Kittens are adorable, but there’s nothing quite like cuddling a fluffy cat that rivals a dog in size. It might even feel like owning your very own tiger with how big some cats can grow. With large ears and even bigger paws, these cats have so much more love to give to their owners.
Of course, the breeds listed below aren’t large enough to take on a lion; they definitely beat the average domestic cat in size.
In this post, the largest domestic cat breeds will be listed in height order. However, these big cats and their temperaments must be properly researched to ensure people make the most informed decision before buying their next furry friend.
Table of Contents
Savannah Cat
Even though the Savannah cat is often slim, it is tall, making it one of the biggest domestic cat breeds. In fact, it is the biggest cat breed on this list. They have large pointed ears and bright eyes, giving the impression these cats are constantly on the lookout. Their lithe bodies and powerful, long legs are that of hunters.
This breed has the most exotic appearance of all the cats listed, resulting from breeding a mix of the domestic Siamese with the wild Serval cat. The demeanor of a domestic cat is kept, but the spotted coat of the Savannah cat mimics the breed’s African wild cat ancestors. Many people believe this breed resembles a miniature version of the Cheetah.
However, their wildness doesn’t stop with just looks; Savannah cats are athletic and active felines that enjoy the hunt. People with other house pets, especially small ones, might be better with another cat breed.
The Guinness Books of World Records awarded the world’s tallest living domestic cat to a Savannah cat named Fenrir; he stands at 18.83 inches tall.
Height
14 to 17 inches
Weight
12 to 25 pounds
Maine Coon Cat
The Maine Coon breed is one of the largest domestic cats kept as pets in the UK, with some cats growing up to 40 inches in length; this is enough to rival several small dog and even medium dog breeds. Size is definitely one of the first things a person would notice about the Maine Coon cat; they are solidly built with wide chests and strong legs, complimenting their muscular builds. Their thick coats continue to create the image of a rather large cat.
But Maine Coons have become known as the gentle giants of the domestic cat world. They will happily follow their humans from room to room, demanding attention and not quite understanding the concept of personal space. Thankfully, these cats are unlikely to live the lap cat life, preferring to be close to their owners instead of lying on top of them.
Height
10 to 16 inches
Weight
8 to 18 pounds
Ragamuffin Cat
The Ragamuffin is another of the big cat breeds that has a lovable temperament. These cats tend to adore their pet parents and show patience when interacting with children, earning this big cat breed the title of “teddy bears of the cat world.”
This domesticated cat breed is slow to mature, only reaching full size when aged four to five. Once mature, Ragamuffins are big cats. Their fur is voluminous, causing them to be larger than their body actually is. They also have large eyes, often shades of blue or green.
Height
10 to 15 inches
Weight
10 to 20 pounds
British Shorthair Cat
As one of the oldest recognised breeds, British Shorthairs are still among the most popular large cat breeds in the UK, as mentioned in the “Most Common Cat Breeds in the UK” post. Their rounded faces, chubby cheeks, and sturdy builds mean they are easy to spot, especially when paired with the traditional blue-grey colouring and orange eyes. The coats of British Shorthair cats can come in various colours, though.
A British Shorthair would make a great family pet; they are friendly in nature and enjoy time spent with their owners, but it’s not unusual for them to need some alone time now and again.
Height
12 to 14 inches
Weight
7 to 17 pounds
Turkish Van Cat
Strangely enough, this is one big domestic cat breed with an affinity for water. Described as an “absolute unit” by dailypaws.com, Turkish Vans have been recorded reaching three feet in length, including their tails. Their muscled and athletic build helps with jumping as well as swimming, although a water-resistant coat also aids the latter.
Unsurprisingly, their love of activity can create a very playful nature. They can be trained with “clicker training” for mental stimulation; some cats have been known to play fetch and learn tricks. This is also a great way to bond with this breed, as they aren’t considered lap cats.
Due to this breed being protected in its home country, exports are regulated; this means Turkish Van cats are rare pets in the UK.
Height
10 to 14 inches
Weight
10 to 20 pounds
Norwegian Forest Cat
Norwegian Forest cats, nicknamed “Wegies,” are recognisable for their large frame, made even more imposing by their long coats and bushy tails. Although sometimes mistaken as the Maine Coon cat, the Norwegian Forest cat has a slender build in comparison while still being considered a big cat.
An interesting fact about this breed is that, like the Maine Coon, it has adapted to the cold weather of the Scandinavian countries. They have thick fur coats that make them look even bigger than they already are. Although these coats might not be required in the UK, the Norwegian Forest breed is still a popular option for potential cat owners.
Height
9 to 12 inches
Weight
12 to 16 pounds
Siberian Cat
Native to Siberia in Russia, these cats are built to withstand harsh winters. With a triple coat and solid build, Siberian cats appear larger than they actually are, especially as they are considered medium-sized cats.
Despite their rugged appearance, these cats are surprisingly family-oriented; their affectionate nature causes Siberian cats to come across as almost kitten-like. Better still, these felines are considered to be hypoallergenic, despite shedding a lot. This is due to their skin producing less Fel-d1, which is the chemical linked to cat allergies.
This is another rare breed in the UK, as most Siberian cat purebreds are kept in Russia.
Height
10 to 12 inches
Weight
12 to 15 pounds
Ragdoll Cat
The Ragdoll breed is well-known for having an almost angelic appearance; their large – often blue – eyes pair well with their fluffy coat. Excluding the tail, Ragdolls can grow up to 21 inches long, meaning they can be big cats. A Ragdoll cat’s coat can range from a light white cream to a deep seal; you can read more about their colour variations here.
Ragdoll cats are also known for their laid-back personality, making them one of the most popular cats kept as pets in the UK. They don’t mind being picked up or cuddled, which is why you’ll find they just hang in their owners’ arms, and they are often quite content to just sit in one place for hours. This is because these cats have very gentle temperaments, which means they can be found to crave attention and love from their owners.
Height
9 to 11 inches
Weight
10 to 20 pounds
Chartreux Cat
This French cat breed is relatively rare in the UK, but the cats have definitely made an impression on those who own them. With large bodies and short legs, a Chartreux is easy to spot. But the breed’s most striking feature is its thick blue-grey coat and bright yellow eyes, which can be quite mesmerising and have been likened to the eyes of a lion.
Chartreux cats are often described as having “dog-like” personalities because of their loyalty to their owners. They are known to follow their owners around the house, but they aren’t overly clingy and rarely experience separation anxiety, making them great for people who don’t have much time to spare.
Height
9 to 11 inches
Weight
6 to 12 pounds
Bengal Cat
With the appearance of a jungle cat, the Bengal cat is another hybrid of wild and domestic cats, although their wild natures are long gone. These cats have a blend of tabby, spotted, and marbled coats with rich colours and will often have light eyes, making them quite the sight.
Bengal cats are very active and require lots of playtime and mental stimulation; this is why the Bengal cat is great for people with a lot of energy, who can keep up with the cat’s demands.
Height
8 to 10 inches
Weight
8 to 15 pounds
To Sum Up
These are just some of the large cat breeds in the UK that can be kept as pets. While some can attribute their size to an impressive amount of fur, others have their wild cat ancestors’ tall and lean builds.
When you first consider buying a cat as a new pet, it is important to research the breed thoroughly to ensure that the cat is a good fit for your lifestyle and your home environment; as shown in this list, cats and their temperaments can vary dramatically.