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The 12 Largest Cat Breeds

Ameera Mills
By Ameera Mills. Updated: June 25, 2020
The 12 Largest Cat Breeds
Cats

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Did you know that the world’s biggest cat, according to the Guinness Book of World Records measured up to 48.5 inches long? Cats are amazing animals with incredible abilities, and some cat breeds are known for their incredibly large size! Whether due to their height or remarkable robustness, these cats’ sizes are truly remarkable.

To find out more about the biggest domestic cats, take a look at this AnimalWised article. Here, we will be listing the 12 largest cat breeds with photos, keep reading for more.

Contents

  1. What are the biggest domestic cat breeds?
  2. Maine Coon
  3. The Selkirk Rex cat
  4. Ragdoll cat
  5. Ragamuffin
  6. Bengal cat
  7. The Highlander cat
  8. Brazilian Shorthair
  9. Turkish Van
  10. Norwegian Forest cat
  11. Chausie (miniature cougar cat)
  12. British Shorthair
  13. British Longhair

What are the biggest domestic cat breeds?

The 12 largest cat breeds in the world are:

  • Maine Coon: exceeding one meter in length and can weigh up to 10 kg.
  • Selkirk rex: with an average of 30 cm at the withers and can weigh up to 7 kg.
  • Ragdoll: measures more than 35 cm and can weigh more than 9 kg.
  • Ragamuffin cat: measures 25 cm at the withers and can weigh up to 13 kg.
  • Bengal cat: some males can exceed 9 kg.
  • Highlander cat: can weigh more than 9 kg.
  • Brazilian Shorthair: usually exceeds 10 kg of weight.
  • Turkish van: measures around 30 cm at the withers and weighs up to 9 kg.
  • Norwegian Forest cat: noted for being especially hairy and exceeds 7 kg.
  • Chausie: measures 50 cm and weighs up to 12 kg!
  • British Shorthair: measures 30 cm at the withers and weighs up to 8 kg.
  • British Longhair: reaches 35 cm to the cross and weighs up to 7 kg.

Keep reading if you want to know more about these 12 large house cat breeds.

1. Maine Coon

The Maine Coon cat is one of the largest cat breeds in the world. This breed originated in the state of Maine, United States: hence it’s name. Some say that the word ‘‘coon’’ was derived from the word ‘‘racoon.’’ This name refers back to an old myth which surrounds the Maine Coon, claiming that this breed is actually a hybrid between wild cat and racoon.

A male Maine coon can reach 70 centimeters in length and weigh more than 10 kilograms. This amazing size reveals an affectionate, sociable and playful animal, with distinguished ability to meowing in different tones. In addition, the Maine coon usually likes water, partially thanks to its waterproof mantle. The Maine coon is considered an excellent cat for families with children.

For more, take a look at our articles on:

The 12 Largest Cat Breeds - 1. Maine Coon
Image: taringa.net

2. The Selkirk Rex cat

The Selkirk Rex cat, which can weight up to 7 kilos when an adult: makes it on the list of 12 very large cat breeds. This breed has a robust body, with well developed muscles. The Selkirk rex stand out not only for their physical texture, but also for their long, wavy hair. In many countries, it is popularly known as "the Poodle cat", this is precisely because of its fur, which requires periodic brushing to avoid knots.

The 12 Largest Cat Breeds - 2. The Selkirk Rex cat
Image: telegraf.rs

3. Ragdoll cat

The large Ragdoll cat breed is a result of various crosses between other races like Persian cat, Siamese and Burmese cat. A Ragdoll’s temperament is usually tempered and somewhat sleepy. Among the basic care of ragdoll, is their need for companionship. These beautiful cats do not like solitude.

One of the main Ragdoll characteristics is that they have a long ‘‘childhood,’’ meaning it takes them up to three years to complete their development and reach adulthood. However, when they grow, they do it intensely: a male ragdoll can exceed 90 centimeters in length and weigh up to 9 kilos.

If you want to know more about the Ragdoll cat, take a look at;

The 12 Largest Cat Breeds - 3. Ragdoll cat
Image: reddit.com

4. Ragamuffin

Like the Ragdoll cat, the Ragamuffin also has a very long childhood, which usually last between 2 and 3 years. This large cat breed can also live up to 18 years. However, this cat’s character is more sociable, playful and active than the ragdoll. In turn, facilitating its easier adaption to home life. In addition, it is an this cat breed is an excellent companion for children, as they don’t often use their claws.

An adult male ragamuffin has a tall, robust body and can weigh up to 13 kilos: without developing symptoms of obesity. A very characteristic feature of this breed is that its head is usually larger than the rest of it’s body. These sizes make it clear why the ragamuffin makes it on this list of large cat breeds you can own.

The 12 Largest Cat Breeds - 4. Ragamuffin
Image: ragamuffinkittens.co.uk

5. Bengal cat

Following our list of top 12 giant cat breeds, we present the Bengal cat. This large cat breed is native to the Unites States and is easily recognizable by its fur, similar to that of a leopard.

The Bengal cat normally weighs at an average of 5 to 6 kg’s. However, some males have reached over 9 kg, breaking records for the breed. This breed is known for its hyperactivity and unlimited curiosity. They love to play and socialize with other individuals. They are generally loving and sociable cats. They are also known for being a particularly intelligent cat breed.

For more, take a look at our article on: What is the Origin of the Bengal Cat.

The 12 Largest Cat Breeds - 5. Bengal cat

6. The Highlander cat

The Highlander cat is known specifically for its large eyes and striking ears. These characteristics are a result of a cross between the American curl breed and lynxes. The result of this mix was a feline of remarkable dimensions, that usually weighs more than 9 kilos as an adult. If its size can scare some, its character conquers many. It is a docile cat that is very playful and affectionate. This large cat breed needs a positive environment and adequate amounts of affection in order not to suffer from symptoms of stress.

The 12 Largest Cat Breeds - 6. The Highlander cat

7. Brazilian Shorthair

The Brazilian Shorthair cat breed descends from the stray cats of Brazil, and was only recognized very recently. Perhaps this is why it is still difficult to establish aesthetic and behavioral parameters for these vivacious felines. What stands out is that this cat is large: a Brazilian with short hair can weigh more than 10 kilos without presenting symptoms of being overweight.

The 12 Largest Cat Breeds - 7. Brazilian Shorthair

8. Turkish Van

As its name suggests, this breed is native to the surroundings of Lake Van, which is located in Turkey. In its natural habitat, it was originally exposed to hot summers and harsh winters, this is why these felines developed an impressive adaptive capacity.

The Turkish Van is not a very tall cat breed, but they are incredibly robust. These cats can easily weigh up to 8 kilograms as adults. In addition to being very vocal, they also carry certain peculiarities and they water. Therefore, it is not uncommon to see a Turkish Van cat playing and cooling itself down in water.

For those who like the idea of adopting a Turkish Van cat, it must be known that this is a dominant breed. These cats need a lot of attention and need to be well socialized correctly in order to get on well with other cats. Ideally, you should start socializing this breed from when they are 8 weeks old.

The 12 Largest Cat Breeds - 8. Turkish Van
Image: metro.co.uk

9. Norwegian Forest cat

The Norwegian Forest cat stands out for its abundant and thick fur, which allowed for its survival in the extreme cold of its original Scandinavian countries. This breed of cat are incredibly sturdy and they can weigh up to 9 kilos as adults, but are not very tall. These cats are listed as endemic in Norway, which means they can only be found there.

The 12 Largest Cat Breeds - 9. Norwegian Forest cat
Image: purrspurrsmeow.blogspot.com.es

10. Chausie (miniature cougar cat)

This domestic cat breed, known as the Chausie, resembles a wild puma. This is not only thanks to its appearance, but also because of its keen hunter instinct and abundant energy. Chausies require a lot of; physical activity, mental stimulation and socialization. An adult male Chausie can reach up to 9 kg’s in weight, hence why it has made it onto our list of 12 large cat breeds.

The 12 Largest Cat Breeds - 10. Chausie (miniature cougar cat)

11. British Shorthair

The British Shorthair is the oldest feline breed of English origin. Like most cats from cold climates, it stands out for its abundantly thick coat. They are excellent hunters and are owners of a docile and sociable character. This characteristic allows them to get along well with other cats and dogs. An adult male of this breed can weighs between 7 and 8 kilos.

The 12 Largest Cat Breeds - 11. British Shorthair
Image: dailytelegraph.com.au and catshowbook.wordpress.com

12. British Longhair

This breed is younger than its "relatives" with shorter hair and are also much more robust. A British Longhair male cat with long adult hair usually weighs more than 9 kilos. Its long fur, which was previously considered a standard deviation from the British feline family, is currently an admired aesthetic feature.

Do you have a giant cat in your home? If so, tell us a little more about them in our comments section below.

The 12 Largest Cat Breeds - 12. British Longhair
Image: @jarsenau YouTube

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3 comments
Rating:
Juliette Passer
I have 2 fabulous coons - let me know if you need pix?
Rating:
cliff cusick
We have seen a large cat, black. I would describe it as a small panther. It was long and sleek and had the classic tail long and thick. It didn't appear to be afraid of anything . I don't have a picture, we don't have a telescopic camera. Neighbors have a 3ft fence and it jumped on top, 1 bound. We live in SC Kansas, don't know if we have panthers in Kansas. If there is a possibility of a hybrid, would you please reply? Thank you.
Administrador AnimalWised
Hi Cliff,

It is possible there is a large cat, but a 3 ft jump for most cats is nothing and they can normally jump much higher in a single bound. We are an international project and we don't know your exact situation, but if you are worried, you should report it to your local animal services.
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Particle
You have a typo in the article about Maine coons. You spell Maine, 'Main'.
Administrador AnimalWised
Hi, thanks for pointing this out, it's fixed!
Image: taringa.net
Image: telegraf.rs
Image: reddit.com
Image: ragamuffinkittens.co.uk
Image: metro.co.uk
Image: purrspurrsmeow.blogspot.com.es
Image: dailytelegraph.com.au and catshowbook.wordpress.com
Image: @jarsenau YouTube
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The 12 Largest Cat Breeds