We’re a nation of cat lovers - with more than 10 million feline friends belonging to households across the UK.
It means they are the second most popular household pet after dogs, with a whole range of different breeds to choose from.
Acording to The International Cat Association there are 73 ‘standardised breeds’, along with a bewildering number of crosses.
But selective breeding has caused problems - something charity Cats Protection are keen to highlight.
A spokesperson explained: “Over the last 200 years, cats have increasingly been bred with distinctive characteristics to make them look a certain way.
“Unfortunately, these distinctive physical characteristics are increasingly becoming extreme and overexaggerated. Extreme physical characteristics can cause serious health and welfare issues.
“Breeds with extreme characteristics are often seen as particularly desirable and breeders can sell them for very large sums of money.
“Certain extreme characteristics of concern are being popularised by celebrities and social media; unfortunately, the public aren’t always aware of the health and welfare conditions of these cats and the pain they may be suffering.”
So, here are 7 of the cat breeds that are predisposed to health problems - and the issues that have been caused by selective breeding.
5. Munchkin
Munchkin cats have a form of dwarfism and suffer from joint deformities which can reduce their mobility (and ability to exhibit normal cat behaviour) and can lead to spinal problems and early onset arthritis | Canva/Getty Images
6. Savannah
Wildcat hybrids - like the Savannah Cat - which occur from crossbreeding domestic cats (Felis sylvestris catus) with exotic wildcats of a different species will lead to a cat which has a mixture of wild cat and domestic cat genes. This can lead to unknowns about the temperament and behaviour of the cat and they can be more aggressive or territorial which has been known to lead to the death of queens at mating or killing other cats in the neighbourhood if let outside to free roam. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Sphynx
Hairlessness breeds like the sphynx, when severely wrinkled, are prone to skin problems, sunburn and have reduced insulation. | Canva/Getty Images