Which domestic cats are the largest? The Siberian can weigh up to 26 pounds, whereas the Maine Coon is known for his fluff and long, poofy tail. However, there are many big cat breeds that are on the larger side.
Here are 11 of the largest domestic cat breeds available, listed in order of average weight.
- Siberian Cat
The Siberian was made for cuddles, with its rounded appearance and sweet demeanor. Just make sure there’s enough room on your lap for this big cat!
- Weight range: 8-26 pounds
- Personality: These intelligent cats have a playful, amiable personality and are adaptable and agile.
- Fun Fact: These large pet cats have a water-resistant coat thanks to oily guard hairs, and many Siberians enjoy swimming.
2. Ragamuffin
These large domestic cats have a teddy-bear appearance and a super fluffy coat that comes in a variety of colors. They are known for their big, expressive eyes.
- 8-20 pound weight range
- Ragamuffins make excellent family pets due to their calm, easygoing demeanor. They usually get along with other pets, and many of them can be trained to do tricks, play fetch, or even walk on a leash.
- Fun Fact: The Ragamuffin matures slowly and does not reach full adulthood until around the age of four.
3. Ragdoll
These large pet cats got their name from their tendency to go limp in your arms when picked up, as well as their easygoing demeanor.
- 8-20 pound weight range
- Personality: Many Ragdolls enjoy being around people and have a playful, people-oriented personality. They also get along well with children and dogs, making them ideal household pets.
- Fun Fact: Although the Ragdoll and Ragamuffin share ancestors (and many similarities), they are distinct cats. Ragdolls have less color variation and more oval-shaped eyes (and are often blue).
4. Turkish Van
Even when compared to other large cat breeds, these felines stand out, owing to their distinct white bodies with contrasting tails and ears. They can have a variety of colors on their extremities, ranging from tabby to tortoiseshell.
- Weight range: 7-20 pounds
- These large domestic cats are athletic, intelligent, and active, with curious personalities and powerful jumping abilities. Many form strong bonds with their human owners, and they can become chatty when they want to be noticed.
- Fun Fact: Many Turkish Vans enjoy water and have earned the nickname “Swimming Cats” in their homeland.
5. Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is a gentle giant with a devoted, affectionate nature and an undeniably pettable coat. It is one of the most popular cat breeds for good reason.
- Weight range: 9-18 pounds
- Personality: Known for being gentle with children and dogs, these large breed cats adore nature and are playful, loving, and patient with their owners.
- Fun Fact: A number of Maine Coons have been named “Biggest Domestic Cat” in competitions. Because of their super-long tails, they’re known for breaking length records.
6. British Shorthair
This large domestic cat breed is distinguished by large eyes and a stocky build. It was developed as a working cat to control rodents in British alleys and barns.
- Weight range: 9-18 pounds
- Personality: Independent and undemanding, these quiet cats have a reputation for being shy, but with a little love, they warm up quickly. They’re sweet and even-tempered, and many of them get along well with children, making them ideal family pets.
- Fun Fact: Although blue fur is the most common in this breed, it can come in a variety of colors and patterns.
7. Bengal
The spots and rosettes on these large domestic cats give them the appearance of miniature jungle cats.
- 6-18 pound weight range
- Personality: These cats are confident and inquisitive, and they enjoy chasing, climbing, and all-around play.
- Fun Fact: Some Bengals have a “glitter gene,” which gives their fur an iridescent glow that appears to be frost on the fur.
8. Pixiebob
These felines, which have the appearance of a tiny bobcat, are actually quite large by domestic cat standards (and not at all wild, like their looks might imply).
- Weight range: 8-17 pounds
- Personality: The Pixiebob has a loving personality and is devoted to his domestic family. He’s energetic, but he gets along well with children and other pets. The Pixiebob, like some other large cat breeds, is frequently compared to a dog due to his proclivity to learn tricks, play fetch, and enjoy walking on a leash.
- Fun Fact: Some Pixiebobs are polydactyl, meaning they have up to seven toes on a single pthew.
9. Norwegian Forest Cat
Bright eyes, a puffy tail, and a big, tough frame. That’s exactly the Norwegian Forest Cat. His large size as one of the largest cat breeds may make him appear wild, but he’s a natural born companion cat.
- Weight range: 8-16 pounds
- Personality: This large domestic cat enjoys climbing shelves and bookcases to survey his domain from lofty heights. But he also enjoys cuddling with his human companions. He is especially laid back and not easily stressed, making him an excellent cat for children and other pets.
- The Norwegian Forest Cat is a natural breed (no big cat ancestors, despite its wild appearance) and is known as the Skogkatt in Norway.
10. American Bobtail
These large domestic cats resemble Bobcats. Fortunately, they’re not quite as big… and, of course, they’re a lot less wild.
- Weight range: 7-16 pounds
- Personality: The American Bobtail is an active, intelligent, and friendly family pet. He’s athletic, with a penchant for Houdini-style escapes, and needs some activity to keep himself entertained.
- The American Bobtail’s ancestors include a smorgasbord of large domestic cat breeds, including the Birman, Himalayan, tabby, and Siamese.
11. Selkirk Rex
This large domestic cat’s naturally curly coat (available in both long and short hair) distinguishes him, and his friendly demeanor makes him an excellent family pet.
- Weight range: 6-16 pounds
- Personality: Although they are not the largest domestic cat breed on the list, the Selkirk Rex is still a large cat. These relaxed and family-oriented cats are playful and social, with a patient, easy-going demeanor.
- Fun fact: These large breed cats do not always have a curly coat when they are young. Some kittens lose their curls around the age of 16 weeks and do not regain them until they are 8-10 months old. Their curls also grow in size as they get older.
Fun facts about large domestic cat breeds
And, just in case you haven’t had enough of big cat breeds, here are a few more facts about these massive felines:
- Because they’re so large, many large house cat breeds take their time maturing, and some don’t reach adulthood until they’re five years old.
- Nobody wants to encourage kitty obesity, so there will be no listing in the Guinness World Records for biggest cat breed or largest domestic cat breed in the world. Instead, the largest domestic cat breed is measured by height and length.
- Big pet cats have a wide range of amazing personalities and distinguishing characteristics (and, of course, they can be purebred or mixed breed). If you believe it is time to expand your family, begin by searching the Petfinder database, which features thousands of adorable adoptable cats near you.
Want to Meet the White Cat Breeds? Check it out on the next post!
