If you’re a cat lover who also lives by the motto “the bigger, the better,” you might want to get a large-sized feline as a companion. Just remember there’s more to a cat than its size, so it’s a good idea to learn a bit more about the breed you’re considering before you bring one home.
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The cat breeds to consider if you want a big house cat
Remember that there are physical attributes, personality traits and unique quirks that come along with every cat. With this in mind, you should take a look at your lifestyle and think about how a feline companion might fit in. As a way to help you in your search, read further to learn more about the top 10 biggest house cat breeds out there.
1# Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is one of the oldest breeds in North America and was first discovered in Maine. The breed is highly intelligent, friendly and boasts a good-natured goofiness. A Maine Coon prefers to spend quality time with its owners, rather than just being pampered by them.
Maine Coons are well-known as one of the largest domestic cat breeds. A mature male is usually between 13-18 pounds, while a female is generally between 9-13 pounds.
Since the breed likes attention, you can easily comb their heavy fur every week. Take note that Maine Coon’s have a high tendency to shed and can become overweight if not given enough exercise and a healthy diet.
- Males are generally 13-18 pounds
- Females usually weigh 9-13 pounds
- Highly intelligent, friendly and goofy
- Loves attention and spending quality time with owners
- Fur sheds a lot and needs to be brushed regularly
- Tendency to become overweight if it doesn’t get exercise and a healthy diet
2# Persian
The Persian originated from Mesopotamia or present-day Iran. It was introduced in Europe in the 1600s and later became the favorite of Queen Victoria. The regal past of the breed might be the reason why they have an independent streak and are selective about the humans they spend time with. Generally, Persians are defined as a quiet type who thrive well in relaxed environments.
The males usually weigh 9-14 pounds while the females can range from 7-11 pounds. The breed sheds a lot but proper grooming can prevent scattered piles of fur around the house. Providing a bath every month can also keep their skin healthy and clean. The distinctive round face and short muzzle of the breed can put them at risk for health issues such as eye and respiratory problems.
- Males weigh 9-14 pounds
- Females weigh 7-11 pounds
- A favorite among past royals
- Independent and selective about who they spend time with
- Quiet and prefer relaxed environments
- Sheds a lot
3# Burmese
The Burmese were bred from a cat who was named Wong Mau who was initially brought to the U.S. back in 1930 and bred with a Siamese cat. The breed is known for being friendly, curious and sociable. It has a distinctive soft voice similar to a Siamese.
The compact, medium-sized feline is surprisingly heavy, tending to weigh around 8-12 pounds. Just remember that if you decide to get this breed as a feline companion, you should consider adding another one since it adores companionship and should not be left alone.
- Weigh between 8-12 pounds
- Compact and surprisingly heavy for its size
- Friendly, curious and sociable
- Does best with another cat as it needs companionship
- Distinctive soft voice
4# Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is truly adored by the Egyptians and this is apparent in their ancient artwork. The mascara-like markings, striking green eyes, and elegance are truly outstanding.
The introverted, dedicated breed with its sharpened senses manages to exude a “naturally-worried” look, which is the reason for their dislike of boisterous noises. The breed enjoys a perch such as a refrigerator or a bookshelf in which they can watch over their territory.
The breed is medium in size where males and females weigh between 8-12 pounds. The short coat of the Egyptian Mau requires low maintenance but this makes them sensitive to cold, so keeping them inside is important. Furthermore, these “meticulously’ spotless felines need a clean box.
- Weighs beteen 8-12 pounds
- Recognized for its mascara-like markings and striking green eyes
- Introverted and doesn’t like loud noises
- Likes perching high and keeping watch
- Low maintenance fur
- Sensitive to cold
5# Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a semi-longhaired feline native to Norway. The breed is sensitive, friendly and social, but on their terms. They are quite content inside, but require a scratching post and cat tree, ideally with an outdoor view to keep them stimulated.
The males can weigh between 10-16 pounds while females are between 8-12 pounds. The breed sheds heavily a few times a year, so frequent brushing is required. When out of the shedding phase, brushing is still needed at least one or two times a week. Additionally, bathing their waterproof coat is not recommended and rarely needed.
- Males are 10-16 pounds
- Females are 8-12 pounds
- Friendly and social on its own terms
- Sensitive
- Heavy shedder who needs frequent brushing
- Likes scratching posts and cat trees
6# American Bobtail
The American Bobtail is a confident and friendly feline that stands out. These short-tailed cats were bred in the U.S. back in the 1960s and make a great family pet since they are sociable with humans of all ages and even with other pets. The breed is all about fun, but they do not crave your undivided attention and do not attach to a single person.
The males range from medium to large, weighing between 15-16 pounds while females are around 7-11 pounds. The breed requires an occasional bath and minimal brushing to maintain their coat. Remember that their coat comes in two lengths – short hair and medium long-hair coat.
- Males are 15-16 pounds
- Females are 7-11 pounds
- Sociable with humans and pets
- Confident and friendly
- Doesn’t need a lot of attention
- Likes to have fun
7# Ragdoll
The Ragdoll was established as a breed in California back in the 1960s. The breed is known to flop just like a ragdoll into the arms of their owners. It is described as a happy, relaxed and quiet feline that is usually tolerant of children and other animals. Just like dogs, a Ragdoll can be smart and friendly. Some owners have even taught them to fetch.
As one of the largest breeds, the males weigh between 15-20 pounds, while females can range from 10-20 pounds. The coat of the breed requires weekly grooming using a steel comb to get rid of dead hair and any tangles. Make sure to check under the armpits since tangles are likely to build up during the shedding season.
- Males are 15-20 pounds
- Females are 10-20 pounds
- Happy, relaxed and quiet
- Gets along with children and other animals
- Flops like a ragdoll in its owner’s arms
- Requires weekly grooming
8# Siberian
The Siberian originated from Siberia and was first recorded way back in 1000 A.D. The breed is powerful, highly intelligent and entertaining. They can even tackle problem-solving on their own. The semi-long coat of the breed is thick in the winter to endure the elements and becomes short and lighter during the warm months.
The breed can range from medium to large, usually between 8-20 pounds where the females are smaller than the males. The Siberian is people-oriented and eager to be close to humans. They are also lively from kittenhood up to adulthood. Do not forget to brush them a few times during the week.
- Between 8-20 pounds
- Powerful and highly intelligent
- Entertaining and lively
- Can tackle problem solving on its own
- People oriented and eager to be close to humans
- Fur needs regular brushing and grows long during the winter
9# Ragamuffin
The Ragamuffin is similar to the Ragdoll, which tends to go limp in your arms. Ragamuffins are lap cats who are loved for their relaxed dispositions. Although their exact roots are not clearly defined, they were established back in the 1990s and known for their expressive eyes, “teddy bear” qualities and plush coat.
The females can weigh between 8-15 pounds, while males can range from 12-20 pounds. The soft, no-fuss fur of the Ragamuffin does not usually clump or mat. Due to their trusting nature, it is recommended to keep them indoors.
- Males are 12-20 pounds
- Females are 8-15 pounds
- Great lap cats who love to snuggle
- Expressive eyes, plush coat and “teddy bear” qualities
- Relaxed and trusting
- Best kept indoors
10# Chausie
The Chausie is known for its affectionate and playful demeanor. The active, assertive and athletic side of the breed is not for everyone though. The name has been derived from the Latin word for “jungle cat.” The breed tends to develop strong bonds with their owners and requires lots of mental and physical stimulation that not all owners can provide.
This large and long-bodied feline can weigh up to 30 pounds. The Chausie is always on the go and needs stimulation and interaction with their owners. It is not advisable to leave them alone for long periods.
- Can weigh up to 30 pounds
- Affectionate and playful
- Active, assertive and athletic
- Its name means “jungle cat”
- Requires lots of mental and physical stimulation
- Shouldn’t be left along for long periods
