Nobody wants to measure cat weight based on their mass because that would encourage cat obesity. Record-takers classify cat breeds according to height and length.
Approximately 71 cat breeds exist worldwide. These cats differ in many ways, including size, color, and personality.
Some cats are easy to carry around, while others require more muscle due to their heavy weight. Here’s a list of the heaviest house cat breeds to guide you when you want to adopt a purr friend.
1. Persian
Persian cats have a very distinct appearance. They have flat faces and short muzzles, giving their faces a squished look.
Persian cats weigh between 7 and 12 pounds and have long hair, varying from silver and gold, white, cream, black, calico, and tabby. Unlike other active large kitties, Persians spend their days lounging.
2. Selkirk Rex
Some cats in this breed are short-haired, while others have long hair for their coat. The Selkirk Rex weighs between 6 to 16 pounds. They are unique and extremely friendly.
Although there are much heavier cats, the Selkirk Rex is bigger than most domestic cats. When they are young, they don’t have curly coats. In fact, kittens lose their curls at about 16 weeks and regain them at ten months.
3. American Bobtail
These cats are similar to the bobcat, except they are not as wild or as big. The average weight of an American Bobtail is 7 to 16 pounds.
American Bobtails need a lot of activity because they are athletic. Exercise keeps them fit, but their large size remains. The American Bobtail’s original bloodline includes several large cat breeds, including the Siamese, Tabby, and Himalayan.
4. Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian cat’s big hardy frame may make them look wild. However, Norwegian Forest cats are naturally domestic cats and perfect companions. In Norway, people call them Skogskatt.
Their average weight is 8 to 16 pounds. Norwegian Forest cats love to tower over their territory despite their large size and will spend most of their time on shelves and bookcases.
5. Pixiebob
The Pixiebob looks like a tiny Bobcat, but they are not as wild. They weigh between 8 and 17 pounds and have a very loving personality.
The Pixiebob is likened to a dog because of its ability to learn tricks. They also enjoy walks on leashes. Unbelievably, some Pixiebobs are polydactyl, with up to seven toes on one paw.
6. Bengal
You can distinguish a Bengal from other cat breeds through their rosettes and spots. They look like miniature jungle cats.
Bengals weigh between 6 to 18 pounds and exhibit confidence and curiosity. Some Bengals have a glitter gene, which gives their coats an iridescent glow, looking like frost on fur.
7. British Shorthair
The British Shorthair is a big domestic breed, originally kept as a working cat to control rodents in barns and alleys. Today, British Shorthairs make great family pets because they are even-tempered and warm up fast to people.
The cat weighs between 9 and 18 pounds. The most common is the Blue Fur, which exhibits various colors and patterns.
8. Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is extremely popular in most homes because it’s a gentle giant. It has a pettable coat and affectionate nature.
Weighing between 9 and 18 pounds, the Maine Coon is great with kids and dogs and has a playful demeanor. Maine Coons top the list of the largest domestic cats because of their super-long tails.
9. Turkish Van
Turkish Vans have white bodies and marked ears and tails. They weigh between 7 and 20 pounds, but that does not stop them from jumping all over the place and staying active.
These cats form special relationships with their owners and tend to ‘talk’ whenever they need attention. Many Turkish Vans love water and in Turkey, people have nicknamed them “swimming cats.”
10. Ragdoll
Ragdolls are big cats, but they are extremely easy-going and gentle. The average weight of Ragdolls is between 8 to 20 pounds.
Ragdolls and ragamuffins have similar ancestry, although Ragdolls have minimal color variation and blue, oval-shaped eyes.
11. Ragamuffin
Ragamuffins almost look like teddy bears. They are super fluff and have differently-colored coats. They are heavier as they weigh between 8 and 20 pounds.
Ragamuffins are calm and get along with other pets. They also play fetch and walk perfectly on leashes. The Ragamuffin breed takes longer than usual to mature. They don’t reach full maturity until four years of age.
12. Chausie
This cat breed goes back to the ancient Egyptians and is also known as a “jungle cat.” The Chausie is exotic-looking and it’s very active despite its weight.
Chausies weigh between 15 and 20 pounds and have natural hunting skills. They are a favorite because of their regal movements and in-charge appearance.
13. Savannah
Savannahs are a cross-breed between domestic cats and an African wild cat (Serval). They weigh between 12 and 25 pounds.
The coats on Savannahs vary from short to medium-sized. Colors are either black, black silver or brown spotted tabby, or black smoke (solid or tabby). They are a favorite of big cat enthusiasts because of their unique blend.
14. Siberian Cat
The Siberian cat is a cuddly companion with a rounded appearance and easy-going demeanor. Weighing between 8 and 26 pounds, Siberians are agile and adaptable.
Siberians have oily guard hairs, making them water-resistant. Understandably, Siberians have a high affinity for water.
