20 Big Cat Breeds That Make Great Pets

Height: 10 to 16 inches

Weight: 10 to 25 pounds

Maine Coon cats are known for their large size and sturdy build. It's important to note that these are average measurements, and individual Maine Coons can vary in size. Male cats are typically larger and heavier than females.

They have a long, rectangular body shape with a broad chest and muscular build. Their large size gives them a majestic appearance, and they have a reputation for being one of the largest domestic cat breeds. Providing a healthy diet and regular exercise is crucial to maintaining a Maine Coon's weight and overall well-being.

Height: 10 to 14 inches

Weight: 8 to 25 pounds

Savannah cats are a crossbreed between a domestic cat and a serval, a wild African cat. They are known for their tall and slender build, resembling a small leopard. These cats are also quite large in size. The earlier generation cats tend to be larger and heavier.

They have a long and slender body, with long legs and a long neck. Their ears are large and upright, similar to those of a serval. The coat is short, soft, and spotted, which can come in various colors and patterns. Savannah cats are known for their active and energetic nature.

Height: 9 to 11 inches

Weight: 15 to 20 pounds

The Ragdoll cat breed is known for its large size and beautiful appearance. Adult males typically weigh 15-20 pounds, while adult females generally weigh 10-15 pounds. However, it's important to note that individual cats may vary in size and weight.

Their most notable characteristic is their semi-long, silky fur that comes in various patterns and colors. They have striking blue eyes. They also have a sweet and gentle expression on their face, often described as having a "permanent smile." Overall, Ragdolls make excellent pets due to their friendly and docile nature.

Height: 12-16 inches

Weight: 9-22 pounds

Norwegian Forest Cats are considered a medium to large-sized breed. These cats are known for their muscular build and large eyes. They have thick double coat that consists of a water-repellent top layer and a dense undercoat.

Their fur is long and flowing, especially on the ruff, chest, and tail. They have a variety of coat colors and patterns, including tabby, tortoiseshell, and solid colors. One unique feature of Norwegian Forest cats is that they have tufted ears, which means their ears have lynx-like tufts of fur on the tips.

Height: 9 to 11 inches

Weight: 8 to 17 pounds

The Siberian cat is a large breed known for its strong build and muscular body. Siberian cats have a hypoallergenic coat which produces fewer allergenic proteins compared to other cat breeds, making them more suitable for individuals with allergies.

They are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. Additionally, they are intelligent, playful, and have a high level of energy, which can make for entertaining and engaging interactions.

Height: 12 to 14 inches

Weight: 9 to 18 pounds

British Shorthair is a large-sized cat breed with a sturdy and muscular build. They have a round face with full cheeks and a broad forehead. They have a strong jawline and a short, dense coat. Their eyes are large, round, and often copper or gold in color.

The breed is known for its distinctive "teddy bear" appearance, with a stocky body, thick neck, and short, powerful legs. British Shorthairs also have small, rounded ears and a thick, plush tail.

Height: 9 to 13 inches

Weight: 12 to 16 pounds

The American Bobtail is considered to be a medium to large-sized cat breed. They have a well-muscled body and a broad chest, giving them a robust appearance. The breed has a broad, modified wedge-shaped head with prominent cheekbones and a slightly rounded forehead. Their eyes are usually almond-shaped and come in various colors.

They have distinctive bobbed tail, which can range from one-third to one-half the length of a typical cat's tail. The tail is flexible and expressive, often carried upright and wagging when the cat is excited or happy.

Height: 9 to 10 inches

Weight: 9 to 16 pounds

Charteux is a big cat with a broad chest, strong boning, and a sturdy build. Their legs are medium in length and well-muscled. The head is rounded with high-set ears that are medium to large in size. The Chartreux is known for its smiling expression, friendly and affectionate nature.

The most notable feature of the Chartreux is its dense and woolly double coat. The fur is water-repellent and has a slightly coarse texture. The coat is typically blue-gray in color, which is often described as "French blue."

Height: 9 to 11 inches

Weight: 10 to 20 pounds

Ragamuffins are big and sturdy cats with medium to long-haired coat that is dense and plush. The fur is soft and silky, with a tendency to have a slight wave or curl. Ragamuffins have long and bushy tails that are in proportion to their body size. The tail is often carried upright or with a slight curve.

They have broad and rounded heads with a well-developed muzzle. The face has a sweet expression, with large, expressive eyes that can be in various colors, including blue, green, gold, and copper.

Height: 9-10 inches

Weight: 10 to 20 pounds

The Turkish Van cat is loved by people for its large size. They are known for being quite big compared to other domestic cat breeds. The Turkish Van cat often has color-pointed markings on their ears, tail, and sometimes on their paws. These markings are typically darker than the rest of their coat.

Turkish Van cats are highly energetic and love to play. They enjoy interactive playtime with their owners and are often described as being mischievous and curious. Their size, striking appearance, and friendly personality make them highly desirable pets for many cat lovers.

Height: 8 to 10 inches

Weight: 6 to 13 pounds

Scottish Folds have a compact and muscular body with a medium to large size. The most prominent feature of Scottish Folds is their folded ears, which are caused by a genetic mutation. They have a solid build and are known for their weight, which can range from 9 to 13 pounds.

Despite their big size, Scottish Folds are adaptable cats that can adjust well to different living situations. They can thrive in apartments or houses, as long as they receive proper care, attention, and mental stimulation.

Height: 10 to 12 inches

Weight: 8 to 12 pounds

Burmese are among the big cats with rounded heads, prominent cheekbones, and short noses. The eyes of Burmese cats are large and expressive, usually in shades of gold or yellow.

They have luxurious, silky, short coats close to the body, giving them a sleek appearance. The coat color can vary, including solid shades of sable, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, and tortoiseshell. Burmese cats are also known for their unique voice and are quite vocal. They use a wide range of sounds to communicate with their owners.

Height: 9 to 10 inches

Weight: 10 to 20 pounds

Chausie is a large breed of domestic cat that is known for its athletic build and muscular physique. Chausies are highly active and energetic cats. They love to play, run, and explore their surroundings. This makes them a great choice for individuals or families who enjoy an active lifestyle and want a pet that can keep up with their energy levels.

Despite their wild appearance, Chausies are relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They have a short coat that requires minimal brushing and bathing. They are known to be affectionate and loving, which makes them great companions.

Height: 9 to 10 inches 

Weight: 8 to 15 pounds

Bengal cats are among the biggest domestic cats in the world. Some Bengal cats can weigh up to 20 pounds or more, depending on their genetics and individual size. Bengal cats have retained some wild instincts from their Asian leopard cat ancestors. They are known to be active, curious, and playful.

They have a distinctive coat pattern that resembles that of a wild leopard or jaguar. Their coat is covered in random spots, rosettes, or marbled patterns. Bengals have a muscular and athletic build, which makes them agile and excellent climbers. They have strong hind legs and a sturdy body structure, which allows them to jump high and run fast.

Height: 10-12 inches

Weight: 12-18 pounds

Pixiebob cats are known for their large size. They are considered one of the largest domestic cat breeds, with males weighing between 12-25 pounds and females weighing between 8-17 pounds. Their size, combined with their muscular build, gives them a powerful appearance.

The most distinctive feature of Pixiebob cats is their naturally bobbed tail. This trait is inherited from their wild ancestor, the American Bobcat. The tail can vary in length but is usually shorter than the average cat's tail.

Height: 8 to 10 inches

Weight: 8 to 12 pounds

The Selkirk Rex is a unique and adorable breed of cat with several outstanding features that make it an excellent pet choice. Despite their big size and relaxed demeanor, Selkirk Rex cats are also quite playful and energetic. They enjoy interactive play sessions with their owners, chasing toys, and climbing on cat trees.

The most distinct feature of the Selkirk Rex is its curly or wavy fur, which is soft and luxurious to touch. It gives the cat a unique and charming appearance, making it stand out from other breeds. They are generally friendly and enjoy being cuddled and petted.

Height: 8 to 10 inches

Weight: 6 to 10 pounds

The Abyssinian is a cat breed with a sleek and muscular body. They are big compared to many common cat breeds but smaller than Maine Coon and Savannah. Abyssinians have large, almond-shaped eyes that are usually a vibrant shade of green or gold. Their eyes are one of their most captivating features.

They have distinct facial markings, including dark lines extending from the corners of their eyes and a darker outline around their nose, giving them a somewhat wild and exotic look. Abyssinians also have a short, silky coat that is ticked, meaning each hair has multiple bands of color. This gives them a beautiful, shimmering appearance.

Height: 8 to 10 inches

Weight: 10 to 12 pounds

Russian Blues have a slender and graceful build with a long body and legs. They are often referred to as "gentle giants" because of their calm and friendly demeanor. Despite their calm nature, Russian Blues are also playful and enjoy interactive play.

Russian Blues are highly intelligent cats. They are quick learners and can easily be trained to perform tricks or respond to commands. They are also known for their problem-solving abilities, which can make playtime with them more engaging and interactive.

Height: 10 to 14 inches

Weight: 7 to 15 pounds

Ocicats have a striking appearance, resembling a small wild cat. They have a beautiful spotted coat, which comes in various colors such as cinnamon, chocolate, silver, and blue. Their unique coat pattern makes them visually appealing and distinctive.

Their body shape is similar to other domestic cat, but they have a more robust build, bigger size and are known for their muscular appearance. Ocicats are also known for their playful and active nature. Their natural curiosity and athleticism make them a fun companion for both children and adults.

Height: 9 to 10 inches

Weight: 11 to 15 pounds

American Shorthair cat has a medium to large-sized body with a muscular build. They have a broad chest, sturdy legs, and a strong, rounded head. Their eyes are large and expressive, typically ranging in color from green to gold. They have a dense and short coat that is known for its resilience and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions.

These cats have a natural instinct for hunting and are excellent mousers. They are known for their agility and quick. American Shorthairs are known for their friendly and easy-going nature. They are generally good with children and other pets, making them a great choice for families.