15+ BEAUTIFUL BIG SIZE CAT BREEDS TO DISCOVER!
Do you want to know what big size cat breeds are now available?
Big-sized cats often have distinctive coat patterns or physical features that make them stand out. This can be a plus for cat owners who enjoy having a unique or eye-catching pet.
Keep reading to discover which one they are.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF BIG SIZE CAT BREEDS?
If you’re considering getting a big-sized cat as a pet, here are some things that you might find nice or enjoyable:
AFFECTIONATE TEMPERAMENT
Many big-sized cat breeds, such as the Maine Coon and the Ragdoll, are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities. They often enjoy spending time with their human companions and may even seek out attention and affection.
PLAYFULNESS
Big-sized cats are often energetic and playful and may enjoy interactive playtime with their human companions. Providing your cat with toys and opportunities to play can help keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
LOW MAINTENANCE GROOMING
Some big-sized cat breeds, such as the British Shorthair and the American Shorthair, have short, dense coats that require minimal grooming. This can be a plus for cat owners who prefer a lower-maintenance pet.
INTELLIGENCE
Many big-sized cats are intelligent and can be trained to do tricks or respond to specific cues. This can be a fun way to bond with your cat and provide mental stimulation for them.
Some of those cats resemble a dog’s behavior but in a cat’s body.
BEST BIG SIZE CAT BREEDS
If you choose a large gat breed, remember that you might need to put more effort into caring for them. However, they are also more rewarding in so many aspects.
Here are some of the best large cat breeds to choose from:
1. MAIN COON
The Main Coon is one of the largest domestic cat breeds, known for their long, fluffy coat and bushy tail.
The Maine Coon is one of the largest domestic cat breeds, with males typically weighing between 13-18 pounds (5.9-8.2 kg) and females typically weighing between 8-12 pounds (3.6-5.4 kg). However, some Maine Coons can grow to be even larger, with some males weighing up to 25 pounds (11.3 kg) and females weighing up to 20 pounds (9.1 kg).
Maine Coons are known for their distinctive physical characteristics, including their long, fluffy tail, tufted ears, and large, expressive eyes. In addition, they have a sturdy, muscular build and a shaggy coat that comes in various colors and patterns, including tabby, solid, and bi-color.
Maine Coons are also known for their friendly and affectionate personalities. They are often described as gentle giants and are known for their loyalty and devotion to their human companions. They enjoy spending time with people and may follow their owners from room to room or even greet them at the door.
In addition to their affectionate nature, Maine Coons are also known for their intelligence and playful nature. They are often compared to dogs in terms of their loyalty and willingness to play games, and they may even enjoy playing fetch or learning new tricks.
Overall, Maine Coons are a popular and beloved cat breed that is known for their large size, distinctive appearance, and affectionate personality. They can make excellent pets for families and individuals who are looking for a loyal and loving feline companion.
2. NORWEGIAN FOREST
The Norwegian Forest is a large, sturdy cat with a thick, long coat that comes in various colors.
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a large and sturdy cat breed that typically weighs between 9-16 pounds (4-7 kg) for males and 7-12 pounds (3-5 kg) for females. However, some Norwegian Forest Cats can grow to be even larger, with some males weighing up to 20 pounds (9 kg) and females weighing up to 16 pounds (7 kg).
Norwegian Forest Cats have a thick, double coat that is designed to keep them warm in their native cold, Scandinavian climate. Their coat comes in various colors and patterns, including tabby, solid, and bi-color.
In terms of their personality, Norwegian Forest Cats are known for being independent yet social. They are often described as regal and dignified and may take some time to warm up to new people. However, they can be loyal and affectionate companions once they bond with their owners.
Norwegian Forest Cats are also known for their intelligence and athleticism. They are natural hunters and may enjoy playing with toys or engaging in activities that allow them to use their instincts and physical abilities.
They may also enjoy climbing and exploring, so providing them with plenty of vertical space and opportunities to explore can be beneficial.
3. SIBERIAN
The Siberian is a muscular, large cat with a dense, water-repellent coat that comes in various colors.
The Siberian cat is a medium to large-sized cat breed that typically weighs between 8-17 pounds (3.5-7.7 kg) for males and 6-12 pounds (2.7-5.5 kg) for females. However, some Siberian Cats can grow to be even larger, with some males weighing up to 25 pounds (11.3 kg) and females weighing up to 15 pounds (6.8 kg).
Siberian Cats have thick, long coats that come in various colors and patterns, including tabby, solid, and bi-color. In addition, their fur is known to be hypoallergenic, which can make them an excellent choice for people with allergies.
Regarding their personality, Siberian Cats are known for being playful and affectionate. They are often described as being dog-like in their loyalty and willingness to follow their owners around. In addition, they may enjoy playing games or engaging in activities that allow them to use their physical abilities.
Siberian Cats are also known for being intelligent and adaptable. They are often quick learners and may enjoy learning new tricks or playing puzzle games. They can also adapt to various living situations, including living in apartments or homes with other pets.
Overall, Siberian Cats are a unique and exciting breed that can make great pets for families or individuals looking for a playful and affectionate companion.
4. BRITISH SHORTHAIR
The British Shorthair is a large, sturdy cat with a dense, short coat that comes in various colors. The British Shorthair is a medium to large-sized cat breed that typically weighs between 9-18 pounds (4-8 kg) for males and 7-14 pounds (3-6 kg) for females.
British Shorthairs have a thick, plush coat that comes in various colors and patterns, including blue, black, silver, cream, and tabby. They have a round head, chubby cheeks, and a stocky, muscular build.
In terms of their personality, British Shorthairs are known for being calm and affectionate. They are often described as being laid-back and easy-going and may enjoy spending time cuddling with their owners.
They can be independent sometimes, but they generally enjoy human company and form strong bonds with their owners. Overall, British Shorthairs are a popular and beloved breed that can make great pets for families or individuals looking for a calm and affectionate companion.
5. RAGDOLL
The Ragdoll is a gentle, affectionate cat with a soft, plush coat and blue eyes. The Ragdoll is a large-sized cat breed that typically weighs between 10-20 pounds (4.5-9 kg) for males and 8-15 pounds (3.5-7 kg) for females.
Ragdolls have a soft, silky coat that comes in various colors and patterns, including seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, and flame. They have large, expressive eyes, muscular, well-proportioned bodies, broad chests, and powerful legs.
Regarding their personality, Ragdolls are known for being affectionate and gentle. They are often described as being “floppy” and relaxed, and they may enjoy being picked up and held by their owners. They can sometimes be playful but generally have a calm and laid-back demeanor.
Ragdolls are also known for their loyalty and adaptability. They often quickly form bonds with their owners and may follow them around the house or greet them at the door. They can also adapt to various living situations, including living in apartments or homes with other pets.
Ragdolls are a popular and beloved breed that can make great pets for families or individuals looking for a gentle and affectionate companion.
6. BENGAL
The Bengal is a large, muscular cat with a wild appearance, known for its distinctive coat patterns. It is a medium-sized to large-sized cat breed that typically weighs between 8-15 pounds (3.5-7 kg) for males and 6-12 pounds (2.5-5.5 kg) for females.
Bengals have a unique and distinctive coat that is soft and silky to the touch and comes in various colors and patterns, including brown, silver, and snow. In addition, they have a muscular, athletic build, with long legs and a broad chest.
Regarding their personality, Bengals are known for being active, playful, and intelligent. They have a high energy level and enjoy playing and exploring their surroundings. They are also known for being curious and may get into mischief if they become bored or understimulated.
Bengals are also known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners. They are often described as being dog-like in their behavior and may enjoy playing fetch or going for walks on a leash. They can also be trained to do tricks or engage in activities that stimulate their minds.
Overall, Bengals are a popular and beloved breed that can make great pets for families or individuals looking for an active and engaging companion. They require regular play, exercise, and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
7. SAVANNAH
The Savannah is a hybrid cat breed that crosses between a domestic cat and a serval, known for its long legs and distinctive coat patterns. The Savannah is a large-sized cat breed that can weigh between 8-20 pounds (3.5-9 kg) for males and 6-13 pounds (2.5-6 kg) for females.
Savannahs have a distinctive coat that is short and spotted and comes in a variety of colors, including brown, silver, and black. They have a tall, slender build with long legs and a long neck, giving them a wild and exotic appearance.
Savannahs are known for being active, intelligent, and curious in terms of their personality. They have a high energy level and enjoy playing and exploring their surroundings. They are also known for being vocal and may make various sounds to communicate with their owners.
Savannahs are also known for their loyalty and affection toward their owners. They can form strong bonds with their owners and may follow them around the house or greet them at the door. They can also be trained to do tricks or engage in activities that stimulate their minds.
Overall, Savannahs are a unique and exotic breed that can make great pets for individuals looking for an active and engaging companion.
Savannahs are a hybrid breed, resulting from breeding domestic cats with the wild African Serval, and may require specific care and attention from experienced cat owners. However, with proper care and attention, a Savannah can be a loyal and loving companion for many years to come.
8. PERSIAN
The Persian is a large, long-haired cat with a distinctive flat face and round eyes. The Persian is a medium to large-sized cat breed that typically weighs between 7-12 pounds (3-5.5 kg).
Persians have a distinctive appearance, with long, luxurious coats that come in various colors, including white, black, silver, and cream. They have a round face, large, expressive eyes, and a compact, muscular body.
Persians are known for being calm, affectionate, and docile. They enjoy lounging and are content to spend their days in a comfortable spot, such as a sunbeam or a cozy bed. They are also known for their quiet nature and may prefer to communicate with their owners through body language or soft vocalizations.
9. SCOTTISH FOLD
The Scottish Fold is a medium to large cat breed with a distinctive folded ear that gives them a unique appearance that typically weighs between 6-13 pounds (2.5-6 kg).
Scottish Folds are known for their distinctive ears, which fold forward and downward, giving them a cute and unique appearance. They have a round face, large, expressive eyes, and a sturdy, muscular body.
They are known for being affectionate and friendly. They enjoy human companionship and are often described as “lap cats.” They are also known for being intelligent and playful and enjoy interactive play with their owners.
Scottish Folds are generally easy to care for, with a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming. However, they are prone to weight gain, so monitoring their diet and providing regular exercise is essential.
10. AMERICAN BOBTAIL
The American Bobtail is a muscular, athletic cat with a short tail and distinctive coat patterns. This cat has a medium to large-sized cat breed that typically weighs between 7-16 pounds (3-7 kg).
American Bobtails are known for their short, bobbed tails resulting from a genetic mutation. They have a muscular, athletic build, with a broad chest and a well-proportioned body. They come in various colors and coat patterns, including tabby, tortoiseshell, and solid colors.
American Bobtails require regular grooming to maintain their coat, which is generally short and dense. However, they are a healthy breed with few known genetic health issues.
One important thing to note about American Bobtails is that they are active and playful and require plenty of stimulation to prevent boredom. They enjoy interactive play, such as chasing toys or playing with puzzle feeders.
11. AMERICAN SHORTHAIR
The American Shorthair is a large, sturdy cat with a short, dense coat that comes in various colors. It is a medium to large-sized cat breed that typically weighs between 8-15 pounds (4-7 kg).
American Shorthairs have a muscular, sturdy build and a round head with large, expressive eyes. They come in various colors and coat patterns, including tabby, tortoiseshell, and solid colors. Their coat is short and dense, which requires minimal grooming.
They are known for being friendly, calm, and adaptable to different environments. They have a moderate activity level and enjoy playing and exploring but are also content to lounge and relax with their owners. They are generally easy-going and get along well with children and other pets.
American Shorthairs are a healthy breed with few known genetic health issues. They have a long lifespan, with many living into their late teens or early twenties.
Overall, American Shorthairs are a popular and beloved breed that can make great pets for individuals or families looking for a low-maintenance, affectionate companion. They are adaptable, easy-going, and generally healthy, making them an excellent choice for many different types of households.
12. EGYOTIAN MAU
The Egyptian Mau is a sleek, athletic cat with a spotted coat and is one of the oldest domestic cat breeds. It is a small to medium-sized cat breed that typically weighs between 6-14 pounds (3-6 kg).
Egyptian Maus have a sleek and muscular build with a distinctive spotted coat pattern. They come in various colors, but silver with black spots is the most common. Their coat is short and dense, which requires minimal grooming.
They are known for being active, intelligent, and curious. They are very vocal and enjoy communicating with their owners. They have a moderate activity level and enjoy playtime and interactive toys, but they also love to lounge and nap with their humans.
They are generally friendly and get along well with children and other pets.
13. TURKISH VAN
The Turkish Van is a large, muscular cat with a distinctive coat pattern and a love of water. This medium-sized cat breed typically weighs between 7-20 pounds (3-9 kg).
Turkish Vans have a muscular and sturdy build with a distinctive white coat and colored markings on their head and tail.
Their coat is medium to long in length and is water-repellent, which is thought to have evolved as an adaptation to their native habitat near Lake Van in Turkey. They come in various colors: red, cream, black, and blue.
Turkish Vans are known for being active, intelligent, and independent. They have a high activity level and enjoy playtime and interactive toys, but they also love to relax and nap with their humans. They are generally friendly and get along well with children and other pets.
14. CHARTREUX
The chartreux is a large, muscular cat with a distinctive blue-gray coat. It is a medium-sized cat breed that typically weighs between 7-16 pounds (3-7 kg).
The blue-gray coat is medium in length and dense in texture. Their eyes are a striking yellow or copper color. They have rounded heads, broad faces, small ears, and a thick, expressive tails.
Chartreux cats are known for being calm, affectionate, and intelligent. They are loyal to their owners and enjoy spending time with their humans, but they are not overly demanding attention.
They have a moderate activity level and enjoy playtime and interactive toys, but they also love to relax and nap in cozy spots. They are generally good with children and other pets.
Chartreux cats are a healthy breed with few known genetic health issues. They have a long lifespan, with many living into their late teens or early twenties.
Chartreux cats are a beloved breed that can make great pets for individuals or families looking for a calm and affectionate companion.
15. BOMBAY
The bombay cat is a large, muscular cat with a sleek black coat and gold eyes. It is a small to medium-sized cat breed that typically weighs between 6-11 pounds (2.5-5 kg).
Bombay cats have a muscular and athletic build with a short, shiny black coat that feels like patent leather. Their eyes are large, round, and copper-colored. They have rounded heads and short, expressive ears.
Bombay cats are known for being affectionate, intelligent, and social. They have a high activity level and enjoy playtime and interactive toys, but they also love to cuddle and snuggle with their humans. They are generally good with children and other pets.
IS A LARGE CAT DIFFICULT TO TAKE CARE OF?
Caring for a large cat requires extra effort but is not necessarily difficult. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Feeding: A larger cat typically requires more food than a smaller cat. It’s important to feed your cat a high-quality, balanced diet that meets its nutritional needs. You may also need to monitor your cat’s weight to ensure that they are not becoming overweight or obese, which can lead to health problems.
- Grooming: Some large cat breeds, such as the Maine Coon and the Persian, have long hair that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. You may need to brush your cat’s coat regularly and even bathe it periodically to keep its coat in good condition.
- Litter box: A larger cat will require a larger litter box. You may need to provide a litter box that is big enough for your cat to use comfortably, and you may need to clean the litter box more frequently to ensure that it stays clean and odor-free.
- Exercise and play: Large cats tend to be more active than smaller cats, so it’s important to provide them with opportunities for exercise and play. If possible, this may include providing toys, playtime, and access to climbing structures or outdoor enclosures.
Large cats can be wonderful pets with unique personalities and attractive physical characteristics. With proper care and attention, you can help ensure that your cat remains healthy and happy for many years to come.
