Different breeds of cats differ significantly from each other, and have their own unique features of appearance and personality, which are considered the signatures of the breed. Height and size are some of these traits.
And if you are looking for a truly big feline friend, or just wondering which breeds of domestic cats are giants of their kind, here are the 10 biggest cats in existence today.
You will also be interested in: 10 smallest cat breeds in the world.
10. British shorthair cat
Average height at the withers and weight - 33 cm, 9 kg.
Our list is opened by large cats with short "plush" hair. The British, as fans of the breed affectionately call them, are distinguished by their unobtrusive character, they value personal space very much and are suitable for people who are not inclined to cuddle their pets in the arms.
9. Turkish van
Height and weight - 40 cm, 9 kg.
Surprisingly, such a beautiful creature is not a product of long-term selection, but a gift of nature. Turkish Vans are one of the oldest cats on Earth. There is even a legend that the ancestor of the Turkish Vans was on Noah's ark and did not let the mouse gnaw a hole in the ship. In gratitude for this, the Lord placed His right hand on him. Since then, many Van cats have a human finger mark on their left shoulder.
A curious feature of these cats is the texture of the coat, reminiscent of cashmere. It is water- and dirt-repellent.
8. Siberian cat
Height and weight - 40 cm, 9 kg.
It is quite possible that the Siberian cat was originally not Siberian at all, but Asian, and her ancestors were in common with Angora and Persian cats. Siberian is one of the the fluffiest cat breeds... Russian merchants, who actively traded with Central Asian countries, brought from there not only goods, but also long-haired cats, which perfectly took root in the harsh Siberian climate.
Be that as it may, how the breed of Siberian cats was formed precisely on the territory of Siberia. They are excellent companions for allergy sufferers as they produce less of the Fel D1 protein, which is a common allergenic trigger.
7. Norwegian Forest Cat
Height and weight - 40 cm, 9 kg.
This long-haired breed is native to Norway and is no stranger to cold climates. In appearance, the Norwegians are similar to the Maine Coon and Siberian cats, and are very popular both in Norway and in the neighboring Scandinavian countries.
6. Ragamuffin
Height and weight - 40 cm, 10 kg.
In fact, ragamuffin is the same ragdoll, only "in a different wrapper." The differences between these breeds are minimal, and lies in the variety of ragamuffin colors, and the structure and color of the eyes. If ragdolls have only blue and oval eyes, ragamuffins have rounded eyes and can be of any color.
And even if the ragamuffin is not the biggest domestic cat in the world, it is perhaps the most affectionate and trusting one. Even if she is in danger, she will not attack, but only hide.
5. Ragdoll
Height and weight - 40 cm, 10 kg.
Taking all the best from Burmese and Persian cats, Ragdolls are distinguished by their calm temperament and kind character.They love to sit on their arms and are great companions for quiet people who have a lot of time to devote to this affectionate feline creature.
4. Pixiebob
Height and weight - 40 cm, 10 kg.
Compared to the lynx, which the pixiebob looks a lot like, it can appear tiny. But this did not prevent the representatives of this breed from taking their place in the top 5 largest cats.
Pixiebobs are often compared to dogs due to their tendency to learn tricks and commands, and to enjoy walking on a leash. Fun fact: Some pixie bobs can have up to seven toes per foot.
3. Houseie (chausie, shawzie)
Height and weight - 40 cm, 15 kg.
Some of the largest cats in the world were bred relatively recently - in the 60s and 70s of the last century. Abyssinian cats were crossed with wild jungle cats in an attempt to obtain an animal with the grace of a wild cat and a domestic character.
As a result, the breeders got a playful and very mobile creature that loves a person's company very much, but does not like to sit in her arms. Houseies are loyal to their owners, and tolerate other animals in the house.
2. Maine Coon
Height and weight - 41 cm, 12 kg.
One of the most beautiful cats in the world known for its large size and noble disposition. Maine Coon cats are the largest domestic cats that do not have recent family ties with wild cats, like the first and third numbers of our rating.
Representatives of this breed are friendly, not capricious and have a long life expectancy (for cats) - 12.5 years or more.
Maine Coon named Barivel is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest cat in the world. From ears to tail, it reaches 1.2 meters. The name Barivel means "Clown" or "Joker" in the local Italian dialect. Despite such a lively name, according to the owners, he is something of a living couch, spending his time reclining and eating generous portions of chicken and fish.
1. Savannah
Height and weight - 60 cm, 15 kg.
Here is a photo of the largest cat in the world. However, experts did not come to a consensus as to what maximum size the savanna can reach. The fact is that this breed is a recent creation, which appeared as a result of crossing of domestic cats (most often Siamese) and the Serval, the African wild cat.
Savannah is rarely seen not only in Russia, but also in other countries. She happens to be the most expensive cat in the world, and the cost of a kitten reaches 22 thousand dollars.
By nature, the largest cat in the world is more like a dog. She is calm, gets along with other pets, and is very loyal to the owner.