World Largest Domesticated Cat Breeds
For those who have dreamed of having a pet tiger, they certainly appear beautiful, powerful, and striking while looking cute and cuddly. But these big cats are not domesticated and clearly not suited for life outside of the native environment, zoos, or sanctuaries. The next best choice for exotic cat lovers is a larger breed of house cat. Domestic cats make great pets due to their manageable size and relatively low maintenance.
These 5 domesticated beauties bring much joy to cat lovers in a slightly larger feline package.
Breed Characteristics
Larger cat breeds tend to have more confidence. Most cats are curious, but larger cats usually have more powerful jumping abilities and can get into a little more trouble. Larger felines are athletic and active. Many bond strongly with their human owners and vocalize with mews, squeaks, and purrs when they need you.
Learn More1. Maine Coon
A brown tabby Maine Coon cat with pointed ears laying on wood floor and looking past camera.
The strong, shaggy Maine coon is a well-proportioned large domesticated cat. There are many stories of how this breed developed. Some believe they originated in America as a cross between a house cat and a raccoon, although that myth has been scientifically debunked. That raccoon myth was one explanation for the Maine coon’s long, smooth coat and voluminous tail. This unique and affectionate breed is a great family pet known for being a gentle giant in the domesticated cat world.
Breed Overview
HEIGHT: 10 to 16 inches
WEIGHT: 10 to 18 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Long, double coat with more than 75 color combinations and green, gold, or copper eyes
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 9 to 15 years
2. Ragdoll
A white fluffy cat with grey markings on its tail, ears, and face sitting on a white cat tree.
earned its name because of its docile, cuddly, and affectionate nature. Ragdolls collapse into their favorite person’s arms when picked up, just like a rag doll. Their history is shrouded in mystery, and there are many claims of how they came to be, including CIA experiments. This tremendous family-friendly breed gained popularity in the U.S. in the 1990s, and the Cat Fancier’s Association recognized it in 2000.
Breed Overview
HEIGHT: 9 to 11 inches
WEIGHT: 10 to 20 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Medium-length and silky plush coat; light-colored body with a darker face, legs, tail, and ears; coat patterns include bicolor, van, mitted, and colorpoint; coat colors include seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, and cream; blue eyes
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 13 to 15 years
3. Norwegian Forest Cat
A large, fluffy cat with orange and white markings in front of a solid black background.
Imagine a wild, long-haired barn cat with wide yellow eyes and a muscular body, and you’d see an encyclopedia entry for a Norwegian forest cat. These large, sturdy cats were first bred in Norway by breeders who crossed domestic cats with wild forest cats. Since the breed was domesticated, it has become a perfectly friendly, playful, and intelligent breed. The Norwegian forest cat is perfect as a loyal pet to stay by your side.
Breed Overview
HEIGHT: 9 to 12 inches
WEIGHT: 13 to 20 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Unique double coat that includes a dense undercoat and a long, silky smooth overcoat; colors vary greatly, every color and pattern is possible
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 14 to 16 years
4. Persian
A flat-faced orange Persian cat staring at the camera laying on a plush chair.
The most striking attribute of the Persian cat is its face. This long-haired cat has a round, often flat face and a distinctly short muzzle, giving it a squished face look. Its long hair gives it a larger appearance. In actuality, it is one of the smallest of the larger breeds. Unlike most larger cats, this cat is content lounging around all day and is not as active or alert as the bigger kitties.
Breed Overview
HEIGHT: 8 to 10 inches
WEIGHT: 7 to 12 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Long coat in solid (white, black, cream), tabby, calico, bicolor, silver and gold, shaded, and smoke
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 17 years
5. Chausie
An exotic looking breed, the chausie is a large, extremely active, and intelligent cat. Its history dates back to the ancient Egyptians. The chausie got its name from the Latin name “felis chaus,” meaning “jungle cat.” People likely gave it this name because of its natural hunting skills and regal demeanor combined with its large-and-in-charge appearance. The ancient breed was bred with house cats centuries ago and brought to America, where they became popular as some of the giant domesticated cats.
Breed Overview
HEIGHT: 14 to 18 inches
WEIGHT: 15 to 20 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Short coat, commonly black or brown with a tabby pattern
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 14 years
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