Domestic Cat

Large Domestic Cat Breeds

Cats are probably the most popular of pets nowadays. Originally valued for their inbred ability to hunt various house pests such as mice and roaches, cats also offer a warm and affectionate companionship to their owners. In 1987, cats overtook dogs as the number one pet in America (about 50 million cats resided in 24 million homes in 1986) and bout 37% of American homes today have at least one cat. Domestication of cats were first believed to have originated in ancient Egypt in about 3000 BC, where cats where also revered as sacred animals. Different breeds of domesticated cats come in various sizes. Some pet owners prefer small kitten-sized ones, while some prefer large-size domesticated cat breeds.When choosing pet cats, one must consider the breeds' characteristics in addition to its size. Here are just some of the large domesticated cat breeds that are popular with cat-lovers.

The Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is a native of the state of Maine in the USA where it is also the official state cat. It is one of the largest breeds of domesticated cats where the males can weigh anywhere between 13 and 18 pounds (5.9 and 8.2 kg) on average, and females between 8 and 12 pounds (3.6 and 5.4 kg). In 2006, the Guinness World Records named a male purebred Maine Coon the "Longest Cat". It measured 48 inches (120 cm) in length, from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail, and weighs 35 pounds (16 kg).

The Ragamuffin

The Ragamuffin is a long-haired Domestic Cat. Ragamuffins are fairly large cats - females weigh between 10 to 15 pounds (4.54 to 6.80 kg), and males weigh between 15 to 20 pounds (6.80 to 9.07 kg). Ragamuffins are notable for their sweet, friendly personalities and plush, rabbit-like fur. They are adoptable as early as four months of age, but do not reach full maturity until around four years of age. The Ragamuffin is an expensive breed and costs can range from $900 - $1200 per kitten.

The Ocicat

The Ocicat is an all-domestic breed of cat which resembles a 'wild' cat but has no wild blood. It is named for its resemblance to the ocelot, which is a wild cat. Ocicats are a very outgoing breed. They are often considered to have the spirit of a dog in a cat's body. Most can easily be trained to fetch, walk on a leash and harness, come when called, speak, sit, and lie down on command. On average ocicats weigh about 12.1 pounds or 5.5 kilograms.

The Turkish Van

The Turkish Van is a large, semi-longhaired cat with a swimmer's body. The cat is moderately long and its back legs are slightly longer than its front legs. The coat is the most fascinating trait on this cat. The semi-long haired, water resistant single coat, is thick in winter but very soft, like rabbit fur or cashmere. During the spring and summer months when it becomes extremely hot, the long hair on the body is shed for a shorter coat that retains the cashmere feel. Male Vans grow to about 16 pounds (7.3 kg) while females tend to be a bit lighter in weight, 12 to 14 pounds (5.4 to 6.4 kg). Vans, because of their fine fur, are hypo-allergenic cats. They are considered excellent pets for those with allergies.

Pixie-Bobs

Pixie-Bobs are a fully domestic breed of cat bred to resemble the North American Bobcat. Pixie-Bobs are a large breed, with males reaching 18 pounds (8 kg) and females reaching 14 pounds (6 kg). The Pixie-Bob's body is stocky and solid. Pixie-Bobs are also the only polydactyl breed recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA). These cats may have anywhere from six to seven toes on each foot.

These large-size cat Domestic Cat breeds are only a few of the ones available for pet purposes. It is important to take note of the qualities of the breed of cat before we decide which ones to adopt, as this would remarkably affect the way we take care of them. Knowing such could help make things a lot easier for us pet owners as we go about our endeavor in raising our pets.

Morris is a cat fanatic who adores felines ever since he was a child. He also enjoys blogging and reading novels, and loves eating spaghetti. Morris Crisologo

whats the best name for a savannah cat?
savannahs are big domestic cats that look like cheetahs they come fromk a serval and a domestic cat such as a ( bengal ) and they creat a savannah cat.

Get the answers...

Any suggestion as to what breed my cat may be?
I've had my cat for going on ten years, and I've never really wondered what breed he may be before. But a little while ago a friend brought it up and it got me wondering. The vet just lists him as a common domestic cat, but I'm wondering if anyone has any guesses. Here are some pictures: http://i42.tinypic.com/2vif59s.jpg (Ignore the mess. We were rearranging the living room that weekend, so everything was everywhere.) http://i41.tinypic.com/2mgql3a.jpg Behavior(Since I know some traits are breed specific.): Very loyal and affectionate, but only when other people aren't around. He'll talk to me, but usually only when we're alone. Very very playful. Still acts like a kitten. Curious, likes to explore. @birdgirl - A cat doesn't stop being a particular type just because there's no paper saying what they are. That would be the same as saying that a person's race/ethnicity is based purely on the location listed on their birth certificate and has nothing to do with their family history. Frankly, I think spending a ton of money on an animal when there are plenty out there that needs home is both foolish and selfish.

Get the answers...

What to do with this cat?
I found a stray cat the other day. It just came up to me and started playing with me and my friends while chilling on my porch. I relize it must have been domestic cat and now no longer has a home since its so comfortable around people. Its at my house everyday begging for food and waiting for us to come home. I would take it but I already owned a dog; I don't think they will get along. if I call a shelter will they put it down; its not a small kitten and I heard they kill animals who don't get adopted. What should I do?

Get the answers...

Why does a cat's eye color seem to change when you give them eye contact?
At first my cat's eye is a bluish and after about five seconds it is a bright green. I assume this thing is something common for all domestic cats.

Get the answers...

youtube.com