Each of the breeds has its own characteristics that make it unique.
Large breeds of cats fascinate not only with their size, but also with grace, not inferior in this to smaller relatives. Unlike their counterparts with smaller parameters, the giants of the cat world need space, so it is better to start them for those who have large apartments or houses with a yard. Otherwise, such an animal will suffer from a lack of space. Focus learned which breeds of cats are considered the largest, and invites our readers to get acquainted with them.
Savannah
The Savannah currently holds the record for the tallest domestic cat breed, measuring 43.5 cm from shoulder to toe. But that’s not the only reason they made the list. The weight of some individuals exceeds 15 kg. However, with savannahs, it all depends on how closely they are related to their wild serval ancestors. F1 and F2 (serval parents or grandparents) are the largest, with successive generations rapidly returning to more normal house cat sizes.
The first Savannah, a hybrid of an African serval and a domestic Persian cat, was bred in 1986 by American breeder Judy Frank. Wanting to breed a breed that would combine the grace of a wild animal and the affection of a domestic one, she asked her friend Susie Wood for a male African serval to try mating him with a Siamese cat. On April 7, 1986, the first representatives of the Savannah breed were born – two long-legged spotted kittens. The breeder gave the female to the mistress of the serval, and three years later, after mating with the Angora cat, she gave birth to spotted kittens, which became the standard of the breed. The breed quickly became popular and was accepted by breeders’ associations in the mid-1990s.
Maine Coon
Maine Coons are considered by many to be the largest of the true domestic breeds (they are not feral cat hybrids) due to their long body and relatively heavy weight. Maine Coons can be over a meter long from nose to tail and weigh in excess of 11 kg, although weights around 8 kg are much more common. These animals reach full size in 3-5 years.
The breed originated in New England. Maine Coons are popular not only due to their spectacular appearance (expressive eyes, large ears, shaggy coat), but are also famous for their goodwill and friendliness. They like to spend time with the owner, get along with dogs and children, but at the same time maintain independence and independence.
norwegian forest cat
The Norwegian Forest cat is in many ways similar to the Maine Coon, they have a common feature – a relatively large size. The weight of “Norwegians” can reach 10 kg. This breed has never lost its roots. At heart, she is still a hunter: she loves to hunt toys as if they were real. She has a strong sense of territory, which she courts several times a day to make sure everything is in order. Despite its impressive size, it is an affectionate and friendly animal. She appreciates praise and loves to interact with her owners. She makes a good friend, and as soon as the “Norwegian” recognizes his person, a close personal bond will be established between them.
Ragdoll
Ragdoll cats are large, muscular, very fluffy and can weigh up to 9 kg, which earns them a spot on the list of giants. . The first Ragdoll kittens were born in California in the 1960s. They probably appeared as a result of crossing a white female Persian cat and a Burmese male. The peculiarity of this breed is affection – in the hands of a person, the cat becomes relaxed and flexible, like a ragdoll. That is why they got that name. It is believed that this is the most unflappable of all breeds of domestic cats. Animals have a balanced character, undemanding, prefer to adapt to the circumstances.
highland
The Highland is a breed that is currently in development but should already be one of the largest. These cats can weigh up to 11 kg and come in short-haired and long-haired varieties, with their most distinguishing feature being their loosely curled ears. They are gentle, kind and purr with pleasure to their owners. Also, these cats are obedient and outwardly very attractive. Looking at the cute long-haired representatives of the breed, they immediately want to be stroked. Cats are attracted not only by their cute appearance, but also by the nature of the animal. From their Scottish Fold ancestors, they borrowed aristocracy in behavior and good manners. Displays of aggression and irascibility are not peculiar to them.
British Shorthair
The smallest on the list is the British Shorthair. British Shorthair breeds are descended from domestic cats of the Roman Empire, which were distinguished by their hunting abilities and strength. However, their contemporaries became somewhat clumsy. These beautiful big cats can weigh over 8kg and are hugely popular in the UK and around the world. One of the first purebred cats, the British Shorthair has been bred for over 100 years. Representatives of this breed are popular due to the fact that they easily adapt, become attached to the owners and are very affectionate. They are sociable and easily get along with households and other pets. However, the British do not like to be carried on their hands.
Chauzi
Chausie is another domestic cat with wild roots, which has a long body and equally long legs. She is included in the list of the most expensive and exotic breeds. The ancestor of the wild cat chausie is the jungle cat, but most chausies bought and sold today are separated by many generations, so they have the temperament of a domestic cat with a slightly wilder look. They surprisingly combine sociability and independence, and this gives them a special charm. Representatives of the breed get along well with other pets, with the exception of decorative rodents and birds.
Active animals will easily make friends with children, but keep in mind that especially close relatives of wild cats can show character with a careless push. They can weigh over 11 kg.
Previously Focus wrote about what breeds of cats are best suited as companions for the elderly.
