5 Large House Cat Breeds That Will Make You Fall In Love

Thinking of owning a large cat?

Many big domestic cats like the Ragdoll and Main Coon — are known for their strong bond with their human owners and their own unique ways. Whether it's their chunky bodies or mews and purrs, these cats are the adorable heavyweights of cat breeds.

In this guide, we'll introduce you to five of the most popular large house cat breeds, their unique personalities and how to take care of them. Before deciding on a cat, consider your lifestyle and what kind of cat will fit best with it. Some cats are better suited for living in a quiet home with few people, while others enjoy the company of other animals and people. It's important to find the right balance for your family and cat so both can be happy.

Maine Coon

Height: 10 to 16 inches Weight: 10 to 18 pounds. Life Expectancy: 9 to 15 years.

Maine Coon Cats are some of the most unique and affectionate breeds out there. They're known for their long tails, which make them one of the longest-breed cats around. Stewie, the biggest Maine Coon Cat in record, measured an impressive 48.5 inches in length. Maine Coon cats are great family pets, known for being gentle giants in the domesticated cat world. They're playful, loving, and patient with their humans - even when they have to wait a bit for their food! Their voices are oddly small though, making them sound like little birds when they meow. Maine Coon cats are super active and known to be dog-like, so make sure you have plenty of time to play "fetch" to keep them engaged and well-exercised.

How to care for Maine Coon Cats: Regular brushing is necessary, usually one or two times a week. Trim their nails weekly and check their ears for excessive dirt.

Norwegian Forest Cat

Height: 9 to 12 inches Weight: 9 to 16 pounds. Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years

Also known as Skogkatt in Norwegian, this adorable, playful cat is a natural breed that was first bred in Norway by breeders who may have crossed domestic cats with wildcats. Since the breed was domesticated, it has become a friendly and intelligent pet that is perfect for a loyal companion. These big, sturdy cats are moderately active and make great house pets. Despite their independent nature, Norwegian Forest Cats require attention and cannot be left alone for too long. Make sure to have plenty of time to spend with your cat, as they will enjoy the company.

How to care for Norwegian Forest Cats: Regular brushing is necessary, usually one or two times a week. Keeping your furriend lean with a well-planned diet is will prevent many weight-related health issues.

Persian

Height: 8 to 10 inches. Weight: 7 to 12 pounds. Life Expectancy: 10 to 17 years

The Persian is a long-haired cat with a round, often flat face and a short muzzle. Despite its voluminous fluff, it is amongst the smallest of the large domestic cat breeds. Unlike most other cats, Persians are less active, and they make great house pets because they are low-maintenance - perfect if you are a quiet person and prefer a pet that requires less attention. They get along well with kids, other cats and dogs - provided they are being gentle and respectful.

How to care for Persians: Regular grooming is necessary as they shed a lot. We recommend also bathing your furriend monthly. The Persian’s squishy face can predispose to respiratory and eye problems, so do schedule regular checkups with your vet.

Bengal

Height: 8 to 10 inches. Weight: 15 to 18 pounds. Life Expectancy: 10 to 16 years

Bengal Cats are beautiful, wild-looking, and smart. They were developed by breeding an Asian leopard cat with domestic cats like the Abyssinian, Egyptian Mau, or American shorthair. Because of their affectionate and playful nature, they will get along well with people of all ages as well as other pets, making Bengal Cats make great companions to have in the family. As they are an active breed and love to jump, make sure you have sufficient space and a cat tree for Bengal Cats. It's also best to keep Bengal Cats indoors.

How to care for Bengal Cats: Weekly grooming will remove dead hair and help prevent hairballs.

Ragdoll

Height: 9 to 11 inches. Weight: 10 to 20 pounds. Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years

Friendly, people and pet-loving, the Ragdoll Cat is a large cat breed that earned its name because of its cuddly and affectionate characteristics. The Ragdolls are less active kitties but sociable around humans and kids. They are often referred to as "floor cats" as they usually prefer to stay on the ground instead of jumping around and staying in higher places, like table tops or cupboards. Owners love Ragdoll Cats for their luxurious fur, calm and docile nature. Ragdoll Cats are the one of the best breeds to own if you prefer a quieter lifestyle or if you have a family with small kids.

How to take care of the Ragdoll Cats: Their thick, luxurious coat needs weekly grooming. Brush with a good quality pet comb to remove dead hair and tangles. Watch out for places like under the armpits where tangles might accumulate. 

Living with big domestic cat breeds

• Designate a specific room in your house for your giant pets so they can feel at home. Before you bring your kitty home, make sure to set up a comfortable bed with some toys in a quiet area. If your feline is having difficult settling in, get help from a pet behavior specialist.

• Be prepared to shop for amenities in larger sizes (vs average domestic cat standards), even if your furriend is still a kitten. Kitties of the larger breeds grow pretty fast and you will need to shop again every few months if you don't plan ahead. In particular, make sure you have a litter box, cat bed, food and water feeder that are designed to accommodate the expected size of your cat.

• Make time for our kitty. Even the biggest creatures need attention and love, which is why these giants enjoy cuddling with their owners. They are truly independent animals, but they can't help but appreciate a bit of human touch.

• It's a good idea to keep your kitty indoors. Try to recreate outdoor activities and schedule enough playtime with your big kitties, especially so for the more active ones. Some breeds are likely to become overweight, which could cause a series of health problems in their senior years. Keeping your feline exercised regularly is always a good idea.

• Finally, don’t let the size of your new pet deter you - go for it! These cats are incredibly loving and cuddly, and they make great companions. Plus, they can be quite curious and playful, which will keep you entertained.