When envisioning a cat, many picture a petite, agile creature. However, the feline world boasts a spectacular array of breeds, including several that defy the typical “small cat” stereotype. If you’re captivated by the idea of a sizable, cuddly companion, prepare to be amazed by these Large Pet Cat Species, each bringing a unique blend of majesty and affection to your home. Just as there’s a charm to large dog breeds, these substantial felines offer equally grand personalities and heartwarming devotion. Whether you’re actively seeking a new furry family member or simply admiring these magnificent meowers, let’s explore ten impressive large cat breeds guaranteed to win you over with their considerable charm.
#1: Bengal: The Wildly Wonderful Companion
The Bengal cat immediately captures attention with its striking, wild appearance, reminiscent of a Bengal tiger’s athletic build. However, beneath this exotic exterior lies a remarkably friendly and loyal large cat breed, making them exceptional family pets. Known for their energetic nature, Bengals are natural climbers who thrive on interactive cat playtime. Their captivating coats come in diverse shades, from rich browns to warm sepias, adorned with distinctive marbled or spotted patterns that solidify the Bengal cat’s reputation as a truly exotic and engaging feline companion.
Weight: 8–18 pounds
Height: 8–16 inches
#2: Ocicat: The Spotted Domestic Diva
Continuing our exploration of exotic-looking large pet cat species, we encounter the Ocicat. This breed is a stunning look-alike to its wild namesake, the ocelot. Both share a lean, muscular physique and boast beautifully spotted coats that evoke images of jungle landscapes. However, the Ocicat is thoroughly domesticated and exceptionally well-suited for home life. They are recognized as one of the most trainable cat breeds, relishing interaction and classic playtime. Intriguingly, many Ocicats display an affinity for water, potentially making cat bath time a surprisingly smooth experience!
Weight: 9–15 pounds
Height: 9–11 inches
RELATED: Cats and Water: The Mysterious Relationship Explained
#3: American Bobtail: The Sturdy and Sweet Therapy Feline
The American Bobtail, distinguished by its sturdy build and characteristic stubby tail, might initially seem like a medium-sized cat. However, this muscular feline is surprisingly heavy, often reaching up to 20 pounds, classifying it firmly among large pet cat species. Their robust bodies are balanced by long hind legs and a shaggy coat that presents in a wide spectrum of colors and patterns. Beyond their impressive size, American Bobtails are renowned for their gentle and comforting nature, particularly with children. Their soothing temperament makes them frequently chosen as therapy cats, a testament to their gentle giant status, as noted by ASPCA Pet Health Insurance.
Weight: 14–20 pounds
Height: 9–10 inches
#4: Maine Coon: America’s Gentle Giant with Viking Roots
With their imposing size and luxuriously long tail, the Maine Coon is frequently mistaken for a cat-raccoon hybrid. While this isn’t biologically accurate, their origins are indeed fascinating. As the oldest cat breed native to America, it’s believed Maine Coons descended from long-haired cats that journeyed across the ocean with Vikings. These seafaring felines may have interbred with local short-haired cats, as suggested by Rover. Regardless of their precise history, Maine Coons are celebrated for their affectionate and easygoing personalities, thriving in family environments. Their dense double coat, while beautiful, requires regular brushing, making a cat grooming glove an essential grooming tool for owners of this magnificent large pet cat species.
Weight: 10–20 pounds
Height: 10–16 inches
#5: Selkirk Rex: The Curly-Coated Cuddle Bug
The Selkirk Rex stands out with its unique puffy, plush-like coat featuring charmingly curly hair, giving these large pet cat species the appearance of oversized, living teddy bears. Adding to their comforting appearance is an equally comforting personality that’s simply irresistible. Selkirk Rex cats are enthusiastic cuddlers, possess a playful, slightly goofy side, and are happiest when surrounded by their beloved humans. Remarkably, these cats get along well with dogs, making them wonderful companions for dog-friendly households seeking a harmonious multi-pet family.
Weight: 10–16 pounds
Height: 9–11 inches
#6: Savannah: The Leopard-Like Leashed Walker
This striking large household cat bears a remarkable resemblance to an even larger wild cat – the leopard – thanks to its distinctive spotted coat pattern. Adding to their wild allure, the Savannah is a hybrid breed, a cross between a domestic cat and the serval, a wild cat native to sub-Saharan Africa. Despite their exotic ancestry, Savannahs are known for being friendly and gregarious cats who surprisingly enjoy leash walks, making them more adaptable to domestic life than their lineage might suggest. Their coats are low-shedding and can feature a single color or a tabby pattern. However, in multi-pet homes, it’s important to supervise Savannahs, as their natural hunting instincts may lead them to prey on smaller animals.
Weight: 12–25 pounds
Height: 10–17 inches
#7: Ragdoll: The Puppy-Like Gentle Giant
The Ragdoll is not only recognized as one of the biggest house cats but also as one of the most sociable feline breeds you’ll ever encounter. Affectionately nicknamed the “puppy cat,” these large pet cat species crave attention and thrive on interaction with their human families. They are known for their easygoing and gentle nature, and many Ragdolls even enjoy being carried around like infants. Ragdoll coats exhibit an astonishing variety of colors, including chocolate, lilac, blue cream, and seal. Adding to their captivating charm, nearly all Ragdolls possess striking blue eyes.
Weight: 10–20 pounds
Height: 9–11 inches
#8: Siberian: The Hypoallergenic Russian Charmer
For centuries, the Siberian cat has captivated people with its graceful charm and robust presence. While this breed only arrived in the United States in 1990, their Russian heritage extends back over 1,000 years, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. Siberians are known for their intelligence and composed demeanor, making them surprisingly receptive to cat obedience training. Despite their dense triple coat, they are often considered hypoallergenic large pet cat species because they produce lower levels of Fel d 1, a primary cat allergen, as noted by Treehugger. Siberians display a wide array of colors, from rich reds to cool blues, adding to their versatile appeal.
Weight: 10–15 pounds
Height: 10–12 inches
#9: Norwegian Forest Cat: The Mythical Climber from Scandinavia
With their long, flowing coat and muscular build, the Norwegian Forest Cat truly appears to be a creature straight out of Norse mythology! Their thick, water-resistant double coat evolved to help their ancestors endure harsh Scandinavian winters, contributing to their impressive size and grand appearance. Today, these magnificent large house cats gaze upon 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, so providing them with ample vertical space for exploration is essential for their happiness and well-being.
Weight: 12–20 pounds
Height: 9–12 inches
#10: Turkish Van: The Aquatic Athlete with a Rare Coat
Encountering a Turkish Van is a relatively rare treat, especially outside of Turkey, but their cloud-like physique is instantly captivating. Despite their popularity in Turkey, they remain uncommon in the United States. They are easily identified by their distinctive coat pattern: a predominantly all-white body contrasted by dark coloring on their tail and head. These large pet cat species are considered the athletes of the cat world, a reputation earned through their natural athleticism and broad, powerful shoulders. Turkish Vans also have a notable fondness for swimming, making them unique felines who might just become your ideal poolside companion!
Weight: 8–18 pounds
Height: 10–14 inches
Embracing the Grandeur of Large Feline Companions
The biggest house cats offer an abundance of joy and affection to any home. Their warm and friendly personalities ensure you’ll have little difficulty getting your cat to like you, and their impressive size is sure to amaze everyone they meet. It won’t take long to completely fall in love with these fascinating and generously sized felines!
Interested in exploring the opposite end of the feline size spectrum? Discover these charming and adorable small cat breeds.
