Some cats grow astonishingly big. If you are longing to look after an exotic-looking feline, you will be absolutely amazed by domestic big cat breeds. They are not as big as their wild counterparts, but these large kitties still possess incredible size that puts many cat lovers in awe.
Want to find out what the largest cat breed is? Find the answer here by following our countdown of the top 12 most loved domestic big cat breeds in the world.
Big Cat Breed #12: Birman
Height: 20 to 25 centimetres
Weight: 3 to 5 kilos
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
The Birman is an ancient medium-sized cat breed. This big domestic cat is dubbed as a ‘sacred cat’ because of her captivating looks. She has baby blue eyes and a beautiful seal-pointed coat that captured the eyes of many cat fanciers.
Outgoing and friendly, this big cat breed gets along well with both humans and fellow furry pals. Although Birmans love getting love and attention, they tend to be more withdrawn than other breeds.
These big cats are family-oriented, and they usually form a strong bond with one family member. Birmans can be quite territorial but never aggressive.
This domestic big cat breed is not chatty like other felines. However, she may use her soft voice to get her owners’ attention. As a moderately active kitty, the Birman only needs minimal playtime. Once she is done, this big cat will happily curl on your lap to relax.
Big Cat Breed #11: Persian Cat
Height: 35 to 45 centimetres
Weight: 3 to 5 kilos
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
The Persian Cat is a medium- to large-sized domestic cat breed. Aside from being one of the largest, she is also one of the oldest cat breeds to exist. In ancient times, Persian cats became quick favourites of the royals of Egypt to the aristocrats of the Victorian era.
These big cats became well-loved companions of memorable historical figures, including Queen Victoria and Florence Nightingale.
Even now, the Persian is still sought after by countless people. That’s no wonder, as this domestic big cat breed has such an elegant appearance and a lovable temperament. She exudes grandeur with her long plush coat and distinctive facial features.
The Persian possesses an affectionate and playful nature, making her a fun feline companion to be with.
Persian cats do not require much attention and are rarely clingy. They are not quick to warm up to strangers and maybe aloof for some time. However, once these big cats form a friendship with people, their wonderful loving personalities will shine.
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Big Cat Breed #10: American Bobtail
Height: 20 to 22 centimetres
Weight: 3 to 7 kilos
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
Another larger-than-life domestic big cat breed is the American Bobtail. She was a product of natural selection. Her origins can be traced back to the 1960s in North America.
Despite looking like a wild feline, this big cat is an adorable family companion. She is quite a sensitive feline that appreciates the attention her family showers her.
Because of their calm and sweet nature, American Bobtails are also used in psychotherapy to help soothe people. These sweet, big domestic cats are highly intelligent kitties too.
They can learn various tricks and even play fetch, just like dogs! Although they love playtime, American Bobtails are not hyperactive.
Whilst these domestic big cats are not as vocal as other cat breeds, they will still communicate with their owners with mewls to express their feelings.
The American Bobtail cat breed is highly intelligent. She can find her way to get inside locked rooms. A natural traveller, this domestic big cat breed enjoys going on trips if trained at a young age.
Big Cat Breed #9: British Shorthair
Height: 55 to 63 centimetres
Weight: 3 to 7 kilos
Life Expectancy: 12 to 20 years
The charming British Shorthair is a big cat breed with a stocky and sturdy body. This earned her the title ‘bulldog of cats.’ Although her physique looks quite tough, this domestic cat is soft at heart.
She was brought by the Romans as they invaded Britain. After many years, the British Shorthair cat breed became highly popular in Victorian England.
British Shorthairs are deeply loyal and affectionate cats towards their families. They are energetic kitties that need ample amounts of playtime with their loved ones. This domestic big cat breed is also known to be quieter and undemanding than other felines.
Know that the British Shorthair is not so fond of affectionate gestures. Cuddling or picking her up will be met with tolerance and, at the same time, disdain. This big cat would rather relax beside you than sit on your lap.
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Big Cat Breed #8: Chausie
Height: 35 to 45 centimetres
Weight: 4 to 6 kilos
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
The Chausie is one of the exotic-looking domestic big cat breeds. The reason behind this is her origins of being a descendant of the jungle cat. This plays a big role in why she is such a big domestic cat.
The Chausie’s beginnings started in ancient Egypt. The Egyptians greatly revered this cat breed that she was buried together with her owners to serve as their companion in the afterlife.
Chausies are extremely active, big cats that require an experienced owner. They are very childlike and interactive. Hence, they do not do well if left alone for long periods. These domestic big cats will need someone who can keep them company throughout the day. Having another furry companion for Chausies to play with is a good idea.
The Chausie cat breed is a deeply curious house cat and wants to be in the thick of everything. Her cleverness and intelligence make this big cat skilled in opening doors and cupboards. Like other chatty cat breeds, she will meow and sometimes even purr loudly to get her owners’ attention
Big Cat Breed #7: Selkirk Rex
Height: 22 to 27 centimetres
Weight: 4 to 7 kilos
Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years
This big cat breed hails from the Selkirk Mountains in Wyoming. The relatively new and rare breed is dubbed as ‘sheep cat’ for her distinctive curly coat. Selkirk Rex cats are widely popular in the United States and Canada.
This domestic big cat breed is a big snuggler, but she is not clingy nor demanding. However, Selkirk Rex cats do enjoy trailing after their family members, curious about what they are up to. Chatty and clownish, these domestic big cats will bring out giggles and laughter from their loved ones. Since Selkirk Rexes are full of energy, they will need regular playtime to keep them happy.
Big Cat Breed #6: Turkish Van
Height: 25 to 35 centimetres
Weight: 4 to 9 kilos
Life Expectancy: 12 to 17 years
One of the big cat breeds is the Turkish Van who can weigh as heavy as 7–12 pounds. He is another ancient breed, one that is quite rare to find. This domestic big cat originated from numerous countries, including Iran, Iraq, and some areas in the Soviet Union and Turkey.
Turkish Vans thrive in being close to their families. They are playful kitties that can get along with dogs. Although these big cats enjoy cuddles, they want to be handled on their own terms. Fantastic climbers and jumpers, Turkish Vans like to catch toys in mid-air and be high up on vertical spaces.
Big Cat Breed #5: Ragamuffin
Height: 30 to 45 centimetres
Weight: 4 to 9 kilos
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
Another big cat breed worth knowing is the Ragamuffin. She is a descendant of the Ragdoll, which explains their similar features. This large domestic cat also inherited the sweet disposition of her parent breed.
Just like Ragdolls, Ragamuffin cats also go limp when picked up by people. They thrive in being with people and enjoy sticking close to them. That is why these loving domestic big cats are called Velcro cats. Aside from that, they will gladly accept hugs and cuddles from their owners as well.
The Ragamuffin has no qualms settling comfortably beside her family on the sofa or bed. Her gentle nature makes her a wonderful feline friend for children. This big cat breed will happily go along with their antics so long as they handle her with respect and care.
Big Cat Breed #4: Siberian Cat
Height: 43 to 63 centimetres
Weight: 4 to 9 kilos
Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years
The Siberian Cat is one of the biggest domestic cat breeds. She can grow as big as a small pooch. The homeland of Siberian cats is Russia. Due to the place’s subarctic temperature, these big cats have a distinctive long, thick coat to keep them warm.
As a family pet, this large domestic cat breed is very fond of people. However, the Siberian Cat may come off as indifferent at first, as she is wary of strangers. Siberian cats have a cheerful and playful disposition that makes them a great match for families with children.
Unlike other cat breeds, these big cats have an affinity for water. So do not be surprised if they take a liking to play in the bathtub. The Siberian Cat is an agile jumper that can leap on tall furniture with little to no effort. She thrives when given sufficient time to play and expend her energy.
Similar to some cat breeds, she has a doglike personality, as following her owners from room to room is one of her hobbies. This big cat breed is friendly not only towards humans but other pets as well. Thus, it is not surprising if she quickly forms a bond with dogs and fellow kitties.
Big Cat Breed #3: Norwegian Forest Cat
Height: 30 to 45 centimetres
Weight: 5 to 9 kilos
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
This magnificent long-haired cat breed started as a furry companion of the Vikings. Her thick coat protects her from the biting cold of the winter season. In the olden days, this big domestic cat is prized as a skilled mouser.
Despite their wild cat appearance, Norwegian Forest Cats were bred from domestic cats from Northern Europe.
The Norwegian Forest Cat is quite independent. She looks for ways to entertain herself without her owners around. However, this does not mean that this big cat breed thrives in being completely alone. She loves getting attention and may communicate her appreciation with a soft mewl.
This domestic big cat breed loves hanging around with other pets. Smart and eager to learn, Norwegian Forest Cats can learn tricks through clicker training. They are great climbers and skilled hunters too. They may leave “gifts” on their owners’ doorstep as a form of appreciation of their friendship.
Big Cat Breed #2: Savannah Cat
Height: 35 to 43 centimetres
Weight: 5 to 11 kilos
Lifespan: 12 to 20 years
One of the heaviest domestic cats is the Savannah cat. This big cat breed is a result of cross-breeding a domestic cat and a Serval, a wild African Cat with long legs and a lean body. These exotic-looking big cats are full of curiosity and have a thirst for adventure.
This big domestic cat breed is also prone to committing lots of mischief, which may give her pawrents a bit of a headache.
The Savannah cat has high intelligence, which allows her to learn impressive tricks. Her doglike personality makes her a very friendly and approachable feline. This domestic cat is affectionate towards her family and swiftly warms up to strangers.
The Savannah is one of the domestic cat breeds with a big affinity for water. Wading in a kiddie pool or bathtub is something she enjoys. Savannahs are very chatty cats that use different vocalisations to make sure their message comes across loud and clear.
Due to a UK law (Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976) in owning wild animals, potential Savannah cat owners will need to obtain a Dangerous Wild Animal licence if they want to own an F1 (first generation offspring) Savannah cat breed. But no need to fret as F2 to F4 Savannah cats can be legally owned in the UK without a licence.
Big Cat Breed #1: Maine Coon
Height: 76 to 101 centimetres
Weight: 6 to 11 kilos
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Maine Coon ranks first as the largest domestic cat breed. A little fun fact about this big cat breed: a Maine Coon named Barivel is a Guinness World record holder for being the longest domestic cat (living). Barivel measures a total of 3 feet and 11.2 inches (120 centimetres)!
Some believed that the ancestry of this domestic big cat breed began in the United States. However, others theorise that the Maine Coon is the offspring of Marie Antoinette’s long-haired cats, who were then smuggled to America.
Maine Coons are also known as ‘gentle giants’ because of their amiable and loving disposition despite their large size. These big cats thrive in interacting with humans and get along well with children and other pets. Some Maine Coons even have a habit of following their humans around for no particular reason.
