10 Big Cat Breeds

Looking to welcome a supersized feline into your home? Some big cat breeds weigh up to 25 pounds—more than double the size of the average house cat. While their larger size means there’s more to love, these cats require special care and consideration—like extra-sturdy cat trees and carefully measured food portions, because keeping them from gaining too much weight is important.

Here are 10 big domestic cat breeds to get to know and love.

Key Takeaways

While the average cat weight is 8–12 pounds, some breeds’ healthy weight range can reach 20 pounds or more.
Big house cat breeds need large and sturdy cat trees, scratching posts, and litter boxes.
Even in big cat breeds, it’s important to prevent obesity and unhealthy weight gain, which can lead to health issues.

1. Maine Coon

the big cat breed, an orange maine coon, lying down — Photo by Adobe Stock/Crashin/Wirestock

Weight: 8–18 pounds

The Maine Coon is one of the biggest domestic cat breeds—and one of the friendliest. Known for their loyal and laid-back personality, these felines make excellent family pets.

Due to their size, they require spacious litter boxes and heavy-duty scratching posts. The Maine Coon is also prone to hip dysplasia, so regular vet checkups are essential to monitor their joint health.

Talk to your vet about ways you can be proactive about your Maine Coon’s joint health. Your kitty may benefit from joint supplements.

2. Norwegian Forest Cat

a calico norwegian forest cat, which is a big cat breed, sitting on a log — Photo by undefined undefined/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Weight: 12–16 pounds

Don’t let all that fluff fool you—the Norwegian Forest Cat (also called the Wegie) is as large as they look. These natural climbers need supportive cat trees and perches to keep them active.

While Wegies are generally healthy, their size makes them susceptible to hip dysplasia and arthritis, so maintaining a healthy weight is a must for this big, fluffy cat breed.

3. Siberian

a big cat breed, the siberian, lying on the floor as someone pets him — Photo by CasarsaGuru/E+ via Getty Images

Weight: 12–15 pounds

The Siberian, Russia’s national cat, features a luxurious triple coat and striking eyes. This big cat breed is slow to mature, taking up to five years to reach their full size.

While they might rather cuddle than chase toys, this puts the Siberian at risk of obesity. Encourage daily playtime (these kitties can be leash trained!) and monitor their weight regularly.

4. Bengal

a big cat breed, a bengal cat, walking on a cat wheel — Photo by SolStock/E+ via Getty Images

Weight: 8–15 pounds

The Bengal has the exotic looks and athletic prowess of a leopard. While they love to nap as much as any cat, they’re extremely active and require ample vertical space for jumping.

The Bengal likes to hunt for food, so puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys can help to satisfy their predatory instincts and keep them entertained.

5. Savannah

a big cat breed, the savannah, lying on a chair — Photo by Gennadiy Naumov/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Weight: 12–25 pounds

The Savannah would look just as at home in the Serengeti as in your living room. A mix of an African Serval and a house cat, these kitties have a sweet temperament and lots of energy. Their impressive jumping ability—up to 8 feet—means they need durable cat trees and secure shelves for safe climbing.

6. Ragdoll

a big cat breed, the ragdoll, sitting on top of a cat tower — Photo by bojanstory/E+ via Getty Images

Weight: 10–20 pounds

As sweet as they are large, the Ragdoll makes an excellent companion. While they typically don’t reach their full size or weight until age 4, this breed’s relaxed nature can easily lead to weight gain.

Portion control and regular playtime will help prevent obesity and arthritis. Entice these laid-back felines to exercise with games of fetch and clicker training.

7. RagaMuffin

dilute calico ragamuffin, a big cat breed, lounging on a patio under a net — Photo by rachasuk/Creatas Video via Getty Images

Weight: 10–20 pounds

Like the Ragdoll, the RagaMuffin doesn’t reach their full-grown size until 4 years old. But since this fluffy cat breed is naturally big-boned, you’ll need bigger cat supplies to match.

Think: jumbo cat trees, litter boxes, and carriers. These cats can develop arthritis as they age, so maintaining joint health through proper nutrition and exercise is essential.

8. American Bobtail

an orange american bobtail kitten, which is a big cat breed, standing and looking up — Photo by Adobe Stock/jane_khomi

Weight: 7–16 pounds

Named for their short or “bobbed” tail, the American Bobtail is an affectionate and active cat. This intelligent breed excels at puzzle feeders and can even learn to walk on a leash.

The Bobtail has a genetic mutation (the same one that causes the shortened tail) that makes the cats susceptible to spine and hip issues. Feed an AAFCO-compliant diet to help these kitties maintain an ideal weight.

9. British Shorthair

a blue british shorthair, a big cat breed, standing outside — Photo by Adobe Stock/gilotyna

Weight: 7–17 pounds

The British Shorthair has a reputation for being a calm, easygoing cat. But because these cats prefer lounging to leaping, they need encouragement to stay active.

Interactive toys like feather wands and catnip help keep them moving, while portion control (and minimal treats) prevents weight gain that could strain their joints.

10. Turkish Van

a big cat, the turkish van, sitting and pawing in front of a black background — Photo by Nynke van Holten/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Weight: 10–20 pounds

One of the biggest house cat breeds, Turkish Vans stand out for their size and surprising love of water. Whether playing in pet water fountains or investigating the bathtub, these active cats need plenty of enrichment. Tall cat trees, shelves, and scratching posts help channel their energy, and regular exercise prevents weight gain and supports healthy joints.