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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 into 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 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 12 most timid 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. | AFP via 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
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7. Exotic Shorthair
Essentially a Persian wearing summer clothing, the Exotic Shorthairs areequally 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. | AFP via 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. | AFP via Getty Images