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 into 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.
One thing you might like to consider before making a decision is that different breeds of cat tend to have different energy levels.
While some breeds seem to be on a neverending adventure involving plenty of high-jinx and play, others idea of a good time is a comfy couch and inspecting the inside of their eyelids for hours on end.
With that in mind, here are the 24 most and least active breeds of cat.
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9. Ocicat
Named after its resemblance to the wild Ocelot, the Ocicat is actually 100 per cent domesticated - created by mixing Siamese, Abyssinian, and the American Shorthair. They are as athletic and energetic as any wildcat though, needing regular physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and restlessness. | AFP via Getty Images
10. Turkish Van
Turkish Vans are a muscular breed of cat making them natural athletes - aside from the usual catty jumping, climbing and running they are also talented swimmers and love playing in and around water. | Canva/Getty Images
11. Balinese Cat
Balinese cats combine elegance with high energy. Closely related to Siamese, they are playful, vocal, and intelligent, needing frequent engagement to satisfy their active and curious nature. | Canva/Getty Images
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12. Japanese Bobtail
No prizes for guessing how the Japanese Bobtails got its name! These feline friends are lively and playful, enjoying games like fetch - much like a dog. Their sociable personality and intelligence keep them constantly 'on'. | Getty Images