Top 7 Largest Cat Breeds : Discover the majestic giants of the feline world! From record-breaking fluffballs to sleek hybrids that look straight out of the wild, these massive domestic cats will steal your heart (and your lap). If you’re dreaming of a bigger-than-average kitty companion, keep reading to uncover the top 7 largest cat breeds, complete with sizes, personalities, and care tips. You won’t believe how big these cuddly beasts can get!
What is the Largest Breed of Cat?
When people search for the largest breed of cat, they’re often picturing a domestic feline that’s more dog-sized than typical housecat. The undisputed champion is the Maine Coon. This North American native is renowned for its enormous size, with males routinely reaching 15-25 pounds and lengths up to 40 inches from nose to tail tip. One famous Maine Coon, Stewie, even held the Guinness World Record for longest domestic cat at 48.5 inches!
What makes the Maine Coon the largest breed of cat? It’s a combination of genetics from early European settlers’ cats breeding with local wild stock, resulting in a robust, rectangular body, tufted ears, and a bushy tail that resembles a raccoon’s. Despite their imposing stature, Maine Coons are gentle giants—affectionate, intelligent, and highly social. They’re perfect for families but require ample space to stretch out. If you’re adopting one, expect a cat that can leap onto high shelves with ease and demand interactive playtime.
Fun fact: Maine Coons don’t reach full maturity until 3-5 years old, so their growth spurt is a long, impressive journey. For anyone curious about the largest breed of cat, the Maine Coon sets the standard for size and charm.
Which Are the 7 Big Cats?
The phrase “the 7 big cats” often confuses folks—do you mean roaring wild felines like lions and tigers, or massive domestic breeds? In the context of pet lovers, it points to the 7 largest cat breeds that tower over average cats (which weigh 8-10 pounds). These big cats aren’t wild predators but lovable lap warmers with outsized personalities.
Based on expert consensus from sources like The Spruce Pets and Trupanion, here’s a quick teaser of the 7 big cats:
- Maine Coon (up to 25 lbs)
- Savannah (up to 25 lbs)
- Ragdoll (up to 20 lbs)
- Bengal (up to 20 lbs)
- British Shorthair (up to 18 lbs)
- Siberian (up to 20 lbs)
- Norwegian Forest Cat (up to 20 lbs)
These big cats blend wild aesthetics with domestic docility, making them ideal for homes craving a touch of majesty. Dive deeper into each below to see why they’re topping searches for largest cat breeds.
What Are the Big 5 Cats?
Ever wondered about the big 5 cats? In wildlife safaris, the Big Five refers to African icons like the lion and leopard. But for domestic enthusiasts, the big 5 cats spotlight the top-tier massive breeds that dominate size charts. Drawing from feline experts at PetMD and Four Paws, the big 5 cats are:
- Maine Coon: The fluffy heavyweight.
- Savannah: The exotic tall boy.
- Ragdoll: The relaxed behemoth.
- Bengal: The athletic spotted stunner.
- Siberian: The hypoallergenic powerhouse.
These big 5 cats average 15-25 pounds, with heights from shoulder to paw reaching 10-17 inches. They’re not just big in body—they pack huge hearts, often bonding deeply with owners. If you’re scaling down from safari dreams, these big 5 cats bring the thrill home without the roar.
What is the 2nd Largest Cat?
Hot on the heels of the Maine Coon, the 2nd largest cat is the Savannah. This hybrid breed, born from a domestic cat and an African serval, boasts incredible height—up to 17 inches at the shoulder—and weights of 12-25 pounds, especially in early generations (F1-F3). What elevates the Savannah as the 2nd largest cat? Its long legs and lean, muscular build give it a wild, cheetah-like silhouette that’s both elegant and imposing.
Originating in the 1980s, Savannahs were bred for their striking spotted coats and alert ears, but they’re far from feral. These 2nd largest cat contenders are playful, loyal, and dog-like, often learning tricks or leash-walking. However, their high energy demands ample exercise, and early generations can cost $10,000+. For fans of the largest breed of cat, the Savannah offers a thrilling runner-up with exotic flair.
Top 7 Largest Cat Breeds
Now, let’s break down the top 7 largest cat breeds in detail. Each entry includes average size, temperament, and unique traits to help you decide your next furry friend. These rankings prioritize weight and length for adult males, per data from TICA and CFA.
1. Maine Coon: The Gentle Giant
As the largest breed of cat, Maine Coons mesmerize with their lion-like manes and chirpy “trills.” Weighing 15-25 pounds and stretching 30-40 inches, they’re built for cold climates with water-repellent coats in tabby patterns.
Key Traits:
- Temperament: Social, dog-friendly, loves water.
- Lifespan: 12-15 years.
- Care Tip: Brush weekly to manage shedding; provide tall scratching posts.
Maine Coons thrive in active homes, often greeting guests like hosts.
2. Savannah: The Exotic Athlete
The 2nd largest cat, Savannahs turn heads with serval heritage, hitting 12-25 pounds and 17-inch heights. Their golden coats sport bold spots, and long legs enable epic leaps.
Key Traits:
- Temperament: Energetic, intelligent, leash-trainable.
- Lifespan: 12-20 years.
- Care Tip: Secure enclosures for jumping; avoid small spaces.
Ideal for adventurers, these big cats demand mental stimulation.
3. Ragdoll: The Floppy Lap Cat
Ragdolls earn their spot among the 7 big cats at 10-20 pounds, with semi-long fur and striking blue eyes. They “ragdoll” when held, melting into pure relaxation.
Key Traits:
- Temperament: Calm, affectionate, kid-friendly.
- Lifespan: 12-17 years.
- Care Tip: Daily grooming; monitor diet to prevent obesity.
Perfect for chill vibes, Ragdolls follow you room-to-room.
4. Bengal: The Wild-Spotted Dynamo
Bengals, at 8-20 pounds, mimic mini leopards with glittery, marbled coats. Their Asian leopard cat ancestry fuels boundless energy.
Key Traits:
- Temperament: Playful, vocal, water-loving.
- Lifespan: 12-16 years.
- Care Tip: Interactive toys; vertical spaces for climbing.
Among the big 5 cats, Bengals bring jungle vibes indoors.
5. British Shorthair: The Stocky Classic
These plush, teddy-bear-like cats weigh 9-18 pounds, with dense blue-gray coats and round faces. One of the oldest breeds, they’re low-maintenance royalty.
Key Traits:
- Temperament: Independent, easygoing, quiet.
- Lifespan: 12-20 years.
- Care Tip: Occasional brushing; portion-controlled meals.
A staple in the 7 big cats for their sturdy, balanced build.
6. Siberian: The Hypoallergenic Powerhouse
Siberians tip scales at 10-20 pounds, with triple-layered fur suited for Russian winters. Surprisingly low-shed for their fluff.
Key Traits:
- Temperament: Loyal, gentle, dog-tolerant.
- Lifespan: 12-18 years.
- Care Tip: Weekly baths; heart-health checks.
This big cat suits allergy sufferers among the largest cat breeds.
7. Norwegian Forest Cat: The Mythic Climber
Rounding out the top 7 largest cat breeds, these 12-20-pound warriors feature water-resistant double coats and tufted paws for snowy treks.
Key Traits:
- Temperament: Adventurous, sweet, vocal.
- Lifespan: 12-16 years.
- Care Tip: Nail trims; outdoor-proofing if free-roaming.
Inspired by Norse legends, they’re climbers extraordinaire.
For a quick size comparison, here’s a handy table:
| Rank | Breed | Avg. Weight (lbs) | Height (inches) | Coat Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maine Coon | 15-25 | 10-16 | Semi-long |
| 2 | Savannah | 12-25 | 14-17 | Short |
| 3 | Ragdoll | 10-20 | 9-11 | Semi-long |
| 4 | Bengal | 8-20 | 8-10 | Short |
| 5 | British Shorthair | 9-18 | 9-12 | Short |
| 6 | Siberian | 10-20 | 9-11 | Long |
| 7 | Norwegian Forest | 12-20 | 9-12 | Long |
Caring for Large Cat Breeds
Owning one of the 7 big cats means scaling up care. These largest cat breeds need:
- Diet: High-protein kibble in measured portions to avoid joint strain—aim for 300-500 calories daily.
- Exercise: Puzzle feeders and wand toys; hybrids like Savannahs crave 30+ minutes of play.
- Health: Annual vet checks for hip dysplasia; elevated food bowls for big frames.
- Space: Sturdy litter boxes and multi-level trees to match their grandeur.
Bullet-Point Pro Tips:
- Start training early for leash walks with energetic breeds.
- Budget for premium food—big appetites add up!
- Socialize kittens to prevent shyness in these confident giants.
Conclusion
From the largest breed of cat (Maine Coon) to the 2nd largest cat (Savannah), these top 7 largest cat breeds prove size doesn’t limit affection— it amplifies it! Whether you’re eyeing the big 5 cats for family fun or the full 7 big cats for variety, each offers unique magic. Ready to welcome a gentle giant? Research breeders or rescues today. Which breed piques your interest? Share in the comments!
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