Introduction
When people think of owning a cat as a pet, they often imagine a small, domestic breed lounging around the house. However, some cat breeds reach surprisingly large sizes, rivaling small wild cats in stature and weight. This article will explore the largest domestic cat breeds people can legally own in the United States.
The term “largest cat” generally refers to breeds that are substantially bigger than average domestic cats in terms of height, length, and weight. While no set weight limit defines a large cat, breeds weighing 15 pounds or more often fall into this category. Legality is a key consideration, as owning exotic wild cat hybrids like the Serval is prohibited in most states. We will focus on domesticated cat breeds that are legal to own without special permits.
Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is one of the largest domesticated breeds of cat. It originated in the state of Maine, where it was a popular mouser and farm cat in the 19th century.[1] This breed is characterized by its large size, hardy disposition, and attractive, thick coat.
Maine Coons are one of the largest breeds of domestic cats. Males can weigh up to 18 pounds (8 kg) on average, and females up to 12 pounds (5.5 kg). In terms of height, males average 10-16 inches (25.4-40.6 cm) and females 8-14 inches (20.3-35.6 cm) tall.[2]
The Maine Coon is the official state cat of Maine. It has grown in popularity in recent decades, ranking as the second most popular cat breed in the United States in 2020.[3]
Maine Coons are known for their gentle, playful personalities. They tend to get along well with children and other pets. They are intelligent, adaptable cats that bond strongly with their families.[4]
[1] https://basepaws.com/blog/how-big-can-maine-coon-cats-get
[2] https://www.woofpurnayvet.com.au/7-giant-facts-about-maine-coon-cats
[3] https://cfa.org/maine-coon-cat/
[4] https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/cat-breeds/maine-coon
Savannah Cat
The Savannah cat is a hybrid between an African Serval and a domestic cat. The breed originated in the 1980s when a Serval was crossed with a Siamese cat. The first Savannah cat was born in 1986.
Savannah cats are one of the largest domestic cat breeds. According to the Savannah Cat Association, the largest Savannah cat on record is named Arcturus Aldebaran Powers, who measures 19.05 inches tall and weighs around 30 pounds.
Savannah cats are controversial because they contain genes from a wild African Serval. Servals are illegal to own as pets in some U.S. states. There have been restrictions placed on owning Savannah cats in certain areas like New York City and Hawaii. Some critics argue that Savannah cats promote exotic animal trafficking.
Supporters of Savannah cats claim they make good pets when bred properly. They say Savannah cats have dog-like personalities and can be trained to walk on a leash. Responsible Savannah cat breeders work to produce sociable cats many generations removed from their Serval ancestors.
Bengal Cat
The Bengal cat breed originated in the United States in the 1970s through crosses between domestic cats and Asian leopard cats. The goal was to create a cat with the wild appearance of the Asian leopard cat mixed with the pleasant, tractable temperament of a domestic cat.1
Bengal cats tend to be medium to large in size. They might weigh between 8-15 pounds or more and range in height anywhere from about 13-16 inches tall. Their bodies are long and muscular with hind legs slightly longer than the front legs.2
The Bengal breed has grown in popularity and is now one of the most popular cat breeds. They are prized for their exotic spotted coats and lively personalities.
Bengals are very active and energetic cats that need a lot of interaction and playtime. They are quite vocal and tend to be very social, sometimes even behaving more like a dog than a cat. Bengals are highly intelligent and can be trained to walk on a leash, play fetch, and perform tricks.
Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat originated in Norway and is adapted to living in a cold climate. This is a large, muscular cat with a distinguished history. Norwegian folktales described this cat as a skogkatt or “forest cat”. Its origins can be traced back over a thousand years to the landrace cats brought by Vikings to Norway. The Norwegian Forest Cat was used as a working farm cat in Norway. Their large size and semi-long coat helped them survive the cold Scandinavian winters. According to Purina, Norwegian Forest Cats typically measure between 30-46 cm tall and can weigh between 6-10 kg. The males are generally larger than females. While not as massive as the Maine Coon, the Norwegian Forest Cat is still considered a large cat breed.
The Norwegian Forest Cat has gained popularity as a domestic house cat in the United States and Europe. Its loving personality makes it an ideal family pet. Norwegian Forest Cats tend to be patient, friendly and get along well with children and other pets. They are intelligent, playful and energetic cats that enjoy interacting with their family. Some key personality traits include curiosity, loyalty and cleverness. The Norwegian Forest Cat’s long coat and tufted paws provide protection from the cold and make them appear even larger in size.
Serval
The Serval is a medium-sized African wild cat native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is a slender cat characterized by its small head, large ears, and black rings on a yellowish coat. Adult servals grow to about 20-40 lbs and 23-36 inches long.
Historically, servals were found across Africa in savannah and wetland habitats. However, their numbers have declined due to habitat loss and hunting. They are now considered Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Servals are legal to own as pets in some U.S. states, but not others. They are not domesticated cats and still have their wild instincts, making them challenging pets that require special care and permits.
Some controversies have emerged around serval ownership because they are wild animals that retain their hunting abilities and need significant space and stimulation. There have been incidents of servals attacking or killing small pets or livestock after escaping enclosures. Many experts argue servals are inappropriate pets for private owners.
Chausie
The Chausie is a domestic cat breed that originated from crossbreeding a few jungle cats (Felis chaus) to domestic cats in the late 1960s. The Chausie was developed by breeder Jean Mill in an attempt to breed a domestic cat with the exotic look of a jungle cat. The Chausie breed was officially recognized by The International Cat Association in 1995.
Chausies are one of the largest domestic cat breeds. They are a medium to large-sized cat, with adult males reaching 15-25 lbs. Females are typically smaller at 10-15 lbs. Chausies have long, tall bodies and can reach up to 22 inches in length from shoulder to tail tip. Their long legs give them a powerful, athletic build.
Ownership of Chausies is restricted or banned in some places. Due to their jungle cat ancestry, Chausies are considered a “hybrid” cat by many state laws. Hybrid cats can be difficult to own legally depending on where you live. Some places have bans or restrictions requiring permits and licenses to own Chausies and other hybrids. Always check your local and state laws before acquiring a Chausie.
The Chausie breed has been surrounded by some controversy over using jungle cats to develop the breed. Critics argue that crossbreeding wild cats with domestics is unethical. However, Chausie breeders maintain that the breeding programs are ethical and aim to produce happy, healthy pet cats.
Sources:
https://www.thesprucepets.com/chausie-cat-breed-profile-5188031
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chausie
Ragdoll
The Ragdoll is a cat breed with a distinctive colorpoint coat and blue eyes. Ragdolls are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, with males weighing from 15-20 pounds on average when fully grown. The Ragdoll originated in California in the 1960s. The first Ragdoll was a white cat named Josephine, who was injured in an accident but survived. Kittens from her litter inherited her docile personality. Ragdoll cats are known for being gentle, affectionate, and puppy-like in temperament. They are highly sought after as pets and continue to grow in popularity. Ragdolls rank as one of the most popular cat breeds according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association.
Ragdolls are slow to mature and reach their full size after 3-4 years. The average height of a Ragdoll is 9-11 inches tall. In terms of length, Ragdolls range from 15-20 inches long when full grown. Their long coat and large size make Ragdolls substantially bigger than the average domestic cat. Despite their imposing size, Ragdolls enjoy being lap cats. They love spending time with their humans and bond deeply to family members. The laidback Ragdoll temperament has earned them the nickname “dog-like cats” or “puppy-like cats.”
Sources:
https://www.litter-robot.com/blog/ragdoll-cat-size/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ragdoll
Other Large Breeds
In addition to the breeds mentioned above, there are a few other large domestic cat breeds worth mentioning briefly:
The Siberian is a breed originating from Russia. Siberians are known for their thick, long fur coats and can weigh up to 20 pounds. Though not as large as Maine Coons, they are still considered one of the larger breeds.
The Turkish Van is an ancient breed from southwest Asia. Their large, muscular body can reach up to 18 pounds. They have a distinctive coloring with white bodies and colored tails and heads.
Other sizable breeds are the Ragamuffin, which is closely related to the Ragdoll, and the Pixie-Bob, which resembles a wild bobcat. While not as big as the largest breeds, these cats can still grow surprisingly large.
Conclusion
In summary, the largest domestic cat breed that can be owned in the United States is the Maine Coon. Though not as lengthy as some wild cat species, the Maine Coon is known for its large size, with males capable of reaching up to 40 inches long and weighing over 25 pounds. Other notably large breeds like the Savannah Cat and Bengal Cat have growing popularity, but stricter regulations on owning higher generation crosses.
While a Serval or other wild cat species may be larger, they are illegal to own without the proper permitting and facilities. For those seeking a friendly giant feline as a pet, sticking to cat breeds like the Maine Coon is the safest and most responsible option. Proper research and preparation for costs, care, and space requirements is vital before bringing any large cat breed home. But with their affectionate personalities and eye-catching features, they can make excellent pets for the right owner.