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.
A recent report by the Royal Veterinary College found marked differences in how long different breeds tend to live for - with some living more than twice as long as others.
Researchers analysed data of 7,936 cats over a three year period, taken from vets in the UK, finding that overall cats had an average life expectancy of around 11.7 years.
They also found that crossbreeds lived slightly longer than pedigree cats on average - 12.5 years and 11.2 years respectively.
Here’s how long they found you can expect 12 popular breeds to live for.
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5. Persian
Fluffy Persian Cats can suffer from health issues connected to their flat faces. They were found to live for an average of 10.9 years. | Getty Images
6. Ragdoll
The Ragdoll is the UK's most popular breed of pedigree cat - and also one of the most affectionate. They were found to live for 10.3 years on average | AFP via Getty Images
7. Norwegian Forest Cat
One of the rarer breeds of cat in the UK, the luxuriously-coated Norwegian Forest Cat tends to live for 10 years on average. | Getty Images
8. Maine Coon
Much loved in the American state from which it takes its name, the Maine Coon was found to live for 9.7 years on average. | AFP via Getty Images