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.
Make sure you don't miss a moment of breaking news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.
9. Russian Blue
Also known as the Archangel Blue, the Russian Blue arrived in the UK from Russia in the 1860s. Researchers found the breed lived for an average of 9.7 years. | AFP via Getty Images
10. British Shorthair
Another of the UK's most popular feline friends, the British Shorthair has an average lifespan of 9.6 years. | AFP via Getty Images