A cat (Felis catus), or domestic cat, is a small domesticated carnivorous mammal. It is the only domesticated species of the Felidae family. Advances in archaeology and genetics have shown that the cat’s domestication occurred in the Middle East around 7500 BC. It is usually kept as a pet and on farms, but it also roams freely as a wildcat, avoiding contact with humans.
People appreciate him for his friendliness and ability to destroy parasites. Its retractable claws are adapted to kill small prey species such as mice and rats. He has a strong, flexible body, fast reflexes, sharp teeth, well-developed night vision, and a keen sense of smell. It is a social species but simultaneously a solitary hunter and a crepuscular predator.
Cats save energy by sleeping an average of 13-14 hours daily. Their flexible bodies and teeth are adapted for hunting small animals such as mice and rats. The group of cats is called Clouders. The male cat is called Tom, the female cat is called Molly or Queen, and the young cats are called kittens.
10 biggest cats in the world
1. Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is the largest breed of domestic cat, known for its thick coat and tassels on its ears, giving it a lynx-like appearance. The cat is gentle and friendly, adapts easily to family life, and gets along well with children and other animals. Thick wool requires regular care to avoid the formation of tangles.
The Guinness Book of World Records has repeatedly noted Maine coons for their impressive size. For example, Ludo from the UK in 2017 was recognized as the longest domestic cat — 118.33 cm. However, in 2019, another Maine coon, a Barivel from Italy, broke the record. Its length was 120 cm.
Maine Coon Life expectancy is 12-15 years, Height at the withers is 25-41 cm while Weight: 3.6–8.2 kg.
2. Savannah Cat
Savannah is a hybrid of a domestic cat and an African serval known for its exotic appearance and large size. The cat has long legs, large ears, and a spotted color resembling a leopard. She is active and intelligent and requires much attention and space for games and hunting.
The breed is known for its love of water and can accompany its owner on walks on a leash. In 2021, a Savannah cat named Fenrir was recognized as the tallest domestic cat. At the withers, it was 47.83 cm. Savannahs can reach a Height of up to 45 cm, weigh 8-14 kg, and live 12-20 years.
3. Chausie
The Chausie is a rare and exotic breed that is derived from crossing a domestic cat with a wild red cat. It is believed that she hails from Ancient Egypt.
The cat has a slender, muscular body, large ears with tassels, and short, thick hair. Chausies are energetic and intelligent and require a lot of physical activity. They are loyal to their owners but remain independent and love exploring the world around them. Chausie’s Height at withers is up to 40 cm, its Weight is 6.8–11.8 kg, and its Life expectancy is 12–14 years.
4. Norwegian forest cat
The Norwegian forest cat is a breed native to the Scandinavian forests. It is most common in the Nordic countries and is considered the official breed of Norwegian cats. The animal has a thick, water-repellent coat that protects it from harsh climatic conditions. The muscular body and strong paws make the cat an excellent hunter and climber.
The Norwegian forest cat is known for its friendly and independent nature, adapts easily to various conditions, and gets along well with people.Visit. A F R I N I K . C O M . For the full article. Interestingly, genetic testing has determined that Maine Coons are descendants of Norwegian forest cats and the now-extinct American breed. Norwegian forest: Height at the withers is 30-40 cm, Weight is 3.5–9 kg, and Life expectancy is 12-16 years.
5. The Siberian cat
The Siberian cat is a Russian breed known for its thick, water—repellent coat and powerful physique. It has a pretty face with oval, slightly slanted eyes, but the peculiarity of the species is ears with small tassels. Despite its large size, the cat is nimble and agile and can jump high. Animals also have strong immunity and are well-adapted to cold climates.
According to the World Cat Federation standard, the Nevsky Masquerade is a type of Siberian cat [1]. The International Cat Federation recognizes it as a separate breed [2]. The Nevsky Masquerade was also born in Russia. Leningrad breeders bred it by crossing Siamese and Siberian cats.
Nevsky Masquerade is about the same size as a Siberian cat. But she has a dark color on her muzzle, ears, limbs, and tail, and her body is light, while the color of a Siberian cat can be any.
The Siberian cat’s Height at the withers is 30-38 cm, its Weight is 3.5–9 kg, and its Life expectancy is 12-15 years.
6. Ragdoll
Ragdoll is a breed bred in the USA in the 1960s, known for its calm and affectionate nature. The breed’s name translates as “rag doll, “ reflecting the tendency to relax thoroughly once in their arms. Ragdolls have semi-long soft fur and bright blue eyes. They adapt quickly to family life and get along well with children and other animals.
Because of their color similarity, the Ragdoll is sometimes confused with the Burmese cat, but it is more extensive. Ragdolls are 35-40 cm tall at the withers, weigh 4-9 kg, and have a Life expectancy of 12-17 years.
7. The Persian cat
The Persian cat is one of the most recognizable breeds due to its long, thick coat and distinctive snub nose. It is calm and affectionate and prefers a quiet environment and close contact with its owner.
Because of its luxurious coat, the animal requires regular care, including daily combing, to prevent the formation of tangles. The variety of colors and expressive eyes represent the breed’s favorites at exhibitions and among cat lovers. The Persian cat’s Height at the withers is about 25-30 cm, its Weight is 3.5–7 kg, and its Life expectancy is 12-17 years.
8. Kuril bobtail
The Kuril Bobtail is an indigenous breed originating from the Kuril Islands. The cat is known for its short, pompom-like tail and muscular build. Its thick coat protects it in harsh climatic conditions.
The Kuril Bobtail is active, playful, and has hunting skills, which makes it an excellent pied piper. He is devoted to his master and adapts easily to various detention conditions.
Kuril bobtail Height at the withers is 25-30 cm, Weight is 3.5–7.5 kg, and Life span is 15-20 years.
9. Turkish Van
The Turkish Van is an ancient cat breed native to the region around Lake Van in Turkey. These cats are known for their excellent swimming abilities. They have semi-long hair that repels water and a characteristic color: a white body with colored spots on the head and tail.
The Turkish van is active, intelligent, and independent but attached to its owner. Its spectacular color distinguishes it: white fur is decorated with colored spots on the muzzle, head, and tail.
It gets along with other pets quickly, but the aquarium should be kept securely closed if fish are in the house. Cats of this breed have an innate passion for fishing and are not afraid of water.Turkish Van Height at withers is 35–40 cm, Weight: 4–9 kg and Life expectancy is 13–17 years.
10. The Siamese cat
The Siamese cat is a breed with a thin, long body, large ears, and almond-shaped bright blue eyes. A distinctive feature is the color: a light body with darker markings on the ears, muzzle, paws, and tail. The Siamese cat is known for its sociable and active nature. It is very attached to the owner and often communicates with him, making various sounds. Have you ever wondered why cats purr?
Katie, a Siamese cat who lived in the Russian city of Asbestos, gained a record weight of 23 kg due to a hormonal malfunction. This Weight is equal to the mass of a six-year-old child, and it is believed that Katie is the fattest cat in the world. The Siamese cat’s Height at the withers is 20-25 cm, its Weight is 2.5–6 kg, and its Life span is 15-20 years.
