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.
There’s plenty to think about when it comes to choosing a breed, with some costing more than others, certain types potentially suffering health problems, and others having different levels of affection.
Meanwhile, some cats naturally grow larger than others - so are best for those with a bit of room at home - while others are smaller and seem to be eternal kittens.
With that in mind, here are the 24 biggest and smallest breeds of cat.
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9. Pixie-bob
First bred in the Pacific Northwest, Pixie-bobs were selectively developed to resemble wild bobcats while remaining domestic pets. These muscular cats tend to weigh in at anything from 8–17 pounds. | Canva/Getty Images
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10. British Shorthair
Thought to be descended from Roman-era cats brought to United Kingdom, British Shorthairs are sturdy, calm, and delightfully round-faced companions. Their dense coats and stocky builds contribute to average weights of 9–18 pounds. | AFP via Getty Images
11. American Bobtail
Developed in the United States during the 1960s, American Bobtails are known for their adorable naturally short tails and doglike personalities. Average adults tend to weigh between 7–16 pounds. | Canva/Getty Images
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12. Bengal Cat
Created by crossing domestic cats with Asian leopard cats, Bengals are easy to identify by their spotted coats resembling wild felines. Most adult Bengals weigh between 8–15 pounds on average. | AFP via Getty Images