Biggest Domestic Cat Breeds in the World
Maine coon 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.
Savannah 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.
Norwegian Forest Cat 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.
Ragdoll 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!
Ragamuffin 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).
Siberian 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).
Turkish Van With a silky coat and dominant white coloring, the Turkish 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.
Chausie 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.
Chartreux 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.
British Shorthair 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.