My cat, Buford, a resident of Minneapolis, comes in at 15 pounds.
He has a little bulk (fat) on him but he is basically one large and strong cat.
My cat Idaho is the same as your Buford. He's just a large-size cat - vet has commented on his oversized skeletal structure. If I pick him up he likes to arch himself sideways across my shoulder and just hang. Never measured him from nose to rump but I'd say he's easily 24 inches, 30 if you want to include the tail.
Luckily he's got a very mellow disposition - except at feeding time!