More to Love: The Largest Domestic Cat Breeds

Ragdolls are one of the largest domesticated cats, weighing between 10 and 15 pounds, though some males can tip the scales at nearly 20. Ragdolls have semi-long coats, often with a light body and dark face and legs, and they are known for their beautiful blue eyes. This breed is known for being affectionate and docile. They wait for their owner by the door, enjoy snuggling every chance they get, and can be trained to come when called.

When fully grown, a Turkish Van weighs as much as 18 pounds. Turkish Vans are mostly white with large colored markings on the tail and head. Their eyes can be blue, amber, or one of each. They are loving and affectionate pets when socialized appropriately, though they're not especially fond of being held. This cat is active and playful, even into old age, though it can be a little clumsy. They're also vastly intelligent and can be taught to play fetch. Determining a Van's mood is easier than with most cats: their pink nose turns red when they get angry.

Ragamuffins are related to ragdolls and share some of the same traits. Ragamuffins have a big, round head with large eyes and a sweet, friendly expression. Their coats have medium-long dense fur that's soft and silky. They don't reach their full size until around four years, at which point they can weigh as much as 20 pounds. They're sweet, smart, and loving, following around their owners and jumping up for snuggles as often as possible. They affectionately greet visitors and love to play and enjoy their family's company.

Maine coons are a well-known big cat breeds and can weigh as much as 18 pounds in adulthood. This cat has a recognizable shaggy coat that keeps them warm in cold Maine winters, and their fluffy ears taper to a recognizable point. This friendly, adaptable breed likes being with its family but isn't overly needy or clingy. If you have a mouse problem, a Maine coon is highly equipped to take care of it. They love to chase, play, and can be taught how to fetch.

Chausies are one of the biggest cat breeds, some weighing as much as 30 pounds. They're very intelligent, playful, and extremely energetic. Chausies spend most of their day being active and prefer to do something other than laying around and relaxing. This is a demanding pet that needs a lot of interaction and stimulation, but they form loving and affectionate bonds with the people in their life. Something to know about a Chausie is that they have a special all-meat diet; plants and grains can cause digestion problems, something you should keep in mind if you're planning to bring one home.

Pixie-Bobs are mellow, laid-back cats that enjoy being with their people and have been described as having a dog-like personality. This is an ideal choice for a home with children. They love going for rides in the car and are one of the few cat breeds that truly enjoy going for a walk on a leash. Their thick double coat requires regular brushing, and they do shed a lot. They can have either short or long hair and come in a variety of colors, most commonly light gray or reddish. An adult Pixies-Bob can weigh as much as 25 pounds.

Another gentle and friendly big cat breed is the Norwegian forest cat. They are happy to spend time with their family but don't require constant petting or attention. They tend to be a little stand-offish with visitors and don't care to be held or cuddled, but they do appreciate a scratch behind the ear now and then. This cat loves to be outside but adapts well to being indoors. Norwegian Forest cats were bred to be a farm cat and have a waterproof coat.

Bengals are an athletic breed that is extremely active and exceptionally smart. They are strong, muscular cats with a thick, soft, glittery coat and big pointed ears. Bagels weigh as much as 17 pounds when fully grown. They love to play games and do tricks. Bengals are a bit of a challenge as they get destructive when they are bored and love to play in the water, so consider faucet and fish tanks are fair game. Still, they love their people and show affection by sitting on your lap for a snuggle and sleeping with you in your bed.

Another of the biggest cat breeds is the Siberian, a lovable cat that loves to shower its owner with affection. This breed will follow you everywhere, whether you're sitting at your desk, preparing dinner, or sitting down to relax and watch TV. Siberian cats are also not shy around strangers or guests. Siberians originally lived in the forest. They have a long triple coat to keep them warm and enjoy playing with water, including splashing its water bowl and playing in the faucet. They're calm, so calm that they're often used for therapy cats.

The British Shorthair is one of the most easy-going of the biggest cat breeds, making them a great addition to a family with children. They like attention and spending time with their people but are not needy or clingy and don't like to be held or carried around. They're not prone to destroying things around the house and are welcome hosts. British Shorthairs have a compact, muscular body and a short coat that comes in a variety of colors. This breed doesn't fully mature until around four years and can weigh as much as 17 pounds.