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.
There’s plenty to think about when it comes to choosing a breed, with some costing more than others, certain types potentially suffering health problems, and others having different levels of affection.
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 10 chattiest breeds of cat.
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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