According to the English writer George Mikish, people have dogs, and people have cats, apparently classifying them as useful pets. A joke, you say, but, as they say, there is some truth in every joke. Yes, these pets are more independent, characterful and even somewhat arrogant than dogs. But this not only scares people away from them, but makes them respect, love and appreciate them even more. In addition, at different breeds its own characteristics that must be taken into account when choosing your pet.
Representatives of the ancient breed, which were depicted next to the pharaohs, definitely attract attention. Their grace, royal bearing and confident look leave no doubt that they were once truly considered sacred. Despite her proud appearance, she is very playful, active and extremely curious. She can show character because she doesn’t like to be held. But the Abyssinian gets along quite well with other pets, as well as with children.
A cat with average proportions and characteristics, but distinguished by amazingly shaped ears. They seem to be turned outward, and curl owners joke - so as not to miss a sound. There are several varieties with fur of varying lengths, but they all have the longhair gene, and fluffy kittens can appear in the smooth-haired family. The fur coat of cats is silky, soft and lacks undercoat.
As for character, they are distinguished by intelligence, playfulness and obedience. Raising them will not cause any difficulties, because these cats can even be walked on a leash.
A cat shrouded in mystery, arousing interest and attracting more and more people who want to buy it, regardless of the cosmic price. This is the only cat that has gained popularity without being recognized as a separate breed. According to the authors of the breed, this is the result of crossing cats - Asian leopard and domestic, as well as serval. But skeptics are sure that this is nothing more than a type of savannah.
But, be that as it may, these are graceful, large cats, whose weight can reach 14-15 kg. Outwardly, they are very reminiscent of a leopard. Like all cats, they are curious, playful and great with children.
The explosive mixture of temperamental wild leopards and docile domestic cats, however, took only best qualities. Her intelligent, graceful appearance and leopard print color immediately catches your eye.
Moreover, from its wild ancestors the cat also inherited a voice ranging from a gentle purr to a roar, and a love of water. Bengals love to communicate, play and are very active. Loneliness is not for them; you won’t be bored with such a pet.
A graceful cat with satiny black fur and a graceful physique, beautiful, with a touch of exoticism and mysticism - this is. Representatives of the breed attract not only their chic appearance, but also their noble origin, balanced temperament and unpretentiousness. Even if a cat gets angry, she will not rush into battle; it is easier for her to hide from everyone and recover in silence.
Powerful, well-developed animals with pleasant plush fur have long gained popularity. They are very colorful, have a serious appearance and a character to match. They have all the classic cat habits, but in moderation - curiosity, independence, friendliness and playfulness.
The owners note that it will never completely obey the owner, valuing its own freedom and territory. This can also be called a plus, because such a pet can go without the owner’s attention for a long time and not bother with its presence.
Burma (Burmese cat)
These are representatives of an ancient breed, depicted in temples and worshiped. Today the cat is not only popular among hobbyists, but also among breeders. Thanks to their attention, two types of breed appeared - European, with a triangular muzzle, and American, with a more rounded muzzle.
One of the advantages of cats of this breed is their silky coat, which is very sensitive to external temperature and can even change shade. As for character, this pet is very playful and suitable for families with children. After all, even in the midst of a game, the Burmese will not use its claws and teeth. She does not remember the insult and always remains friendly.
This is the result of breeding work for which the Burmese cat and Persian chinchilla were used. The cat received the muscular body of a Burmese and beautiful fur from a Persian. very sociable animals, they can listen to their owner and even relieve stress.
They have a hard time with loneliness, love to be with their family and get along well with all members - people and animals. These cats have another quality that causes affection - they can smile.
This is a relatively young breed, its representatives have a slightly fabulous appearance. They have a triangular muzzle with huge saucer eyes and large ears. Their main property is a meaningful and very piercing gaze.
– this is a real companion, because the pet will follow on your heels, participating in any activity. Representatives of this breed are playful, curious and sociable. If you need a cat that will walk “on its own,” then the Devon Rex is not suitable.
The history of the breed goes back centuries, and its age is over 3000 years. Moreover, during this time its representatives have remained virtually unchanged. It has the beautiful coloring and grace of a wild cat, but its sociability and need for attention makes it an absolutely domestic animal.
They have a hard time with loneliness and can even be intrusive, demanding affection. Otherwise, Mau are no different from other cats - they love to play, are curious and very smart.
Not a very common cat breed, however, worthy of attention. This is a Thai cat with a blue coat and expressive eyes– orange or amber. Their characteristic quality is affection for their family. They are ready to follow along, showing interest in any processes.
They are also very playful; if you don’t give them special toys, they will find something to occupy themselves with. do not get along with other cats, showing a clear sense of ownership. They will not tolerate other favorites and will be very jealous.
Cornish Rex
Graceful cats with exotic curly hair have already won the love of many. They are stately, have high paws and light body- real aristocrats. Their silky coat is often compared to astrakhan fur - it is soft and pleasant to the touch.
Owners are unanimous - pets have a lot of advantages. They are intelligent, clean, smart and love not the house, but their owner, naturally, the latter cannot help but bribe.
Werewolf cats, werewolves, catwolves - just how many truly strange representatives of this breed are called. They became an accidental result of breeding work, but were still recognized and given the name -. Cats have no fur around the nose and eyes, graying hair and bright yellow eyes, which add mysticism to the animal.
But their appearance does not prevent them from being sweet and friendly; cats love to be the center of attention and sometimes require affection. They can get along with cats and dogs, but small animals and birds will be perceived as prey.
Cats of this breed are called dachshunds or basset hounds because of their low stance. And, indeed, the munchkin actually has excessively short legs. But such physiological feature does not affect the health of the animal and otherwise it is an ordinary cat.
Of course, these cats cannot jump as high as their long-legged counterparts, but this does not detract from their playfulness and activity. They are similar in character to dogs, they do not mind walking with a harness, they are devoted to their family, and are sociable. But at the same time they are able to stand up for themselves.
These are the most beautiful cats - Asian aristocrats who once lived in temples and imperial chambers. U amazing, crystal Blue eyes, whose gaze radiates universal calm, and, like other bobtails, a shortened tail.
Asians are playful and even enjoy apporting; they do not release their claws during play. But they can bite if they feel that a person has crossed the border. Therefore it's not the best option for small children. These cats can get along with other pets, but will definitely show their leadership qualities.
This breed originated from Siamese cats, having adopted some qualities from them. They have an elongated, elongated muzzle, expressive, slightly squinted eyes and amazingly sized ears. very elegant, with long legs and a light body.
Representatives of this breed are not suitable for people who cannot pay enough attention to them. Orientals are trusting, loving, active and talkative. They happily greet their owner and do not hide their emotions.
Not a very common cat breed with wild colors and purely domestic ancestors. - This is the result of crossing Abyssinians with Siamese. They have good physical development and medium sizes. As for their character, they are very sociable, sociable and cheerful pets.
If the owner does not have time to pay attention to the Ocicat, then you can get out of the situation by getting another pet - a dog or a cat. The pet will be able to find mutual language with a new family member and you will be less bored. These cats tend to choose one owner, but at the same time communicate with everyone. They have a loud voice and are not averse to chatting.
Participants and favorites of exhibitions – these cats have long managed to win the love of breeders. They are beautiful, graceful and miniature, have a luxurious, silver-blue coat and emerald eyes. - a real aristocrat who shows restraint and calmness, even if she is torn by curiosity. She will not impose her company, but is not averse to being with her owner.
It takes time to gain her trust, this applies to both people and other animals. The cat loves to explore new things and watch events happening. Therefore, they can often be found looking out the window or exploring all the nooks and crannies of their home.
A very fashionable breed that attracts attention, because it is a large hybrid of a serval and a Siamese cat. Of course, the offspring of such love underwent a lot of changes and selection work, but the result justified itself. inherited wild appearance and qualities domestic cat, but only after a few generations.
The character of the savannah depends on how much wild blood flows in its veins. The less, the more flexible and trusting she is. Of course, the first litter of a serval and a cat will cost fabulous money, but it will be better to keep the pet in an enclosure. Subsequent crossings of offspring with domestic cats reduce the cost of kittens and make them more domesticated.
Representatives of an ancient Thai breed, which were nicknamed “moon diamond” in their homeland. Due to its dark muzzle and paws (point), the Siamese is often confused with other cats, but it is distinguished by a more refined, narrowed muzzle, large ears and almond-shaped eyes.
Very smart and not without willfulness. She loves to attract attention to her person, but she can easily tolerate 10-12 hours of loneliness. Claims that cats of this breed are angry and aggressive are not confirmed, since when proper care And good attitude they make excellent pets.
Amazing cats, whose name translates as “snow slippers,” are actually an oversight on the part of the breeder of Siamese cats. Not knowing who the father of the offspring with white socks was, the woman did not ignore this, and, continuing the selection work, identified the culprit; it turned out to be an American shorthair cat.
This is how these proud cats, not devoid of independence, appeared. They love water, sing and are trainable. Thanks to beautiful appearance, these beauties are well suited for an exhibition career.
Due to their external similarity, they are often confused with Siamese cats. The blood of the ancient Siamese flows in their veins, and the Thais themselves were known back in the 14th century. very beautiful, she has a dark muzzle, against which her crystal blue eyes literally shine. But owners who have a Thai dog value its other qualities more - obedience, love, sharp mind and quick wit.
People are sure that if you take a Thai cat into your home, then later there will be no question of having pets of other breeds. In addition, there is a belief that a cat of this breed brings happiness and good luck to the house.
Modern breeders are increasingly setting the goal of obtaining an affectionate, domestic cat with the appearance of its wild counterparts. So the toyger was the result of efforts to breed a cat with a tiger-like appearance. The cat turned out to be beautiful, stately, with a striped coat.
And, in addition, careful selection and selection made the pet’s character very attractive. very affectionate, loving, balanced, such a cat is ideal for a family with children. The cat loves to communicate not only with its family, but also with guests.
These are unusual curly cats from the Urals, information about which appeared in the 40s of the last century. They immediately attracted the interest of breeders, who are still improving the breed. The curly coat gives a fun and mischievous appearance.
But even more people who want to have such a pet are attracted by their amazing character. Cats of this breed are very tame, affectionate and loyal. They are unobtrusive, but can support in Hard time, are patient with children's pranks and very attentive. An ideal pet for a friendly family.
Another name for the breed is, the representatives of which came from Scotland. Their peculiarity is interesting, curved and hanging ears. In addition, the Scottish Fold cat has a strong body, Round eyes and thick, pleasant wool.
The pet has a very funny appearance that evokes positive emotions. This is especially noticeable when the pet shows curiosity. He is also an affectionate purr, kind and friendly. He will be happy to be with his family, but he can also find something to do alone.
- this is the abbreviated name for representatives of this breed; they are the fruit of crossing American and Persian cats. But the breeders pursued the goal of getting an American female with a Persian color, and the result was a Persian female with short hair. Moreover, the exotic cat is similar in all respects to the Persian, except for the fur coat.
By nature, exotics are gentle purrs who love to sleep with their owner, sit in their arms and be caressed. Due to their phlegmatic nature, the breed is recommended for older people. Such cats provide comfort and a calm atmosphere, without fuss and dirty tricks.
The appearance of these cats is quite ordinary - medium size, short hair, they are compact and well built. But what gives them away is their uniqueness – a short, curved (twisted, straight or kinked) tail. It is like a fingerprint, since no two tails are the same.
They love to play, jump, purr or meow loudly, are noisy and chattering. does not like to sit idle and is constantly busy exploring everything around. But at the same time, cats of this breed are loyal to their owners and have good contact with children and other animals.
Semi-longhair cats
These are representatives of a semi-wild breed, the ancestors of which are considered to be the bobtail from Japan. These pets are called lynx cats, because in appearance they are very similar to them, and, in addition, they are adapted for life in a wild, harsh environment. Life on the Kuril Islands made the cats large, hardy and fearless, and crossing them with the Siberian cat had a fruitful effect on their character.
- a large cat with a short tail and semi-long, dense hair, the claws of these cats do not retract, they love water very much. They become very attached to their owner and can even protect him, driving away strangers.
Maine Coon (Manx Raccoon)
Cats with lynx tufts on their ears and a raccoon tail, huge (for a domestic feline) size and expressive muzzle are the dream of many. Despite their somewhat wild appearance and size (males can reach 15 kg), these pets are affectionate, playful and sociable.
Of course, they have a number of characteristics, for example, they like to get into the water, not all of them are tame, but all of them are “talkative”. They do not put out their claws unnecessarily and love to always be close to their owners, but do not interfere.
This breed is descended from Abyssinian cats, but is distinguished by semi-long hair throughout the body and longer hair in the neck, panties and tail. What makes them special is their color, which alternates between light and dark colors, capable of forming stripes. The more stripes a cat has, the higher its price.
Somalis are not couch cats and their playfulness does not fade with age. However, they are not destructive pets and usually do not cross boundaries. They are suitable for large, noisy families with children and other pets.
Representatives of this native breed are quite large, well-built and beautiful animals. Their peculiarity is a special “Van” color - a white fur coat with reddish-reddish spots in the area of the muzzle and tail; they are also allowed to be present on the back.
is a very sociable cat, trainable and loving water procedures. She not only loves affection, but is ready to give her back at every opportunity. Representatives of this breed also need walking and feel great on a leash. Of course, they are still not dogs and it is enough for them to walk 1-2 times a week.
Longhair
This is the abbreviated name for these cats; they have the chic Persian coat and the original color of the Siamese. There are many legends and tales wandering around the breed and they are called “sacred”. It is difficult to say what is true and what is fiction, however, the Burmese are truly distinguished by their “holy” character.
They are playful, but not dirty, active, but in moderation. They do not impose their communication and agree to wait until the owner has time to communicate. The Burmese cat gets along with children, but does not like excessive noise and tense environments.
They are called Siberians with Siamese sophistication; cats and cats of this breed are beautiful, large and very colorful. But this is by no means a merit of the efforts of the breeders, but the result of an accidental love between a Siberian cat and a cat with a Siamese color (it is not known for sure whether she was Siamese or Himalayan).
It is long-lived, its coat does not cause allergies and does not require painstaking care. She has a certain charisma - she loves to show off, but she is distrustful of strangers. Adapts perfectly to new conditions and loves his family.
Once upon a time, this large, colorful animal with long luxurious hair lived in the Norwegian forests. Naturally, this determined his hunting qualities and endurance, but selection work turned the cat into a cute domestic creature that retained high intelligence and beautiful appearance.
Suitable for home keeping, she is very balanced and calm. He loves to communicate, but sometimes he doesn’t mind being alone. Finds a common language with other pets and is good with children.
Cats of this breed are hard to miss - after all, they have an extravagant appearance - a wide muzzle with a flattened nose and the most luxurious fur. The breed has undergone a number of changes, not always positive, but today it has no flaws, and its representatives are healthy and active.
- This is an ideal companion who does not like loneliness and is not suitable for living on the street - only with a person does she feel calm and confident.
Ragdoll
Young amazing breed cats capable of completely relaxing all muscles, which is why its name translates as rag doll. These are quite large animals with beautiful fur. Born with white fur, after a year and a half it acquires the most incredible colors.
– absolutely collective cats, they find it difficult to be alone, and they are ready to follow their owner anywhere. They are phlegmatic, they like to lie around, but they also don’t mind playing, especially with children.
This is a native breed of Siberia and is believed to have descended from wild forest cats. Stocky, large (cats weigh up to 12 kg), fluffy - cats of this breed cannot leave anyone indifferent.
It has a developed hunter's instinct, therefore, even if it gets lost, the pet will not disappear and will be able to provide itself with food. This quality also helps rid the house of rodents. These pets are unpretentious in all aspects of life, intelligent, but somewhat reserved.
– snow-white (blue and black individuals are less common), graceful beauty – with blue, greenish or with different eyes. She is a regular participant in various exhibitions and is popular.
The Turkish Angora does not require special care, it is smart, intelligent, calm, gets along well with children, but can be “on its own” or overly sensitive.
Hairless cats
This is the fruit of crossing a short-legged munchkin and a hairless sphinx; it turned out to be squat and hairless. Representatives of the breed have a very touching, defenseless appearance, so they were named like little children -. By the way, long-legged kittens may also appear in the litter of these cats.
These cats are not hunters, so they do not show aggression during play. This allows bambino to be kept in the same nest even with mice. They are gentle, affectionate and playful.
Representatives of the breed have a very exotic appearance, however, they were bred in Russia. Cats have no fur, they are very elegant, but have developed muscles.
Very inquisitive, active, but not mischievous. He chooses one owner whom he adores. He finds a special approach to the rest - he knows who plays with him, who feeds him.
Folded and bald, however, having won love and reverence, they look very peculiar. They have a warm soft skin, which is pleasant to touch.
As for their character, they are very gentle and devoted, are not jealous of other animals and are not aggressive. They have pride, so they will not humiliate themselves and beg for a treat. But they will definitely try to pull it off.
The birthplace of the breed is the northern capital, it is here that hairless cats with model appearance. Short-haired ones may also be born, but in character they are not at all different from their hairless counterparts.
These cats will wake you up in the morning, take you to work and greet you joyfully. They are friendly to all family members, but the pets simply idolize the owner. The advantage is their cleanliness, the disadvantage is excessive “talkativeness”.
A rare breed - its representatives are hairless and fold-eared, very attractive to lovers of unusual cats. They have a serious, and even angry, appearance, which has nothing to do with their character.
Cats are loving, gentle and loyal. They are easy to train, cheerful and positive, but demanding. It won’t be difficult for them to follow their owner’s heels, putting their backs up or jumping on their laps - they will definitely get their share of affection!
Cats are one of the most amazing and extraordinary pets. They may have different appearance and temperament, small and not very weak, but in any case, they get along with a person and become part of his family.
The human essence is such that everyone wants to have the best, the biggest and the rarest. This also applies to the cat world. It’s not for nothing that new breeds of cats are developed every time to achieve their place in the Guinness Book of Records.
So felinologists do not sleep and create more and more types of cats each time, and each of them has its own characteristics.
When discussing the largest types of cats in the world, everyone evaluates them according to different parameters. For some, the size of large breeds depends on the length of the cat, for some weight plays a role, and for others the indicator is height.
Leaders in the nomination “Largest cat breed”
Today, two fierce rivals vying for the title of “largest domestic cat breed” are: the Savannah and the Maine Coon.
It is no secret that the third competitor intended to be a representative of the Asher family. But, as it turned out, this breed was a fictitious creation of a felinologist and, as such, does not exist, but was simply given out by Savannah under the guise of an allegedly new unique Asher individual.
After exposure, this participant was disqualified from the competition, but it is worth knowing about some nuances regarding this case. Indeed, to this day no court decision has been made regarding this breed.
A thorough genetic examination is being carried out to reveal the truth about the creation of the Ashera. The owner of this the latest type, Brady, assures that these two cats are completely two different breeds.
He explains that the only similarity between these breeds is the serval gene, and the Asher also contains the genes of an Asian leopard cat and a predatory cat (see).
I place – Savannah breed
Breed characteristics
- This species is considered a large cat in terms of weight, and is also distinguished by the height and length of its body.
- Weight: 12-15 kg (about the same weight as Maine Coons, although it is known that there are other representatives that reach more weight, about 20 kg).
- Height: about 60 cm.
One can argue for a long time about whether this breed belongs to the domestic representatives of its own kind, since it was generated by a combination of the African serval species with a simple cat. But if you think about it, the ancestors of most domestic pets were wild.
The heiress of this breed, a cat named Trouble, was the first to get into the Guinness Book of Records. Her height then reached 48 cm at the withers. Therefore, she had the title of the highest.
2nd place – Maine Coon breed
Description of the breed
- Maine Coons are not only cats large species, but also adorable pets with sharp tufts on the tips of the ears, like lynxes, fluffy fur and a variety of colors.
- Weight: from 8-15 kg.
- Height: up to 41 cm.
- Stewie, a purebred cat from this region, broke the record and became the longest cat in the world. The length from the tip of his fluffy tail to his nose was 123 cm.
III place – representatives of the Chausie breed
Description of the breed
- In addition to the above two legitimate contenders for the title of “most big cat", you can imagine a representative of the jungle cats, the Chausie breed (also known as Chausie or Houseie).
- Weight: reaches 18 kg.
- Height: 40cm.
The main goal for creating this breed by crossing the jungle cat and the Abyssinian (see all) was the idea of the breeders to get a variety of domestic cat for protection wild cats from imprisonment.
See also which one exists in the world, its weight and dimensions.
The goal was achieved and today the Shawzi gets along well with people and is quite loving towards them.
IV place - charming ragdoll cats
Description of the breed
- Although it differs in size from ordinary cats, it is difficult to call it gigantic. Considering that the big ones in this breed are mostly males, and not all of them.
- Weight: 9 kg.
- Length: 1 meter (record).
- These cats, especially their breed, are also called rag dolls. And all thanks to their genetically built-in passionless ardor, cuteness and non-aggressive behavior.
V place – short-haired pixie-bob (domestic lynxes)
Description of the breed
The next, but not the last, representative of the cat giants is the artificially bred short-haired pixie-bob, the domestic lynx. These cats are not much different in appearance from lynxes.
They are like representatives of these animals, but in miniature: the same sharp tassels on the tips of the ears and color. And also the pixie-bot will have a short tail (5 cm, sometimes 7-10 cm)
- Weight: males - 8kg, females -5kg
VI place – representatives of the North, Siberian cats
Description of the breed
- Representatives of the breed are Siberian cats from Russia. Among their fellow tribesmen, they stand out for their size.
- Weight: for males the maximum reaches 12 kg, and for females up to 5-6 kg.
- The peculiarity of this individual is their external fluffy and nice appearance. They are like a big and bright ball of affection. At the same time, scientists guarantee that Siberian cats are among the hypoallergenic breeds, which means they do not provoke allergic reaction in sensitive people.
Curious cases
One of the criteria for giant cats is also their weight. And in this case, the winner was none other than SpongeBob, who was included in the Guinness Book of Records under the category of the most plump cat.
His weight was 15kg. Today, this cat had to be put on a serious diet. And by a certain decision of the book’s founders, this section of the record was withdrawn for safety feline representatives so that breeders do not sacrifice their health to win.
Over the course of a long time, similar nominations have been awarded several times, and the most impressive result was that of the Austrian cat Khiimiya. He weighed about 21 kg and subsequently died of obesity.
Of course, having the biggest cat in the house is nice and partly becomes pride, but the main thing is, first of all, love for the animal and caring for it.
The best
So, let's find out who is the biggest cat in the world. The majority of the world's population believes that it is none other than a lion. But don’t be mistaken about this. Only his mane gives the king of beasts volume and bulky appearance. In fact, when comparing some species of tigers and lions, the “maned” ones are much inferior to the “striped” ones in terms of mass. However, it is not these representatives of the cat family that are the largest and most massive.
These hybrids are the result of crossing male lions and female tigers. Ligers cannot be born in the wild, since the habitat of their “parents” is in completely different areas. So this species is bred in captivity, and this largest cat is not very common in the world. The features and appearance of an adult liger are similar to both a lion and a tiger at the same time. But the males of this species almost never grow a mane. As for growth, it fully confirms the title of “biggest cat”, because ligers are much larger in size than both of their “parents” combined. As for character traits, these hybrids love to communicate like lions, and are also not averse to swimming to their heart's content (this trait was inherited from tigers). A liger named Hercules is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest cat. This “cat” weighs 408 kilograms and is twice the size of an average-sized person. This brute is 3.6 meters long and 1.8 meters high. It also takes a lot of food - 45 kilograms a day.
House giants
As for pets, the largest cat was also found among them. He became a “fluffy” named Scarlett’s Magic. This record holder belongs to the Asher breed and at eighteen months has an incredible height - forty-four centimeters from the shoulder to the toe of the hind paw. This handsome man lives in the USA. Another giant cat named Leo may compete with him. He lives in Chicago and belongs to a breed of large cat called Maine Coon. This breed is 122 centimeters long and weighs about fifteen kilograms. According to veterinarians, Leo is quite healthy, and his weight-to-length ratio is quite normal. There is another cat that can compete with the named “nominees”. He is the same breed as Leo, and his name is Rupert. This cat weighs more than nine kilograms. But Rupert is still growing, because he is only three years old, so this figure may well increase.
Breed of giants
As it turned out, Scarlett's Magic is the biggest cat. The breed to which he belongs is called Ashera, and it is a breed of giants. Ashera is a cross between an African serval and a domestic leopard cat. The length of representatives of this breed can be about a meter, and the weight reaches fifteen kilograms. Moreover, such parameters are considered quite normal. These cats have a gentle disposition and quickly become attached to their owners. All they got from their wild relatives was a predatory grin and big sizes. Caring for such mini-leopards is no different from meeting the needs of ordinary cats, and the only thing that can prevent you from acquiring this beauty is the high cost (an Asher kitten costs about 22 thousand dollars). If you can afford this a pet, then you can become the owner of this tame predator. So menacing on the outside and so gentle on the inside.
Nowadays, people are very fond of breeding new and diverse types of animals, especially when it comes to cats. Cats are one of the most popular pets, because they can be fluffy and graceful, cute and beautiful, affectionate and funny. They also compete in their size, each time setting more and more mind-blowing records. Every cat big size their own characteristics, their own character and their own habits, and they are assessed according to different parameters: length, weight and, of course, height. In this article we will try to understand this feline magnificence and find out what the largest cat breed in the world is.
Record-breaking cats
Now the largest cats are representatives of the Maine Coon and Savannah breeds. They constantly compete with each other, being the largest breeds of domestic cats. At some point, the cat Ashera rose to third place, but she turned out to be just one of the species of the Savannah breed, so she gave up her place to other rivals.
This breed was bred in a kennel in San Diego (USA) and got its name in honor of the pagan goddess. The weight of males can reach 15 kg, females up to 10 kg. These cats get along well with children and become favorites of all family members for their flexible and affectionate nature.
However, it is still not clear whether the decision to disqualify Ashera was correct, because in this breed, in addition to the serval gene, which the savannah also has, the genes of predatory cats are mixed. Well, while this issue is being resolved, we will consider the already existing list of leaders.
Savannah cat
This is the heaviest domestic cat, but it is also tall. Its average weight is 14 kg, although individual giants weighing 20 kg are sometimes found. The Savannah's height is 60 cm. The Savannah is also a source of controversy because it was bred from a mixture of the Serval and the domestic cat. But, if we remember that all domestic cats once descended from wild cats, then everything falls into place. This breed has been bred in the USA since the 80s of the last century, and the first kittens were born in 1986.
The first cat to be included in the Guinness Book of Records was Trouble, 48 cm tall. In addition, cats of this breed are considered the most expensive and not every family can afford to have such a beauty. The price of a kitten ranges from 4 to 20 thousand dollars. Savannah is one of the smartest cats, graceful with a spotted leopard color.
Maine Coon breed
This is a fairly popular cat, which is known not only for its size, but also for its beautiful appearance. They are extremely charming, very fluffy, have tassel ears and a bright variegated color. The average weight of Maine Coons is 10 kg, height reaches 40 cm.
The first representative of this breed appeared in the North American state of Maine. Their fluffy tail and distinctive striped coloring make them somewhat similar to raccoons, hence the name of the breed. Coon in English means raccoon. The most famous cat of this breed is Stewie. He earned the title of the longest cat - 123 cm and this record is recorded in the Guinness Book.
The Shauzie breed is a domestic jungle cat.
Representatives of this breed also quite often took first place in the ranking of the largest cats in the world. are reed cats, they appeared as a result of crossing reed cats and Abyssinian cats. This breed was bred specifically to stop people keeping wild cats in captivity. Shauzies reach a weight of 18 kg and a height of 40 cm.
Despite having "wild" roots, these cats are very friendly and loyal to their owners, although they do not particularly like to be held. Muscular, hardy, inquisitive, they have a fairly independent character.
Ragdoll breed
They are no longer as huge as previous representatives, but still significantly larger than their ordinary counterparts. The males have the largest numbers, their average weight is 9 kg. They also set a record for length - 1 m. These cats are very similar to soft rag dolls, not so much because of their appearance, but because of their character. They are charming, sweet, kind and non-aggressive.
Pixie Bob breed
These short-haired cats are often called domesticated lynxes, and for good reason. They are indeed very similar to lynxes, and were bred from them. They look like a smaller version of a wild animal. This is that rare species of cat that has tufts on its ears and short tail. The pixie bob reaches the following figures: for males it is on average 8 kg, for females - 5 kg.
Siberian cats
From the name it is immediately clear that this breed was bred in Russia. These cats stand out precisely because of their size. The weight of males reaches a maximum of 12 kg. These cats have earned their popularity due to their character and appearance. Fluffy, soft and charming, you just want to cuddle them in your arms. In addition, they love to receive affection and are very attached to their owner. They are also completely safe for allergy sufferers. And of course, size plays an important role in their popularity.
Sometimes among the record holders there were very funny cats. For example, the heaviest cat was the representative of the title “The plumpest domestic cat” with the funny name SpongeBob. He weighed about 15 kg, but now he had to go on a diet.
He was the last cat to take first place in this category, because they decided to exclude the category itself, so that lovers of fame, their owners, would not torture their poor animals. After all, there have been cases when the owners of a cat achieved its victory by sacrificing the life of their pet. This is exactly what happened to the cat Khiimiya from Austria, who was able to gain weight of 21 kilograms. Unfortunately, it was obesity that killed him.
You need to take care of your pets, do not forget about their health, give them love and care, then you will become the owner of the happiest cat in the world.
All cat lovers have dreamed of petting a tiger at least once. Or a lion. Or a snow leopard. Well, or any other big cat that you just can’t pet - after all, each of them is a huge paradise on its paws! Fortunately, we have domestic cats, who are just as wonderful. Only small ones.
However, in nature there are compromise options. Today we want to show you the largest breeds of domestic cats from all over the world, which in size are as close as possible to real tigers and lions, only they (most likely) will also agree to live with you without biting off other people’s limbs for fun.
1. Ragdoll
Average weight: male 5-9 kg, female 4-7 kg
The brightest and largest representative of this cat breed is Merlin, who looks at everyone around him exactly as they deserve it. But in general, this type of cat has a soft character - ragdolls are able to completely relax in a person’s arms, as their name suggests (ragdoll from English - “rag doll”).
2. Norwegian Forest Cat
Average weight: male 6-9 kg, female 5.5 kg
Despite the name of the breed, these kites live quietly in apartments and do not beg their owners to urgently take them to the Norwegian forest. But it’s still worth giving them the opportunity to walk more often, as they are very energetic and love open spaces. Norwegians are patient, ready to serve as exemplary mousecatchers, and at the same time very friendly. Among the funny features of the breed, it is worth noting that only its representatives descend from the tree head down. So that's how they do it.
3. British Shorthair
Average weight: male 4-8 kg, female 3-7 kg
One of the oldest cat breeds on the planet. According to legend, the British are descendants of the same Cheshire cat. And these beauties quietly live up to 20 years and very rarely (compared to other cats) meow, attracting people’s attention. In general, they calmly tolerate loneliness and know how to entertain themselves in the absence of their two-legged slaves.
4. Housey (chausie, shawzy)
Average weight: male 4-7 kg, female 3-5 kg
This cat breed, with many variations in its name, was created by crossing a jungle cat and a domestic cat. Houseies love to jump, climb trees and hunt everyone and everything. This type of cat is so rare that the world has yet to study them. What is known is that they are friendly, treat other pets well, and love to travel!
5. Turkish Van
Average weight: male 6-9 kg, females 4.5-6 kg
These adorable creatures differ from other cats in that they get along well with other pets, even dogs (and they also love children, provided that they do not torture them too much). Vans are very active and inquisitive - all the shelves in your house will be conquered, and all the toys will be played with. They especially love to catch objects on the fly, performing amazing pirouettes in the air. As you can imagine, these Turkish guys would rather sit on your shoulders than lie on your lap. So play with them more!
6. Siberian cat
Average weight: male 5-7 kg, female 4-5 kg
This breed is considered the national Russian cat. In character, they are, surprisingly, similar to dogs. Yes Yes! They become attached to only one owner, follow him, get bored, protect him from rodents and greet him at the door with a loving look. Although they may not get along with another dog (already a real one) - competition for the owner’s attention, after all.
Their focus on people is generally on a cosmic level - if a Siberian sees that his person is busy, then he simply will not bother with him. This behavior of KOTA is nothing but admirable. And this breed of these big cats is recognized as hypoallergenic - but they are ideal, after all!
7. Carthusian cat (or chartreuse)
Average weight: males 6-7 kg, females 4-5 kg
These short-haired Frenchies are the most jealous cats in the world - they cannot stand rival pets in any way. If there is Chartreuse in the family, then there is ONLY Chartreuse in the family! They have the same attitude towards their favorite place in the house - try to take it! By nature, Chartreuxes are endowed with a very weak voice (although they purr from the heart - you can hear them in the next room). But in contrast to their vocal abilities, these cats, as you already understand, are gifted with a steely character that will have to be reckoned with.
8. Savannah
Average weight: 7-15 kg (!!)
These spotted beauties (a mixture of a serval and a domestic cat) are not only enormous in size for domestic cats, but also cost from 1.5 thousand to 50 thousand dollars. Few people know, but one of the reasons why breeders decided to breed this breed is the desire to reduce the number of suffering leopards and cheetahs, which for some reason all sorts of rich people keep in their homes. But the Savannah will not suffer - their character (like Siberian cats) contains uncompromising loyalty to their people.
9. Kurilian Bobtail
Average weight: male 5-7 kg, female 3-5 kg
They are excellent fishermen, although they do not like water. Representatives of this breed are very fond of active games, including chasing a toy and then returning it to its owner (don’t you think that the bigger the cat, the more doglike traits it has?). And look at the characteristic bobtail ponytail - it is surprisingly short (3-8 cm).
10. Maine Coon
Average weight: male 7-11 kg, female 4-5 kg
It's time for a half-bow, because before you is the Maine Coon breed - classic big guys with tassels on their ears that reach a meter (or even more) in length. Besides your appearance strict bosses large corporations, Maine Coons have another unusual feature for cats: they love water. And not to drink, but to be in it.
