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.
While society sometimes seems to be split between ‘cat people’ and ‘dog people’, there’s actually no reason you can’t be both – as long as you choose the right breeds.
So, if you already have a dog and would like to add a cat to your family (or would like to have the option of getting a dog in the future) then you’re in the right place.
Of course there are no guarantees that a cat and dog will get on (much like with people!), while a gradual introduction is required to get the relationship off to a calm start - but there are certain breeds that are known to be more open to a relationship with a pup.
Here are 12 of the breeds of cat that tend to get along with dogs. Meanwhile, you can see which dog breeds tend to get on with dogs here.
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9. Tonkinese
Extremely social and people-oriented, Tonkinese cats dislike being lonely. They frequently welcome companionship from dogs and often engage in games, exploration, and family activities together. | Canva/Getty Images
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10. Burmese
Burmese cats thrive on attention and interaction. Their outgoing, affectionate personality often makes them receptive to friendly dogs, and they commonly seek companionship rather than isolation. | AFP via Getty Images
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11. Japanese Bobtail
Known for their energetic and sociable temperament, Japanese Bobtails tend to be confident around both fellow cats and dogs. They can end up being enthusiastic playmates for doggy family members. | Getty Images
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12. Turkish Van
Turkish Vans are active, intelligent cats that enjoy exploring their environment - and if that envirenment includes a dog then they will often take it in their stride. | Getty Images