Read About Cat Breeds by Size

When deciding on a cat, some people choose to consider cat breeds by size. ImageIt may be important, for example, to find a small cat that will do well living in a fairly small apartment. Some cat owners who have dogs as well might be interested in a larger cat, which may be a bit more comparable in size to the dogs. Still other cat owners may already have one or more cats, and are looking to find another cat whose size will complement the other kitties. Whatever the reason, here is a breakdown of some common cat breeds by size.

Very small cats, often weighing less than eight or nine pounds, include Singapura, La Perm, and Turkish Angora cats. Only slightly larger, usually weighing around five to ten pounds, are Siamese, Devon Rex, Egyptian Mau, and Japanese Bobtail.

Also considered small, but with weight ranges just a little larger (usually around five or six pounds on the low end to around eleven pounds on the upper end) are Angoras, Balinese, Cornish Rex, Javanese, Korat, and Russian Blues. Weighing in around five pounds on the low end but as much as thirteen pounds or so on the higher end are Tonkinese and Scottish Fold.

Some larger cats, weighing an average of seven to fifteen pounds, include Burmese, Persian Longhairs, American Wirehair, Chartreux, and American Shorthair.

A few cat breeds that tend to be considerably larger include Birman and Rag dolls, which can weigh as much as twenty pounds. Norwegian Forest cats tend to be a little bit smaller, usually topping out around 15 pounds or so, but the smallest of these are usually at least ten to twelve pounds. Likewise, Maine Coon Cats can run the gamut from around nine to as much as twenty pounds.

When discussing cat breeds by size, using weight as the primary criteria can sometimes be a bit misleading. Some cats especially long haired breeds; often appear to be larger than they actually are. ImageThe extra mass of hair surrounding them means these cats take up more space than their weight might otherwise indicate. By the same token, some breeds, most notably Bombay, Burmese, and Korat, tend to be very heavy for their small size. These cats have very compact bodies on fairly small frames, and many cat owners are surprised by their weight when they pick up these breeds.

While looking at cat breeds by size can help you in some aspects of your decision about a breed, there is plenty more to consider. Keep in mind that ranges of weight for each breed are based on averages, and there are as many cats well above the average weight as there are well below. Considering general temperament, grooming needs, and appearance are also important factors in choosing a cat.