15 Cat Breeds That Look Like Lions & Tigers (With Info & Pictures)

Have you ever fancied having a “big cat” as a pet, like a lion or a tiger? Unfortunately, that can never happen, but you can get close to the big cat family by getting yourself a housecat. There is quite an uncanny resemblance between domestic felines and their huge, strong cousins. In fact, historical records state that housecats were wild animals that were first domesticated more than 4,000 years ago in ancient Egypt to help control rodents—a job that many do even today.¹ From there, they became popular in Europe, Asia, and the rest of Africa.

Let’s have a look at the breeds that can connect you to your unachievable big-cat fantasy!

The 15 Cat Breeds That Look Like Lions & Tigers

1. Toyger

As the name suggests, this cat is basically a small domesticated version of a tiger. They were bred by propagating Bengals with striped, shorthaired tabby felines to achieve the patterns and stripes of a tiger. The cat is a mix of orange and brown, while the belly area may be whitish-brown.

They are also powerful and muscular and have large paws and sturdy hind legs. Toygers are intelligent and outgoing and don’t need much exercise.

2. Maine Coon

This cat has a plush coat that mimics that of a lion perfectly. Their large size earned them the nickname, “gentle giant,” which explains why they are a preferred therapy animal. The thick coat also makes them well-adapted to winter.

3.  Abyssinian

Keeping an Abyssinian breed is the closest that you can ever get to living with a lion. This breed is among the oldest on Earth. The most common types are ruddy or red shades, but they can have many different coat colors. All cats in this category also have tabby ticking.

Other than the unusual coat, these beautiful felines boast stunning physical attributes like gold or green eyes and muscular bodies.

4. Chausie

Chausie is definitely a mountain lion or puma’s cousin! They’re a hybrid of the jungle cat and domesticated cats like the Oriental and the Abyssinian. They are muscular and well-built and have long legs. You cannot help but notice the “wild look” in them. They also like water, a hereditary habit from their ancestors.

Regardless of the close physical attributes that they have inherited, Chausie is affectionate and playful. However, they need extra care and would not be a good fit for strict-budget cat owners.

5. American Bobtail

One look at the American Bobtail will remind you of the North American wild bobcat. Their similarities are due to the breeding between feral cats and several bobtail cat mutations, though not real bobcats. They appear in numerous colors, but what makes them stand out is the tabby versions. They have short tails, long hind legs, and muscular bodies.

6. Cheetoh

This fancy-named feline is the most appropriate for someone who wishes they could share space with a cheetah. They’re a hybrid of Ocicats and Bengals. All these three breeds trace their roots to the Asian Leopard Cat, explaining their similarity to the cheetah family.

This cat is athletic, loving, and brilliant. However, you should only consider owning a Cheetoh if you can match their insatiable need for attention and need for exercise. Being engaged keeps them happy. The bright side is that you will always have a companion and a playmate. Since they are quite intelligent, you can easily get them on the leash and let them accompany you when you go out.

7. Ocicat

For those who love small wild jungle cats, the Ocicat will do the trick. They are a crossbreed of the Abyssinian, Siamese, and American Shorthair. Before bringing one home, ensure that there is enough space and time in your life to let them burn off their high energy levels.

Ocicats appear in several base colors, including blue, silver, ebony, and lavender. They have muscular, athletic bodies and often have canine personalities. They love being around people.

8. Bengal

Bengals have strands of wild cats in them, explaining their similarities to the tiger. They’re a hybrid of the Asian Leopard Cat and other domesticated felines, including the Abyssinian, Ocicat, and Egyptian Mau.

If you can hardly find free time in your schedule, don’t get this little tiger because they need a lot of attention and exercise to be happy. If you’re up for the challenge, though, you will be thrilled at their level of intelligence.

• Related Read: How Big Do Bengal Cats Get?

9. Highlander

Also known as the Highland Lynx, this kitty is the product of the Desert Lynx and other cats. Their most outstanding physical features include their curled ears, bobbed tails, and the coats’ tabby patterns. They exist in several colors and usually tend to have a silly personality.

If you go for a Highlander, you will have to make time to train and play with them or do other fun stuff to keep them engaged.

10. Serengeti

The Serengeti looks like the African Serval. They’re a mix of Bengals and Oriental cats. Like other similar hybrids, they’re athletic and have a wild aura around them. They are usually silver, golden brown, or black and always maintain the stripped tabby pattern.

If you plan on having one around, dedicate a part of your house for a field track because Serengeti cats are athletic. They like jumping on anything, be it shelves, perches, or the cat tree.

11. Savannah

They are the tallest domestic cats, an attribute that got them to the Guinness Book of Records. Their long, slender, athletic bodies and spotted coat patterns make them look like small cheetahs. They often display a few canine personality traits, and they are equally intelligent and active. The Savannah is a hybrid of the African Serval and the domestic cat.

Their ideal home setup would be a place full of physical activities to help them exercise.

12. Egyptian Mau

Egyptian Mau is one of the most stunning and natural of all cat breeds. They’re one of the oldest felines and a descendant of the African wild cat of Egypt. This cat is more linked to the leopard or cheetah family because their spots occur naturally, unlike the other types whose genetics were improved through crossbreeding.

Their coats are silver, bronze, or smoke. The black patches achieve a close resemblance to their wild cousins. The Egyptian Mau also has a lithe, muscular body, short front legs, and long hind ones.

13. Somali

If you were gravitating toward the Abyssinian but wished that they were longhaired, the Somali has you covered. These two breeds are similar in almost all attributes, like personality, high energy drive, and intelligence. With the long fur, though, the Somali looks like a shaggy lion or a fluffy fox.

14. Bombay

Bombay cats were made to look like panthers specifically. They are a hybrid of Burmese cats and American shorthaired cats. These sleek cats may appear wild, but on the contrary, they are affectionate and friendly. They also love being near people, so expect your Bombay to find your lap a comfortable place for naps.

15. Pixiebob

Pixiebobs look like bobcats, are friendly, and seem to display dog-like characteristics. They are also genetically close to tabbies and are big and stocky. They come in long and shorthaired coats, with spotted, classic, or mackerel patterns resting on the brown base color.

Conclusion

We hope that you have made peace with the fact that you can’t have a tiger or a lion as a pet and that a cat will suffice. Every time you consider the striking similarities between them, like checking out their typical tabby markings, you will be content that your cat is a domestic descendant of lions and tigers.

One striking revelation is that almost all cats that look like lions, tigers, or other wild animals did not occur naturally but were the result of improved genes and crossbreeding.

See Also:

• Beautiful Orange Cat Breeds
• Animals That Are Becoming Domesticated as Pets

Featured Image Credit: tung256, Pixabay