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Humans and cats have a close relationship that’s thought to date back over 10,000 years, when the domesticated felines first evolved from African wildcats.
They have long been the world’s second most popular household pet, just behind dogs when it comes to the animals we welcome into our homes and hearts.
It means that there are a staggering number of pet cats out there - in the UK alone there are more than 10 million feline friends living side-by-side with us.
There are a huge range of types of cat to choose from, with The International Cat Association recognising 73 ‘standardised breeds’.
Then there a bewildering number of crosses, alongside the trusty Moggy - an indistinct mix of cat that is the most popular type.
One thing to bear in mind before you take the plunge into the world of cat ownership is that some cats thrive on human company and don’t particularly like being left alone.
Their desperation to stick to their owners at all times has earned them the nickname of ‘velcro cats’ - never happier than when following you around or being curled up on your lap.
Meanwhile, other breeds are far more independent, even demanding a little alone time to stay healthy and happy.
So, if you intend to leave your cat alone for long periods, it’s maybe best avoiding the former varieties.
Here are the 10 stickiest.
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1. Ragdoll
Adorable Ragdoll cats are famously devoted to their owners, following them from room to room (even if that room happens to be the toilet). They just love to cuddle up and be as close to you as possible - a classic velcro cat. | Getty Images
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2. Burmese
Not content with sitting on your lap, Burmese cats will often sit on your shoulders, head, feet or any other part of your body available. They also love playing games with their owners, rather than entertaining themselves. | Canva/Getty Images
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3. Sphynx
OK, so the Sphynx's lack of hair means that it often cuddles up just to warm up, but these cats are also very affectionate and adore human company | Getty Images
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4. Siamese
Siamese cats just aren't cut out to be loners. Not only do they like sticking to their owners whenever possible, they are also highly vocal so enjoy chatting away nonstop. This breed creates a very close bond with their beloved human. | Canva/Getty Images