We're gonna need a bigger lap.placeholder image
We're gonna need a bigger lap. | Canva/Getty Images

Biggest Cats 2026: Here are the 12 largest breeds of adorable cat that can grow huge - including the loving Ragdoll 😺

By David Hepburn

Writer-at-large

Published 11th May 2026, 17:12 BST

You’ll need a big sofa to have enough room for these large breeds of domestic pet cat.

Humans are thought to have kept cats as pets for over 10,000 years, with the first domesticated felines evolving from African wildcats.

Since then they have become the world’s second most popular pet, just behind dogs when it comes to the animals we most like to welcome into our homes and our hearts.

In the UK alone there are more than 10 million feline friends in households.

Read more: Most Popular Dog Breeds Latest: These are the 11 top dogs in the UK - as the Labrador leads the way again

And there are a huge range of types of cat to choose from - according to The International Cat Association there are 73 ‘standardised breeds’, along with a bewildering number of crosses.

So there’s plenty to think about when it comes to choosing a breed, with some costing more than others, certain types potentially suffering health problems, and others having different levels of affection.

Meanwhile, some cats naturally grow larger than others - so are best for those with a bit of room at home.

Here are the 12 biggest.

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Developed in the 1980s by crossing domestic cats with African servals, Savannahs are tall, athletic, and energetic with an exotic appearance. They can reach up to 25 pounds , making them the world's biggest pet cat.

1. Savannah Cat

Developed in the 1980s by crossing domestic cats with African servals, Savannahs are tall, athletic, and energetic with an exotic appearance. They can reach up to 25 pounds , making them the world's biggest pet cat. | AFP via Getty Images

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Created from domestic cats crossed with jungle cats, Chausies are a muscular and active breed with long and athletic legs. Adults can way as much as 25 pounds but more usually weigh in at 15–20 pounds.

2. Chausie

Created from domestic cats crossed with jungle cats, Chausies are a muscular and active breed with long and athletic legs. Adults can way as much as 25 pounds but more usually weigh in at 15–20 pounds. | Canva/Getty Images

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Originating in the northeastern United States, especially Maine, Maine Coons were orginally developed as hardy farm cats. They are affectionate, intelligent, and have luxurious and heavy fur. Their average weight ranges from 12–18 pounds, though in exceptional cases males can exceed 20 pounds.

3. Maine Coon

Originating in the northeastern United States, especially Maine, Maine Coons were orginally developed as hardy farm cats. They are affectionate, intelligent, and have luxurious and heavy fur. Their average weight ranges from 12–18 pounds, though in exceptional cases males can exceed 20 pounds. | AFP via Getty Images

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First bred in California during the 1960s, Ragdolls are famous for relaxed temperaments and blue eyes - which makes them one of the most popular breed of pedigree cat. They often go limp when handled and, when they do, you'll feel their full weight of between 10–20 pounds.

4. Ragdoll

First bred in California during the 1960s, Ragdolls are famous for relaxed temperaments and blue eyes - which makes them one of the most popular breed of pedigree cat. They often go limp when handled and, when they do, you'll feel their full weight of between 10–20 pounds. | AFP via Getty Images

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