If you’re a cat lover looking for a larger feline companion, there are plenty of domesticated cat breeds to choose from. While a tiger might be unattainable for the average pet owner, there are several large cat breeds that make great pets due to their manageable size and relatively low maintenance attitude.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the top 8 tallest cat breeds according to various sources. From the majestic Maine Coon to the exotic Savannah, these cats are sure to impress with their height and beauty. So, let’s take a closer look at the world’s tallest cats!
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Top 8 Tallest Cats
Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is a large domesticated cat breed that is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America. It originated in the U.S. state of Maine, where it is the official state cat.
The Maine Coon is one of the largest domesticated cats, with a distinctive physical appearance and valuable hunting skills. The breed was popular in cat shows in the late 19th century, but its existence became threatened when long-haired breeds from overseas were introduced in the early 20th century.
However, the Maine Coon has since made a comeback, becoming the third most popular pedigree cat breed in the world in 2020.
Maine Coons are known for their massive size, with some individuals reaching up to 40 inches in length. They have a powerful muscular athletic body in keeping with their impressive size, large pointed ears held wide and tall, and an intelligent expression.
The coat is long and thick and consists of an undercoat covered by a substantial glossy, waterproof topcoat and has attractive tufts on ears and paws. Their tails are spectacular and should be at least as long as their body so they can wrap it around their body for extra insulation.
Maine Coons are incredibly intelligent, fun-loving, and will keep their kittenish playfulness well into old age. They are friendly, kind, and patient with children, making them great family pets. They are not an aggressive breed and will tolerate being picked up, held, and cuddled.
Maine Coons are sociable and inquisitive, and can usually be found wherever the action is in the house, inserting themselves into every interesting situation. They coexist peacefully with other household pets, including other cats and cat-friendly dogs.
Maine Coons are slightly talkative cats but not overly loud, expressing themselves through a variety of vocalizations. They require grooming every day and need extensive outdoor space.
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They are highly active and inquisitive cats and enjoy playing games and being active at home. They are great for first-time cat owners, can be left alone all day, and can cope with a busy household.
Savannah
The Savannah is a hybrid cat breed that was developed in the late 20th century by crossing a serval with a domestic cat.
Here are some interesting facts about the Savannah cat:
– The first Savannah cat was born on April 7, 1986, and was named Savannah.
– Savannahs are known for their large size, with F1 and F2 male Savannahs being particularly large. In fact, an F2 male Savannah attained a world record for tallest cat in 2016, measuring 48.4 centimeters (19.1 inches).
– Savannahs have a distinctive physical appearance, with large perked ears, long legs, and a spotted coat reminiscent of their African Serval heritage.
– Savannahs are playful, adventurous, and loyal, with a dog-like personality. They love to play in water and can even be trained to walk on a leash and play fetch.
– Savannahs have strong hunting instincts, so they may not be suitable for households with pets like fish, hamsters, and birds. However, with proper socialization as a kitten, they can coexist peacefully with other cats, dogs, and humans in their home.
– Savannahs are muscular cats with medium boning, and females are generally smaller than males. They have slightly coarse, short-to-medium length coats that come in black, brown spotted tabby, black silver spotted tabby, and black smoke colors.
In 2001, Savannah cats were recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) as an official breed. If you’re considering bringing home a Savannah kitten, it’s important to do your research and choose the right generation and personality for your household.
Chausie
The Chausie is a domestic breed of cat that was developed by breeding a few individuals from the non-domestic species jungle cat (Felis chaus) to a far greater number of domestic cats (Felis catus).
Here are some key characteristics and facts about the Chausie:
– The Chausie is a medium-to-large-sized cat with a long, lean, and limber body. They are among the largest domesticated cats, weighing up to 30 pounds.
– This breed is a hybrid, originating from the ancient wildcat/domestic cat hybrids in Egypt thousands of years ago.
– Chausies have short hair and come in various colors and patterns, including brown ticked tabby, black, silver, and black smoke.
– They are highly affectionate, friendly, and love to play. Chausies have boundless energy and require plenty of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
– Chausies are intelligent and can be trained to perform tricks and play interactive games. They are also known for their excellent jumping and climbing abilities.
– As a hybrid breed, every Chausie cat is a unique individual, with a mix of wild and domestic cat traits. They may have a strong prey drive and should be supervised when interacting with small pets like birds or rodents.
– Chausies are generally healthy cats, but they may be prone to certain genetic health issues, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and patellar luxation. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet are essential for their well-being.
Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat, also known as the “Wegie,” is a large, muscular cat breed with a long, bushy tail and a full coat of fur that makes them appear even larger.
Here are some key characteristics and facts about the Norwegian Forest Cat:
– Wegies are typically described as friendly, calm, and gentle. They are highly adaptable to different families and lifestyles, making them great pets for first-time cat owners.
– Norwegian Forest Cats are curious, playful, and even-tempered, making them great companions for families with children. They are mellow enough to get along with other pets and are sociable and dependent cats.
– They are intelligent and fairly affectionate, with some having a slightly talkative nature. They are not constantly demanding of attention but are happy to entertain themselves and make new friends.
– Wegies are natural hunters with a muscular frame that is both fast and agile. They require extensive outdoor space and need a high level of enrichment, including simulated hunting games and interactive play.
– Norwegian Forest Cats are larger and stockier than most domesticated cats, with males typically being larger than females. They have semi-long, dense coats that require daily grooming.
– Wegies are not ideal for family homes where they may be left alone all day, but they can cope with a busy household. They are great for a relaxed home and are happy to cuddle and entertain themselves.
Overall, the Norwegian Forest Cat is a beautiful and affectionate breed that makes a great companion for those who have the space and time to meet their needs.
Ragdoll
The Ragdoll is a large, affectionate cat breed known for its calm and gentle nature.
Here are some key characteristics and facts about the Ragdoll:
– Ragdolls are one of the largest domesticated cat breeds, with males weighing up to 20 pounds and females weighing between 10 and 15 pounds. They have a medium-sized head and a long, muscular body.
– These cats have a semi-long, plush, and silky coat that comes in various colors, including chocolate, red, seal, blue, lilac, and cream. They are a pointed breed, meaning they have a relatively pale body with darker markings on the face, ears, tail, or legs.
– Ragdolls are known for their stunning blue eyes, which come in varying shades. They have a loud, throaty purr and are often described as big softies.
– The breed is smart, gentle, and super affectionate, with a tendency to follow their owners from room to room. They are extremely loyal and devoted, making them wonderful companions.
– Ragdolls are social and enjoy the company of people and friendly pets. They are great for bustling homes and are often recommended for families and individuals alike.
– Despite their imposing size, Ragdolls are calm and quiet, making them ideal lap cats. They are playful but not high energy, and their need for daily exercise can be met through interactive play with their owners.
– These cats have a low shedding amount due to the lack of an undercoat, but you may notice heavier seasonal shedding in the spring. Their semi-long hair requires regular grooming to prevent knots or tangles.
Ragamuffin
The Ragamuffin is a large, long-bodied cat breed with a plush coat that makes them appear even bigger than they are.
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Here are some key characteristics and facts about the Ragamuffin:
Appearance:
– Ragamuffins are heavily boned with a long tail and a plush coat.
– They have big eyes, big body, and a big heart, with a squarish, muscled body and medium-long to long hair that tends to be voluminous.
– They come in various colors and patterns, including brown, black, blue, cream, and red.
Personality:
– Ragamuffins are known for their friendly, docile, and sweet temperament.
– They are intelligent, affectionate, and love to follow their owners around.
– They are great with children and other pets, making them a perfect choice for a family house cat.
– Ragamuffins are known for being lazy and needy, but they are also trainable and can learn tricks.
Health and Care:
– Ragamuffins are generally healthy cats, but they may be prone to certain health issues such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
– They require daily grooming to prevent knots or tangles in their semi-long hair.
– Ragamuffins are indoor cats and should not be allowed to roam outside.
Overall, the Ragamuffin is a lovable, intelligent, and affectionate breed that makes a great companion for families and individuals alike.
Siberian
The Siberian is a large, muscular cat breed known for its thick, weatherproof coat and playful personality.
Here are some key characteristics and facts about the Siberian:
Appearance:
– Siberians are medium to large-sized cats with a stocky build and a rounded head.
– They have a triple coat of long, weatherproof hair that comes in various colors and patterns, including brown, black, red, blue, silver, and tortoiseshell.
– Siberians have round, curious eyes that are typically green or gold.
Personality:
– Siberians are known for their friendly, affectionate, and playful nature.
– They are intelligent and energetic, with a tendency to follow their owners around.
– Siberians are great with children and other pets, making them a perfect choice for a family house cat.
– They are brave and adventurous, with an amazing jumping ability.
Health and Care:
– Siberians are generally healthy cats, but they may be prone to certain health issues such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
– They require daily grooming to prevent knots or tangles in their long hair.
– Siberians are indoor cats and should not be allowed to roam outside.
Overall, the Siberian is a beautiful and affectionate breed that makes a great companion for families and individuals alike.
Pixie-Bob
The Pixie-Bob is a breed of domestic cat that is claimed to be the progeny of naturally occurring bobcat hybrids, although DNA testing has failed to detect bobcat marker genes.
Here are some key characteristics and facts about the Pixie-Bob:
Appearance:
– Pixie-Bobs are muscular cats with a woolly coat that stands out from their body.
– They have a pear-shaped face with tufted ears, and their coat comes in various colors and patterns, including brown, black, and tabby.
Personality:
– Pixie-Bobs are highly intelligent, active, and bold cats that enjoy playing with other animals.
– They are loyal, affectionate, and child- and pet-friendly, making them great family pets.
– Pixie-Bobs are known for their “chirps”, chatters, and growls, and most meow scarcely if at all.
– They are highly sociable around both their owners and strangers and like to be in the same room as their owners, following them around the house.
Health and Care:
– Pixie-Bobs are generally healthy cats, but they may be prone to certain health issues such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
– They require daily grooming to prevent knots or tangles in their woolly coat.
– Pixie-Bobs are indoor cats and should not be allowed to roam outside.
Overall, the Pixie-Bob is a highly intelligent, active, and loyal breed that makes a great companion for families and individuals alike.
FAQS
1. What is the tallest cat breed in the world?
According to multiple sources, the Maine Coon is the tallest cat breed in the world.
2. Are tall cats good for families with children?
Yes, many tall cat breeds, such as the Maine Coon, Savannah, and Norwegian Forest Cat, are known for their friendly and patient nature, making them great companions for families with children.
3. Do tall cats require a lot of grooming?
Some tall cat breeds, such as the Maine Coon and Siberian, have long, thick coats that require daily grooming to prevent knots or tangles. However, other breeds, such as the Savannah and Ragdoll, have shorter coats that require less maintenance.
4. Are tall cats more active than other cats?
Some tall cat breeds, such as the Savannah and Chausie, are highly active and require plenty of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. However, other breeds, such as the Ragdoll and Norwegian Forest Cat, are known for their calm and gentle nature.
5. Can tall cats coexist peacefully with other pets?
Yes, many tall cat breeds, such as the Maine Coon and Ragdoll, are known for their sociable and friendly nature, making them great companions for other pets in the household. However, it’s important to introduce new pets slowly and supervise their interactions to ensure everyone gets along well.
Source: https://petstutorial.com
Category: Cat Breed
