Humans are thought to have kept cats as pets for over 10,000 years, with the first domesticated felines evolving from African wildcats.
Since then they have become the world’s second most popular pet, just behind dogs when it comes to the animals we most like to welcome into our homes and our hearts.
In the UK alone there are more than 10 million feline friends in households.
And there are a huge range of types of cat to choose from - according to The International Cat Association there are 73 ‘standardised breeds’, along with a bewildering number of crosses.
One thing you might like to consider before making a decision is that different breeds of cat tend to have different energy levels.
While some breeds’ idea of a good time is a comfy couch and inspecting the inside of their eyelids for hours, others seem to be on a neverending adventure involving plenty of high-jinx and play.
Here are the 12 msot active breeds of cat.
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9. Japanese Bobtail
Japanese Bobtails are lively, intelligent cats with playful, outgoing personalities. They enjoy fetching toys, exploring homes, and interacting socially with families, maintaining energetic behavior well into their golden years. | Getty Images
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10. Ocicat
Ocicats are muscular, confident, and highly interactive cats needing regular stimulation. Their playful nature, love of climbing, and eagerness for games make them excellent companions for active households and families who have enough energy to keep up with them. | AFP via Getty Images