What are the largest domestic cats?

Do you love large, fluffy felines and dream of owning one of the largest and rarest breeds? We suggest taking a closer look at the world's largest domestic cats, what they look like, and how big they can grow with proper care and nutrition.

The truly gigantic size of some cats is the result of clever genetic selection, as well as the legacy of their distant wild relatives.

Top Largest Domestic Cat Breeds

Below is a list of the largest and most beautiful domestic cat breeds.

Asherah

Body length	≈1 m
Weight	14-16 kg
The period of growing up	3 years
Average life expectancy	≈20 years

This cat species rightfully holds first place in the feline family. The breed is the result of a hybrid cross between the following genes:

• domestic cat;
• African serval;
• Asian leopard cat.

In 2006, the scientists' experiments bore fruit. Now, you can buy a kitten of the world's largest cat for just $22,000. It's a hefty sum, but believe it or not, the waiting list for one is booked a year in advance! Scientists raise only 100 kittens a year. Because they are a hybrid, they cannot be bred at home.

Because this cat is quite large, it's best to walk him on a leash. However, don't be alarmed by his intimidating appearance. Even though he's a miniature leopard, he's very affectionate, rubbing against your legs, asking to be picked up, and happily playing with children.

Savannah

Body length	≈ 60 cm
Height at withers	≈ 45 cm
Weight	up to 15 kg
The period of growing up	3 years
Average life expectancy	≈20 years

The cat's genetic code contains genes from the following feline representatives:

• African serval;
• Bengal Shorthair;
• Egyptian and Siamese Mau;
• oriental shorthair;
• domestic cat.

Kittens cost between five and ten thousand dollars, but females are considered the most valuable, as cats of this breed are sterile until the fourth generation. Males obtained in the fourth generation can be used for breeding.

The price of a kitten depends not only on its gender but also on the percentage of serval blood in the Savannah cat (29-50%). The higher the percentage, the more expensive the pet will be.

Apartment living is not suitable for this breed. They need a private home with a spacious enclosure or the opportunity to roam freely. And if there's a small pond nearby, then savannah He will happily take baths, as this breed isn't afraid of water. He's very active and loves to play, run, and scamper around.

Maine Coon

Body length	up to 135 cm
Height at withers	≈ 45 cm
Weight	up to 11 kg
The period of growing up	3-5 years
Average life expectancy	12-16 years old

A truly beautiful cat. They resemble a cross between a raccoon and a lynx. The Maine Coon breed, compared to other hybrids, is quite old – over a century old. These beautiful cats are capable of breeding in captivity, but they only reach fertile age after four years. They are very hardy and affectionate cats.

Neutered males can reach a weight of 15 kilograms. Maine Coon The Guinness Book of World Records even lists this cat as the longest on the planet. This honor was bestowed upon a representative of the breed whose length (excluding tail) measured 123 cm. Considering that the standard tail length is approximately 35 cm, this beauty would have exceeded one and a half meters in length.

Kittens aren't cheap. One of these beauties costs between one and two thousand euros!

The cat is large, but practically invisible in an apartment. He won't get underfoot, but he won't hide from people either. He'll happily climb into your arms and sing a song full of tenderness and love. He purrs loudly, and the timbre of his voice is unique to each individual.

Chausie (chausie, house)

Height at withers	≈ 40 cm
Weight	6-12 kg
The period of growing up	3 years
Average life expectancy	12-14 years old

Chausi - it's a crossbreed Abyssinian And wild jungle cat.

For a long time, this breed's ancestors were wild, but in 2003, this jungle cat was not only domesticated but also put on public display. In appearance, the Chausie is very similar to the Abyssinian cat, but much larger. While the wild version can reach a weight of 16 kilograms, the domestic version is smaller. This cat greatly enjoys affection and attention. If you don't provide it with these, the Chausie will become sad and may even lose interest in life.

This breed is not yet bred in Russia, as it is extremely rare and expensive. The price depends on the generation and the percentage of wild blood in the animal's veins. For example, in second-generation cats, this parameter was 25%, while in fourth- and fifth-generation cats, it was less than 7%.

Such a pet requires not only your attention but also space to play. These cats are extremely uncomfortable and unsettled in apartments. A private home, however, is ideal, especially if there's access to a yard and the opportunity to frolic in the wild.

Pixie-bob

Height at withers	up to 35 cm
Tail length	2.5-15 cm
Weight	5-10 kg
The period of growing up	4 years
Average life expectancy	13-15 years old

This may not be the largest domestic cat in the world, but it's certainly not average-sized. The breed was developed relatively recently, and its ancestors include wildcats and lynxes, which inhabit Canada and the United States. These cats are very similar in appearance to lynxes, with the same triangular eyes set into their muzzles, similar build, and similar ears.

If you translate the name of the breed, you get something like - short-tailed elf.

Pixie bobs These are very affectionate and gentle pets who love playing with children. They get along well with other pets and are completely non-confrontational. Kittens range in price from $1,000 to $5,000.

Kurilian Bobtail

Height at withers	up to 35 cm
Tail length	3-8 cm
Weight	7-9 kg
The period of growing up	1 year
Average life expectancy	about 15 years

Kurilian Bobtail They were brought to the mainland at the end of the last century and since then these incredibly beautiful, rather large and majestic cats have been especially loved.

A characteristic feature of the breed is its short, pompom-like tail, which must consist of no more than eight vertebrae. A tail longer than 8 cm is considered a fault, and if it exceeds 12 cm, the animal cannot be shown or bred. Standards are divided into shorthaired (KBS) and semi-longhaired (KBL). Colors vary, including chocolate, lilac, fawn, zannamon, and acromelanic varieties.

Representatives of this breed have a friendly nature, are active, playful, and intelligent. These cats will happily fetch toys for their owners, like dogs, but they also enjoy jumping or climbing.

British Shorthair

Height at withers	≈ 33 cm
Weight	up to 8 kg
The period of growing up	1 year
Average life expectancy	14-16 years old

The British Shorthair completes the list of the world's largest domestic cats. Females aren't particularly large. They typically weigh around three kilograms, but males... Sometimes they reach 12 kilograms. Therefore, this is one of the largest cat breeds in the world. Moreover, British Shorthairs have become very popular. Their catteries are growing in number. British Shorthair kittens are no longer a rarity in our pet market. While Pixie-bobs, Savannahs, and Chausies are practically exotic in our area, a British Shorthair is nothing new.

Despite their massive size, these cats are very agile. They resemble little teddy bears that you won't want to let go of. Moreover, they come in a wide variety of colors:

• solid;
• tortoiseshell;
• smoky;
• bicolors;
• tabby;
• color (Siamese color).

British people tolerate loneliness well. Therefore, they are a good choice for those who spend a lot of time at work but want to feel loved and needed when they come home.

Read also:

• The rarest breeds of cats
• Cats with flattened faces
• Cat breeds with short tails