10 Large Domestic “Big Cats As Pets” Breeds to Adore
What comes to mind when you hear the word “cat”? While beloved smaller breeds like the Abyssinian or Siamese are incredibly popular, the feline world also offers many surprisingly large domestic cats who offer just as much affection and charm. Often called “Big Cats As Pets,” these sizable kitties possess larger-than-life personalities that can easily rival those of large dog breeds! If you’re considering adding a substantial feline companion to your home or simply enjoy learning about impressive domestic animals, here are 10 large cat breeds that are sure to win your heart. Finding a suitable companion might lead you to explore options, and knowing about different types, even beyond traditional domestic cats, can be part of the search for [big cats for home](https://shocknaue.com/big-cats-for-home/).
Bengal
The Bengal cat boasts a wild, athletic appearance reminiscent of a magnificent Bengal tiger, but their looks are deceiving! This large cat breed is renowned for its friendly and loyal nature, making them excellent family companions. If you prefer an active feline, Bengals are enthusiastic climbers and thrive on plenty of stimulating playtime. Their striking coats come in various colors, including brown and sepia, and their distinctive marbled or spotted patterns give the Bengal cat a truly exotic look.
Weight: 8–18 pounds
Height: 8–16 inches
Ocicat
Speaking of exotic-looking cats, the Ocicat shares a striking resemblance to its wild namesake, the ocelot. Both feature lean, muscular bodies and beautiful spotted coats that evoke the jungle. Despite their wild appearance, Ocicats are perfectly suited for domestic life. They are considered one of the most trainable cat breeds and genuinely crave interactive playtime. Many Ocicats surprisingly enjoy water, which can make tasks like [cat bath time](https://www.fourpaws.com/pets-101/cat-corner/do-cats-need-baths) much more manageable! When considering various feline options, some may even research more unusual domestic varieties; for instance, some look into [keetso cat for sale](https://shocknaue.com/keetso-cat-for-sale/) though they differ from Ocicats.
Ocicat, a large domestic cat breed with spotted coat
Weight: 9–15 pounds
Height: 9–11 inches
American Bobtail
Known for their distinctive compact body and short, ‘bobbed’ tail, the American Bobtail might not immediately strike you as a large breed. However, these sturdy felines can weigh up to 20 pounds! They possess long hind legs that balance their stocky build and sport a shaggy coat available in a wide array of colors and patterns. American Bobtails are known for being wonderful with children and are so gentle and comforting that they are frequently utilized as therapy cats, according to ASPCA Pet Health Insurance. They truly are gentle giants.
Weight: 14–20 pounds
Height: 9–10 inches
Maine Coon
With their impressive size and bushy tail, the Maine Coon is sometimes mistakenly believed to be a cross between a cat and a raccoon. While that’s not the case, these felines do have a fascinating history. As the oldest cat breed native to America, it’s thought the Maine Coon originated when long-haired ancestors arrived with the Vikings. These Norse felines may have then bred with local short-haired cats, according to Rover. Regardless of their exact origins, Maine Coons are incredibly affectionate and easygoing, thriving in family environments. Their thick double coat requires regular grooming, so keeping a cat grooming tool handy is essential.
Large Maine Coon cat resting on a floor
Weight: 10–20 pounds
Height: 10–16 inches
Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex is instantly recognizable by its unique, plush, curly coat, making them resemble oversized, cuddly toys. Beyond their comforting appearance, they possess an equally comforting and sweet personality. The Selkirk Rex loves to cuddle, has a playful, slightly goofy streak, and truly enjoys being close to their favorite humans! These cats generally interact well with dogs, making them a suitable companion for canines who are amenable to sharing their home with a furry sibling. Researching pet compatibility, such as understanding if [are bearded dragons social animals](https://shocknaue.com/are-bearded-dragons-social-animals/), can be part of ensuring a harmonious multi-pet household.
Weight: 10–16 pounds
Height: 9–11 inches
Savannah
This significant domestic cat breed strongly resembles a much larger wild cat – the leopard – due to its distinctive spotted coat. Adding to their wild allure, the Savannah is a hybrid breed, a cross between a domestic cat and the serval, a wild cat native to sub-Saharan Africa. Despite their ancestry, Savannahs are friendly, outgoing cats who often enjoy activities like going for walks on a leash, adapting well to home life. Their coats shed minimally and can come in various colors and tabby patterns. Due to their natural hunting instincts from their wild heritage, it’s advisable to monitor their interactions in homes with smaller pets.
Savannah cat showing its spotted coat
Weight: 12–25 pounds
Height: 10–17 inches
Ragdoll
The Ragdoll is not only one of the biggest domestic cat breeds but also among the most social felines you’ll encounter. Affectionately nicknamed the “puppy cat,” these kitties adore receiving attention and spending quality time with their pet parents. They are remarkably easygoing and gentle, and many Ragdolls genuinely enjoy being carried around the house. A Ragdoll’s coat displays an impressive range of colors, including chocolate, lilac, blue cream, and seal point variations. Furthermore, almost all Ragdolls are blessed with stunning blue eyes!
Weight: 10–20 pounds
Height: 9–11 inches
Siberian
Fluffy Siberian cat looking majestic
For centuries, the Siberian cat has captivated people with its elegant presence. Although this breed didn’t arrive in the United States until 1990, their Russian origins trace back over a millennium, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. Siberians excel in cat obedience training environments, being among the world’s most intelligent and composed felines. Despite possessing a dense triple coat, they are generally considered more hypoallergenic than many other breeds because they produce lower levels of the Fel d 1 protein, a primary cat allergen, as noted by Treehugger. Siberians come in a wide variety of colors, from reds to blues. Exploring different feline aesthetics, some cat enthusiasts might even look for [names for cats with yellow eyes](https://shocknaue.com/names-for-cats-with-yellow-eyes/), a trait less common in Siberians compared to some other breeds.
Weight: 10–15 pounds
Height: 10–12 inches
Norwegian Forest Cat
With their luxuriant, flowing coat and robust, muscular build, the Norwegian Forest Cat appears almost mythical! Their thick, water-repellent double coat helped their ancestors withstand harsh Scandinavian winters, contributing to their grand and imposing appearance. Today, these large house cats possess piercing green or yellow eyes and demonstrate their friendly nature with a playful, sweet disposition. Norwegian Forest Cats are avid climbers, so providing them with ample vertical space for exploration is important.
Weight: 12–20 pounds
Height: 9–12 inches
Turkish Van
Encountering a Turkish Van is a rare treat, and it’s hard not to be captivated by their distinct, cloud-like physique. Despite their popularity in Turkey, they remain uncommon in the United States. They are easily identified by their predominantly white bodies with colored markings typically limited to the tail and head. These felines are often called the “jocks” of the cat world due to their natural athletic abilities and broad shoulders. Unusually for cats, Turkish Vans often love to swim, potentially making them a unique poolside companion! Sometimes the search for a perfect pet takes unexpected turns, much like trying to find [lost dogs illawarra](https://shocknaue.com/lost-dogs-illawarra/) might uncover local community efforts.
Weight: 8–18 pounds
Height: 10–14 inches
More to Love About Large Cats!
These large domestic cat breeds can bring immense joy and personality into any home. Their warm and friendly temperaments often make it easy to bond with them. Their impressive size and striking looks are sure to amaze anyone they meet. Falling in love with these fascinating, sizable felines won’t take long!
