Biggest cat breeds

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December 31, 2018
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Biggest cat breeds

Cat breeds are distinctive for many features. Some cats appear to be nothing but fur, while others are practically hairless. Some cats are happy to pass their days hiding among shoes in the back of the closet, while others follow their owners from room to room and might even enjoy walking on a leash.

麻豆原创 ranked a list of cat breeds based on their average weights. Weight is a distinguishing breed feature for these cats, all of whom are registered with the Using data from , and , 麻豆原创 listed the top 20 largest house cat breeds by weight. Any ties were broken by the upper boundary of the breed's weight. Did your furry friend make the list?

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#20. Persian (TIE)

Size range: 7-12 lbs

Not only are Persians one of , they are in a three-way tie for this spot on 麻豆原创鈥檚 heaviest cat list. They have a , with a broad chest and heavy shoulders. It isn鈥檛 just the luxurious coat that makes Persians look large. There is some muscle under all that fur.

#20. Oriental (TIE)

Size range: 7-12 lbs

This is sturdy and solid. has a muscular build with long tapering lines and large pointed ears. The Oriental is derived from the Siamese breed, and comes in more than 600 color varieties.

 

#20. Devon Rex (TIE)

Size range: 7-12 lbs

Completing the three-way tie is the Devon Rex, known for its large ears and eyes. , with , and distinctive wavy coat.

#19. Birman

Size range: 7-12 lbs

This fluffy-coated blue-eyed cat has , but the first recorded recorded Birmans arrived in the U.S. in 1959. It鈥檚 a , with medium heavy legs and large round paws.

#16. Scottish Fold (TIE)

Size range: 6-13 lbs

If you heard the squeaky meow of this cat, you might think it was a rodent. Yet the Scottish Fold's "folded back" ears make it look more like an owl. The breed originated with a ; her offspring inherited the endearing feature.

#16. Manx (TIE)

Size range: 8-12 lbs

, the Manx is regarded as playful and friendly, robust and even jowly (thanks to their full cheeks). The cats have an unusual gait, because their than their hind legs.

#16. Burmese (TIE)

Size range: 8-12 lbs

The Burmese鈥檚 size is deceptive for the on its frame. Burmese owners often find themselves pinned to the recliner by an attentive pet that loves to snuggle. They come in several coat colors, and have warm yellow eyes.

#15. American Shorthair

Size range: 8-12 lbs

Not to be confused , this medium-sized cat comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. American Shorthairs enjoy play and exercise, but can be , so maintaining a healthy weight with exercise and portion control is essential.

#13. Russian Blue (TIE)

Size range: 7-13 lbs

As its name implies, the Russian Blue that鈥檚 less-prone to shedding than other breeds. Details of its Russian origins are hazy, but the cat was shown in in 1875. Only those cats with the blueish coat color .

 

#13. Egyptian Mau (TIE)

Size range: 6-14 lbs

Not only does this cat dating back to ancient Egypt, but it has a long lifespan as well. It can live 18 to 20 years as long as it eats controlled portions and receives adequate exercise. The long stripe down the middle of its back and the variations of spots, stripes, and colors displayed in the breed makes the cat visually appealing.

#12. Chartreux

Size range: 6-14 lbs

Tied in the weight rankings with the Egyptian Mau, the , going back . They have a shorter lifespan, but are known to be playful and affectionate, with a muscular and agile frame and short gray coat. Fun fact: They are the mascot of the .

#11. Selkirk Rex

Size range: 6-15 lbs

When a Montana housecat found love with a large black Persian cat, the result was this . Its whiskers are curly as well, and can be brittle and prone to breaking off. Because the gene for , a litter can include both curly and straight-haired kittens.

 

 

#10. Exotic Shorthair

Size range: 10-12 lbs

In the 1950s, cat lovers wanted a breed without the high-maintenance coat. So breeders crossed the Persian with the American Shorthair, Burmese, and others to produce this cat known for being quiet and docile. Sturdy and short-legged, the Exotic Shorthair is also easily trained.

 

 

#9. Turkish Van

Size range: 10-13 lbs

This cat鈥檚 sleek build contributes to : swimming. Because of its long rear legs, it also is fond of leaping and running. . Its coat comes in several colors, and can feature spots on the head and tail.

#8. European Burmese

Size range: 10-14 lbs

This cat is touted for being , and will interact with visitors as well as family members. The European Burmese is heavier than it looks, owing to its muscular build and strong chest, and comes in .

 

 

#7. Ocicat

Size range: 12-15 lbs

Affectionate without being demanding or clingy, the Ocicat is said to possess dog-like characteristics. The cat is sensitive to scolding and often . The breed鈥檚 name is derived from the , an animal the Ocicat was bred to resemble.

#5. Ragamuffin (TIE)

Size range: 10-20 lbs

Ragamuffins have , giving the impression of a tiny cat. It can get quite large as its weight range suggests, but females tend to be much smaller than males. This cat is , and all the other descriptors that conjure the relaxing joys of a warm lap cat.

#5. Maine Coon (TIE)

Size range: 10-20 lbs

The Maine Coon is a gifted mouse-hunter, with a heavy coat to . , suited to its surroundings with tufted paws and ears. Its long hair can get oily, but is otherwise easy to care for. This cat also enjoys water, and might even join you in the tub.

#4. American Bobtail

Size range: 11-20 lbs

This cat鈥檚 most distinctive , a product of years of specialized breeding. Some attest that the American Bobtail will wag its tail like a dog, and is loving, friendly, and fun鈥攁ll attributes that .

#3. Siberian

Size range: 12-20 lbs

As the breed name suggests, . These cats are excellent rodent-catchers and display strength, balance, and extreme alertness as they ply their trade. Siberians enjoy the company of children and other animals, and keep up an entertaining audio track of meows and chirps.

#2. Norwegian Forest Cat

Size range: 12-22 lbs

This large pet originated in Norway more than a thousand years ago鈥攑erhaps as far back as the days of the Norse explorers. There are many similarities between this cat and the Maine Coon, but the 鈥淲eegie,鈥 as it is sometimes known, has . They have tufted paws and ears. All that hair has to go somewhere, however, so be prepared to brush.

#1. Ragdoll

Size range: 15-20 lbs

This cat is , with big blue eyes that are usually trained on its owner. The ragdoll was developed from free-roaming cats in a California neighborhood in the 1960s, and is laid-back and balanced. They come in dozens of patterns and colors, and make great family pets.

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