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 cost more than others to buy as kittens - depending on factors like popularity and scarcity.
Even within distinct breeds there can be a bread range of prices depending on the cat’s lineage (expect a premium for those bred from prize-winners, for example) and particularly sought-after patterns of coat.
Here’s how much 10 of the most popular cat breeds will set you back on average.
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9. Russian Blue - £500-£1,000
With its distinctive slate-grey coat, the Russian Blue cat is also cometimes known as the Archangel Blue, referring to the Russian port of Arkhangelsk from which sailors are thought to have brought the cats over to Northern Europe in the 1860s. It'll cost £500-£1,000 to welcome one into your family. | AFP via Getty Images
10. Siamese - £400-£1,000
The distinctive Siamese breed are the chattiest felines in town - with a famously raspy voice. These cats will loudly tell you about anything theu are feeling - what they like, what they hate, if they're bored, hungry, grumpy...the list is inexhausible. All that talk will cost from £400-£1,000. | Canva/Getty Images