Large Cat Breeds

Caitlin Dempsey

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A light brown Siberian cat sitting in light snow.

There are several domestic cat breeds that are known for their large size, including the Maine Coon, the Norwegian Forest cat, the Siberian, and the Ragdoll cat.

Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is a popular breed that is known for its long, thick fur and large size.

Males can weigh up to 18 pounds, while females can weigh up to 16 pounds. They are native to the state of Maine in the United States and are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities.

Maine Coons are often described as “gentle giants” and make excellent companions for families and individuals alike. Maine Coon cats are are also known for their playful and curious nature and can be trained to do tricks and play fetch.

A silver maine coon cat slinking towards the camera across vibrant green grass.
A silver Maine Coon tabby cat. Photo: © FurryFritz / stock.adobe.com.

Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian Forest Cat, also known as the Wegie or Skogkatt, is a large breed of domestic cat that is native to Norway. Norwegian Forest, are known for their intelligence, adaptability, independence and friendly personalities.

Norwegian Forest Cats are known for their long, thick fur and muscular build, with males weighing up to 16 pounds and females weighing up to 12 pounds.

Like other large cat breeds, Norwegian Forest Cats can vary in size and weight depending on their genetics and overall health. Norwegian Forest Cats are generally easygoing and adapt well to different environments, but they do require regular grooming to maintain their long, thick fur.

A light colored Norwegian Forest cat staring at the camera while sitting on a log in the forest.
Norwegian Forest Cat. Photo: © puteli/stock.adobe.com.

Siberian Cat

The Siberian is another large breed of domestic cat. They are known for their thick, fluffy coats and large size, with males weighing up to 20 pounds and females weighing up to 16 pounds.

As their name suggests, Siberian cats are native to Russia and are known for their intelligence and affectionate nature. Siberian cats are generally good with children and other pets and are known for their ability to adapt to different environments.

A light brown Siberian cat sitting in light snow.
A Siberian cat. Photo: © fantom_rd/stock.adobe.com.

Ragdoll Cat

The Ragdoll cat is a breed of domestic cat that is known for its large size and fluffy coat. Males can weigh up to 20 pounds, while females can weigh up to 15 pounds.

Ragdoll cats are known for their calm and docile personalities and are often referred to as “puppy cats” due to their affectionate nature. Ragdoll cats are generally good with children and other pets and are known for their ability to adapt to different environments.

These cats are also known for their playful nature and may enjoy playing with toys and interacting with their owners.

Seal Bicolour Ragdoll Cat sitting on a white scratching post.
Seal Bicolour Ragdoll Cat. Photo: © furryfritz / stock.adobe.com.

Adopting a large cat

It’s worth noting that these breeds are generally larger than the average domestic cat, but there can be variation in size within a breed and even within a litter of kittens. As with any pet, it’s important to spend time with a cat before adopting to ensure that they are a good fit for your lifestyle and personality.

More Cat Breeds

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About the author
Caitlin Dempsey
A lifelong cat owner, Caitlin currently has three rescue cats: an orange tabby, a gray tabby, and a black cat. An avid researcher of feline topics, Caitlin holds both a master's in Geography from UCLA and a Master of Library and Information Science.