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.
One thing you might like to consider before making a decision is that different breeds of cat tend to have different personalities.
While some breeds are pretty resilient to noise and strangers, others are more shy and enjoy living in quiet environments with little in the way of surprises or unexpected visitors.
Here are the 10 most shy and nervous breeds of cat.
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5. British Shorthair
British Shorthairs dislike excessive fuss, loud strangers, and anything that could be described as unpredictable. These are animals that appreciate schedules and affection. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Chartreux
A quiet and observant breed, Chartreux cats prefer watching social situations cautiously from elevated shelves like furry detectives - investigating whether visitors can truly be trusted (they probably can't). | Canva/Getty Images
7. Exotic Shorthair
Essentially a Persian wearing summer clothing, the Exotic Shorthairs are equally sweet, shy, and prone to treating loud households like active war zones. If you're wondering where the cat is, it's probably hiding under a piece of furniture. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Maine Coon
Maine Coons are huge cats with surprisingly delicate feelings. They need to be introduced to strangers in a gradual fashion to avoid them feeling social anxiety. | Canva/Getty Images