Humans and cats have a close relationship that’s thought to date back over 10,000 years, when the first domesticated felines were evolved from African wildcats.
They are now the world’s second most popular household pet, just behind dogs when it comes to the animals we welcome into our hearts.
It means that there are a staggering number of pet cats out there - in the UK alone there are more than 10 million feline friends taking up our rugs, sofas and beds.
There are a huge range of types of cat to choose from, with The International Cat Association recognising 73 ‘standardised breeds’.
Then there a bewildering number of crosses, alongside the trusty Moggy - an indistinct mix of cat that is the most popular type.
Most people who opt for a pedigree cat opt for one of a handful of common breeds - cats like the Ragdoll, Siamese, Burmese, British Shorthair or Maine Coon.
But if you are looking for something a bit different then there are a whole host of rare cat breeds that you may not have encountered before.
Here are 10 of the rarest.
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5. American Bobtail
No prizes for guessing how the American Bobtail got its name - with this feline instantly recognisable by its naturally short tail. It's a massively intelligent breed with a naturally friendly personality. There are very few breeders worldwide, meaning it's a tricky cat to find. | Canva/Getty Images
6. LaPerm
The splendidly-named LaPerm cat is known for - and named after - its distinctive and adorable curly coat. These curious cats originated in the United States in the 1980s but have since spread around the world, although in relatively small numbers compared to the more popular breeds. In the UK you can expect to pay around £1,000 for a LaPerm kitten. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Khao Manee
The Khao Manee is rare Thai cat breed traditionally associated with royalty in its native land and known for its immaculate pure white coat and striking eyes, which can be mismatched. They are beloved by cat fans for their sociable and affectionate nature. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Lykoi
It may bear more than a passing resemblance to a monster from a horror film, but the Lykoi is a playful and curious breed of pet cat. Also known as the 'werewolf cat', for obvious reasons, the breed arose from a naturally occurring genetic mutation producing its sparse coat and bat-like ears. | Canva/Getty Images