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.
Different breeds cost vastly different amounts of money, with some rarer animals commanding jaw-dropping prices.
Of course, there’s no need to shell out a fortune on a cat, with many pets available for adoption from one of the many cat rescue and rehoming centres across the UK.
That said, here are the world’s 12 most expensive breeds of cat.
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5. Persian
Persians are long-haired, fluffy cats known for their calm and affectionate personalities which tend to sell from £1,500-£5,000. They have round faces with a signature flat nose. Due to their luxurious coats, they require daily grooming. Extreme flat-faced Persians display the brachycephalic features which can lead to protruding eyes which are at greater risk of nonreal injury. They are also likely to get infections (dermatitis) from facial skin folds, compressed airways which cause difficulty breathing and a deformed jaw which can predispose to dental disease - making normal behaviours such as eating and grooming more difficult. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Scottish Fold
Recognizable by their folded ears, Scottish Folds have round faces and expressive eyes. Taylor Swift's cat breed of choice are affectionate and enjoy human companionship, however they are prone to joint problems due to a genetic mutation. Scottish Folds are not recognised by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) for pedigree registration due to these welfare concerns. They cost around £2,000-£3,500. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Lykoi
Nicknamed the 'werewolf cat', Lykois have a unique patchy coat due to a natural mutation. They are friendly, intelligent, and highly active. Their striking appearance makes them one of the rarest and most sought-after breeds - meaning a pricetag of around £2,000-£3,000. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Sphynx
The Sphynx is a hairless breed known for its wrinkled skin and high energy levels. Despite being hairless, they require regular bathing to remove oils from their skin. They are affectionate, playful, and love attention. They cost around £1,500-£3,000. Sadly the lack of hair can cause health problems, including skin infections, sunburn and a lack of insulation. | Canva/Getty Images