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.
When you do pick your perfect kitten you’ll start to build a bond that will last a lifetime.
You will also become obessessed over everything your new pet does and keen to know that your cat loves you as much as you love them.
To help you decode the sometimes subtle signs, Tesco Insurance in collaboration with Vetfone have shared the purr-fect ways to tell if your cat loves you
Here are 13 of the ways in which cats show their love for their owners.
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9. Bringing you gifts 
Cats are instinctively hunters; even those that live indoors will hunt their toys to satisfy these natural urges. As solitary survivalists, cats typically don’t share their catch with others (except for nursing queens). So, when your cat offers you their prey, it’s a clear sign of affection, as a quarter (24%) of cat owners have found out. They’re not only showing love but also, in a way, implying that they think you might be a bit helpless and need their help. | Canva/Getty Images
10. Meowing and purring 
Cats only meow in a friendly manner to humans and kittens, rather than their feline counterparts who rely more on body language and scent to communicate.   A higher pitched ‘thrill’ or ‘chirrup’ is synonymous with a friendly greeting. These noises are also used by mothers communicating with kittens. The purr is another noise that can indicate happiness, but it is important to note that cats will also purr when they are in pain or stressed, as a way to self-soothe. | Canva/Getty Images
11. Sleeping near you 
Sleeping is a cat's most vulnerable state. In the wild, they only sleep in places where they feel hidden and safe. So when a cat chooses to sleep near you—or even on you—it's their way of saying, "You make me feel secure." Any cat owner can agree that there's nothing more comforting than having a cat sleep peacefully on your lap. | Canva/Getty Images
12. Following you everywhere
If your cat trails you from room to room, it shows they enjoy your company. This behavior reflects attachment, curiosity, and a desire to stay close to someone they feel bonded with. | Canva/Getty Images