All About Anything: 10 Types of Domestic Cats (Part 1)

What's great about life is that you'll always be able to find cats no matter where you go. They're everywhere. In many shapes and sizes. In a variety of colors. With different talents and different behaviors. Some are elegant, clean, and sophisticated (e.g., Bao - The Little Lady). Others are...not (e.g., Mochi - The Pee Monster). Let's take a look at 10 different breeds of domestic felines around the world!

1. The Persian Cat

Origin: Mesopotamia/Persia (modern-day Iran)

Coloring: White, cream, chocolate, red, blue, black

Size: Medium (7 - 12 Ib., 10" - 15'' tall)

Other: Snub noses, "pushed-in" face, round cheeks, 2 coats of fur

Personality: Quiet, reserved, loving, lazy

Needs: Daily grooming with brushes and/or combs

Fun fact: Most Persians do not like jumping.

2. The Maine Coon

Origin: The United States

Coloring: Black, cream, brown, white, smoky grey

Size: Large (10 - 18 lb.)

Other: Muscular body, tall pointed ears, long thick coat

Personality: Social, affectionate, playful, energetic

Needs: Outdoor living (space)

Fun fact: They're partly named after raccoons. Both raccoons and Maine Coons have long striped bushy tails.

3. The British Shorthair

Origin: Great Britain

Coloring: Grey, white, creme, tan

Size: Medium/large (7 - 17 Ib., 12" - 14'' tall)

Other: Thick short fur, round face, broad chest

Personality: Calm, intelligent, loyal, friendly

Needs: Equal amounts of attention and personal space

Fun fact: People describe British Shorthairs as real-life teddy bears.

4. The Bengal Cat

Origin: The United States

Coloring: Brown, silver, charcoal, black, gold

Size: Medium/large

Other: Muscular build, spotted or marbled coat, spotted belly

Personality: Athletic, energetic, playful, curious, affectionate

Needs: Access to water (baths, faucets) and plenty of living space

Fun fact: People describe Bengals as "miniature leopards."

5. The Siamese Cat

Origin: Siam (modern-day Thailand)

Coloring: Dark brown, chocolate, blue, tan, creme

Size: Small/medium (6 - 14 Ib., 15" - 20'' in length)

Other: Blue eyes, muscular body, "wedged-shaped" head, large ears

Personality: Energetic, affectionate, social, intelligent

Needs: Plenty of (human and/or pet) company, entertainment, and attention

Fun fact: These Siamese kitties love to talk and talk and talk! They'll always share their opinions.

6. The Sphynx Cat

Origin: Canada

Coloring: (Almost) completely hairless

Size: Small (5.5 - 12 Ib.)

Other: Loose skin, wrinkles, "wedged-shaped" head, big eyes, long legs

Personality: Outgoing, intelligent, affectionate, curious, energetic

Needs: Calm, quiet, indoor environment (preferably no children) and lots of warm blankets

Fun fact: The first hairless cat was a result of a genetic mutation in 1966.

7. The Ragdoll Cat

Origin: The United States

Coloring: Grey, black, chocolate, tan, creme, white

Size: Medium/large (10 - 20 Ib., 17" - 21" in length)

Other: Semi-long coat, blue eyes, bushy tail, large paws

Personality: Kid and pet-friendly, easygoing, affectionate, docile

Needs: Combing twice a week and butt-wiping after bathroom trips

Fun fact: Ragdolls tend to be well-mannered and easy to train.

8. The Scottish Fold

Origin: Scotland

Coloring: White, red, grey, tan, creme

Size: Small/medium (6 - 13 Ib., 10" - 12'' in length)

Other: Folded ears, amber eyes, soft dense coat, round head

Personality: Kid-friendly, active, vocal, intelligent

Needs: Weekly ear-checks (clean dirt with wipes and/or swabs)

Fun fact: Scottish Folds often sit or sleep in interesting positions. They like resting on their backs and sitting upright on 2 feet like a meerkat.