The Best Cat Breed for You, Based on Your Personality Type

Cats first started living with humans in Cyprus about 5,000 years ago, but it wasn't until the 1800s that man started to purposefully breed different kinds of cats. Since then, they have mostly lived in a gray area between feral and domesticated. Teresa Keiger is an all-breed judge for the Cat Fancier's Association and she believes that the public perception of cats as aloof or unfriendly is based on a time before they were socialized and trained for life indoors. While some might need less attention than others, the disposition of a cat differs dramatically from breed to breed: While some are happy to spend the day on their own (as long as you commit your evenings to play and snuggles), others want to spend so much time with their humans that they will literally follow you into the shower.

Keiger insists that it is very important for potential cat owners to be honest with themselves about who they are and how they like to spend their days. "People are often drawn to a specific breed but that particular breed may not be the right one for their lifestyle," says Keiger. What does your typical day look like? Do you have a big family? How do you like to spend your free time? Do you like cuddling on the couch or running around the house? Here are a few examples of how to choose the right cat for your personality.