Among the most common pets in the United States, cats are just behind dogs. Common ancestors of these cherished fri ends include wild feline species like leopards, tigers, cheetahs, pumas, lions, and jaguars.
Certain domestic cats even show similar traits and coat patterns, which helps them to resemble little copies of their wild counterparts. Think about these amazing breeds if the concept of having a cat that looks like a tiger or lion excites you.
Always wanted to have a wild cat with a calm demeanor? Although these are not really wild, the cats on this list have amazing looks and marks that would have you thinking of small cheetahs, tigers, or mountain lions. These domestic beauties are ideal friends for people who wish a pet that is both captivating and playful since they not only look great but also social and active.
Ever want a “big cat” as a pet? Although ethical and safety issues make it impractical, you can still appreciate large cat appeal with these unusual breeds.
According to historical accounts, cats were first tamed in Ancient Egypt to control vermin more than 4,000 years ago; their performance in this regard still today is remarkable. From then, they were somewhat well-known all throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Imagine owning a house cat with the magnificent leopard or tiger presence. These domestic breeds will satisfy your wildest fantasies even if it is hard to maintain real huge cats as pets. Let’s investigate the cat breeds most likely to bring you into the magical realm of big cats.
1.Abyssinian
Often regarded as among the oldest cat breeds, Abyssinian cats look like lions without a mane. Though they can live up to 15 years, they weigh 8 to 12 pounds. Shades of ruddy, blue, fawn, and red define the most often occurring coat hues.
Curious, smart, and with muscular bodies are Abyssinians. Usually needing a human friend, they are quite playful. Giving puzzles and other toys will help kids stay busy. Unable to engage with people, Abyssinians grow somewhat lonely and fit for households where most of the time is spent at home.
The closest you can find to coexist with a lion is keeping an Abyssinian. This breed is among the oldest existing on Earth. Though they can show in several colors, ruddy or red is the most often occurring coat color. Every Abyssinian has a unique tabby ticking pattern.
Apart from their distinctive coat, these lovely cats have amazing physical features like muscular bodies and gold or green eyes.
8–12 lbs; 9–15 years; active, loving, lively, interested, alert, intellectual; personable
The Abyssinian is running, jumping, or investigating every nook of the house and yard all the time. To keep young brains engaged, they especially need lots of engagement with people and toys—especially puzzles. You would be most mistaken if you believe this cat will be content sunbathing and napping left alone. They will act out should they grow bored and require companionship and someone to play with.
2.Toyger
From the name, you understood this cat looks like a tiger. Designed early in the 1980s, the Toyger is a cross between the a Bengal cat and a domestic tabby cat. Judy Sugden created this home cat from an orange, black, brown tiger with like-minded stripes.
Their strong hind legs and robust physique define them as an active breed. So, give enough outside space if you domesticate a Toyger. These cats have a 10–15 year lifespan and weigh between 7 and 15 pounds.
Families will find this medium-sized kitty ideal since it is loving. Toygers are peaceful, laid-back, highly clever even with their tiger-like traits.
7–15 pounds; 10–15 years; intelligent, social, laid-back, quite active personality
Judy Sugden first developed the designer breed Toyger in 1980. Although this “toy tiger” looks like a small tiger, it descended from just domestic breeds and lacks wild blood. Judy crossed a Bengal cat with a Mackerel Tabby to produce a breed with friendly and laid-back attitude and tiger-like colors and marks.
The Toyger needs lots of outside time and can be leash trained. It is, as the name implies, a little domesticated variation of a tiger. To get the tiger-like stripes and patterns, Bengals was crossed with striped shorthaired tabby cats. Their color is a blend of orange and brown; the belly region could be whitish-brown.
Like a cat, toygers are strong, muscular with big paws and strong hind legs. They don’t require much exercise, are outgoing and bright.
3.Somali
Long-haired variation of the Abyssinian is the Somali. Like the Abyssinian, the Somali is likewise dazzling and vivacious. The Somali resembles a small lion but with more hair since of its longer fur.
Establishing this should be done when they are still kittens since they need consistent grooming to maintain their fur free of tangling. To guard against sickness and parasites, the Somali also needs regular medical visits.
6 to 10 pounds; large lifespan; solid personality; hyper-active, intellectual, friendly, bold
The Somali qualifies as an Abyssinian with long hair. The Somali has you covered if you were headed toward the Abyssinian but wanted long hair. In practically all respects, including personality, great vitality, and intelligence, these two breeds are identical. Long fur helps the Somali to resemble a fluffy fox or a shaggy lion.Follow us to know more:13 Cat Breeds That Look Like Tigers & Lions (with Pictures)
4.Pixie Bob
Weighing between 8 and 11 pounds, the Pixie Bob came from cross-breeding a barn cat and a bobcat. Small to medium sized this breed differs in weight. Their eyes span blue, green, or yellow tones.
Though they seem to be tigers, they are really laid back, friendly, and playful. Luckily, Pixie Bobs get along with children and other pets including dogs.
Unintentionally breeding a bobcat with a barn cat produced the Pixie Bob. Though they seem to belong in the wild, Pixie Bobs are loving and calm. They get along with everything they come across, including pets, and are quite committed to their family.
Weight: 14–18 lbs; size: large; lifespan: 13–15 years; pattern: tabby; personality: playful, social, devoted
Friendly, looking like bobcats, Pixie Bobs seem to have dog-like traits. They are huge, stocky, and genetically somewhat similar to tabbies. Resting on a brown base color, their long, shorthaired coats are speckled, classic, or mackerel.
5.Chausie
The Chausie, being a hybrid breed, resembles more an apex predator than a tamed cat. This is the best example of a cat that resembles a mountain lion; the similarity is amazing. The Chausie derived from breeding an Oriental Shorthair from a Jungle Cat in South Asia and the Nile Valley.
The fully developed Chausie can weigh up to 25 pounds. With a sandy-colored coat, they are highly athletic and have well-muscular body. Unlike any domesticated feline, they usually enjoy water.
If you are thinking about maintaining a Chausie, be aware that they are somewhat high-maintenance and want a lot of attention. They need great effort to keep and are loving and lively.
Up to 25 lbs; Size: Large; Patterns: Tabby; Personality: Playful, affectionate
The Chausie is most probably a cousin of a mountain lion or puma. It is a cross between domestic cats such as the Oriental and the Abyssinian and wild Jungle Cat. They have long legs, are somewhat strong and well-built. You really can see their “wild look.” Water is another thing they enjoy; this is a generational tendency from their forefathers.
Chausies are loving and playful regardless of their near physical characteristics they have acquired. Still, they would not be a good fit for the typical low-income cat owner and require more attention.
6.Maine Coon:
Commonly known as the “gentle giant,” the Maine Coon is the biggest domesticated cat breed. Their stature makes them somewhat common therapeutic animals. Maine Coons, unlike lions, have manes both sexes. Their thick fur qualifies them for hard winter conditions. Apart from the two-layered coat, they have a long bushy tail.
Personality wise, they are rather quiet and have above-average intelligence. Families would find them appropriate since they are also quite trainable and loving.
8–18 lbs; large; 10–13 years; solid, bi-color, tabby, calico; patterns
Personality: loving, friendly, intellectual
This cat boasts a luxurious coat that quite resembles a lion. Its great weight earned it the moniker “gentle giant,” which helps to explain why it is a favored therapy animal. Furthermore well-adapted to cold is the thick coat.
7.Egypt’s Mau
Thought of as the fastest domesticated cat is the Egyptian Mau. Thought to have originated from the African Wild Cat in Egypt, this breed is among the oldest ones. Long legs allow this species to be remarkably fast and agile. Black, caramel, blue, bronze, and silver are the six colors Maus come in.
This breed of particularly territorial pets prefers to climb trees to survey their domain. Their quick nature also makes lots of outside area necessary for running. Egyptian Maus has a 13–16 year lifespan and weights up to 11 pounds. Comparatively to other breeds, they are somewhat scarce.
Long, thin legs and an Egyptian god/goddess define the Egyptian Mau. To see their territory and subjects, they enjoy climbing and hanging at high points. They also need lots of area to run and play and are quick runners.
Weight: 7–11 pounds; size: small to medium; lifespan: 13–16 years; pattern: tabby; personality: energetic, strongly willed
Among all the cat breeds, the Egyptian Mau is the most exquisite and natural one. Originally descended from the African Wild Cat of Egypt, this is among the earliest feline breeds.
Unlike others whose genes have been enhanced by crossbreeding, this cat is more associated with the leopard or cheetah family as its spots arise spontaneously. Their coats run silver, copper, or smoke. The black spots finish their look like their wild relatives. The Egyptian Mau also features shorter front legs and longer rear ones, giving their powerful bodies shorter stature.
8.Ocicat
The Ocicat resembles a minor jungle cat. Breeding American Shorthews, Abyssinians, and Siamese cats produced this large muscular cat. Blue, lavender, chocolate silver, blue silver, chocolate, blue, cinnamon, cinnamon-silver, fawn-silver, lavender silver are among their various hues.
The Ocicat is a busy cat best fit for an active home. Along with like to play with its human friends, this breed is affectionate, friendly, lively. If you search for a playful cat, this is a fantastic alternative.
Though without wild blood, the Ocicat resembles a little cheetah. A hectic and lively family would find this busybody ideal. It enjoys playing, chatting with people, helping out with family events, and greeting guests. The Ocicat demands interaction and attention and is pleasant and vivacious.
Weight: 7–14 pounds; size: medium to large; lifetime: 10–15 years; patterns: bi-color, tabby
Personality: confident, devoted, energetic, social
The Ocicat will work for everyone who enjoy little wild jungle cats. They are crossbred Americans Shorthairs, Siamese, and Abyssinians. Make sure you have enough time and room to allow one expend its high energy levels before bringing it home.
They show up in blue, silver, black, lavender, and numerous base tones. Ocicats usually show dog-like behaviors and have a strong, athletic build. Being among people makes them happy.
9.American Bobtail
At essence, this wild-looking cat is a softie. Whether with people, other cats, or dogs, he will come to like anyone who pays him attention and appreciates company. He’s laid-back, friendly, and flexible.
Because they get along with everyone and have calm and amiable temperaments, these cats are ideal travelers and therapy animals.If you have ever fantasized of having a cat with a dog-like behavior, the American Bobtail is for you.
Weight: 7 to 16 lbs; size: medium; 13 to 15 years is their lifespan; calico, bi-color, tabby patterns predominate.
Personality: smart, loyal, sociable, strong,friendly, intellectual, devoted, laid back.
You will be reminded of North American wild bobcats one glance at the American Bobtail. Though not actual bobtails, their similarities result from breeding between wild cats and many bobtail mutations. They come in several colors, and tabby patterns stand out. Their bodies are muscular, they have longer rear legs and small tails.
10.Serengeti
Conservation scientist Karen Sausman developed this designer breed in 1994 by selectively breeding an Oriental Shorthair and a Bengal to get the wild markings you find today. A friendly cat, the Serengeti likes to climb and leap. Should human company or interactive play fail to provide stimulation, this cat seeks entertainment—a.k.a., ruins your house.
Weight: 8 to 15 pounds; size: medium to large; lifetime: 13 to 15 years; pattern: tabby; personality: friendly, energetic
The Serengeti resembles African serval. It is a cross between Oriental and Bengals cats. It has a wild air and is athletic, much as other hybrid cats. Usually black, golden brown, or silver, they keep striped tabby patterns.
If you choose to have one, set aside some area of your house for a field track since Serengeti cats are sporty. From shelves to perches to the cat tree, they enjoy jumping on anything.
11.Bombay
Though it looks like a small black panther, Bombay is everything from aggressive. He would much rather play and lounge about the house with his humans. The Bombay is laid-back, friendly, and dog and other person tolerant. But he enjoys being the center of attention, hence he could become jealous of other cats.
Six to ten pounds for weight; medium in size; 15 to 20 years for lifespan; solid pattern; playful, accommodating personality size: 8 to 12 pounds.
Bombay cats were developed with panther-like appearance. Their combination is American Shorthairs mixed with Burmese cats. Though they look wild, these elegant cats are gentle and affectionate. They also enjoy being close to people, hence a Bombay will find a nice spot for naps on your lap.
12.Savannah
Twelve to twenty years is the lifespan; very intellectual, interested, committed to family, apprehensive of strangers, energetic.
Judy Frank developed the 1980s hybrid cat known as The Savannah. Frank crossed an African Serval with a domestic cat, and Patrick Kelley and Joyce Sroufe refined the combination in the 1990s. Where you get this breed will determine whether the Savannah has anything from 50% Serval blood or far less.
Savannahs’ hybrid background may cause certain states to forbid their keeping as domestic cats. See your state legislation and choose from a respectable breeder or rescue.
12 to 25 pounds; medium to large; 12 to 20 years; solid, tabby; devoted, clever, active personality
Their height—that of domestic cats—got them included on the Guinness Book of Records. Their little cheetahs-like appearance comes from their long, thin athlete bodies and spotted coat patterns. They are equally clever and lively, and they often show certain dog-like traits. The African Serval is hybridized in the Savannah Their perfect site of residence would be one full of physical activities to enable exercising.Click on this link to learn about cat breeds and their facts:13 Cat Breeds That Look Like Tigers & Lions (with Pictures)
13.Bengal
Size: 6–15 pounds.
14–16 years is the lifespan; personality is curious, playful, intellectual, active.
Jean S. Mill created the Bengal in 1963 by regularly mixing small wild Asian Leopard cats with ordinary domestic shorthairs. The end effect is a wild-looking cat that coexists peacefully with people and other animals including dogs. Enjoying tree climbing and outdoor activities, the Bengal is a very intelligent, energetic, inquisitive cat.
These intelligent cats demand stimulation, entertainment, and attention as well as leash-training. If most of the day you are away from home, do not intend to acquire this cat.
Six to fifteen pounds in weight; medium to large in size; nine to sixteen years in lifespan; spotted, marble pattern
Intelligent, playful, inquisitive, kind Personality
Bengals explain their resemblance with tigers by having wild cat strands inside them. They combine the Asian Leopard Cat with other domesticated felines like the Aby.
