14 giant cat breeds that definitely are not just fluffy
If you're in the market for a big cat — not just a fat cat, but a giant, sturdy, muscular cat — you just might want to consider one of these 14 domestic breeds.
Some people want tiny, teacup-size fluffball cats. Others like the no-nonsense breeds that do their own thing. Whatever your preference, it's important to know what you want in a pet so it will fit your lifestyle. This usually means that people lean toward smaller cats that won't get in the way. After all, the average house cat weighs between 8 and 10 pounds.
But what about big cats?
Using our cat breeds data, we set out to identify the heaviest domestic cats in the world and then ranked them based on their adult weight (cat weights come in ranges, however, so all weights are approximate). Though smaller cats seem to be the preferred variety, these big breeds might be perfect for those looking for a dog without the slobbering and needing-a-walk aspects.
These cats have dense, long coats and weigh approximately 16 pounds. They're originally from Norway and were the chosen companions of the Vikings.
The American Bobtail not only looks like a mini bobcat because of its distinctive ears, but also shares the same high level of intelligence and active personality. It tops out at about 16 pounds and is better at traveling than your typical cat.
The Pixie-Bob may sound like a tiny cat, but this silky-soft breed grows to weigh about 17 pounds as an adult.
Turkish Vans are the rare exception to the rule of cats not liking water. Vans have coats that are water resistant and will actually swim willingly. Adult males weigh an average of 18 pounds.
This breed is like the British Longhair, but with shorter hair. Many can be shy, but at weights up to 18 pounds, it's hard to be a total shrinking violet.
The Highlander has distinctive curled ears and likes to be the center of attention, which is easy because of its size. Adult male Highlanders weigh about 15 to 20 pounds.
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Raggamuffins are playful, intelligent, and big. It's not uncommon for Raggamuffin adults to weigh between 18 and 20 pounds.
The Siberian takes up to five years to attain its maximum weight, which averages around 20 pounds. It's the official cat of Russia.
Some male Ragdolls have gotten up to 35 pounds. The average, however, is more likely to weigh about 20 pounds.
The Brazilian Shorthair historically evolved from a feral cat to a purebred. It has short hair and is up to 22 pounds of playfulness.
This cat breed is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America (and Maine's official state cat). Its fur usually is a tabby pattern and doesn't shed too much. This cat weighs an average of 17 pounds, but can get up to 25 pounds.
The Cheetoh is a hybrid cross between a Bengal and Ocicat. Its short, glossy coat doesn't shed much. Adults can weigh between 15 and 23 pounds.
The Chausie is an Egyptian cat that is a hybrid of the domestic cat and Jungle Cat. It's known for its short, soft hair and intelligence. Adults weigh about 25 pounds, but have been known to occasionally reach up to 30 pounds.
Savannahs are crosses between Servals and domestic cats. They tend to be very active and social and only need minimal grooming. When they reach adulthood, males cats weigh about 30 pounds. Females are generally smaller. They're also expensive — they can cost about $20,000 do adopt — and some cities have restrictions on whether you can keep them as pets at all.
