Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
We absolutely adore cats. From the tiniest smol meows to the biggest floofs around. And the latter ones call the ‘Illegally Big Cats’ subreddit, a community of nearly 13k feline-loving redditors, their home. We’ve collected some of the biggest cats and their adorable photos for you to feast your eyes on, dear Pandas, so go on and boost your mood by diving headfirst into this pile of cats.
However much we might like big cats, being overweight is a huge detriment to their health. So while we might compliment these cattos and want to hug them tight, we also want them to live their best lives to the fullest. And that means helping them take care of their health (more on that below!). Though keep in mind that some cat breeds, like Maine Coons, are naturally bigger without being overweight.
We wanted to learn more about how excess weight impacts a cat’s health, so we reached out to our friends at the PDSA, the UK’s leading veterinary charity. PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing was kind enough to walk us through everything in detail.
“It’s important to remember that when a cat is overweight the excess pounds puts additional strain on the normal functioning of the body,” Vet Nurse Downing explained to Bored Panda. “The same may be true for some larger breeds of cat, especially amongst the pedigrees, where gene pools can be smaller.”
When you’re done scrolling through and upvoting these awesome cat pics, Bored Panda invites you to check out our polar opposite article about the ‘Illegally Smol Cats’ subreddit right over here.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Big Boy
BabyCharmander 4 years ago
Guys, look at the owner’s hand compared to their head... this is either photoshopped or deliberately in an extremely exaggerated perspective.
... 4 years ago
Yes it's the perspective, the hand and cat are in proportion and it looks like the owner is leaning away from camera and looks timy compared to the cat.
Load More Replies...
RELATED:
#2
Magnas The Great
#3
"Big Boy Aragon And My Dad"
engineer_nope.avi 4 years ago
Whether cats or dogs, big or small, the human lap will always be their favorite place to sit.
tracy potter 4 years ago
My mixed breed (with a lot of Maine C**n) preferred to sleep on my pillow, where my head was despite the fact that he covered the entire pillow when it was just him. I could not get him to sleep on his own pillow.
PDSA Vet Nurse Downing highlighted that pedigree cats such as Maine Coons can suffer from heart disease or other breed health conditions that they inherited from their parents.
“It’s vital that if your cat may have underlying health conditions, you do everything possible to keep them healthy so the condition isn’t made worse or brought forward early on in life. You can achieve this by feeding your cat the right amount of a good quality complete food, and by encouraging exercise, so that your cat can maintain a healthy lifestyle. The additional strain of any excess weight on top of underlying health conditions will only make things worse.”
Downing was candid that cats that carry around too much weight have an increased risk of a whole host of health problems. It’s the same for them as it is for us. “As with us, carrying excess weight puts extra strain on joints, makes organs work harder, and can interfere with the normal functioning of the body,” she said.
#4
Help! He Is Growing Up Way Too Fast
Bengü Taşkesen 4 years ago
That's Samson, he used to be a New Yorker, but I think his human moved.
Load More Replies...
#5
As Requested, A Hand To Hand Comparison With Einstein The Polydactyl Chonk!
Louise B 4 years ago
I for one, welcome our new cat overlords. Especially their radical new policies on sleeping 14 hours a day.
Load More Replies...
Richard MacDonald 4 years ago
Had a couple of these cats. They could climb up the brick chimney no problem.
#6
Thats A Very Big Cat
StrawberryParfait 4 years ago
Getting attacked by a cat this size would be like getting attacked by a lion. I feel many stitches would be a likely outcome.
“Overweight cats are at risk of developing diabetes, bladder problems, including painful blocked bladders, liver disease, arthritis, breathing problems, and even cancer. As well as these directly associated conditions, it’s worth remembering that once your cat’s health begins to deteriorate additional problems can start to develop as their body weakens.”
Excess weight affects every aspect of your pet’s daily life. An overweight cat is less active, sleeps more, and is less interested in the world. “Although cats sleep a lot naturally, when they’re awake they should be alert and active—cats are athletic and agile creatures, so disinterest in life is an unnatural behavior for them to develop,” Vet Nurse Downing warned us to keep an eye out on for any changes in our tabbies’ behavior.
#7
5 Big Cats Of The World...leopard, Lion, Tiger, Cheetah, Fuzzy The Maine Coon
Mario Gonzalez 4 years ago
The name Maine C**n comes from the tail resembling a raccoon tail. There was no need to censor that.
Load More Replies...
Freya the Wanderer 4 years ago
Maine Co0ns are monsters - as in BIG. Good thing they are gentle giants.
Bella, Your Kitty-Loving Queen 4 years ago
Maine Coons tend to be a little bigger then other cats.
#8
Illegally Fluffy
Dhukath 4 years ago
This is actually a rare breed of wild cat, called Pallas's cat, not a domestic breed!
Eli 4 years ago
Thanks to this BP list entry error and your comment I found out that Pallas's cats exist and I found out about African black footed cats. Amazing!
Load More Replies...
Bill Cipher 4 years ago
thats a pallas cat and ive looked up pitcures of them they are hilariously expressive and funny
glowworm2 4 years ago
My favorite video of one involves it getting really close to the camera to the point of being out of focus and looking like they’re going to tell us to get off their lawn this instant.
Load More Replies...
Jackson Floof 4 years ago
At first, I thought it was a Scottish wild cat with a huge winter coat scottish-w...b-jpeg.jpg 
Louise B 4 years ago
He's seen some things in Nam...doesn't want to talk about it
Load More Replies...
PrincessTheSiameseKat 4 years ago
that is a palace cat they are similar size to house cats but they are a kind of big cat
#9
Big Boye
Bored Panda was interested to find out why owners tend to overfeed their pets. According to Downing, overfeeding is a result of the emotional bond between owner and cat. “Our nurturing nature for those we love can be expressed in many ways, including in the form of wanting to feed our loved ones, and it’s no different with our pets.”
Vet Nurse Downing revealed that from her experience in weight clinics, she’s seen many owners overfeeding their rescue cats to make up for the neglect that they experienced at their last home. That and owners feeding their cats because they keep asking for food and their human parents can’t bear to see them upset.
“These are both very understandable emotional responses. However, we need to change our mindset so that we don’t see food as the only way to express our love. Our pets of course need to be fed, but it’s important to understand that feeding is to meet the nutritional requirements for your pets’ good health and wellbeing.”
#10
This Cat Is Huge!!!
glowworm2 4 years ago
I’ve never seen a white one before. White ones are very cute!
Load More Replies... 
#11
My Illegally Big Boy Ajax
Shirley Heyn 4 years ago
So patiently waiting for his food. . . and he only has to be fed 15 times per day!
#12
Thought This Belonged Here
Downing continued: “By overfeeding pets, we are actually harming their health and shortening their lives. It’s important to recognize as well that many owners don’t even realize that their pet is carrying too much weight. We can become blind to our pets’ physical shape, as we see them every day.”
Instead of nurturing our cats just through overfeeding, there are others ways that we can show them our love. “Spend time to research a suitable food for your cat and weigh it out with scales each day to make sure you’re feeding the correct amount. You can also make your cat work for their food by sharing their daily food allowance into different bowls and placing around the house, or using puzzle feeders,” she said.
“But remember, time, play, and activity are gifts that enrich our pets’ lives just as much as food does. By playing with our cats, we can keep their mind sharp and their body active, as well as the benefit they gain from the time we are spending with them. This will help them stay healthy and avoid any health problems associated with weight gain from developing. If owners can replace the treats and extra food with more playtime and snuggles, this is a much healthier way to show them how much you love them.”
You’ll find some additional expert advice about caring for your cat by visiting the PDSA’s website right over here.
#13
Does My Winter Coat Make Me Look Chonk?
#14
Buba
CharliAnn Olney 4 years ago
This PDSA website keeps talking about overweight cats. Many of these cats are NOT overweight. They are simply BIG cats. I should know, I had three BIG cats. Their weight was perfect for their size. Vet approved weight for their Huge size! Please stop saying that ALL Big cats are overweight. This cat is not overweight! it is a BIG cat.
Jackson Floof 4 years ago
Why is c o o n taken out, it's the name of the cat?
Load More Replies...
Jay Weigel 4 years ago
This one doesn't look hefty either. Lots of males get very large after they're neutered, especially if it's done when they're young. It's like all the sexual hormones go into growth.
#15
Ok
Raine Soo 4 years ago
But, seriously, this Maine C**n has the cutest mittens. You can actually shake paws with them.
The ‘Illegally Big Cats’ subreddit is clear that the community is meant for “somewhat big (or fat)” cats, but there’s no place for “morbidly obese” ones. In other words, the community isn’t celebrating feline obesity so much as showing how majestic these floofs can look despite their chonkiness. The only exception for sharing pics of obese cats is if they’re on a diet.
Funnily enough, the moderators of the r/illegallybigcats point out that the online group isn’t meant for photos of puppies. And it’s got our imaginations working overtime why somebody would post dog pics in a cat-only community.
#16
Meet Zach And Marty
I love the 80’s 4 years ago
Thank you. That's all I think when I see that.
Load More Replies... Teresa Spanics 4 years ago
That man has to lift weights in order to lift that dear sweet BIG kitty!
#17
He May Be Huge, But Fat Jack Is One Suave Lookin
Bella, Your Kitty-Loving Queen 4 years ago
“Sup human? Now go away I want to take my nap in peace.”
#18
Finally Got A Photo Showing How Huge My Parents Cat Is
As for cat health, in an earlier interview, I spoke about keeping our pets happy and slim with Dr. Ernie Ward, the founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. “Obesity is our cats' number one health threat. Feline obesity is more than ‘chonky,’ it's a biological time bomb,” he said.
“Obesity in cats is a serious disease with many severe consequences such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and many forms of cancer. The worst part of feline obesity is that it reduces their life expectancy and dramatically reduces their quality of life. Cats with obesity desperately need our help,” Dr. Ward told Bored Panda.
#19
Handsome Boy Is Getting Big!!
#20
Play Mates
Son of Philosoraptor 4 years ago
Oh I think the Monster Feline will let the little girl know loud and clear if it hurts.
Load More Replies...
#21
He Needed A Plus Size Cat Tree Even
Dr. Ward revealed to us that roughly 90 percent of a cat’s weight loss is related to its diet; only around 10 percent is tied directly to physical activity. That’s why, when it comes to managing catto weight, the key takeaway point is not to overfeed your cat.
“That's why it's so important that cat owners precisely feed the correct number of calories each day. I recommend having your veterinarian assess your cat's current Body Condition Score (BCS), setting a target of an ideal weight, and calculating the number of calories you should feed each meal,” Dr. Ward said.
#22
The Polydactyl Chonk I Catsit Every So Often. He Weighs About 25 Lbs And Has Paws Almost As Big As My Hands!
Vicky Z 4 years ago
Yes catsitting is probably the best and the worst work ever!!
Load More Replies... #23
Chip Exploring Outside!
#24
My Big Floofy Rescue Boy!
“I strongly encourage cat owners to weigh the food using a kitchen scale. We've done experiments with cat owners and veterinary professionals and have consistently observed that using a measuring cup isn't as accurate as needed to achieve weight loss in many cases,” the pet healthcare professional told Bored Panda earlier.
“Even feeding as few as ten extra kibbles each day can add up to a pound of weight gain in a year for a cat. Once you get the hang of it, weighing the food takes no more time than using a measuring cup. Finally, work with your vet to adjust the diet or calories every three months if your cat isn't losing weight.”
#25
My Extremely Loving 25 Lb Ball Of Fluff, Daemon Is Ready For His Audition For The New Icon =) He's Part Maine Coon And Part Turkish Van So He's A Huge Boy. As Big As My Torso. He's So Sweet And Loving And Sleeps With Me Every Night. I Love My Sweet Boy
Rannveig Ess 4 years ago
My beloved cat I lost a few years ago was a maine c**n/ turkish van. I'ts incredible to see someone else has this combo of Monster. Made me smile! Thanks!
PrincessTheSiameseKat 4 years ago
everyone is blurring out main c**n but because it is a breed of cat it is technically not a bad word like when you use the word "ass" in the meaning of donkeys or the horse family
PrincessTheSiameseKat 4 years ago
oh wait it automatically does that aren't I the idiot lol
Load More Replies...
#26
Oh Lawd
grey galah 4 years ago
I wonder if the owners have to go to the gym and work out. This woman looks strong
Skidanpump 4 years ago (edited)
Oh lawd (hey let’s make this a thing! Reply to me “oh lawd” plz)
#27
The Largest Cat In NYC, And Possibly The World, 28 Lb
Dr. Ward said that he’s seen too many cats who were fed the same food for months without losing weight. “When I ask them why, the pet parent shrugs, ‘I'm feeding the special food my vet prescribed.’ Weight loss is a journey with many unexpected turns and hills; you must stay alert and be willing to take a different path if you're not reaching your objective.”
As for exercise, Dr. Ward said that three 5-minute play sessions with a laser pointer, feather duster, or cardboard box each day are enough for most cats.
#28
He's Huge And Lazy But When Treats Are Involved, This Big Guy'll Do Anything
Bella, Your Kitty-Loving Queen 4 years ago
I can’t say I’m surprised. A) cats have great balance, and B) any cat I know will do anything for a good treat.
#29
Was Caught During Grooming Sesh
#30
My Little Sleeping Tiger (8 Kg)
“I also like using ‘hunter feeders’ and food puzzles to engage a cat's ‘inner predator.’ Use vertical surfaces, climbing towers, and other perches to allow your cat to climb and ‘stalk’ as much as possible. Environmental enrichment and exercise are essential for emotional and behavioral health as well as maintaining a lean body mass.”
Dr. Ward said that cats can safely lose from 1 to 3 percent of their body mass each month if they’re on a vet-supervised weight loss program. “That translates to my target weight loss of about a half-pound per month for most cats. If a cat loses too much weight too quickly or is fed too little, it can develop a life-threatening form of liver failure, so be sure to work closely with your veterinarian before beginning any diet program with your cat.”
So, dear Pandas, did you learn anything new about keeping cats happy and healthy? If any of you are cat owners, what do you do to help keep them slim? Which photo in this list was your favorite and why? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. We can’t wait to hear what you think!
#31
Took A Quick Break From Work To Rest My Back And This Happened. It Was Really Hard To Get Back Up To Finish Work
Raine Soo 4 years ago
Toe beans! My cats don't like it when I fuss over their feet. They think that I have some sort of creepy foot fetish. LOL
Richard MacDonald 4 years ago
Haha i put my finger inbetween the pads so then they kind of flex the paw. They seem to like that.
Load More Replies... 
#32
I Volunteer At The Cat Cafe In My Uni City. Our Maine Coon (Marijke, Or Meep For Short) Has Been Walked Around In This Pouch Since She Was A Tiny Kitten - Though She Is A Wee Bit Bigger Than She Was A Few Years Ago!
#33
30% Fat 70% Cuteness
Bill Cipher 4 years ago
chonkers reminds me of my grandparents cat bj fattest cute boy in the whole of texas
#34
This Cat Do Be Thicc Tho
#35
"Charlie Fats" Backed Into A Corner
grey galah 4 years ago
"it's that cold white stuff that's wet. Where does it come from? I don't like it."
Martha Hubbs 4 years ago
He's just trying to figure out how NOT to step on the wet snow!! Lmao!!
Load More Replies... Elaine Mattingly 4 years ago
Wonder how long it will take for the cold snow to melt and I can come down.
#36
Tail For Daysssss
#39
And Here’s A Hefty Dose Of My Gal Nosferatu (We Call Her Nosy)
#40
He’s Not A Three-Legged Cat, He’s Just Hiding His Other One Under His Big Belly
#41
Remember Hopper, He’s Back And Fatter Than Before!
SoozeeQ 4 years ago
Yeah, I was thinking that too. Some of these cats are large breeds, but others are just obese and their owners seem so pleased with it. SMH.
Load More Replies...
#44
Chonk Brigade Sunbathing
#46
A Friend Took A Picture Of My Cat Ben And Made It Big. So Here’s Some More Of Ben, The Big Fluff
gloria benado 4 years ago
Is he matted? What is that mess in the lower right side of his face?
Add New Image
Explore more of these tags
What do you think ?
troufaki13 4 years ago
It's ok when they're fluffy and big by nature but when they're fat, that's just abuse! Many medical problems occur with obesity, in humans and animals alike.
Ms.GB 4 years ago
Definitely, not least of all diabetes and terrible joint pain...and if you think it's a pain for humans to have to inject insulin every day wait until you have to do it to your cat.
Load More Replies... AnnaBanana 4 years ago
This post made me miss my Maine C**n so much, I could cry!! RIP Jordie, you big love muffin.
Kamila Podolak 4 years ago
Oh... I thought my is big... But he's still a baby, one-year-old, will try to catch up at least a little ;) lex-608036...c0c713.jpg 
Sinkvenice 4 years ago
The vast majority of these cats aren't obese, they're just a massive breed of cat. Obesity doesn't enlarge the skeleton of a cat or make it longer in length.
Freya the Wanderer 4 years ago
If they get any bigger, we could ride them. 😉
Load More Replies...
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
Meanwhile, my cats upt together might make *one* of the bigger cats pictured!
Intrigued Panda 4 years ago
My best friend’s massive cat is also part Maine C**n and part floof.
K1tt3n 4 years ago
My grandma's cat, Stormy should be in this! She's such a big girl! I just met her not too long ago and have a couple of great pics with her hehe she's covering my entire torso in the pic while I was holding her. The expression on her face cracked me up too😋 wish I knew about this post! She would've been a perfect fit😻
troufaki13 4 years ago
It's ok when they're fluffy and big by nature but when they're fat, that's just abuse! Many medical problems occur with obesity, in humans and animals alike.
Ms.GB 4 years ago
Definitely, not least of all diabetes and terrible joint pain...and if you think it's a pain for humans to have to inject insulin every day wait until you have to do it to your cat.
Load More Replies... AnnaBanana 4 years ago
This post made me miss my Maine C**n so much, I could cry!! RIP Jordie, you big love muffin.
Kamila Podolak 4 years ago
Oh... I thought my is big... But he's still a baby, one-year-old, will try to catch up at least a little ;) lex-608036...c0c713.jpg
Sinkvenice 4 years ago
The vast majority of these cats aren't obese, they're just a massive breed of cat. Obesity doesn't enlarge the skeleton of a cat or make it longer in length.
Freya the Wanderer 4 years ago
If they get any bigger, we could ride them. 😉
Load More Replies... Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
Meanwhile, my cats upt together might make *one* of the bigger cats pictured!
Intrigued Panda 4 years ago
My best friend’s massive cat is also part Maine C**n and part floof.
K1tt3n 4 years ago
My grandma's cat, Stormy should be in this! She's such a big girl! I just met her not too long ago and have a couple of great pics with her hehe she's covering my entire torso in the pic while I was holding her. The expression on her face cracked me up too😋 wish I knew about this post! She would've been a perfect fit😻
You May Like 50 Times People Spotted Kitties Sitting At The Window And Just Had To Take A Pic (New Pics) 40 Cats Who Treated Convenience Stores Like Their Natural Habitat 50 “No Context Cats” Photos That Are Pure Chaos And Perfection
Ieva Pečiulytė
Rūta Zumbrickaitė
Dominyka Proškėnaitė
Related on Bored Panda
