Largest Cat Breeds

Cats are one of the cutest animals around and even if you're not the biggest fan of them, like me, you still can't help but adore the little things. Many of us assume that cats are pure evil that plot diabolical plans and use you for food and shelter. But actually, a lot of them are sweet and love their owners unconditionally. Shocking, I know.

Just like dogs, cats come in a wide variety of breeds. You got the Persian cats, Sphynx cats, Russian Blue, Bengal, Burmese, and many more unique cat breeds. It's surprising how many different types of cats there are. There are even cats with specific types of fur that won't cause allergies to their owners — cool, right? Almost everyone has their own ideal type of cat.

Not all cats come in the same shapes and sizes. There are cats that are adorably small and then there are some that are bigger than your torso. If you don't believe me, check out this list of the largest cat breeds.

Egyptian Mau

The Egyptian Mau is easily one of the largest cat breeds. Despite their distinct characteristics — they're too adorable. These cats are either bronze, silver, or smoke colored in spots, and have large yellowish-green eyes that can stare directly into your soul. The Mau cat can get up to 14 pounds, and possibly heavier. Not to mention they're the fastest house cat — running up to thirty miles-per-hour.

Bengals

Bengal cats are among the well-known, largest cat breeds. These wild-looking cats are definitely athletic with an immense amount of energy. Muscular and tough, they resemble a cheetah. Their coat is normally gold-brown with black and brown spots. Bengals can weigh up to 15 pounds or more.

Ragdoll

If you haven't seen these cats anywhere on the internet, you live under a rock. Ragdoll cats are seen to be one of the most beautiful domestic cats, because of their piercing blue eyes and white and brown coat. While they can easily pick up tricks, they love to cuddle and get some belly rubs. Ragdolls can weigh up to 15 pounds, and some males can even weigh more than 20.

Siberian

Siberian cats are similar looking to a Ragdoll and they're also known as one of the largest cat breeds around. These feisty-looking cats are glamorous as well, and have an amazing, thick protective coat than can go from golden orange to brown. These cuties can weigh up to 17 pounds — possible even more.

Chausie

The Chausie has recently been recognized as one of the largest cat breeds. These tough-looking felines are a mixed breed of a jungle cat and an Abyssinian. This type of cat only eats meat, and requires little maintenance. However, although they make look adorable, they're not recommended to families as pets will small children... They can actually weigh up to 30 pounds — having the same weight and length as a medium dog. Crazy, I know.

Savannah

Savannah cats look a lot like Bengals, because of their cheetah appearance and their brown coat and black spots. This domestic feline is a hybrid of an African wild cat. Their weight can range from eight to 20 pounds. Male Savannah cats can weigh even more.

Norwegian Forest

Norwegian Forest cats are also one among the largest cat breeds. Despite their intimating appearance, they're actually really friendly and gentle — who would've known? Even though they love being pet and scratched on the head, they won't always demand it. Norwegian Forest cats have full, rich brown coats and can weigh from 13 to 22 pounds. Females weigh a bit less than male Norwegian Forests.

British Shorthair

The British Shorthair cat is definitely one of the most adorable and innocent-looking cats out of the largest cat breeds. This grey-coated cutie has a quiet voice and large orange-yellow eyes that will undoubtedly give you those kitty eyes when it wants something. Female Shorthairs can weigh between eight and 14 pounds, while males can be up to 20 pounds. I just might adopt a British Shorthair.

Turkish Van

The Turkish Van may look evil and vicious, but they're actually the complete opposite. Vans absolutely love to cuddle and you will almost always find them sleeping in your bed — who doesn't want a cat like that? They have a beautiful white and orange-brown coat and yellow-orange eyes. These cats can weigh from 10 to 18 pounds, once matured.

American Bobtail

Ah, yes, the American Bobtail cat. Not only are they one of the largest cat breeds, but they're also one of the most chubby. With their short tails, pointed ears, and amazingly-powerful body, they're certainly wild-looking. Their brown coats are covered in spots and streaks of darker brown. The American Bobtails can weigh up to 13 pounds, no problem.

Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is a popular cat breed on farms for catching mice. They were also seen as "ship cats" towards the early 19th Century. These cats are certainly wild-looking with their rich grey and white coat and large orange-yellow eyes. Even though some of the Maine Coons can weigh from nine to 18 pounds, a lot of them can reach more than 20 — making them one of the largest cat breeds.