Top 14 Large Breed Cats for the Ultimate Feline Companion

A crossbreed between a domestic cat and a wild African Serval, the Savannah cat is one of the largest domesticated cat breeds, known for its striking appearance and active nature.

Maine Coons are one of the most popular large cat breeds, known for their affectionate personality and remarkable size.

• History: Originating from Maine, USA, these cats were working farm cats that earned their keep by hunting.
• Facts: Known as “gentle giants” due to their affectionate and sociable nature.
• Size: 5–11 kg, with a robust and muscular build.
• Coat: Long and water-resistant, perfect for colder climates.
• Energy: Moderately active; they enjoy play but also love lounging.
• Colour: A wide range, including tabby, black, white, and tortoiseshell.
• Lifespan: 10–15 years.
• Health: Susceptible to hip dysplasia and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
• Characteristics: Loyal, gentle, and great with children and other pets.

3. Norwegian Forest Cat

This Russian native is known for its majestic size, fluffy coat, and outgoing personality.

• History: One of the oldest breeds, dating back 1,000 years, Siberian cats were once wild forest dwellers.
• Facts: Despite their size, they are surprisingly agile and love to leap and climb.
• Size: 4.5–9 kg, with a powerful, muscular build.
• Coat: Triple-layered and water-resistant, ideal for cold climates.
• Energy: Highly energetic and playful.
• Colour: All colours and patterns.
• Lifespan: 11–15 years.
• Health: Known for their heart health, though some may develop heart disease.
• Characteristics: Affectionate, intelligent, and great with families and other pets.

5. Ragamuffin Cat

Ragamuffins are a large, docile breed, adored for their plush coats and sweet personalities.

• History: Developed in the 1990s as a variant of the Ragdoll breed.
• Facts: Often compared to teddy bears due to their soft, cuddly nature.
• Size: 4.5–9 kg, with a broad chest and strong muscles.
• Coat: Medium to long, incredibly soft and silky.
• Energy: Laid-back but enjoys interactive play.
• Colour: Wide variety, including solid, tabby, and tortoiseshell.
• Lifespan: 12–16 years.
• Health: Generally healthy but prone to obesity due to their laid-back nature.
• Characteristics: Calm, affectionate, and perfect for families.

6. Ragdoll 

Known for their relaxed nature, Ragdolls are one of the most affectionate large cat breeds.

• History: Developed in California in the 1960s, bred for their gentle, dog-like temperament.
• Facts: Often go limp when picked up, which is how they earned their name.
• Size: 4.5–9 kg, with a large and muscular build.
• Coat: Soft and semi-long, with a luxurious texture.
• Energy: Low to moderate; prefers lounging to high-energy activities.
• Colour: Seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac points.
• Lifespan: 12–17 years.
• Health: Prone to heart conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
• Characteristics: Gentle, affectionate, and great with children and other pets.

7. Chausie

A hybrid breed, the Chausie combines the wild looks of jungle cats with the temperament of a domestic feline.

• History: Bred from jungle cats and domestic cats in the 1990s.
• Facts: Highly active, they need plenty of space to roam and explore.
• Size: 4.5–9 kg, with a lean and athletic body.
• Coat: Short and dense, designed for easy grooming.
• Energy: Extremely high energy; they love to jump, climb, and hunt.
• Colour: Solid black or tabby.
• Lifespan: 12–14 years.
• Health: May inherit some wild health issues but generally healthy.
• Characteristics: Intelligent, adventurous, and very loyal.

8. Turkish Van

Known for their love of water, the Turkish Van is an agile and strong large breed.

• History: Originated in the region of Lake Van in Turkey, dating back centuries.
• Facts: Often referred to as “swimming cats” due to their love of water.
• Size: 4.5–8 kg, with a muscular and agile frame.
• Coat: Semi-long, water-resistant, and incredibly soft.
• Energy: Very active and playful, enjoys swimming.
• Colour: Primarily white with coloured markings on the head and tail.
• Lifespan: 12–17 years.
• Health: Generally healthy but prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
• Characteristics: Energetic, playful, and highly affectionate.

9. British Shorthair

With its round face and plush coat, the British Shorthair is one of the most charming large cat breeds.

• History: One of the oldest cat breeds in the UK, originating from Roman domestic cats.
• Facts: Often described as “teddy bear-like” due to their chubby faces and plush coats.
• Size: 4.5–8 kg, with a stocky and muscular build.
• Coat: Dense and plush, with a variety of colour patterns.
• Energy: Moderately active, enjoys play but also lounging.
• Colour: Blue (grey) is the most popular, though other colours exist.
• Lifespan: 12–20 years.
• Health: Prone to obesity and heart conditions.
• Characteristics: Calm, independent, and affectionate.

10. Bengal Cat

 

Known for their wild appearance, Bengal cats are energetic and large cats with a love for play and adventure.

• History: A hybrid breed developed from crossing domestic cats with the Asian leopard cat.
• Facts: Famous for their striking spots and energetic nature.
• Size: 4.5–7 kg, with a muscular and sleek body.
• Coat: Short and sleek with rosette patterns similar to wildcats.
• Energy: Extremely high energy, requires lots of stimulation and play.
• Colour: Brown, silver, snow, and charcoal.
• Lifespan: 12–16 years.
• Health: Generally healthy, though prone to heart disease.
• Characteristics: Active, intelligent, and vocal.

11. American Bobtail

This large breed is known for its bobbed tail and friendly personality.

• History: Developed in the 1960s in the US, believed to have some wild cat ancestry.
• Facts: Their short tail is a naturally occurring genetic mutation.
• Size: 4.5–7 kg, with a muscular build.
• Coat: Medium length, dense and water-resistant.
• Energy: Moderately active, enjoys play but also very laid-back.
• Colour: All colours and patterns.
• Lifespan: 13–15 years.
• Health: Generally healthy, but prone to hip dysplasia.
• Characteristics: Friendly, affectionate, and great with families.

12. Chartreux Cat

This ancient French breed is known for its plush coat and quiet, loyal nature.

• History: Originating in France, Chartreux cats have been documented since the 18th century.
• Facts: Known as the “silent cat” due to their quiet, calm demeanour.
• Size: 4–7 kg, with a sturdy and muscular frame.
• Coat: Short, thick, and water-resistant.
• Energy: Moderately active; enjoys both play and relaxation.
• Colour: Always blue-grey.
• Lifespan: 12–16 years.
• Health: Prone to some hereditary issues but generally healthy.
• Characteristics: Affectionate, quiet, and good-natured.

13. Egyptian Mau

This ancient breed is famous for its natural spotted coat and sleek, athletic build.

• History: One of the oldest natural breeds, dating back to ancient Egypt.
• Facts: The only naturally spotted breed of domestic cat.
• Size: 3.5–6 kg, with a lean and muscular body.
• Coat: Short, silky, and naturally spotted.
• Energy: Highly energetic and playful.
• Colour: Silver, bronze, and smoke.
• Lifespan: 12–15 years.
• Health: Generally healthy but prone to heart conditions.
• Characteristics: Agile, intelligent, and devoted to their owners.

14. Burmese

Small but muscular, Burmese cats are known for their playful and affectionate nature.

• History: Brought to the US in the 1930s, they were developed into a distinct breed.
• Facts: They have a strong build despite their smaller size compared to others on this list.
• Size: 3.5–6 kg, with a compact and muscular body.
• Coat: Short and sleek, with a glossy finish.
• Energy: Active and playful; they love to be involved in whatever their humans are doing.
• Colour: Brown, champagne, blue, and platinum.
• Lifespan: 15–18 years.
• Health: Generally healthy but prone to certain genetic conditions.
• Characteristics: Playful, affectionate, and loves human attention.

 

Whether you're looking for a playful and active cat like the Bengal or a calm and affectionate breed like the Ragdoll, large breed cats offer unique qualities that make them fantastic companions. From their impressive size to their distinct personalities, these cats can bring joy, love, and adventure into any home.

If you're ready to welcome one of these majestic felines into your life, remember that providing the right care is essential. Whether you need grooming tools, scratching posts, cosy beds, or interactive toys to keep them entertained, PaWzPet has everything you need to ensure your large breed cat feels right at home.

Visit the PaWzPet online store to explore our wide range of high-quality cat products designed to suit the needs of every feline companion. Shop now and give your cat the care and comfort they deserve!