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.
Of course, once you’ve picked your cat, there’s the tricky matter of picking the perfect name - you’ll certainly be shouting it enough (often followed by a largely-ingored ‘NO’).
To help you out Pet Health Club, the UK’s leading pet health plan provider, has revealed the most popular cat names.
They’ve analysed data from across their nationwide network of over 800 vet practices who care for tens of thousands of cats to come up with list.
Here are the 10 most popular.
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9. Molly
In at number nine on the cat charts is Molly. It's a Hebrew name meaning 'star of the sea'. | Getty Images
10. Tilly
Completing our list of popular cat names is Tilly. A shortened version of the Germanic name Matilda, it means "mighty in battle". Particularly if that battle is with a mouse. | Getty Images