Do you know which cat can pass for a small dog? Some breeds may weigh more than 20 pounds, while others may measure more than three feet from nose to tail! See our list of the largest cat breeds and discover whether they are good pets or not.

What Actually Counts as a “Big” Cat Breed?

Size isn’t just a number. A cat can be heavy, or long, or tall, and those are not the same things.

Mass is measured by weight. Length is measured from the nose tip to the tip of the tail of a stretched-out cat. Height is the height of the cat at the withers. In one category, a breed may be high and another, other average.

Coat also pulls tricks on the eye. A fluffy cat might seem huge but be much lighter than a sleek, muscly one underneath. 

Why Ranking Method Matters

Most rank by weight first. It’s an easy characteristic to compare. When choosing between two equal weights, pick the cat with the greater length. Only a few breeds have similar weight and height.

Remember that each cat is an individual. The average doesn’t predict your cat’s size.

Top 10 Biggest Cat Breeds, Ranked

Here’s the full list, ordered from heaviest average build to lightest among the giants.

Rank	Breed	Avg. Weight	Avg. Length	Coat Type
1	Maine Coon	10–20 lbs	Up to 40 in	Long, shaggy
2	Savannah	12–25 lbs	20–24 in	Short, spotted
3	Norwegian Forest Cat	12–18 lbs	18–24 in	Long, water-resistant
4	Ragdoll	10–20 lbs	17–21 in	Semi-long, silky
5	Siberian	11–20 lbs	17–20 in	Long, triple-layered
6	British Shorthair	10–18 lbs	14–18 in	Short, dense
7	RagaMuffin	10–20 lbs	16–19 in	Long, plush
8	Turkish Van	10–18 lbs	16–19 in	Semi-long, water-loving
9	Persian	8–12 lbs	14–17 in	Long, flowing
10	Chartreux	7–17 lbs	14–17 in	Short, woolly

Breed Profiles: What Makes Each One So Large

Maine Coon

The Maine Coon holds the top spot in most cat-size rankings, and for a good reason. Adult males can weigh up to 30 pounds or more, making it the biggest domestic cat breed known today.

This breed also sets the standard when it comes to the cats’ length. A Maine Coon named Stewie holds the record for the longest domestic cat ever, with a 48.5-inch measurement around him. Barivel has recently taken over as the new record holder as the longest-living cat.

Maine Coons are beautiful creatures that are gentle and chatty with their owners and equally lovely with children. However, you have to dedicate time weekly to brushing this beauty’s luxurious double coat to avoid tangles.

Savannah

The Savannah is an artificially created breed, resulting from the crossbreeding of a domestic cat and an African serval; hence, the exotic appeal of the animal and its elongated legs.

The Savannah named Fenrir holds the title of the tallest domestic cat living, according to the Guinness Book of World Records as of 2021, having a height of 18.83 inches from shoulder blade. The most notable characteristic of the Savannah is its height, as opposed to the weight.

The Savannah is quite a lively animal, requiring much attention. In this aspect, it cannot be recommended for a moderately active person or family.

Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian Forest Cat is a hardy breed that typically thrives in cold climates. This cat breed has a thick, water-repellent coat of fur that covers a muscular body. This cat is similar in appearance to the Maine Coon.

The Norwegian Forest Cat can climb, hunt, and explore with ease. This breed requires lots of room to play and plenty of vertical space.

Ragdoll

Dogs of the Ragdoll breed go limp when picked up, which is where they get their name. They have a combination of hefty physiques and famously laid-back personalities.

This breed has been topping popularity charts for years, in large part thanks to its ability to balance substantial size with an easygoing nature that makes it a perfect pet for a family.

Siberian

The Siberian cat has three layers of the coat, which help to keep the animal warm during the long and cold winters in Russia. Beneath this thick coat, the muscular body of this cat breed is hidden.

This cat is often recommended for people who are allergic to cats, as they are said to produce fewer allergens than other breeds, but Siberian cats are not considered to be hypoallergenic cats.

British Shorthair

The round face of the British shorthair cat combined with its sturdy body makes it appear stocky rather than slender. Adult males typically weigh 10-18 pounds. This breed is undemanding and independent, making it perfect for individuals who desire a large feline companion without being tied to their home.

RagaMuffin

Closely related to the Ragdoll, the RagaMuffin was split off as an independent breed in the 1990s. The two breeds are surprisingly similar in temperament, although the RagaMuffin offers a wider variety of colors.

A RagaMuffin cat can be purchased with the same calm and friendly personality as a Ragdoll but with potentially greater variation in coat color.

Turkish Van

Unlike most of its feline counterparts, the Turkish Van actually enjoys water. This particular breed of cat is known to be skilled swimmers with a semi-long coat that sheds water instead of soaking it up.

The Turkish Van is athletic and vocal and retains its playful nature throughout its lifetime, so it is best suited for a more active family rather than a quiet and sedentary one.

Persian

Persians have a bigger appearance due to their extraordinarily fluffy and lengthy coat. Their actual weight is usually not significant compared to other cats on the list.

It is necessary to invest more time in caring for a Persian’s coat, since it will become matted and uncomfortable for the animal if it is not properly maintained.

Chartreux

This French breed has a muscular body covered with a woolly coat of blue-gray color. Its broad head makes it look perpetually surprised.

Chartreux cats are aloof, yet devoted to their owners. They like to spend their time alone rather than playing with children or other pets. However, they may accept another person in the house as their owner.

Biggest Cat Breed by Weight

If pure mass is what you’re after, the Maine Coon and Savannah sit at the top. Both breeds regularly produce adult cats well past 20 pounds.

Weight alone doesn’t tell you if a cat is healthy, though. A heavy cat carrying excess fat is different from a heavy cat with dense muscle and bone.

Biggest Cat Breed by Length

Length crowns mainly for the Maine Coon. The Maine Coon cat named Ludo has received recognition as one of the longest cats in terms of measuring from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail. This particular cat was measured to be 45.6 inches long.

Biggest Cat Breed by Height

Height belongs to the Savannah. Its long legs, inherited from its wild serval ancestry, push it taller at the shoulder than almost any other domestic breed.

Norwegian Forest Cats and Maine Coons follow behind thanks to their sturdy leg structure and larger paws.

Caring for a Large Cat Breed

Space and Furniture

Big cats need big furniture. Standard cat trees and litter boxes often feel cramped once a cat crosses the 15-pound mark.

• Choose a cat tree rated for heavier weight.
• Buy an oversized litter box, not a standard one.
• Give the cat wide sleeping spots, not narrow perches.

Feeding and Weight Control

Large breeds still gain unhealthy weight if overfed. Measured portions matter more than instinctive feeding.

Ask a vet for a target weight range specific to your cat’s breed and build. Don’t rely on bag instructions alone.

Joint and Bone Health

Bigger cats carry more stress on their joints, especially as they age. Look for food formulated to support joint health in larger breeds.

Regular vet visits help catch early signs of arthritis or hip strain before they become serious problems.

Are Big Cat Breeds Harder to Take Care Of?

Not necessarily harder, just different. Large breeds often need bigger equipment, more grooming, and closer weight monitoring.

Temperament matters more than size for daily ease. A calm, 18-pound British Shorthair is often simpler to manage than a smaller, high-energy breed.

Which Big Cat Breed Fits Your Lifestyle?

• Best for families: Ragdoll, RagaMuffin, British Shorthair
• Best for active households: Savannah, Turkish Van, Bengal
• Best for cold climates: Norwegian Forest Cat, Siberian
• Best low-shedding option: British Shorthair, Chartreux
• Best for first-time big cat owners: Maine Coon, Ragdoll

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest domestic cat breed?

The Maine Coon is widely recognized as the largest domestic cat breed by weight and length.

What cat breed weighs the most on average?

Maine Coons and Savannahs consistently produce the heaviest adult cats among common breeds.

Are Maine Coons really the largest cats?

Yes, by both average weight and record-setting length measurements.

Do big cat breeds live longer than smaller ones?

No strong evidence links breed size directly to lifespan; care and genetics matter more.

Is the Savannah cat legal to own everywhere?

No, some regions restrict or ban Savannah ownership due to their wild ancestry.

Conclusion

When choosing the specific breed of domestic cat, factors beyond the average weight should play a role in the selection process. The length and height of the animal, its character, and the features of care are no less important characteristics that have an impact on the living conditions and habits of pets. 

Thus, the choice of a particular breed should be based not only on the maximum mass value for a given cat but also on a variety of factors that reflect the individuality of the pet and the conditions of its maintenance.