At first glance, cats may seem like small pets, but there are several large cat breeds that deserve recognition as substantial animals. While they may not be as massive as lions, these felines are larger than most petite wildcats worldwide. Despite displaying their wild instincts, these breeds have an excellent reputation as pets. However, it’s important to recognize that pet cats are only domesticated to a certain degree, and their DNA is similar to that of their wild counterparts. Cats joined human society thousands of years ago, but they did so on their own terms, according to John Gray’s book Feline Philosophy: Cats and the Meaning of Life. Domesticated felines still exhibit untamed behavior and instincts, which include eating meat, hunting, adapting to new environments, and not conforming to hierarchies like canines. Only lions are known to live in groups among big cats, making it difficult to teach a cat to follow commands, as they don’t acknowledge you as their alpha leader. It can be humbling to realize this fact while owning a cat, as you will likely be deemed the pet rather than the other way around.
The British Shorthair is a breed of feline that boasts a dense and short coat. They can stand at a height of 12-14 inches and their weight varies depending on gender, with males weighing up to 17 pounds. With an average lifespan of 12-20 years, these cats are known for their friendly and loving personalities, making them an ideal addition to households with children or seniors seeking a loyal companion. While they are typically seen in blue-grey fur, they come in a variety of colors and patterns. For those looking to provide a comfortable home for their British Shorthair, investing in cozy beds is key as these cats love to snooze!
The Chausie is a type of cat that can grow up to 13-17 inches tall and weigh around 8-13 pounds for females and 13-19 pounds for males. Their fur is short and thick, usually in shades of brown to tan. They can live up to 12-18 years and are very intelligent and curious creatures. If you decide to adopt a Chausie, make sure to give them plenty of opportunities to explore and learn, as they love to stay active. You can also teach them tricks or take them on outdoor adventures. Due to their high energy levels, Chausies may need more food than other breeds, such as the British Shorthair. These little felines are like miniature cougars, always on the prowl!
The Maine Coon is a type of feline that can endure tough winters in the Northeastern part of America. Despite their imposing appearance, with their large size, ears, and tails, they are actually friendly and playful, making them great with children. They enjoy being involved in social activities, which makes them excellent pets. Their silky coat comes in different colors and they have a lifespan of 12 to 20 years. If you want an intelligent and affectionate cat to join your family, consider the Maine Coon.
The Norwegian Forest feline is a unique breed of cat that typically stands at a height of 9-12 inches and weighs between 8-12 pounds for females and 12-18 pounds for males. This furry creature boasts a long, double coat that is harsh to the touch and comes in various colors, although the white and tabby mix is their signature look. With a lifespan ranging from 13-20 years, these independent yet affectionate cats were once utilized to keep rodents at bay on Viking ships. Nowadays, they make excellent pets for families, but require their own designated space, including scratching posts and climbing towers. Although they enjoy cuddling with their owners, it’s best not to force them into it. Instead, appreciate their presence and companionship as they are likely to follow you everywhere you go.
Pixiebob cats are beloved for their lively and devoted demeanor, which makes them ideal furry friends for families with children and other pets. You can find Pixiebobs in a range of colors like tan, brown, and tabby, and they can have either long or short hair. These feline friends stand between 9 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder, and female Pixiebobs typically weigh between 9 and 11 pounds while their male counterparts can weigh up to 14 pounds. With an average lifespan of 13 to 15 years, Pixiebobs are loyal companions that can be cherished for years to come. However, because of their thick double coats and abbreviated tails, regular grooming is essential to maintain their fur and safeguard against tangles.
Ragamuffins are a type of cat that can reach heights of 10-15 inches and weigh between 8-13 pounds for females and 14-20 pounds for males. They come in various colors with soft, dense coats that are medium to long in length. This breed is known for its caring and patient nature, which makes them perfect companions for children. They love playing with their favorite person and snuggling, similar to British Shorthairs. Keep in mind that Ragamuffins tend to trust and love easily, so it’s best to keep them indoors for their safety. Don’t forget to buy toys for these cuddly cats! Their lifespan is around 12-16 years.
The Ragdoll cat breed is known for its gentle and patient temperament, making it a wonderful option for families with children or individuals seeking a comforting therapy cat. These felines have luxurious, lengthy coats in white hues with pointed patterns. With a height of 9-11 inches and weight ranging from 10-15 pounds for females and 15-20 pounds for males, they are considered a larger breed. Their striking blue eyes are simply mesmerizing. Unlike British Shorthairs, Ragdolls are fond of being held and carried around, but it’s important to engage them in interactive playtime to prevent them from becoming overweight. They typically live between 13-18 years.
The Savannah feline breed is recognized for its remarkable height and nimbleness, able to reach anywhere between 10-17 inches in height and weigh from 11-23 pounds, depending on their sex. Their coat is known for being short-to-medium in length and having a rough texture, with the most frequent color being black and brown spotted. They can live between 12-15 years.
Savannah cats possess a lively and sociable nature with an adventurous character, which is attributed to their hybrid ancestry that combines African servals with domestic cats. However, it’s crucial to note that they are illegal in some US states due to their wild lineage.
Interestingly, the past three Tallest Domestic Cat winners, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, have all been Savannahs. Despite being a big feline breed, Savannahs have a slender physique and enjoy exploring and climbing high perches.
The Siberian feline is a majestic breed that is praised for its physical strength and affectionate demeanor. Originating from Russia, these cats possess long, three-layered fur coats that provide them with not only warmth but also protection. Remarkably, certain individuals who suffer from cat allergies have reported that Siberians do not cause them to experience allergic reactions, although this is not the case for all allergy sufferers. Generally speaking, Siberian cats are docile and intelligent companions who relish in spending time with their human families. Nevertheless, their intelligence can occasionally be a double-edged sword, as they are quite adept at slipping into tight spaces and causing mischief. With a lifespan that ranges from 10-18 years, Siberians are ideal pets for individuals seeking a devoted and loving animal companion.
The Turkish Van breed of cats is brimming with personality and energy. These felines are known to be adventurous and always up for a challenge. One of their distinguishing features is their medium to long soft coat, which is typically white with red, cream, black, or blue markings on their head and tail. They can reach heights of 10-14 inches and weigh between 10-20 pounds. Turkish Vans are highly social and intelligent, always seeking out new experiences. To keep them mentally stimulated, they enjoy toys that offer mental challenges, as they can become bored very easily. You may find them lounging high up on bookshelves, as they relish being up high. Despite their rarity, encountering or adopting one of these gorgeous cats is truly a stroke of luck.
The Persian feline is a sort of cat that can reach a size of 10-15 inches and weigh approximately 7-12 pounds. They possess a beautiful long, thick, and shiny coat that comes in various colors such as black, cream, red, and other patterns. These cats have an average lifespan of 15-20 years and are known for their gentle and sweet nature, although they might be distant towards strangers.
However, owning a Persian cat requires some extra effort when it comes to grooming. The cat’s fur is remarkably dramatic, so you must be prepared with a vacuum, lint brush, and pet brush before bringing one home. Taking your cat for grooming every six weeks or so can help manage the hair. You can ask the groomer for a “lion’s trim” to shorten the strands and make them easier to manage.
Despite their grooming needs, Persian cats are excellent companion animals as they love lounging around and being affectionate towards their owners. Just be aware that they may take some time to warm up to strangers.
The American Bobtail is a type of cat that is famous for its sociable and playful nature. This feline is often referred to as the “Golden Retriever” of cats because of their intelligence and calm demeanor, making them ideal companions. If you desire a feline that will cuddle with you for extended periods, then the American Bobtail is the perfect option. Nevertheless, be ready to deal with the shedding as this breed tends to shed quite profusely. Unlike other cats, American Bobtails require human interaction, including brushing of their coat and teeth regularly. You will find these felines in a vast assortment of colors, and the almond-shaped eyes will undoubtedly captivate your heart. With a lifespan between 13 to 18 years, this breed would make an excellent addition to any household.
The Bengal cat is a stunning feline with a thick and short coat that can be found in various colors like gold, rust, brown, and ivory, often in spotted patterns. These cats have a life expectancy of 9-15 years and can weigh between 8-15 pounds while standing at around 13-16 inches tall. Apart from their beauty, Bengal cats are also known for being intelligent and curious with an affectionate personality. However, they need to be socialized at a young age to adapt well to new people. Keeping them content requires buying a cat tree and plenty of toys. If you’re away from home for long periods, it’s best to get another cat as a companion for your Bengal.
Owning a large cat breed can be challenging as they require more attention than smaller breeds. Indoor large cat breeds need space to meet their wild impulses, but you can create a fun environment indoors too. It’s crucial to provide scratching posts, interactive toys, and tall cat towers with high perches to keep your furry friend’s mind sharp. During grooming sessions, it’s essential to monitor your cat’s body language to ensure they are happy and healthy. Large cats often suffer from joint issues, so if you notice difficulty walking or jumping, make an appointment with the vet. Lastly, before bringing home any cat breed, research the breed and choose one that suits your lifestyle.
