When you think of large pets, cats are not usually at the top of mind but this list of large cat breeds (or big cat breeds if you prefer) will make you appreciate that some cats can also be categorized as large pets.
We will start off with a table that will summarize top 13 large cat breeds and in part 2 of this article, we explore these cats in more details.
Largest Cat Breeds List
| Cat Breed | Weight | Height | Length |
| Maine coon | Male: 11 to 18 pounds Female: 7 to 11 pounds | 10 to 16 inches | About 38 inches |
| Savannah | 5.5 to 17.6 pounds | 13 to 15 inches | 20 to 22 inches |
| Siberian cat | 9.8 to 20 pounds | 9 to 11 inches | 15 to 18 inches |
| Chausie | Male: 11 to 16 pounds Female: 8 to 13 pounds | 14 to 18 inches | Medium to large-sized |
| Bengal | 7.8 to 14.9 pounds | 8 to 10 inches | 14 to 18 inches |
| Norwegian forest cat | Male: 7.8 to 17.6 pounds Female: 9.8 to 19.8 pounds | 9 to 12 inches | 12 to 18 inches |
| Ragdoll | Male: 11.8 to 20 pounds Female: 7.8 to 13.1 pounds | 9 to 11 inches | 17 to 21 inches |
| Ragamuffin | 8 to 20 pounds | 9 to 12 inches | 12 to 18 inches |
| Turkish Van | Males: 10 to 20 pounds Females: 7 to 12 pounds | 9 to 11 inches | 14 to 17 inches |
| British Shorthair | Males: 9 to 16.9 pounds Females: 7 to 11.8 pounds | 12 to 14 inches | 22 to 25 inches |
| American bobtail | 7 to 18 pounds | 9 to 10 inches | 17 to 19 inches |
| Pixiebob | 1.06 pounds | 9 to 13 inches | 20 to 24 inches |
Large Cat Breeds (Overview)
1. Maine coon
Maine coon is a big domestic cat breed. These cats are very fluffy and despite their broad and muscular appearance, they are gentle giants. They are known to be loyal and good with both children and other pets.
Breed Overview
- Weight: Males weigh 11 to 18 pounds (5.9 to 8.2kgs) while females weigh 7 to 11 pounds (3.6 to 5.4kgs)
- Length: approximately 38 inches (97 cm)
- Height: 10 to 16 inches (25 to 41 cm)
- Life Expectancy: 12.5 years [1]
2. Savannah
The Savannah cat is a hybrid of the serval cat and the domestic cat. Their large ears, slim build, and long legs contribute to their large size.
This cat is highly intelligent and can be trained to use a leash.
Breed Overview
- Weight: 5.5 to 17.6 pounds (2.5 to 8 kg)
- Length: 20 to 22 inches (51 to 56 cm)
- Height: 13 to 15 inches (33 to 38 cm)
- Life Expectancy: approximately 15 years and 20 years in captivity.
3. Siberian cat
The Siberian cat is another big domestic cat breed that is well known for its long, layered, and water-resistant coats, an adaptation to survive the harsh winters of Siberia.
This cat is very fluffy and make great pets as they are loving, playful, and very affectionate.
Breed Overview
- Weight: 9.8 to 20 pounds (4.5 to 9.1 kg)
- Length: about 15 to 18 inches (38 to 46 cm)
- Height: about 9 to 11 inches (23 to 28 cm)
- Life Expectancy: up to 18 years
4. Chausie
Chausie cats are high energy and thus require a lot of stimulation. Owners would do well providing toys to play with as well as scratching objects.
Unfortunately, they are not ideal for a home with small children since they still show signs of their wild tendencies.
Breed Overview
- Weight: Males weigh 11 to 16 pounds (4 to 7 kg) while females weigh 8 to 13 pounds (3.6 to 5.8 kg)
- Length: Medium to large-sized
- Height: about 14 to 18 inches (35 to 45 cm)
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
5. Bengal
Bengals are widely known for their leopard-like spotted appearance which is usually brown, brown-orange, or black. They have distinctive physical features which include muscular and streamlined bodies.
These cats are very intelligent and have energetic personalities.
Breed Overview
- Weight: 7.8 to 14.9 pounds (3.6 to 6.8 kg)
- Length: about 14 to 18 inches (36 to 46 cm)
- Height: about8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm)
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
6. Norwegian forest cat
Fondly referred to as Wegies, this muscular big fluffy cat is known to be gentle and calm. These cats have developed thick fur as an adaptation to survive very cold winters. Wegies will usually have almond-shaped copper, gold, or green eyes.
Breed Overview
- Weight: Males weigh 7.8 to 17.6 pounds (3.6 to 8 kg) while females weigh 9.8 to 19.8 pounds (4.5 to 9kgs)
- Length: 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 cm)
- Height: about9 to 12 inches (23 to 30 cm)
- Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
7. Ragdoll
Ragdolls fall in the category of big cat breeds thanks to their size.
They are famously distinguished by their v-shaped markings on their forehead. These cats are known to follow people around and to be relatively calm when picked up making them a great pet for families.
Breed Overview
- Weight: Males weigh 11.8 to 20 pounds (5.4 to 9.1 kg) while females weigh 7.8 to 13.1 pounds (3.6 to 6.8 kg)
- Length: about 17 to 21 inches (43 to 53 cm)
- Height: about 9 to 11 inches (23 to 28 cm)
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
8. Ragamuffin
Ragamuffins are big fluffy cat breeds that makes a great pet. They are known for their thick fur that is usually solid colored, or with stripes, spots, or patches.
These cats will usually mature around 4 to 5 years. They are known for their muscular body and friendly nature.
Breed Overview
- Weight: 8 to 20 pounds (3.6 to 9.1 kg)
- Length: 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 cm)
- Height: 9 to 12 inches (23 to 28 cm)
- Life Expectancy: 13 to 16 years
10. Turkish Van
The Turkish Van is native to the Armenian Highlands of Turkey.
It is a rare cat breed with a hair pattern that varies according to seasons. The hair grows long and thick in winter, and sheds to spot a short light coat during the summer.
They have a highly intelligent, playful, and energetic temperament.
Breed Overview
- Weight: Males weigh 10 to 20 pounds (4.5 to 9 kg) while females weigh 7 to 12 pounds (3.1 to 5.4 kg)
- Length: about14 to 17 inches (36 to 43 cm)
- Height: about9 up to 11 inches (23 to 28 cm)
- Life Expectancy: 15 to 16 years
11. British Shorthair
The British Shorthair is known for its broad face, thick coat, and heavyset body. They usually reach full maturity at around 3 years. These cats are not particularly fond of being picked up but are otherwise friendly and easygoing.
Breed Overview
- Weight: Males weigh 9 to 16.9 pounds (4.1 to 7.7 kg) and females weigh 7 to 11.8 pounds (3.2 to 5.4 kg)
- Length: 22 to 25 inches (56 to 64 cm)
- Height: 12 to 14 inches (30 to 46 cm)
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 13 years
12. American Bobtail
The American Bobtail is characteristically distinguished by its short round tail. They are also known to be playful, intelligent, and friendly cats.
Breed Overview
- Weight: 7 to 18 pounds (3.2 to 8.2 kg)
- Length: about 17 to 19 inches (43 to 48 cm)
- Height: about 9 to 10 inches (23 to 25 cm)
- Life Expectancy: (12 to 13 years)
13. Pixie bob
The Pixie-Bob is a loving muscular cat that comes in two versions: shorthair and longhair. It has an unusual number of toes, there are 7 in one paw. They also have intelligent, playful, and curious personalities.
Breed Overview
- Weight: up to 1.06 pounds (5 kg)
- Length: about 20 to 24 inches (50 to 60 cm)
- Height: 9 to 13 inches (22 to 33 cm)
- Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
Next Read: How long do cats live?
