Cat breeds are distinctive for many features. Some cats appear to be nothing but fur, while others are practically hairless. Some cats are happy to pass their days hiding among shoes in the back of the closet, while others follow their owners from room to room and might even enjoy walking on a leash.
Stacker ranked a list of cat breeds based on their average weights. Weight is a distinguishing breed feature for these cats, all of whom are registered with the Cat Fanciers Association. Using data from Animal Planet Cat Breed Directory, and VetStreet, Stacker listed the top 20 largest house cat breeds by weight. Any ties were broken by the upper boundary of the breed's weight. Did your furry friend make the list?
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Size range: 7-12 lbs
Not only are Persians one of the most popular cat breeds, they are in a three-way tie for this spot on Stacker’s heaviest cat list. They have a heavy-boned appearance, with a broad chest and heavy shoulders. It isn’t just the luxurious coat that makes Persians look large. There is some muscle under all that fur.
Size range: 7-12 lbs
This slender, short-haired cat is sturdy and solid. The Oriental has a muscular build with long tapering lines and large pointed ears. The Oriental is derived from the Siamese breed, and comes in more than 600 color varieties.
Size range: 7-12 lbs
Completing the three-way tie is the Devon Rex, known for its large ears and eyes. Their faces are described as elfin, with a medium-fine frame, and distinctive wavy coat.
Size range: 7-12 lbs
This fluffy-coated blue-eyed cat has a murky origin story, but the first recorded recorded Birmans arrived in the U.S. in 1959. It’s a sturdy, muscular breed, with medium heavy legs and large round paws.
Size range: 6-13 lbs
If you heard the squeaky meow of this cat, you might think it was a rodent. Yet the Scottish Fold's "folded back" ears make it look more like an owl. The breed originated with a Scottish barn cat named Susie; her offspring inherited the endearing feature.
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Size range: 8-12 lbs
Born with or without a tail, the Manx is regarded as playful and friendly, robust and even jowly (thanks to their full cheeks). The cats have an unusual gait, because their front legs are shorter than their hind legs.
Size range: 8-12 lbs
The Burmese’s size is deceptive for the amount of weight it can carry on its frame. Burmese owners often find themselves pinned to the recliner by an attentive pet that loves to snuggle. They come in several coat colors, and have warm yellow eyes.
Size range: 8-12 lbs
Not to be confused with the domestic shorthair, this medium-sized cat comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. American Shorthairs enjoy play and exercise, but can be susceptible to heart ailments, so maintaining a healthy weight with exercise and portion control is essential.
Size range: 7-13 lbs
As its name implies, the Russian Blue has blue-silver fur that’s less-prone to shedding than other breeds. Details of its Russian origins are hazy, but the cat was shown in London’s Crystal Palace in 1875. Only those cats with the blueish coat color are recognized as true Russian Blues.
Size range: 6-14 lbs
Not only does this cat have a long history dating back to ancient Egypt, but it has a long lifespan as well. It can live 18 to 20 years as long as it eats controlled portions and receives adequate exercise. The long stripe down the middle of its back and the variations of spots, stripes, and colors displayed in the breed makes the cat visually appealing.
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Size range: 6-14 lbs
Tied in the weight rankings with the Egyptian Mau, the Chartreux also has a long history, going back as early as the 16th century. They have a shorter lifespan, but are known to be playful and affectionate, with a muscular and agile frame and short gray coat. Fun fact: They are the mascot of the Montreal Jazz Festival.
Size range: 6-15 lbs
When a Montana housecat found love with a large black Persian cat, the result was this curly-haired, heavy-boned marvel. Its whiskers are curly as well, and can be brittle and prone to breaking off. Because the gene for curly hair is dominant, a litter can include both curly and straight-haired kittens.
Size range: 10-12 lbs
In the 1950s, cat lovers wanted a breed like a Persian cat without the high-maintenance coat. So breeders crossed the Persian with the American Shorthair, Burmese, and others to produce this cat known for being quiet and docile. Sturdy and short-legged, the Exotic Shorthair is also easily trained.
Size range: 10-13 lbs
This cat’s sleek build contributes to one of its favorite activities: swimming. Because of its long rear legs, it also is fond of leaping and running. The Turkish Van can measure three feet from nose to tail. Its coat comes in several colors, and can feature spots on the head and tail.
Size range: 10-14 lbs
This cat is touted for being affectionate, smart, and loyal, and will interact with visitors as well as family members. The European Burmese is heavier than it looks, owing to its muscular build and strong chest, and comes in many colors.
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Size range: 12-15 lbs
Affectionate without being demanding or clingy, the Ocicat is said to possess dog-like characteristics. The cat is sensitive to scolding and often willing to walk on a leash. The breed’s name is derived from the spot-covered ocelot, an animal the Ocicat was bred to resemble.
Size range: 10-20 lbs
Ragamuffins have proportionally long tails and large eyes, giving the impression of a tiny cat. It can get quite large as its weight range suggests, but females tend to be much smaller than males. This cat is sweet, fluffy, cuddly, and all the other descriptors that conjure the relaxing joys of a warm lap cat.
Size range: 10-20 lbs
The Maine Coon is a gifted mouse-hunter, with a heavy coat to withstand the climate of its native Maine. It is in fact the state cat, suited to its surroundings with tufted paws and ears. Its long hair can get oily, but is otherwise easy to care for. This cat also enjoys water, and might even join you in the tub.
Size range: 11-20 lbs
This cat’s most distinctive trait is its bobbed, nubby tail, a product of years of specialized breeding. Some attest that the American Bobtail will wag its tail like a dog, and is loving, friendly, and fun—all attributes that make them good therapy cats.
Size range: 12-20 lbs
As the breed name suggests, Siberian cats originated in Russia hundreds of years ago. These cats are excellent rodent-catchers and display strength, balance, and extreme alertness as they ply their trade. Siberians enjoy the company of children and other animals, and keep up an entertaining audio track of meows and chirps.
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Size range: 12-22 lbs
This large pet originated in Norway more than a thousand years ago—perhaps as far back as the days of the Norse explorers. There are many similarities between this cat and the Maine Coon, but the “Weegie,” as it is sometimes known, has a more triangular head. They have tufted paws and ears. All that hair has to go somewhere, however, so be prepared to brush.
Size range: 15-20 lbs
This cat is large, soft, and cuddly, with big blue eyes that are usually trained on its owner. The ragdoll was developed from free-roaming cats in a California neighborhood in the 1960s, and is laid-back and balanced. They come in dozens of patterns and colors, and make great family pets.
