When we think of the largest cats in the world, we might picture lions, tigers, jaguars, cheetahs, leopards, and so forth. When we picture the world’s largest domesticated cats, we might think of the regal-looking Bengal or the mammoth of a cat your uncle watches TV in the evening. In this article, we will be talking about the largest domesticated cat breeds out there. You might be surprised by which cat breeds make up the biggest domesticated cats in the world.
Ragdoll
Size: 9 – 11 inches tall and 17 – 21 inches long
Weight: 8 – 20 pounds
The lovely blue-eyed Ragdoll feline breed is very popular, and it is no wonder why. These beautiful cats are not just pretty faces; they are also as cuddly as teddy bears! Though not the largest cat, the ragdoll still makes it on our top ten biggest domestic cat breeds. This large, fluffy ball of super-soft fur is also known as the “puppy cat,” as it is incredibly social and will follow you everywhere.
Siberian
Size: 11.8 – 14 inches tall and 17 – 25 inches long
Weight: 9 – 18 pounds
The lovely, big, round eyes of the ancient Siberian cat breed can melt anyone’s heart. It is hard to imagine these cats living as far back as 1000 years ago. They are one of the oldest cat breeds, although they were not introduced to the U.S. until 1990 and were primarily found in and around Russia.
The fluffy cats are sporting three layers of soft fur, capable of keeping them warm in the extreme Russian winters. They have a lower percentage of Fel D 1 (what makes people allergic to cats), so they are considered hypoallergenic.
Bobtail American
Size: 10 – 14 inches tall and 17 – 19 inches long
Weight: 14 – 20 pounds
These compact cats, American bobtails, might surprise you by their size. You may imagine them as “cat-sized,” but these adorable, tailless sweeties are pretty large and can be as tall as 19 inches or more. Their extra-long legs help even out this compact cat’s stocky body.
These lovely little tailless wonders are not just pretty faces; they are very friendly and especially enjoy being around children. Their excellent demeanor and laid-back attitude are one reason the American Bobtail, a shaggy giant, fits in perfectly as a therapy cat.
Chausie
Source: Canva
Size: 15 – 18 inches tall and 22 inches long
Weight: 15 – 26 pounds
The mysterious-looking Chausie cat is a sleek, larger cat with typically brown or reddish-brown fur, similar to that of the Abyssinians. However, depending on what the domesticated cat looked like that bred with the wild reed cat, you could easily end up with a black Chausie with the trademark bright green eyes, known as “wild cat eyes,” and blackish-red fur that appears to have some tabby stripes underneath.
These pretty cats are illegal to own in the U.S., although it is fun learning about them. They have very sensitive digestive tracts and are prone to food allergies. They are part wild, so not all of the wild behavior has been erased and replaced with domesticated cat ways. It is not advised to have a Chausie if you have small animals or children.
Ocicat
Size: 9 – 11 inches tall and 13 – 16 inches long
Weight: 6 – 15 pounds
Ocicats, despite their name, have no connection to the wild cat, ocelots. Instead, these noble and extra-large beasts have many of the same physical characteristics that ocelots have: long, lean bodies and long, muscular legs for jumping in pursuit of prey. They also both happen to have spots like the wildcat, too.
The Ocicat is a cat that belongs indoors, where you can train it to do tricks and play with it all day because they loves to play. They also have a thing for water and might enjoy a shower or bath with you!
Selkirk Rex
Size: 9 – 11 inches tall and 12 – 15 inches long
Weight: 6 – 16 pounds
The Selkirk Rex is an adorable cat that resembles a stuffed animal that has been left in the dryer for too long. Their “curly” fur does not have curls, but it does have waves and kinky pieces. Their fur is extremely soft, like all animals with a double rex gene.
These curly-haired cats have a personality as great as their soft fur. Selkirk rex cats are deeply affectionate and form strong bonds with their owners. Sometimes, these overly pleasant, all-around cats also get along with dogs and other cats.
Bengal
Size: 8 – 10 inches tall and 14 – 18 inches long
Weight: 8 – 15 pounds
Bengals are one breed everyone seems to know and love, whether they like cats or not. This hybrid cat, much like the Chausie cat, can have varying amounts of wildcat genes in its genetic makeup. Each step away from being wild is assigned a number; the number closest to the cat, looking like the wild parent, is F1. They are graded F1-F5.
Bengals have a ton of energy and do not know what to do with it when they are cooped up all day in your house. These are cats that require a cat wheel, ample enrichment, and constant attention when you are at home.
Savannah
Size: 13 – 15 inches tall and 20 – 22 inches long
Weight: 7.7 – 18 pounds
Savannah cats are stunning with their bold spots, long, thin legs, and incredibly muscular bodies. This is another hybrid cat in our search for the top 10 largest domesticated cats. These cats are half-tame and half-wild. As the kittens grow and are bred further into the domestic line, their wild instincts diminish. A Savannah cat can be F1 to F5, indicating how closely it is related to its wild ancestor.
Savannah cats are not legal in most places, as they are technically considered half-wild. If you love these cats and cannot have one in your state, check out some of the excellent Bengal Instagram accounts available.
Norwegian Forest
Size: 9 – 16 inches tall and 12 – 18 inches long
Weight: 13 – 20 pounds
Norwegian Forest cats have long been regarded as mighty spirits of the forests and are said to protect surrounding villages from evil. They look like the magical cat that would appear before you and lead you on a quest through an enchanted forest. However, they are very well-insulated, large cats that are so wonderful to cuddle.
These large northern fluffballs have beautiful green or golden-yellow eyes, and their fur can be any combination of colors and patterns in the cat world. They are hugely popular for their giant stuffed animal looks and their loving, sweet, and snuggly personalities.
Maine Coon
Size: 10 – 16 inches tall and up to 38 inches long
Weight: 10 – 25 pounds
The majestic Maine coon is one cat that almost everyone has heard of or seen at one point in their life. These long-haired beasts can look scraggly or like something from the fairy realm, depending on their genes, age, and coloring. The Maine coon comes in every shade of fur or pattern found in cats.
Maine coon cats might be massive and daunting if you are a smaller cat, but the big furballs are adorable. They are one of the most laid-back and friendly breeds out there. Their dog-like personalities might take you by surprise because the lovely Maine coon is pleasant, chill, friendly with other cats and dogs, loves playing in the water, and is always waiting to hear their human call their name or for their footsteps in the hallway signaling that they are now home from work.
