Five Extraordinary Cat Giants
Compared to dogs, the differences in size and appearance of domestic cats are relatively small. Nevertheless, there are some breeds among cats that grow particularly large. Which these are, you will learn in the following.
1. The Savannah Cat
The Savannah cat is a cross between the African wild cat Serval and the Siamese cat as well as several other domestic cats. Especially animals of the first four filial generations become very large.
But also Savannah cats from the fifth generation on, with a shoulder height of 45 centimetres, a body length of up to 120 centimetres and a weight of eight to ten kilograms, belong to the giants among the cats.
Savannah cats are intelligent, playful and affectionate. At the same time, however, they still possess a pronounced hunting instinct and a high urge to move.
An adult Savannah cat can jump from a standing position about two meters high. When keeping them, which is possible from the fifth filial generation onwards without any restrictions, it is therefore important to provide the big cats with sufficient activity.
2. The Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat is another very large cat breed. Despite its name it is a domestic cat, which has been bred in its home country since the 1930s.
Norwegians reach a length of 100 to 130 centimetres and a shoulder height of up to 45 centimetres. Males can weigh 9.5 kilos. Female Norwegian Forest Cats are usually somewhat lighter with a maximum weight of seven kilos.
Norwegian Forest Cats are very playful and prefer to be kept together with a conspecific. These friendly giants are considered to be true climbers, climbing practically every tree with ease.
Ideally, the Norwegian Forest Cat should be kept as a free roamer. It is also important to pay sufficient attention to the care of its long coat.
3. The Maine Coon
The name of the Maine Coon cat is composed of the name of the American state of Maine where it originated and the English name "racoon" for raccoon.
Apart from its long, bushy coat, the Maine Coon cat is especially distinguished by its body size. Males usually reach a weight of up to nine kilos and cats weigh about 6.5 kilos. Occasionally, however, male Maine Coons also weigh a good 12 kilos, which makes them real giants among cats.
The Maine Coon cat is a very gentle giant, which even gets along with dogs without any problems. The breed reaches its full size only between the third and fifth year of life.
Despite a predisposition for various hereditary diseases, the Maine Coon cat can live up to 20 years if kept under good conditions. As with the Norwegian, the effort required for coat care should not be underestimated.
4. The Ragdoll
The Ragdoll is a relatively young cat breed, whose breeding was started in the 1960s. It originally comes from the USA, but has long been very popular in Europe as well.
The gentle giants grow up to ten kilograms in weight and 120 centimetres in length with a shoulder height of 40 centimetres. Even though female Ragdolls usually become much lighter, the breed is one of the largest domestic cats at all.
Ragdolls are appreciated not only for their attractive appearance but also for their lovable nature. The fluffy four-legged friends love extensive stroking and often follow their owner at every turn.
In addition, Ragdolls are very social, which is why the big cats should ideally not be kept alone. However, keeping them indoors is possible. However, in this case sufficient employment opportunities are especially important.
5. The RagaMuffin
The RagaMuffin is another large cat breed. It has the same origins as the Ragdoll, from which it differs basically only by its name.
Accordingly, the RagaMuffin can also reach a weight of up to ten kilograms and can grow up to 120 centimeters long.
Like its relative, the Ragdoll, the RagaMuffin prefers not to be kept alone and to have a conspecific to play with.
Regardless of this, this giant among cats must not be left behind when it comes to cuddling together.
Health problems with big cats
Basically the size of a cat breed is not directly related to health problems. However, particularly large and heavy specimens tend to have a higher risk of joint diseases. For example, the higher weight load can favour the cats to suffer from arthrosis.
If you have an exceptionally large house cat, we therefore recommend that you supplement your diet with Joint & Bone Capsules from I love my cat.
The natural preparation contains Ovopet, a unique complex of active ingredients that provides your pet with important nutrients for joint health. In this way, the capsules can make a decisive contribution to maintaining the functionality of the locomotor system in large cats and counteract possible complaints.
The right food for large cats
A balanced and appropriate diet is essential for the well-being and health of a cat. Of course this also applies to the giants among domestic cats mentioned in this article.
The main difference is that a very large and heavy cat naturally needs more food. This is because weight plays a crucial role in calculating the right amount of food for cats.
Regardless of this, we recommend that when buying food, you should choose high-quality products without cereals or artificial additives. In the I love my cat range you will find species-appropriate cat food made from natural ingredients, with which a healthy diet for your four-legged friend is no problem.
In addition, there are various care products and dietary supplements for cats available to support the health of your gentle giant when needed.
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