm and robust build. While relatively new to the United States, arriving in 1990, their Russian lineage stretches back over a thousand years, a testament to their enduring appeal. Siberians are not only beautiful but also intelligent and remarkably composed, excelling in cat obedience training. Despite their dense triple coat, which protected them from harsh Siberian winters, they are often considered hypoallergenic. This is because Siberians produce lower levels of Fel d 1, a primary cat allergen, making them potentially suitable for allergy sufferers seeking a large pet cat breed. Their coats come in a rich spectrum of colors, from reds to blues, adding to their visual allure. For those who appreciate a blend of beauty, intelligence, and a potentially allergy-friendly nature in a large cat breed, the Siberian is a compelling choice.
Weight: 10–15 pounds
Height: 10–12 inches
#9: Norwegian Forest Cat
With their long, flowing coats and muscular physique, the Norwegian Forest Cat truly embodies a creature from Norse mythology. Their thick, water-resistant double coat is a testament to their adaptation to the harsh Scandinavian winters, contributing to their grand and majestic appearance. Today, these big house cats captivate their owners with piercing green or yellow eyes and express their friendly nature through a playful and sweet disposition. Norwegian Forest Cats have a natural love for climbing and exploring, so providing them with ample vertical space, such as cat trees and shelves, is essential for their well-being. If you are drawn to a large pet cat breed with a fairytale-like appearance and an adventurous spirit, the Norwegian Forest Cat is a breed that will enchant you.
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 contrasted with color on their tail and head, Turkish Vans are often described as cloud-like in their physique. They are considered the athletes of the cat world, possessing natural athletic prowess and broad shoulders, hinting at their muscular build beneath their plush coat. Adding to their unique character, Turkish Vans are known for their love of water, perhaps even becoming your furry poolside companion. If you are seeking a distinctive and active large pet cat breed with a playful and somewhat unusual affinity for water, the Turkish Van is a breed that stands out from the crowd.
Weight: 8–18 pounds
Height: 10–14 inches
More to Love!
The world of large pet cat breeds offers a diverse range of personalities and appearances, all united by their substantial size and capacity for immense love and affection. Their warm and friendly natures make it easy to forge strong bonds, and their impressive size is sure to be a conversation starter for anyone who meets them. Exploring these gentle giants reveals a captivating side of the feline world, proving that bigger can indeed mean even better when it comes to feline companionship. If you are intrigued by the opposite end of the size spectrum, be sure to explore the delightful world of small cat breeds as well!
