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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. We size litter boxes, cat trees, carriers and harnesses for the cat you will have, using veterinary guidance and makers' own limits.

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 (FelineVMA, iCatCare).

  2. Weight

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

    Tree perches, carriers and self-cleaning boxes: check 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.

Sizing rules come from the sources cited on each guide; maker limits are the makers’ own claims.

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. Each guide gives the sizing rule and its source.

A cat stepping into a litter boxLitterPhoto: Ocdp / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
A cat on a tall cat treeClimb
A cat stretching up a sisal scratching postScratch
A cat inside a pet carrierTravel
A cat outdoors on a harness and leashWalk
A cat playing with a wand toyPlay

Breed sizes from the registry

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.

Live listings

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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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

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.