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 in to 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.
Here are the world’s 12 most popular, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association who have the world’s largest registry of pedigree cats.
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5. Devon Rex
Named after the part of England where they were first bred in the 1950s, every Devon Rex can be traced back to a cat called Kirlee belonging to owner Beryl Cox. Their unusually-shaped head and large eyes make them easy to indentify. | Canva/Getty Images
6. British Shorthair
One of the oldest cat breeds, the British Shorthair is the most popular pet cat in its native Britain, accounting for nearly a quarter of pedigree pet cats. They are known for thier laidback nature, making them wonderful feline companions. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Abyssinian
Taking its name from Abyssinia, the country now known as Ethiopia, where they were first exported to Britain, the Abyssinian used to be a fairly rare breed, but has rocketed in popularity in the last decade or so. These cats tend to stick to their owners like glue and love to play. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Scottish Fold
Taylor Swift's favourite breed of cat is named after its distictive 'folded' ears caused by a genetic mutation. This is a feline that is so affectionate that it really doesn't like being left alone - preferring to be curled up on or against its beloved owner at all times. If you want a cat that you can leave in the house while you go out to work, the Scottish Fold probably isn't the breed for you. Prospective owners should also be aware that due to the selective breeding this cat is prone to Osteochondrodysplasia (Scottish Fold Disease), causing abnormal bone growth and skeletal deformities, arthritis and severe pain. | Canva/Getty Images