Large Breeds Of Cats: Species With Photos, Features Of Care And Maintenance, Reviews Of Owners Of Large Cats

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 12:53

The largest cat breeds: an overview of fluffy giants

The giants of the feline world live not only in the rainforest, but also in ordinary apartments. Large breeds of domestic cats are becoming more and more popular and in demand. People want such a cat to live nearby - huge, strong and at the same time obedient and affectionate.

Content

• 1 What are the large breeds of cats

  • 1.1 Savannah

    1.1.1 Video: Savannah is the largest and most expensive cat

  • 1.2 Maine Coon

    1.2.1 Video: "raccoon" from Maine

  • 1.3 Ragdoll

    1.3.1 Video: is ragdoll a ragdoll?

  • 1.4 Chausie

    1.4.1 Video: Chausie - exotic clever and beautiful

  • 1.5 Ragamuffin

    1.5.1 Video: Ragamuffin - a friendly giant

  • 1.6 Siberian cats

    1.6.1 Video: a true Siberian - a cat from childhood

  • 1.7 Norwegian Forest

    1.7.1 Video: Norwegian cat - forest dweller in your apartment

  • 1.8 Character features of large breeds

• 2 What is needed to keep big cats

  • 2.1 How to care
  • 2.2 How to feed
• 3 Owner reviews

What are the large breeds of cats

The modern fashion for large domestic cats dictates the development of large breeds with an exotic appearance. Although, of course, the very word "fashion" is inappropriate in relation to living creatures that live next to us and become our favorites - practically family members. Interestingly, most of the giant cat breeds came to us from the North American continent.

Savannah

The Savannah cat is one of the most unusual domestic cats, a record holder not only in size, but also in value. This rare exclusive breed was conceived and created not by nature, but by a man who decided to cross a wild animal with a pet. The breed was obtained in 1986, after a series of unsuccessful experiments in mating the African Serval predator with various cat breeds.

Savannah of the first generation (F-1), which has half the blood of a serval, reaches sixty centimeters at the withers and weighs an average of fifteen kilograms. Generation F-2 already has 29 percent of wild blood - the dimensions of such a hybrid are reduced to 50–55 centimeters and 10 kilograms, respectively. Each subsequent generation will be even smaller in size, and the fifth generation Swann is practically no different from an ordinary domestic cat.

Savannah in the third generation no longer looks like a serval

Finally, the efforts of American breeders were crowned with success - the first offspring were obtained - not only viable, but also reproductive. At the initial stage, pairs of serval were composed of the following breeds:

• Egyptian Mau;
• Ocicats;
• orientals;
• bengals.

If in general everything turned out pretty well with the appearance, then the savannah's liking and behavior do not always turn out to be “sofa cushions”. And in cases where the genetics of the predator wins, the exclusive offspring turns out to be unsuitable for life in an apartment and even unsafe for humans. Therefore, despite the fact that the breed is the fruit of American selection, in some states of the country, savannahs are still prohibited not only for breeding, but also for keeping - this genetic mix turned out to be too unpredictable.

First generation savannah is often difficult to distinguish from serval

The farther the savannah is from its wild ancestor, the less animal exoticism it has and the less problems with keeping it in the house. Savannah of the first generation (F-1), which has half the blood of a serval, reaches sixty centimeters at the withers and weighs an average of fifteen kilograms. These cats have high paws and have an elongated, predatory body. Generation F-2 already has 29 percent of wild blood - the dimensions of such a hybrid are reduced to 50–55 centimeters and 10 kilograms, respectively. Each subsequent generation will be even smaller in size, and the fifth generation Swann is practically no different from an ordinary domestic cat.

The ideal savannah is very tolerant of people

Nevertheless, the demand for kittens of this breed remains very high. Potential buyers are not deterred by any possible difficulties or the high price - the offspring of the first generations can cost about twenty thousand dollars or even more. This is despite the fact that most animals are sold only sterilized - which, according to the official version of the breeders, should help reduce their potential aggression.

Video: Savannah is the largest and most expensive cat

Maine Coon

As for the origin of this breed, there are several versions that are more reminiscent of legends. Americans are justly proud of these magnificent cats and sometimes attribute to them extraordinary, almost mystical properties.

Maine Coon really looks a bit like a raccoon

Whoever was not called the ancestors of the Maine Coon: wild lynxes, and cats of the disgraced queen Marie Antoinette, and the Persian cat of a certain Captain Coon, who traveled along the coast of North America … Felinologists nevertheless tend to believe that this aboriginal breed was formed as a result of natural hybridization local wild cats with domestic cats.

Maine Coon kittens are adorable in any color

These giants are among the largest domestic cats. A seven-kilogram cat is the norm for the breed; cats are usually slightly smaller. But much larger individuals are also encountered - some neutered cats reach a weight of fifteen or even eighteen kilograms. But such facts testify not so much to gigantic proportions as to improper metabolism and obesity.

Male Maine Coons are much larger than themselves. The range of height at the withers for an adult animal is 25–41 cm; body length can be up to 120 cm, of which 35–36 cm falls on the tail).

With or without photoshop, but the cat is really big

Video: "raccoon" from Maine

Ragdoll

Ragdolls have been known as a breed since the sixties of the last century, and since then this unusual breed has gained a huge number of fans. Indeed, it is difficult to remain indifferent to these strange cats, who know how to relax to the point of a "rag". To match the breed, its name was also invented: Ragdoll is translated from English as “rag doll”.

"Regdoll" literally translates as "ragdoll"

Strange as it may seem, there is no reliable data on the origin of the breed. The generally accepted version states that ragdolls evolved from three well-known breeds:

• Persian;
• angora;
• Burmese.

According to another version, a pregnant cat became the ancestor of the breed, which was saved after she was hit by a car. Kittens were born in her litter, which possessed a unique ability to completely relax.

Take care of the ragdoll from a young age - this is a very gentle and impressionable creature

Given these risks, as well as the tendency of ragdolls to dysplasia and heart disease, owners should be very careful with their pets. These funny cats touchingly love their owners and are especially impressionable. Their fur is soft, pleasant, little tangles and almost does not shed.

Video: is ragdoll a ragdoll?

Chausie

Chausie (shawzie or houseie) is one of the largest, rare and expensive cats in the world. It was bred quite recently by American breeders. Chausie breeding requires a lot of practical experience and deep theoretical knowledge - only professionals can do it. This primarily explains the small number of Chausie and their high price - the average cost of a kitten is ten thousand dollars.

The less wild blood in the chausie, the smaller its dimensions

The breed was registered in the international felinological association TICA only in 2013, after which it received the right to be presented at exhibitions in the status of a new breed.

Chausie wool cannot be confused with any other breed

Chausie's coat is completely unique: short, elastic to the touch, shiny and very thick. It can be according to the standard of only three colors:

• ticked tabby;
• ticked silver;
• the black.

At the same time, the tips of the ears and tail are allowed only black, in any color - like that of the wild parent of this handsome man. Like jungle cats, Chausie love water, swim and dive well, love fish very much. Only natural nutrition or special grain-free feed is suitable for them - the grain component of the Chausie stomach is simply not able to digest.

And why is there no fish in this bath?

Video: chausie - exotic clever and beautiful

Ragamuffin

This breed is perhaps the most loving of the big cats. Ragamuffin is a real giant, the usual weight of an adult cat is from eight to nine kilograms. The growth at the withers of the male is forty centimeters, the female is five to seven centimeters lower. Paws are strong, thick and high. Due to the fluffy fur, the animal seems even more voluminous.

The American breed was officially recognized internationally only in early 2011. To breed ragamuffin, breeders crossed ragdolls with common mongrel cats.

The ragamuffin's wool just begs: stroke me!

The breed is very young and is just beginning to gain popularity in Europe. Neither in Russia nor in other countries of the post-Soviet space yet there are no breeding nurseries engaged in breeding ragamuffins. If you want a baby of this adorable breed, then you will have to acquire it abroad, where the price of a baby ragamuffin starts at five hundred dollars.

Video: Ragamuffin - a friendly giant

Siberian cats

The Siberian breed, perhaps, was the most popular in our open spaces, it is no coincidence that it is called "a cat from childhood." Is the cat fluffy? So, Siberian, - until recently, those who did not particularly delve into felinological difficulties thought so massively. But the widespread and seemingly well-known breed turned out to be very, very mysterious.

Siberian cat - a mystery of our felinology

Today we see the best fruits of such work in the Siberian breed, which conveys the brutal image of a forest animal:

• heavy type;
• powerful backbone;
• voluminous chest;
• strong rounded paws;
• wide set of ears;
• oval eyes;
• excellent coat - thick and long.

Siberians have such a huge variety of colors that most other breeds can envy, but the "forest" colors are most appreciated. All these wonderful articles are complemented by large dimensions - the average weight of a cat is eight kilograms. The cats are more graceful, they weigh six - seven kilograms maximum. The paws of an adult animal are very powerful, but short, and the body length, including the tail, reaches ninety centimeters.

Power and grace are harmoniously combined in the Siberian cat

Video: a true Siberian - a cat from childhood

Norwegian forest

The Norwegian Forest Cat is a universal favorite not only among Scandinavians; bright, charismatic animal has gained popularity and deserved recognition around the world. In the creation of this aboriginal breed, people did not take any part, and all the efforts of the breeders are aimed at preserving and developing the best qualities of the Norwegian forest, which is also known under the names Wegie or Scottkat.

The Norwegians say that the first representatives of the breed were so severe that they had to be kept in cages.

A wild animal from a wild forest has long come to human dwellings, diligently helping him in the fight against rodents and the safety of the harvest. The harsh conditions of the sevres have shaped both the unique appearance of this cat and its strong character. However, over the long years of living next to people, the wild disposition of the Norwegian has noticeably softened.

The size and proportions of the body of the Norwegians are similar to the Siberians, but in their historical homeland there are also larger individuals - individual males reach twelve kilograms and almost a meter in body length (including the tail).

The wild color remains the most popular among the Norwegians

They have reliable, strong bones and healthy joints, which, unfortunately, remains a rarity among big cats. And this despite the fact that the Norwegian forest is very massive, and sometimes there are very heavy specimens, up to ten kilograms in weight. The size of the cat visually increases due to its magnificent coat - very thick and long, with water-repellent properties. The palette of colors is very diverse, but the most popular is still the wild color, which best fits the image of the Norwegian Forest Cat.

Even a newborn Norwegian kitten has a very thick and beautiful fur.

Video: Norwegian cat is a forest dweller in your apartment

Characteristic features of large breeds

Cats are very intelligent animals, and representatives of large breeds are well aware of their strength and impressive size. Therefore, they need less human protection, behave confidently and self-sufficient. Of course, each breed has its own set of "family" behavioral qualities:

• savannas and chausie can show the nature of a wild beast;
• Maine Coons are imposing and benevolent;
• Siberian and Norwegian cats are independent and self-sufficient;
• ragamuffins and ragdolls are affectionately attached to a person.

But in any case, one of the main tasks of a responsible breeder who cares for the breed is such a strategy of breeding work so that the result of it is to obtain animals that are tolerant towards humans.

What is needed to keep big cats

If you decide to have a kitten of one of the larger breeds, be prepared for the fact that problems may arise, and try to avoid at least some of them. The main task at this stage is to choose a healthy and non-aggressive animal with a strong psyche and good heredity. Of course, this is a lottery, and even the most responsible breeder will not be able to predict the prospects of every baby with certainty.

Make no mistake in choosing a friend

However, the future owner must use all the possibilities to minimize the risks:

1. Do not make spontaneous purchases of a "cute" baby from random people or from an advertisement on the Internet - first find out as much as possible about the features and problems of the breed.
2. Try to trace the parental lines of the kitten offered to you, first of all for health - the Internet gives a lot of such information on pedigree animals.
3. Find out in what conditions the parents and littermates of the baby are kept and in what physical form they are.
4. If you purchase an animal remotely, look with a specialist not only its photo, but also a video, ask to arrange an online broadcast of how the kitten moves - this can tell a lot to a knowledgeable person.
5. Ask the breeder to show the parent couple's tests for major genetic diseases specific to the breed.
6. Buy a pet in a reputable nursery and offer the breeder to draw up a contract - this is the modern standard for acquiring a high-breed animal.

How to care

Good heredity and proper rearing are essential components of the health of your animal, and this applies primarily to large breeds. Unfortunately, many parental lines of large domestic cats are weighed down by a predisposition to genetic diseases, among which the following are most common:

• dysplasia of the hip and elbow joints;
• problems of the cardiovascular system;
• unsatisfactory work of the gastrointestinal tract;
• ailments of the excretory system and a tendency to urolithiasis.

Preventive medical examinations should become regular for your pet

As soon as your baby adapts after the move - he gets used to the new place and new owners, be sure to go with him for a preventive examination to the veterinarian and pass at least basic tests. This will help determine what to pay special attention to in raising and raising your pet, how to maintain its health, if necessary.

Good exercise for large cats is vital

A big cat needs a lot of space, tightness and lack of exercise are categorically contraindicated for her. If there is not enough space and conditions in the house, accustom your pet to a harness - and go for a walk. Large cats usually walk with pleasure on a leash, like dogs, and are ready to take long walks with the owner - make them regular, this will also benefit you.

How to feed

Young cattle of large breeds grow and form longer than regular cats. Full registration and maturation of the animal occurs only after three years, and in some cases - for example, in savannas and Maine Coons - even later, by four or five years. Competent organization of nutrition, a well-balanced diet are especially important in childhood and adolescence.

A healthy animal does not require a special diet, but the portions of food for giants should be about one and a half times that of a medium-sized cat. Large adult cats should be fed three times a day, and kittens five times. If the owner tends to eat ready-made feed, then you need to choose options only for large breeds and with a high protein content.

Protein is the basis of a large cat's diet

Natural food is a good solution, especially for native cats. At least seventy percent - up to three hundred grams per day for an adult animal - such a diet should be proteins of animal origin:

• lean beef or veal;
• poultry (except for duck);
• rabbit or nutria (liver and heart);
• sea fish - boiled is better;
• eggs - preferably quail;
• low fat dairy products.

In addition to the main protein menu, the animal should receive a small amount of well-boiled cereals (buckwheat and rice), vegetables and, dosed, unrefined vegetable oil. For the correct structure of the diet, it is necessary to obtain detailed recommendations from the breeder or veterinarian, depending on the breed and individual characteristics of a particular animal.

The treats on your table are not good for your cat

An unambiguous taboo for cats of all breeds is food from the master's table, especially the following products:

• fresh bakery;
• any sweets and confectionery;
• fatty and spicy foods;
• smoked meats;
• legume dishes;
• citrus.

Mixed meals are not recommended by veterinarians. When switching from freeze-dried feeds to natural ones, no more than one product should be introduced per day and carefully monitor how it is perceived by the animal: whether it is digested well, whether it causes allergies. If the product is not suitable, then it is better to exclude it from your pet's menu. A vitamin supplement in the form of specially grown green grass will not hurt - cats willingly feast on it to cleanse the stomach.

All cats are slightly herbivores

Owner reviews

A big cat is a huge treat in the house. But in order to live comfortably with both her and you, the owner must prepare in advance for the appearance of such a wonderful pet and create all the necessary conditions for him. It's not too difficult, but extremely interesting and educational.