All You Need To Know
Owning a Large Cat breed in Malaysia
When it comes to choosing a pet to make our furbaby, a few factors such as looks, personality and cuddleablilty influences our decisions. And for those who would love to be able to cuddle and hug a cat without too much fear of crushing them; a larger cat might be able to withstand your cuteness aggressions.
However, these larger sized cats will also have an advantage in leaping to or reaching places with their longer reach. Some of these larger breeds may be athletic and active (read as curious and chaotic) while many are also able to bond with their pawrents and create a cat-shaped hole in our hearts and lives.
Living with a large cat breed
Living with a larger cat breed can be rewarding but requires special considerations:
Overall, large cats make affectionate companions but require a committed owner.
Ready for commitment?
7 common large house cats in Malaysia and Singapore
1. Maine Coon
Maine Coon cats, often referred to as the “gentle giants” of the cat world, are one of the most beloved and distinctive breeds. Known for their impressive size, luxurious fur, and friendly demeanour, Maine Coons are highly popular in Malaysia and Singapore for their friendly nature and majestic appearance. They are known for their large size, bushy tails, and tufted ears.
Despite their size, Maine Coons are well-suited to indoor living, making them a favourite in urban environments.
Maine Coon characteristics
Personality | Friendly, affectionate, social, loyal and playful |
Weight | Up to 9 kgs |
Length | Up to 102 cm |
Coat length | Long hair |
Read all about the Maine Coon characteristics, temperament, care and diet:
2. Ragdoll
Ragdoll cats are named after their ability to go limp; just like a ragdoll. As big softies, their big bright eyes, bushy tails and fluffy build paired with their friendly demeanour makes them a cat that’s popular among cat lovers. They are known to be gentle and are often described as “puppy-like” because they tend to follow their owners around the house.
Ragdoll characteristics
Personality | Gentle, affectionate, sociable, friendly and “puppy-like” |
Weight | Males: 5.4 to 9.1 kg (12 to 20 pounds), Females: 4.5 to 6.8 kg (10 to 15 pounds) |
Length | Up to 101 cm |
Coat length | Semi-longhaired |
Read all about the Ragdolls characteristics, temperament, care and diet here.
3. British Shorthair
Chonky, sturdy, squishy and thiccc, the British Shorthair is a popular cat breed adored by cat lovers globally. Their cuddleable features with their calm (or lazy) demeanour makes them appealing as an ideal family cat. While not as large as the Maine Coon or Ragdoll, is still considered a sturdy and robust cat breed. Their dense coat and round faces make them a distinctive and popular choice.
They are known for their easygoing nature, making them a good fit for apartment living in cities like Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.
British Shorthair characteristics
Personality | Calm, affectionate and independent |
Weight | 7 to 7.7 kg |
Length | Up to 76 cm |
Coat length | Dense and short |
Read all about the British Shorthair’s characteristics, temperament, care and diet:
4. Norwegian Forest cat
Though less common than the Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cats have a presence in Malaysia and Singapore. They are appreciated for their thick, water-resistant coat and strong, muscular build. These cats are well-suited to cooler indoor environments, and their independent yet affectionate nature makes them good companions.
They are intelligent, playful climbers, sociable with people and pets, independent yet loyal, adaptable, and generally quiet with a calm demeanour.
Norwegian Forest characteristics
Personality | Independent but affectionate, friendly and gentle |
Weight | Males: 5.4-7.3 kg, Females: 3.6-5.4 kg |
Length | Up to 91 cm |
Coat length | Long hair with a dense undercoat and a water-repellent topcoat. |
Read all about the Norwegian Forest Cat’s characteristics, temperament, care and diet:
5. Bengal cat
Bengal Cats are adored by cat lovers globally because of their striking leopard-like appearance and athletic abilities. However, they are not a breed for first time cat owners due to their higher need for attention, enrichment and resources.
As highly intelligent cats with wild ancestry, they have some strange behavioural quirks. Almost every Bengal will have an intense obsession with water, looking for any opportunities to play with water whenever they can. They are also an extremely active breed with the need to be constantly stimulated or destructive behaviours may appear out of boredom.
Bengal cat characteristics
Personality | Charming, intelligent, water-loving, athletic, verbal, territorial |
Weight | 3.6 kg - 6.8 kg |
Length | Up to 76 cm |
Coat length | Dense, soft, silky; sometimes described as "glittered" Short fur |
Read all about the Bengal Cat’s characteristics, temperament, care and diet:
6. Persian
Persian cats are a fluffy bundle of elegance with a dash of diva! With its luxurious, long coat and iconic flat face, this feline is the epitome of glamour. But don’t be fooled by its regal appearance—Persians are affectionate, laid-back companions who adore lounging like royalty. Their sweet, gentle nature makes them the perfect cuddle buddies, always ready to grace your lap with their serene presence.
Persian cat characteristics
Personality | Calm, affectionate, and laid-back, with a preference for quiet, cosy environments. |
Weight | 3 to 5.5 kg |
Length | Up to 66 cm |
Coat length | Long, thick, and luxurious, requiring regular grooming to maintain. |
Read all about the Persian Cat’s characteristics, temperament, care and diet:
7. Ragamuffin
A Ragamuffin is a cat as sweet as its name suggests! With its plush, bunny-soft coat and captivating eyes, this feline looks like it’s just stepped out of a fairy tale. But don’t let its doll-like appearance fool you—Ragamuffins are all about love and snuggles. These gentle giants are known for their affectionate, people-loving personalities, often flopping into your arms like a ragdoll. Whether it’s playtime or nap time, the Ragamuffin is always ready to bring some joy into your life!
Ragamuffin cat characteristics
Personality | Affectionate, friendly, and sociable; loves cuddles and being around people. |
Weight | Typically 4.5 to 9 kg, with some males reaching even larger sizes. |
Length | Up to 91 cm |
Coat length | Medium to long, soft, and plush, with a texture resembling a rabbit’s fur. |
Read all about the Ragamuffin Cat’s characteristics, temperament, care and diet:
| Pros of Large cat breeds | Cons of Large cat breeds |
|---|---|
Playful and fun gentle giants | Higher food costs |
Impressive playmates | Increased grooming and exercise needs |
Comforting presence | Stronger furniture and larger space required |
FAQs
How much do these larger cat breeds cost in Malaysia?
Here’s a rough estimate of the costs for these cat breeds in Malaysia:
Maine Coon: RM 3,000 to RM 5,000
Ragdoll: RM 2,500 to RM 4,500
British Shorthair: RM 2,000 to RM 4,000
Norwegian Forest Cat: RM 3,000 to RM 5,000
Bengal: RM 2,500 to RM 4,500
Persian: RM 2,000 to RM 4,000
Ragamuffin: RM 3,000 to RM 5,000
These prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the cat’s lineage, breeder reputation, and any additional costs for initial care and vaccinations. It’s always a good idea to check with local breeders or cat organisations for the most current pricing and availability.
Are larger cat breeds good with kids?
Many larger cat breeds are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them good with kids.
What makes larger cat breeds special or unique?
In Malaysia and Singapore, certain large cat breeds are popular among cat enthusiasts due to their impressive size, temperament, and adaptability to indoor living.
Are larger cat breeds high maintenance?
Larger cats can be high maintenance due to grooming, space, feeding, and health care needs, but many people find their affectionate and playful nature well worth the effort.
