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Large Breed Cats
A large long-haired cat resting on a tall cat tree

For Maine Coons, Ragdolls and other big cats

Most cat gear is made for an average cat. Yours isn't.

A Maine Coon or Ragdoll male can reach or exceed 20 pounds, by the breed registry's account, and keeps growing for years. Size litter boxes, cat trees, carriers and harnesses for the cat you will have, and check each maker's weight limit.

Start with suppliesHow big breeds get

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Step one

Measure your cat first

Three numbers decide most of what a big cat needs. Take them once the cat is relaxed, and again as a young large breed grows.

  1. Body length

    Nose to the base of the tail, with the cat standing or stretched out on its side.

    Litter box: about 1.5 times this length.

  2. Weight

    Weigh yourself holding the cat, then without it, and subtract.

    Tree perches, carriers and self-cleaning boxes: compare with the maker’s stated limit.

  3. Chest girth

    Around the chest just behind the front legs, with a soft tape.

    Harness size: match it to the maker’s size chart.

Weight limits are the makers’ own figures, so leave a margin and read the current product page before you buy.

Supplies by need

What changes when your cat is big

Box length, tree base, post height, carrier size, harness fit and toys tough enough for a heavy pounce. Pick a need to see how to size it.

A chunky golden and white cat lying beside a low, open litter trayLitter
A long-haired black cat on a beige cat treeClimb
A heavyset gray cat lying against a tall rope-wrapped scratching postScratch
A white cat sitting in a hard-sided pet carrierTravel
A long-haired calico cat outdoors on a harness and leashWalk
A cat batting at a pink ribbon toyPlay

Breed sizes

How big do the large breeds get?

Weights as the Cat Fanciers' Association states them. Big breeds also grow slowly: up to three years for a Maine Coon and up to five for a Norwegian Forest Cat.

Shop

The two purchases big cats outgrow first

A litter box long enough for the adult cat, and a tree with a base and perches built for weight.

Extra large and high-sided litter boxes

Shop extra large and high-sided litter boxes

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Cat trees for large cats

Shop cat trees for large cats

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Before you buy

Buy for the cat it will be at three

An adult Maine Coon lying stretched out, showing its long body and tail
Length is what a litter box and a perch have to match.

Maine Coons can take up to three years to reach full size, and the Norwegian Forest Cat up to five. A litter box, tree or carrier bought for a one-year-old can be too small a year later.

Measure body length and weight again as a young cat fills out. Buy the box, tree and carrier for the adult, and a harness for the chest you have now.

See what to size up and what to skip

Gifts by person

Gifts for people who live with a big cat

For holidays, birthdays or a new cat's first week home. Size matters here too: check the cat's weight before buying a bed, carrier or tree.

  • The new big-cat ownerAn extra large litter box, a heavy-duty tree or a large carrier, sized for the adult cat.
  • The breed fanA Maine Coon or Ragdoll ornament, mug or print.
  • The cozy homebodyA large or heated bed, or a deep window perch.
  • The groomerA wide-toothed metal comb, a slicker brush and good claw clippers.

See every gift idea

Care

Looking after a big cat

A brown tabby Maine Coon facing the cameraFeeding a Maine CoonWhat the label has to say, how to set an amount with your vet, and whether wide bowls matter.
A long-haired calico cat having the thick fur at its neck brushedGrooming a big long-haired catHow often to brush, which tools reach the undercoat and what to do about mats.
An adult Ragdoll with blue eyesHeart and hip healthWhich big breeds are prone to heart disease, and what to ask your vet.

Guides

Questions owners of big cats ask

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Large Breed Cats is reader-supported. Some links on this page are affiliate links: when you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase through our links. Commissions never decide what we recommend or how we rank it. Listings and prices come from our partners and change often, so check the price, condition and seller on the retailer's page before you buy. Read how we make money.