A Look at the Top Largest Cat Breeds

Unlike dogs, size is usually not one of the main factors people consider when adopting a cat. The average cat size is around 10 lbs. (4.54 kg), with a height between 9 and 10 inches (23-25 cm). But as many feline lovers are well aware, there’s a lot of variation across the spectrum.

Kitties come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, and some breeds are known for being significantly larger than others. So, if you're wondering what is the biggest domestic cat, look no further. Let’s take a look at the largest cat breeds known to man!

Top 10 largest domestic cat breeds

Looking for a giant fur beast to join the family? Even cats of the same breed can vary greatly in size, so it’s important to accept your kitty for however big (or little) they grow. But on average, these 10 cats have the most to love.

1. Maine Coon

Weight average: 11-25 lbs. (4.99-11.34 kg)

If there’s one thing most people know about the Maine Coon, it’s that it is one large cat. This friendly fluff monster is regarded as the world’s largest domestic cat breed and is believed to have evolved in North America from European cats that hitched a ride with early explorers. The average Maine coon reaches a height between 9.8 and 16.1 inches (25 to 41 cm) tall.

*Fun fact: In 1895, a Maine Coon named Cosey was crowned the winner of the first-ever major cat show held in North America.

2. Savannah

Weight average: 12-25 lbs (5.44-11.34 kg)

Is that a cheetah cub in your living room? No, it’s the Savannah cat! And while it may look like a small cheetah, this unique breed is actually a cross between domestic cats and the African Serval, a medium-sized wild cat with large, pointed ears and a beautiful spotted coat. Because of this, many Savannah cats are noticeably larger than most other domestic breeds.

*Fun fact: If you see “F1” through “F3” while looking at savannah cats, it’s an indicator of how far removed from their African Serval heritage they are. Purebred Savannahs are three or more consecutive generations removed, and they are typically on the smaller side for the breed.

3. Norwegian Forest Cat

Weight average: 12-16 lbs. (5.44-7.26 kg)

Norwegian Forest Cats are believed to share a common ancestor with Maine Coons, so it’s no surprise that they too are on the list of biggest cats. This massive kitty typically reaches a height between 9 and 12 inches (22.86 to 30.48 cm) when full grown. It is also very fluffy in appearance (more so than the Maine Coon), which can make it look even larger.

*Fun fact: Norse mythology has it that these cats were the favorite animal of the goddess Freyja, who enjoyed traveling around in a chariot pulled by them. These cats were said to have been so large that mighty Thor himself could not lift them.

4. Ragdoll

Weight average: 10-20 lbs. (4.54-9.07 kg)

Ragdolls are famously calm and affectionate kitties that generally look like fluffy Siamese cats. Only they’re considerably larger. The average adult Ragdoll grows to be 9.1 to 11 inches (23 to 28 cm) in height and has a sturdy, strong-looking appearance. For perspective, the Siamese usually only reaches a maximum of 9.8 inches (24.9 cm) tall and around 10 lbs. As far as heavyweights go, the Ragdoll wins!

*Fun fact: Though not all do, these cats are known for going limp when picked up, hence the name “Ragdoll.”

5. Ragamuffin

Weight average: 10-20 lbs. (4.54-9.07 kg)

Ragamuffin cats are similar to Ragdolls in that they’re fluffy, large, and like to flop in their owners’ arms. They even grow to be around the same size (ragamuffins generally reach around 10 inches or 25.4 cm in height). But one of the biggest differences between these two big kitty breeds is that the Ragamuffin comes in a much wider range of colors. From vivid orange to snowy white and just about everything in between, the “teddy bear of cats” is a cuddly friend with a lot of potential for variation.

*Fun fact: The Ragamuffin was once considered to be the same as a Ragdoll cat but gained recognition as its own distinctive breed in 1994.

6. Siberian

Weight average: 10-20 lbs. (4.54-9.07 kg)

Formally known as the “Siberian forest cat,” the Siberian is a centuries-old cat that evolved naturally in present-day Russia and may be closely related to the Norwegian Forest Cat. Adult Siberians reach average heights between 9 and 11 inches (22.86 and 27.94 cm). With a coat ranging from medium-long to full-on fluff beast, some Siberians may appear to be even larger due to their fur.

*Fun fact: Luckily for big kitty lovers with allergies, the Siberian is considered one of the most hypoallergenic cats in the world.

7. Turkish Van

Weight average: 9-20 lbs. ((4.08-9.07 kg)

With a silky coat and dominant white coloring, the Turkish Van or "Van" is often mistaken for the Turkish Angora. However, it is its own distinctive cat breed that hails from the Middle East rather than a specific region of Turkey (where the Angora comes from). Full-grown Turkish Vans usually reach heights between 9 and 11 inches (22.9-27.9 cm), helping solidify their status as one of the biggest pet cat breeds.

*Fun fact: In direct contradiction to one of the defining qualities of so many other felines, the Turkish Van is often referred to as “the swimming cat” due to its fondness for water.

8. Chausie

Weight average: 9-15 lbs. (4.08-6.8 kg)

This cat breed is commonly referred to as a “miniature cougar cat,” and it’s easy to see why. Reaching heights between 14 and 18 inches (35.56 to 45.72 cm), this feline is recognizable for its large, rounded ears, short coat, and deep chest. Chausies are also known for being energetic and playful cats that develop a strong loyalty to their human family members.

*Fun fact: Not recognized as a domestic breed until 1995, the Chausie (chow-see) is believed to come from a hybrid of Ancient Egyptian domestic cats and a type of wild jungle cat.

9. Chartreux

Weight average: 7-17 lbs. (3.18-7.71 kg)

A true stunner with a lush, blue-gray coat and yellow eyes, the Chartreux also turns heads because of its size. In addition to growing between 9.1 and 11 inches (23 to 28 cm) tall on average, the Chartreux sports a muscular build and broad face that makes it appear even bigger. But this kitty is a gentle giant, complete with a tapered muzzle that often appears to be “smiling” at its humans.

*Fun fact: Though a French breed with a pedigree, legend has it that the Chartreux originated as a feral mountain cat in what is now Syria, brought to France by crusaders.

10. British Shorthair

Weight average: 7-17 lbs.

At a glance, the British Shorthair may appear to be simply the United Kingdom’s version of the American shorthair. But in reality, these are two quite different cat breeds. The British Shorthair is noted for its large, rounded face, dense fur coat, and stocky overall build. It’s also recognized as one of the larger kitties of the world, with an average height that sits between 11.8 and 18.1 inches (30-46 cm) tall.

*Fun fact: In 2012, a British Shorthair cat named Smokey made her way into the Guinness Book of World Records with the world’s loudest purr (recorded at an ear-shattering 67.7 decibels!).

Protect your big cat's health

Large cat breeds are healthy overall, but their genetics may still predispose them to certain types of health conditions. Protect your cat's health by keeping up with regular veterinary checkups and signing up for cat insurance.

Not sure if your furry pal is a large cat or just… large? Make an appointment with their veterinarian to have their weight and health assessed. Whether a large or small breed, staying a healthy weight is important for the health and wellbeing of all cats.