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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9. Ocicat
Despite its wild appearance, the Ocicat is entirely domestic and highly social. It enjoys interactive play, learning new activities, and outdoor exploration with supervision. Its confidence and intelligence make it adaptable to safe outdoor adventures. | Canva/Getty Images
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10. British Shorthair
The British Shorthair is calm, sturdy, and independent. While not as adventurous as some breeds, it enjoys relaxing in gardens, observing wildlife, and taking gentle outdoor strolls, particularly in quiet, secure neighbourhoods with minimal traffic. | AFP via Getty Images