Larger cats are more noticeable. Most cats are curious, but larger cats can jump better and get into more trouble with their longer reach.
Some large cats are active and athletic. Many mews, squeaks, and purrs when they need you and bond strongly with their owners.
Maine Coon
The muscular, shaggy Maine coon is a large domestic cat. Many stories explain how this breed developed.
The myth that they were a house cat-raccoon hybrid from America has been scientifically debunked.
That raccoon myth explained the Maine coon’s long, smooth coat and voluminous tail.
A gentle giant in domesticated cats, this unique and affectionate breed makes a great family pet.
Ragdoll
The ragdoll’s docility, cuddliness, and affection earned it its name.
Rag dolls collapse into their favorite person’s arms when picked up.
There are many theories about their origins, including CIA experiments.
In 2000, the Cat Fancier’s Association recognized this great family-friendly breed, which became popular in the 1990s.
Norwegian Forest Cat
Imagine a wild, long-haired Norwegian forest cat with wide yellow eyes and a muscular body in an encyclopedia.
These large, sturdy cats were first bred in Norway by breeders who may have crossed domestic and wild cats.
Since domestication, the breed has become friendly, playful, intelligent, and moderately active. Norwegian forest cats are ideal pets for companionship.
Persian
The Persian cat’s face is most striking.
This long-haired cat has a squished face due to its round, flat face and short muzzle.
Its long hair makes it look bigger. It is one of the smallest large breeds.
These cats are less active than most larger cats and prefer to lounge around all day.
Chausie
Chausie, an exotic-looking cat, is large, active, and smart.
The Chausie is named after the Latin word for “jungle cat,” felis chaus. Its natural hunting skills, regal demeanor, and large, in-charge appearance likely earned it this name.
Fast, high-jumper cats that need lots of attention.
Siberian
Large, sturdy, and intelligent, this Siberian cat breed is unique.
Growing up in an unforgiving climate with painfully short summers and long, harsh winters had to be.
The breed was domesticated and brought indoors to show its true colors.
Siberian cats are affectionate and playful, making good pets.
Savannah
The Savannah cat is a hybrid domestic cat and serval, a medium-sized African wild cat with large ears.
Savannahs are popular with big cat owners due to their exotic, leopard-like appearance.
Savannah cats are categorized by breed to show owners how wild they are.
F1 and F2 generations, which are the first and second generations of breeding between a wild serval and a domestic cat, are usually the largest and have more African serval genes.
American Bobtail
A short, stubby bobbed tail distinguishes this domesticated house cat from others.
Long hind legs and an alert hunting gaze are bobcat traits.
The breed was created by intentionally breeding stray cats with short tails until a distinct pattern emerged.1
Ragamuffin
The ragamuffin and ragdoll are related.
Large, friendly, and mellow, the ragamuffin.
Ragamuffin cats are docile and have luxurious coats.
Their personalities are similar to the ragdoll, but they have friendlier faces and rounder eyes.
Bengal
It’s hard to believe the Bengal is domesticated.
Bengal cats look like jungle animals with their athletic bodies and unique, patterned coats.
Bengal cats are as loving and friendly as domestic cats, say owners. People-oriented cats that play and climb all day.
