If it were legal and ethical, many big cat lovers would have loved to have a tiger or a leopard as a pet because of its adorable size and appearance.
The good news is that there are wonderful options for you to incorporate into your lovely home.
There are large cat breeds that are as adorable as tigers or leopards to choose from.
These breeds are adorable and domestic and easy to take good care of, unlike tigers or leopards, which are high maintenance.
The following is a list of the top 10 largest domestic cats in the world.
1. Maine Coon
Have you heard the story Beauty and the Beast before? Well, marine coons are the opposite of the beast.
They are Beauty and the Big!
Little wonder they are nicknamed the gentle giant and among the most intelligent cats in the world. Read here to learn more.
Maine coons are a beauty to behold, and they are arguably the biggest domestic breed of cats in the world.
They have also made it to the Guinness World Record book as the longest cat in the world.
The title is being held by a marine coon named Barivel in Italy, verified on the 22nd of May 2018.
Barivel, the longest cat in the world, was 120 cm (3 ft 11.2 in) tall, which was impressive and intimidating.
Maine coons are suitable for family living because of their gentle nature despite their intimidating size.
Breed Overview:
Origin: United States of America in the 19th century
Height: 14- 19 inches 35cm- 48cm) tall.
Weight: 15-25 pounds
Coat and color: various colors and pattern
Life expentancy: 13 to 15 years.
2. Savannah Cat
If you search for a picture of a Savannah cat on the internet, you might think your initial query was a leopard.
Your search was right; they have a striking resemblance with leopards.
Savannah cats are a cross between domesticated cats, usually Siamese, and a medium-sized African serval cat.
It has been argued in some quarters that they are not domestic cats.
Their appearance is stunning, and they delight individuals who love exotic pets.
Breed Overview:
Origin: United States of America (California) in the 1980s
Height: 14- 19 inches 35cm- 48cm) tall.
Weight: 15-25 pounds
Coat and color: various colors and pattern
Life expentancy: 13 to 15 years.
3. Bengal
Bengal has a striking resemblance with a leopard because they are a cross between domestic cats and leopard cats.
It is often joked that they just walked straight out of the jungle.
Well, you won’t be wrong to call them jungle cats.
Due to their parent breeds, they require high mental and physical stimulation.
They are intelligent, curious, and very affectionate even towards kids despite their ancestry.
However, they are vocal, quite demanding, and mischievous.
Breed Overview:
Origin: United States of America in the 19th century
Height: 10- 14 inches (35cm- 40cm) tall.
Weight: 10-15 pounds
Coat and color: various colors ( brown, silver, gray, white and black), and patterns such as small spots, large spots and rosette-shaped spots.
Life expentancy: 12 to 16 years, maximum of 20 years.
4. Ragdoll
Arguably one of the most affectionate loving breeds of cats ever.
They are the best cuddling buddy, that was how they got their name Ragdoll, because they tended to collapse themselves into people’s arms when picked up.
That is why they are described as a puppy-like cause of their affectionate behavior.
They are super friendly and enjoy the company of people and other cats and they have great tendencies to suffer from separation anxiety.
If you want a cat that is not overdemanding, get a Ragdoll.
Breed Overview:
Origin: United States of America (California) in the 1960s
Height: 9- 11 inches (23cm- 28cm) tall.
Weight: 15-20 pounds
Coat and color: various colors (pointed, mink, sepia or solid) and pattern
Life expentancy: 12 to 15 years.
5. Siberian
Siberian cuties are Russia’s national cat.
They are natural hunters and a scare to their prey.
They are excellent at climbing, jumping, learning, and playing tricks.
Siberian cats are independent, but social, intelligent, playful, loyal, and are also suitable for kids.
Breed Overview:
Origin: Russia
Height: 10- 12 inches (25cm- 30cm) tall.
Weight: 8-16 pounds
Coat and color: various colors and pattern
Life expentancy: 12 to 15 years.
6. Norwegian Forests Cats
The Viking’s favorite cat in their ships.
They have been around since the Vikings era in the 8th- 11th centuries.
They were and still are truly loved by Norwegians including the Norwegians royalty.
Their coats are water resistant, fluffy, thick, and double-layered which can reach 3 inches in length.
They are good at climbing and jumping because of their excellent claw control.
They are smart, fast, playful, and also affectionate.
Breed Overview:
Origin: Norway
Height: 10- 16 inches (25cm- 40cm) tall.
Weight: 9-16 pounds
Coat and color: various colors such as (black, white, red, cream, blue, and chocolate) and patterns such as ( classic, mackerel and ticked tabby)
Life expentancy: 12 to 16 years.
7. Persian
Persian cats are one of the oldest breeds of cats that originated in Persia, present-day Iran over 1500 years ago.
They have a stunning and easily recognizable long coat, flat faces, and demeanor.
They have one of the longest coats among all cat breeds and their flat faces that makes them easily recognizable also make them prone to breathing difficulties.
There are different types of Persian cats namely traditional, show, and teacup Persian cats.
Breed Overview:
Origin: Persia, present day Iran.
Height: 10- 15 inches (25cm- 38cm) tall.
Weight: 7-12 pounds
Coat and color: various colors and patterns such as ( solid, tabby, bicolor, smoke, chinchilla, himalayan).
Life expentancy: 12 to 15 years.
8. Raggamuffin
They are a new breed of cats that are closely related and share similar characteristics to the Ragdoll breed.
They are gentle, affectionate, and companion-loving cats but yet, they do require their alone time.
Raggammufins can be docile yet curious, intelligent, and vocal with soft chirping meows
Breed Overview:
Origin: United States of America in the 1960’s
Height: 9- 11 inches (23cm- 28cm) tall.
Weight: 15-20 pounds
Coat and color: various colors and patterns such as ( solid, tabby, bicolor, mitted, colorprint).
Life expentancy: 12 to 16 years.
9. American Bobtail
American Bobtails were selectively bred for their short bobtails.
Their short tails are a result of natural mutation and not breeding.
They are affectionate, intelligent (capable of opening doors), playful, and can easily adapt to various living conditions.
Breed Overview:
Origin: United States of America
Height: 9- 12 inches (23cm- 30cm) tall.
Weight: 9-15 pounds
Coat and color: various colors such as black, blue, chocolate, red, and white and patterns such as classic, mackerel, ticked Tabby and tortoiseshell patterns.
Life expentancy: 12 to 15 years.
10. Turkish Van
Turkish van cats are one of the breeds of cats that love water.
Their affinity for water is so strong, it is not surprising that they are excellent swimmers.
They are affectionate, loving, and quite adorable cats.
Breed Overview:
Origin: Turkey
Height: 9- 12 inches (23cm- 30cm) tall.
Weight: 10-15 pounds
Coat and color: various colors and patterns.
Life expentancy: 12 to 17 years.