10 Large Cat Breeds

Welcome to the World of Large Cat Breeds

At SnuggleSouls, we love big cats – and we know you do too. Big-hearted feline friends have more to offer in size and personality, but they also need special care.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 15 large domestic cat breeds (all can grow over 15 lbs), sharing what makes each one unique and how you can provide the right environment and care for them.

Think of this as a warm, expert introduction: you’ll learn practical tips on feeding, grooming, exercise and behavior for each gentle giant. By the end, you’ll see why a big, furry companion might just be your perfect SnuggleSoul.

Quick Glance: Large Cat Breeds

While the core criteria for this list is a weight of over 15 pounds, the definition of a “large cat breed” is much more than a number. It encompasses their overall size, muscular build, and commanding presence.

Many of these breeds mature slowly, often taking three to five years to reach full size and personality, which is much longer than the typical one year or so for other cats. This extended kittenhood means more time to enjoy their lively, evolving personalities.

The “slow-maturing” nature of these large breeds has important implications for potential owners. Because they take longer to fully mature, they will continue to display kitten-like characteristics for longer in terms of behavior, training, and energy management.

This means owners need to understand that their “kitten” phase will be significantly extended, requiring more patience and continued interaction. This extended development period also means that their nutritional needs may be different.

Meet Your Cat: 10 Delightful Breeds

Maine Coon

Their Unique Charm

We call the Maine Coon the gentle giant of the cat world. Maine Coons are famously friendly and loyal, often behaving like big, affectionate dogs.

Their tufted ears, bushy tail and silky long coat give them a majestic look – and lots of grooming needs. Plan to brush them several times a week to keep that thick fur free of mats and hairballs.

Because of their size, we recommend extra-large cat furniture: sturdy scratching posts and a spacious litter box help keep them comfortable and healthy.

These kitties are prone to hip issues, so we also schedule regular vet checkups and even use joint supplements to support their big bones.

Is This Your SnuggleSoul?

Maine Coons fit families or individuals who want a calm, patient companion with a playful side. They love to hang out with their people (even following you room to room) but are not overly needy. If you have children or other pets, a Maine Coon’s gentle nature makes introductions easy.

You can rely on us to guide you: for example, we’ll help you set up cat trees and scratching posts that tolerate their power, and we advise on feeding big-breed cat food so they grow strong without gaining excess weight.

If you’re looking for a loving, lap-worthy cat who’s still agile enough to stalk toys and enjoy fetch games, the Maine Coon could be your perfect SnuggleSoul.

Read more about Maine Coons

Ragdoll

Their Unique Charm

Ragdolls are cuddly giants with big, trusting hearts. They get their name because they go limp with bliss when picked up. This sweet nature goes hand-in-paw with their love of lounging: Ragdolls will stretch out in your lap or flop on the bed for hours.

Their silky semi-long coat needs regular brushing (about 2–3 times a week) to prevent tangles. We’ve found that Ragdolls love interactive play: simple toys or games of gentle fetch keep them moving.

Because Ragdolls mature slowly (up to 3–4 years), you can expect a playful kitten phase followed by a very mellow adult.

We help our adopters manage this gentle giant’s diet and activity, since their relaxed nature means they gain weight easily. By providing measured portions and daily play (we even suggest clicker training or fetch), we keep our Ragdolls trim and happy.

Is This Your SnuggleSoul?

Are you craving a velvet-soft cuddle buddy? Ragdolls may be your match. They adore people and even stranger company, so they fit households with kids or frequent guests.

If you want a lap-cat who will trust you completely and enjoy being petted, a Ragdoll will delight you. Just be prepared to groom regularly and motivate gentle exercise – we’ll coach you on easy ways to entice your Ragdoll out of napping spots.

In return, you get a gentle, affectionate friend who will reward you with hours of snuggles and purrs.

Read more about Ragdoll

Siberian

Their Unique Charm

The Siberian is a powerhouse wrapped in a soft, triple coat. These Russian beauties are patient and affectionate, often described as calm and family-friendly.

Their coat is thick and water-resistant, so they shed heavily in spring/fall – we brush our Siberians weekly to keep shedding under control.

An amazing fact: Siberians can tolerate pollen better than many breeds (some call them hypoallergenic). However, they do love comfort and can be couch-potatoes, which raises obesity concerns.

We encourage owners to engage Siberians with daily play and interactive toys – they even leash-train well for supervised outdoor strolls. By making exercise fun (think climbing structures and chasing puzzles), we help these big-bodied cats stay fit and prevent joint issues.

Is This Your SnuggleSoul?

The Siberian is for someone who wants a laid-back yet playful companion. They’re great with kids and other pets – our Siberians often become therapy cats because of their sweet temperament.

If you have a comfy home and enjoy playing with your pet, a Siberian can fit right in. We’ll help you match their activity level with plenty of vertical space: tall cat trees and climbing shelves turn your home into a Siberian playground.

This breed loves to cuddle after playtime, so if you’re looking for an easygoing cat that gives affection freely and tolerates grooming, your SnuggleSoul may well be a Siberian.

Read more about Siberian

Norwegian Forest Cat

Their Unique Charm

Norwegian Forest Cats (aka Wegies) look like mini-leopards with their long, woolly coats and tufted ears. They’re playful and confident climbers by nature.

In fact, we always recommend extra tall cat trees or wall shelves so Wegies can climb, jump and perch. Their thick double coat needs daily grooming during shedding seasons to avoid mats and hairballs. Despite their hardy build, Wegies are sensitive under all that fluff – they need a healthy weight to avoid joint trouble.

Our team often advises owners to keep Wegies lean and active: running up and down a cat tower is normal for this breed. With gentle brushing and a stocked play area, a Wegie will reward you with affectionate purrs and that wild, confident grin.

Is This Your SnuggleSoul?

If you’re active or have a playful household, a Norwegian Forest Cat could be your perfect big buddy. They get along with kids and dogs, and they adore having a variety of spots to explore (like supervised outdoor enclosures or catio space).

We help you design a cat-friendly home – for example, Wegies love puzzle toys and fetch, so be ready to join in the fun. Because they grow slowly and mature fully at around 3 years, owners should be patient: you’ll see lots of kitten antics long after other breeds have calmed down. In return, you get a sociable, alert cat who gives you love on its own terms.

If you’re looking for an adventurous climber with a big heart, your SnuggleSoul may be a Norwegian Forest Cat.

Read more about Norwegian Forest Cat

British Shorthair

Their Unique Charm

The British Shorthair is a sturdy, round-faced fellow known for being calm and easygoing. Their thick, plush coat gives them a cuddly teddy-bear look, yet it’s surprisingly easy to care for – we usually brush ours only once or twice a week.

These cats are not as high-energy as Bengals or Highlanders; instead, they enjoy lounging on the sofa. As experienced caregivers, we encourage Brit owners to counteract this by offering interactive toys and short play sessions. That way, our “blue” (grey) boys and girls stay fit.

We also watch their diet closely – fewer treats and portion control – because too much sedentary life can strain their joints.

Is This Your SnuggleSoul?

A British Shorthair fits perfectly with a more relaxed lifestyle. If you want an intelligent, loyal cat that doesn’t demand constant attention, consider this breed. They’re wonderfully patient with kids and gentle with other pets.

We often tell owners: give your British ample soft beds and some puzzle toys, and they’ll be content. In return, this cat will be affectionate (often curling up next to you) but self-sufficient.

We’ll help you set up the right diet and play routine to keep them healthy. If you seek a dignified yet sweet-tempered companion who’s no high-strung furball, the British Shorthair may be your match.

Read more about British Shorthair

Ragamuffin

Their Unique Charm

Ragamuffins are like big, gentle teddy bears. Every Ragamuffin we’ve met is soft, sweet, and unflappable. They sport ultra-fluffy coats (with lots of color patterns) and feel plush to touch.

Because they take about 4 years to reach full size, Ragamuffin kittens stay kittenish longer. In practice, this means even adults enjoy wrestling with catnip mice or snuggling endlessly. Their grooming is higher – brushing a few times a week keeps that long fur mat-free.

We note that Ragamuffins are very strong-boned and large-bodied, so all our cat furniture for them is oversized: think “jumbo” scratching posts, big crates, and extra-large litter boxes.

Is This Your SnuggleSoul?

The Ragamuffin is ideal if you want a loving, kid-friendly friend. These cats are calm and tolerant – they even cuddle in a limp “rag doll” way when held. They’ll happily socialize with a household full of children or other cats, and won’t demand the spotlight (unless it’s cuddle time).

Our advice: pair a Ragamuffin with plush toys and don’t skip the daily cuddle session – they crave affection and give it right back. We’ll help you adjust feeding as they grow (remember, they’re still growing into those big bones for years) and suggest fun, low-impact play to keep them healthy.

If you’re looking for an easygoing, affectionate giant who’s always happy to flop by your side, this breed might be your SnuggleSoul.

Read more about Ragamuffins

American Bobtail

Their Unique Charm

American Bobtails are not only big (up to ~16 lbs) but also playful and affectionate. These cats have short “bobbed” tails and a rugged, slightly wild look, but their personality is very sweet.

Our Bobtails are like playful puppies in a cat’s body: they love games, even walking on a harness and leash. They are also intelligent and responsive. We’ve noticed they do great with puzzle toys and even enjoy playing fetch in the yard. Their medium-length coat is dense but coarse; it needs only weekly brushing.

One important note: Bobtails have a genetic trait that can affect their spine and hips, so we always advise a balanced diet and regular exercise to keep them healthy. Extra care in feeding (AAFCO-complete diets) helps avoid extra weight on their joints.

Is This Your SnuggleSoul?

Consider an American Bobtail if you want a spirited, dog-like cat. They get along well with children and other pets, thriving on interaction. We tell families to involve Bobtails in games: they love chasing toy mice, playing tug with string toys, or even learning tricks for treats.

At night, they’ll probably hop on your lap or crawl under the covers for a nap. Because they’re so active, we’ll help you set up a routine of playtimes and perhaps leash walks.

Their affection and trainability make them a delight; if you want an energetic friend who will try just about anything you do (even going for walks), the Bobtail might be your SnuggleSoul.

Read more about American Bobtail

Selkirk Rex

Their Unique Charm

The Selkirk Rex is famous for its curly, plush fur – almost like a teddy bear. But beyond its adorable “bad hair day” coat, a Selkirk Rex is incredibly laid-back and friendly. They’re one of the most tolerant, gentle breeds we’ve cared for.

These cats tend to be moderately active: they’ll play with you if you invite them, but they’re also happy snoozing in a sunbeam. Grooming-wise, their soft curls don’t mat easily, so weekly combing is usually enough to keep them neat.

The Selkirk has a solid, muscular build (males can reach ~16 lbs), so again we counsel normal-weight diets and some daily play. But these cats aren’t demanding: our Selkirk Rex buddies are content to perch beside you on the couch or quietly watch kids play without jumping into all the chaos.

Is This Your SnuggleSoul?

Selkirk Rex cats suit homes that want a laid-back, loving companion. They’re very tolerant of family life — including respectful children and even gentle dogs. We often place them in families looking for an affectionate cat that gets along with everyone.

If you enjoy petting curly fur and having a cat who “purrs on demand,” this might be your match. We recommend gentle grooming sessions as bonding time. For exercise, a scratching tree and chasing strings work well.

If you desire a calm, affectionate friend who will curl up next to you more than he will race around, a Selkirk Rex could be your perfect SnuggleSoul.

Read more about Selkirk Rex

Pixie-Bo

Their Unique Charm

Pixie-Bobs look like miniature bobcats: large, muscular bodies with tufted ears and often many extra toes. Despite their wild look, they’re very sweet and affectionate.

Pixie-Bobs are easygoing and enjoy being part of the family’s daily routine – many love to play fetch and even tolerate water better than most cats. They have a medium to long coat (usually in brown tabby shades); grooming 2–3 times a week keeps them shiny and tangle-free. These cats are also quite intelligent.

You’ll find them investigating new toys, solving puzzle feeders, and often sitting politely to “wait” for treats. We find Pixie-Bobs get along well with other pets and children, partly because they’re sturdy and very tolerant.

Is This Your SnuggleSoul?

A Pixie-Bob will fit you if you want a laid-back yet playful companion. They enjoy company but don’t demand it constantly. We recommend them for homes where people have moderate energy: they’ll play when invited but are equally content lounging on a sunny window sill.

Pixie-Bobs also bond strongly with their owners. If you’re patient and give them attention on their terms (often hand-feeding treats or playing gentle games), you’ll notice how loyal they can be. This breed doesn’t need extreme grooming or activity, but we do keep an eye on their weight and daily play to keep their minds sharp.

If you’re seeking a friendly, big cat who’s part puzzle-solver, part couch potato, the Pixie-Bob might be your perfect SnuggleSoul.

Read more about Pixie-Bob

Ocicat

Their Unique Charm

Don’t let the name fool you – Ocicats have no wild DNA, they just look exotic with their spotted coats. In fact, every Ocicat we’ve met is very social and friendly. They grow up to about 15 lbs and have a muscular build. Their short, dense coat is a breeze to care for; in our experience, a simple weekly brushing (and the occasional chamois polish) brings out a gorgeous sheen.

Ocicats are vocal and playful: they’ll chat with you and jump enthusiastically on cat trees. We’ve found they truly enjoy company and will often greet the door or follow family members around. To channel their energy, we give them interactive toys and plenty of playtime – indeed, they love the chase.

Overall, Ocicats tend to be confident, energetic kitties who never stray too far from their human companions.

Is This Your SnuggleSoul?

Ocicats are perfect for active households. If you want a curious, affectionate cat who participates in family life, consider this breed. They get along well with dogs and kids, and love to play games.

We advise providing tall perches and puzzle feeders to keep an Ocicat entertained. In return, you’ll have a cat that’s eager for affection and companionship.

If you dream of an elegant, spotted friend that’s lively yet loving, an Ocicat may be your SnuggleSoul.

Read more about Ocicat

Our Promise to You: A Lifetime of Snuggles

At SnuggleSouls, we’re committed to helping every adopter and their new big kitty enjoy a long, happy life together. We don’t just drop off a cat – we educate and support you on feeding, grooming and understanding your cat’s behavior. Think of us as your personal cat care team: we’ll be here to answer your questions and share tips as your cat grows. From advice on keeping those hips healthy to the best toys for mental stimulation, our promise is that we help you provide the most loving, scientifically sound care for your new feline friend.

Want to keep learning? Check out our Cat Adoption, or explore our Cat Breed Encyclopedia for deeper dives into each personality type. With SnuggleSouls, you’ll never be alone on the journey – because a life full of purrs and cuddles is what we’re all about.

Welcome home to a lifetime of snuggles with your perfect big cat companion!

Find Your Purr-fect Match Among All Cat Breeds

At SnuggleSouls, we believe every cat deserves a forever home—and every cat lover deserves the perfect feline companion. Whether you’re drawn to the charm of small cat breeds, the balanced nature of medium cats, or the majestic presence of large cat breeds, we’ve got detailed guides to help you choose wisely.

Prefer grooming to be a breeze? Check out our picks for shorthair cat breeds, hairless cats, and low-shedding breeds. Longing for luxurious coats? Our longhair cat breed guide might just melt your heart.

If you or your family members have allergies, don’t worry—we’ve also curated a trusted list of hypoallergenic cat breeds that might work better for sensitive households.

Explore all our breed guides to find the snuggle soul that’s truly meant for you.