Most house cats weigh around ten pounds or less, so a cat that tops fifteen pounds stands out right away. These breeds are bigger in bone, length and coat, and many have a calm, easygoing manner to match. Here are ten large cat breeds that are much bigger than the typical house cat.
1. Maine Coon: The gentle giant of the cat world
The Maine Coon is widely treated as the largest of the domestic cat breeds, and the Cat Fanciers’ Association describes a muscular, broad-chested cat with a shaggy coat and a long, bushy tail. Males commonly weigh well above the typical house cat, and the breed takes years to reach full size.
Tufted ears and a squared muzzle add to the rugged look, and the thick coat suits cold weather. The breed is tied to the state of Maine, where it is the official state cat. Owners often describe a friendly, sociable temperament, with a soft chirping voice that seems oddly small for such a big animal.