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 are a bewildering number of crosses, alongside the trusty Moggy - an indistinct mix of cat that is the most popular type.
Meanwhile, some cats naturally more vocal than others, communicating in a series of meows, purrs, chirps - and sometimes a surprising range of other noises.
Here are the 12 chattiest breeds of cat that are never shy of telling you how they feel.
Make sure you don't miss a moment of breaking news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.
.jpeg?trim=0,57,0,57&crop=&width=800)
1. Siamese
Ask any Siamese owner and they'll tell you that their fave breed of cat is also the most chatty - with a famously raspy voice. These cats will loudly tell you about anything theu are feeling - what they like, what they hate, if they're bored, hungry, grumpy...the list is inexhausible. | AFP via Getty Images
2. Burmese
If there's one thing that Burmese cats hate it's being ignored. The solution? Persistent meows until somebody pays attention. | Canva/Getty Images
3. Balinese
Essentially the long-haired version of the Siamese, the Balinese is a very intelligent breed that is always keen to share its views vocally to anyone within earshot. | Canva/Getty Images
4. Tonkinese
A blend of Siamese and Burmese ancestry, the Tonkinese shares the formers expressive and communicative demeanor. Their voice is generally softer than a Siamese’s but is still used frequently - and the Burmese (as we'll hear) isn't exactly a shrinking violet. | Canva/Getty Images