Mary Allen
From a normal weight of five kilos, a cat is considered large. We introduce you to the largest and heaviest breeds and tell you what owners of these cats have to watch out for.
A cat is considered to be of average size with a shoulder height of around 25 centimeters and a weight between 3.6 and 4.5 kilograms. As a rule, female cats weigh slightly less than their male counterparts. But there are also cat breeds that are significantly larger and therefore weigh significantly more – but without being overweight.
These Cat Breeds are Particularly Large
Cats are considered large if they weigh more than 5 kilograms at a normal weight. In the breed standards of the individual cat breeds, size and weight are defined in addition to appearance. According to these standards, the following breeds are considered the largest:
1st Place: Norwegian Forest Cat
With a shoulder height of up to 40 cm and an average weight of 5 to 8 kg, Norwegian Forest Cats are real giants among cats. Individual representatives of the breed are becoming significantly larger and heavier.
Despite its impressive size, the Norwegian Forest cat is gentle, friendly, and sociable. When given release, she is an avid hunter who generally needs plenty of exercise and mental challenges.
2nd Place: Maine Coon
The popular Main Coons reach a shoulder height of up to 40 cm and weigh between 4 and 8 kg on average. Individual Maine Coons can become significantly larger and heavier.
The nature of the Maine Coon is extremely pleasant. She is friendly and spirited, but without destroying the whole house. Maine Coons remain playful and love to socialize well into old age.
The Maine Coon cat Omar holds the record as the “biggest cat in the world”. It is 1.20 meters long and weighs 14 kilograms!
3rd Place: Ragdoll
The semi-long-haired Ragdoll is not quite as well known as the Maine Coon or Norwegian Forest Cat, but it is also one of the particularly large cats. It reaches a shoulder height of up to 40 cm and weighs up to 8 kg.
Despite their size, Ragdolls are considered very gentle and good-natured. Even if they are rather quiet cats, it never gets boring with them. Because the playful ragdoll is very often in the mood for jokes.
4th Place: Ragamuffin
The Ragamuffin is also very large and muscular. With a shoulder height of up to 40 cm and a weight of up to 10 kg for males and 6 kg for females, the Ragamuffin is a real cat giant.
Despite its impressive size, the Ragamuffin is often a real cuddly cat. She is very affectionate and always seeks the attention of her human. Ragamuffins remain playful well into old age.
Special requirements of large cats
Especially large cats also place special demands on their owners. Before you decide on a very large pedigree cat, you should definitely consider whether you can do justice to the animal. Big cats basically need:
- more room
- larger litter boxes
- more stable scratching furniture with larger lying areas
Large and heavy cats are also prone to certain health problems. They are particularly prone to joint problems such as hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis. Owners of large breeds should therefore take regular check-ups at the vet very seriously and have even small changes in behavior and movement clarified.