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 consider when choosing a specific breed is whether any of your household suffer from allergies - as cat hair and the protein ‘fel s 1’ that felines secrete can commonly cause sniffles and sneezes.
While no cat breed is 100 per cent hypoallergenic, these are the 12 likely to cause minimal issues.
1. Sphynx
If it's hair that's the problem, then the Sphynx is a good choice because it doesn't have any. Despite their lack of hair, these cats require regular bathing to remove skin oils but produce minimal allergens. They suffer from the same health problems as the Peterbald, only more so. | Canva/Getty Images
2. Peterbald
The Peterbald is a breed that is often hairless - or at the most has a very fine coat - making them an excellent option for those with allergies. Originally from Russia, they are known for their affectionate, dog-like nature and enjoy being around people and other pets. In common with other hairless breeds they can be prone to skin problems, sunburn and have reduced insulation. | Canva/Getty Images
3. Siberian
With their luxuriant thick fur, Siberian cats wouldn't seem to be an obviously hypoallergenic species. They are pretty good for allegy sufferers though, producing less of the protein that typically causes human sniffles than other cats. They need plenty of grooming but produce surprisingly little dander. | Canva/Getty Images
4. Bengal
Bengals have a short, fine coat that requires minimal grooming. This coat has reduced dander and minimal shedding, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers. A mix between domestic cats and Asian leopard cats, their genetic closeness to wild cats means that thay can be aggressive and territorial. | Canva/Getty Images