At first glance, cats may seem like small pets, but there are several large cat breeds that deserve recognition as substantial animals. These felines may not be as enormous as lions, but they surpass the size of most wildcats worldwide. Despite displaying their wild instincts, the large cat breeds have an excellent reputation as pets. It’s worth noting that when owning a cat, you’re likely to be deemed the pet instead.
It’s important to understand that pet cats are only domesticated to a certain degree. Their DNA is incredibly similar to that of their wild counterparts. Thousands of years ago, cats joined human society “on their own terms,” according to John Gray’s book Feline Philosophy: Cats and the Meaning of Life. Even though domesticated felines have lived with humans for centuries, they still exhibit untamed behavior and instincts. They eat meat, hunt, adapt to new environments, and don’t conform to hierarchies like canines. Only lions are known to live in groups among big cats. Therefore, it can be difficult to teach a cat to follow commands, as they don’t acknowledge you as their alpha leader. This fact can be humbling to realize.
The British Shorthair is a feline breed with a fur that is short and thick. Their height can reach up to 12-14 inches, and their weight can vary between 7-17 pounds, depending on their gender. These cats can live for up to 12-20 years. The British Shorthair is renowned for its amiable and fond nature, which makes it an ideal companion for families with children or older adults seeking a snuggly friend. While their coat is typically blue-grey, there are numerous hues and designs available. Providing comfortable beds may be more essential than having cat condos when establishing a cozy environment for your British Shorthair because these felids love to snooze!
The Chausie breed of cat is a unique and fascinating breed that typically grows to be between 13 and 17 inches tall and weighs anywhere from 8 to 19 pounds, depending on their gender. They have a short, dense coat that comes in various shades of brown and tan. These cats are highly intelligent and love to explore their surroundings, so make sure to give them plenty of opportunities to do so if you decide to adopt one. Teaching your Chausie tricks or training them to wear a harness and go on outdoor adventures could be a great way to keep them entertained and active. Due to their high energy levels, they may require more calories than other breeds, so keep that in mind when feeding them. These cats are truly like mini-cougars, always on the lookout for their next adventure!
The Maine Coon, a type of cat known for its ability to endure harsh winters in the Northeastern United States, is a breed that stands out for its size, big ears, and long tail. However, despite their imposing appearance, these felines are great with children because of their playful and amiable personalities. Maine Coons enjoy being involved in all kinds of activities, making them ideal social pets. Their long, soft fur comes in various colors and they can live for up to 12-20 years. If you’re searching for a friendly and intelligent feline companion, the Maine Coon might be the perfect choice for your family.
The Norwegian Forest breed of cat is a wonderful pet choice that stands at around 9-12 inches tall and can weigh between 8-12 pounds for females and 12-18 pounds for males. They have a beautiful long, double coat that is quite rough to the touch, and come in a variety of colors, although they are most commonly seen with a mix of white and tabby. With a lifespan of 13-20 years, these loving yet independent cats were originally used to keep rodents away from Viking ships. Nowadays, they are excellent family pets but require their own space, including scratching posts and climbing towers. While they love to snuggle with their owners, it’s important not to force them into it and simply enjoy their company as they tend to follow their owners wherever they go.
Pixiebob cats are a fantastic choice for families with children and other pets because of their energetic and devoted personalities. They come in a variety of hues such as brown, tan, and tabby and have both long and short hair types. Their height can fall anywhere between 9 to 13 inches, and the females usually weigh between 9 and 11 pounds while the males can weigh as much as 14 pounds. Pixiebobs typically live for 13 to 15 years. Given their thick double coats and bobbed tails, it’s crucial to groom them regularly to keep their fur healthy and prevent tangling.
The Ragamuffin, a type of cat breed, can reach a height of 10-15 inches and can weigh between 8-13 pounds (females) and 14-20 pounds (males). They have medium to long, soft, and thick coats that come in various colors. With a lifespan that ranges from 12-16 years, this breed’s personality is known for being patient and caring, making them an ideal companion for children. Similar to British Shorthairs, they enjoy playing with their favorite person and love to cuddle. It’s important to keep Ragamuffins indoors for their safety since they trust and love easily. Therefore, investing in toys for these affectionate cats is a must!
The Ragdoll feline breed is distinguished by its gentle and tolerant nature, which makes it an ideal option for households with children or individuals who require a caring therapy cat. Their coats are silky and lengthy, and they have white bodies with pointed markings. These sizeable cats can reach heights of 9-11 inches and weigh between 10-15 pounds for females and 15-20 pounds for males. Their bright blue eyes are nothing short of stunning. Unlike British Shorthairs, Ragdolls adore being held and carried around, but they require interactive playtime to avoid becoming overweight. They typically live 13-18 years.
The Savannah cat is a breed that stands out for its impressive height and agility. They can reach heights of 10-17 inches and have a weight range of 11-23 pounds depending on their sex. Their coat is typically short or medium length with a rough texture, and they commonly come in black and brown spotted colors. On average, Savannah cats live between 12-15 years.
Savannah cats are known for their lively and adventurous nature, likely due to their hybrid ancestry of domestic cats and African servals. However, it’s important to note that owning a Savannah may not be legal in all 50 U.S. states due to their wild heritage.
Interestingly, the three most recent Tallest Domestic Cat titleholders according to the Guinness Book of World Records have been Savannahs. Despite their lanky build, these cats are highly active and enjoy exploring new environments from high perches.
The Siberian feline is a well-known breed recognized for its remarkable strength and congenial disposition. Originating from Russia, these cats possess long, triple-coated fur that provides both warmth and protection. Interestingly, certain individuals suffering from cat allergies have discovered that Siberians are hypoallergenic, but this may not hold true for everyone. In general, Siberians are docile and clever pets that enjoy spending time playing with their families, although their intellect can sometimes result in them getting into trouble by squeezing into small spaces. With an average lifespan of 10-18 years, Siberian cats are ideal animal companions for those seeking a loving and devoted furry pal.
The Turkish Van is a breed of cat that is full of character and loves to explore. With their medium to long, soft coat, these cats are typically white with either red, cream, black, or blue markings on their head and tail. They can grow up to 10-14 inches tall and weigh between 10-20 pounds. Turkish Vans are well-known for being social and intelligent, always on the lookout for their next adventure. To keep them entertained, it’s important to provide them with toys that offer mental stimulation as they tend to get bored easily. You’ll often find them perched up high on bookshelves, as they love to be up high. Though these gorgeous felines are rare, you’re one lucky individual if you ever have the opportunity to meet or adopt one.
The Persian cat is a unique type of feline that can grow up to 10-15 inches in size and weigh roughly 7-12 pounds. These cats have a long, luxurious coat that comes in various colors, such as cream, black, red, and other patterns. They are known for their sweet and quiet nature, but can be wary of strangers. These cats have an impressive lifespan of 15-20 years.
However, if you’re planning on owning a Persian cat, you should be prepared for some extra grooming responsibilities. Their hair tends to shed quite a bit, so it’s important to have a vacuum, lint brush, and pet brush on hand before bringing one home. Regular grooming appointments every six weeks or so can help keep their hair under control. If necessary, request a “lion’s trim” from the groomer to make their hair more manageable.
Despite their grooming needs, Persian cats can make fantastic companions. They love to lounge around and show affection towards their owners. However, it’s important to note that they may need time to adjust to new people or unfamiliar surroundings.
The American Bobtail is a type of cat that is known for its friendly and playful nature. Often described as the “Golden Retriever” of cats, this breed is intelligent and easygoing, making it an ideal companion. If you’re searching for a cat that enjoys curling up in your lap, the American Bobtail is a perfect fit – just keep in mind that they tend to shed quite a bit. Unlike some other breeds, these cats require human interaction, including regular grooming of their fur and teeth. Available in a range of colors, the American Bobtail boasts large almond-shaped eyes that will surely steal your heart. With an average lifespan of 13-18 years, this breed is a wonderful addition to any household.
The Bengal cat is a stunning feline breed with a short, thick coat that can come in different spotted patterns such as gold, rust, brown, sand, and ivory. They are known for their intelligence, curiosity, and affectionate nature. These cats typically have a lifespan of 9-15 years, weigh between 8-15 pounds, and stand at a height of 13-16 inches. However, they require socialization while they’re young to adapt well to new people. To keep them entertained, it’s essential to get them a cat tree and various toys. If you’re away from home for extended periods, it’s best to consider getting another cat as a companion for your Bengal.
Owning a large cat breed may be challenging as they need more attention compared to smaller breeds. Indoor large cat breeds require enough space to satisfy their wild cat instincts, but this can be recreated inside. Scratching posts, interactive toys, and tall cat towers with high perches can help keep your cat’s mind sharp. During grooming, it’s important to watch out for your cat’s body language to monitor their happiness and health. Due to joint issues that tend to affect large cats, take your cat to the vet if they experience difficulties walking or jumping. Lastly, before bringing your cat home, choose a breed that’s ideal for your lifestyle, and conduct research about the breed.
