The largest cats in the world – what makes them stand out?
These are animals that are much different from the cat pets we are used to. They look more like their wild relatives and that’s no surprise. Very often, the largest domestic cats are breeds that are a cross between domestic cats and wild cats that have never been domesticated.
The largest domestic cats, despite their “wild” origins, are usually very friendly. They are ideal human companions because they are very attached to their owners. However, you should know that these are lively breeds, so you need to provide them with adequate space to play and release their energy. Which breeds are the largest domestic cats and what are their distinguishing features? We are checking.
The heaviest cat entered into the Guinness Book of Records
The heaviest cat in the world entered into the Guinness Book of Records is Himmy. The animal weighed 21.3 kg and was 38 cm tall. Unfortunately, this giant is no longer with us – the cat passed away in 1986. Himmy was a morbidly obese cat.
It is worth mentioning that there is no longer a place for obese animals in the Guinness Book of Records. The decision to close this category was made in 1998 to protect pets from owners who would like to overfeed their pets in order to appear in the Guinness Book of Records.
Maine Coon: the largest domestic cat
When talking about the largest cats in the world, many people come to mind Maine Coon. And there’s nothing strange about it.
Maine Coon cat (illustrative photo) Photo Krzysztof Hadrian / Agencja Wyborcza.pl
Male cats of this breed usually weigh about 10 kg, while female cats are half that size and usually weigh around 5-6 kg. Maine Coon – the largest, or rather one of the largest, domestic cats in the world, is not closely related to any species of wild cat, and yet it can reach truly impressive dimensions. The Maine Coon is an exceptionally friendly and affectionate cat. It can be said that he is an ideal couch potato cat because he practically never leaves his owner’s side.
Interestingly, the title of the longest cat in the world currently belongs to a representative of the Maine Coon breed. An animal from Italy named Barivel was entered into the Guinness Book of Records in 2018, measuring as much as 120 cm in length.
According to foreign media, another representative of the Maine Coon breed is currently competing for the title of the new longest cat in the world. It is a quite large Brazilian kitten, Xartrux, measuring 130 cm, and its owners complete the formalities necessary for the cat to become the new record holder of the Guinness Book of Records.
The largest cats in the world weigh up to 14 kg!
Other largest cats in the world that cannot be missing from the list include Savannah. The Savannah is a cross between a domestic cat and a wild African serval. It is not only one of the largest domestic cats, but is also considered by many to be the most beautiful breed. Its body is covered with short spotted fur. It is also distinguished by long black ears and long legs. Savannah often reaches about 1 m in length and weighs up to several kilograms.
Savannah – illustrative photo Photo istockphoto.com/ajr_images
It is also worth mentioning that this is a breed that is exceptionally energetic and lively. It is important to ensure that Savannah has the opportunity to release his energy.
The largest cat breed: Bengal cats and Norwegian forest cats
The next largest breed is Bengal cats. It is a cross between a domestic cat and a Bengal kitten. The largest individuals can weigh up to 8 kg. They look a bit like Savannah, as their body is also covered with spots. The Bengal cat is very lively and energetic.
Bengal cat – illustration photo Photo istockphoto.com/Seregraff
The list of the largest domestic cats must also include: Norwegian forest cat. The Norwegian Forest Cat is a domesticated breed that occurs naturally in nature. Females usually weigh 5-8 kg, while males can reach up to 10 kg.
Norwegian forest cat Illustrative photo / iStock
The Norwegian Forest Cat likes human company and playing with people, but sometimes prefers to rest alone. This is a breed of the largest domestic cats with an extraordinary ability to climb. In the wild, cats even climb rock walls. In homes, they usually choose furniture and doors.
The largest breed of domestic cat – Asher’s cat
The Ashera cat is the largest breed of domestic cat and the most expensive in the world. Among the largest domestic cats, Ashera is the only breed that has been patented.
Ashera cat/Illustrative photo/ Photo: Shutterstock/VixonPhoto Ashera cat/Illustrative photo/ Photo: Shutterstock/VixonPhoto
The Asher cat was created by crossing a domestic cat with an African wild cat and a wild Bengal cat. These are extremely friendly cats that love human company. You should know that these are very lively animals that need a lot of exercise and good physical condition of the owner. The weight of a representative of the Asher cat breed depends on the generation and the degree of its “wildness”. It can range between 6 and 12 kg.
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Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
