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.
One thing to think about before getting your first pet cat is whether you plan for them to stay indoors.
Some breeds are happy to stay inside (with a regularly-changed litter tray!) for most of their lives and will have little interest in the outside world beyond the home they share with their humans.
But others really need access to their outside would to satisfy their natural curiosity and love of adventure.
Here are the 10 breeds of outdoor cat.
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1. Maine Coon
The luxurious Maine Coon is a large, intelligent, and eminently adaptable, making it well suited to exploring gardens and rural environments. Its thick, water-resistant coat handles cooler weather well, and its calm, confident temperament helps it navigate outdoor settings. | AFP via Getty Images
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2. Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat, as the name would suggest, are adapted to wander in Scandinavian forests, so are athletic, sure-footed, and equipped with a dense double coat. It enjoys climbing, exploring, and spending time outside, especially in cooler climates with plenty of natural surroundings. | Getty Images
3. Siberian
Another breed whose name strongly hints at a resilience to low temperatures, the Siberian is an agile, powerful breed that just loves activity and exploration. Its thick coat protects against harsh weather, while its curious, affectionate personality encourages outdoor adventures balanced with a strong attachment to home and family. | Canva/Getty Images
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4. Bengal
Bengals are energetic, highly intelligent, and naturally adventurous - unsurprising since how close they are related to wild cats. They love climbing, running, and investigating their surroundings. Because of their high activity level, they often enjoy supervised outdoor access or secure enclosures where they can safely satisfy curiosity. | AFP via Getty Images