Cats may be known for having nine lives, but a new study suggests they may share just five personalities.

Dr Lauren Finka, a research fellow at the University of Lincoln, came to the conclusion after 'interviewing' more than 200 felines and their owners.

She suggests that the five categories of cat are Human Cat, Hunter Cat, Cats' Cat, Cantankerous Cat or Inquisitive Cat.

The ranging personalities are caused by a complex interaction between each cat's genetics and their experiences during development and in adulthood.

Take a look at our guide below to find out what which type of cat you have and how best to treat them.

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Dr Lauren Finka, a research fellow at the University of Lincoln 'interviewed' more than 200 cats and their owners, and came to the conclusion that they may share just five personalities

THE HUMAN CAT The Human Cat is generally happy to share your home, your life and often your personal space. It can be identified by its willingness to gently head-butt you. It likes to make your lap their 'spot' and will likely knead you with its paws on a regular basis. The ideal home for the Human Cat is a vibrant family home with plenty of faces to nuzzle and laps to nap on; after all, if they fit they'll sit. The more human attention and chin scratches the better for this friendly. The Human Cat tends to knead you with its paws and gently knuzzle its head into you in a sign of affection Advertisement

THE HUNTER CAT Whilst most cats are born with hunting instincts, this cat character excels at stalking and capturing its prey. The Hunter Cat can be identified through its interactions with realistic cat toys. It will often clasp toys in its teeth while it frantically kicks. The best environment for this adventurer is a home with plenty of rural outdoor space. This will allow it to explore, chase and pounce to their hearts content, without the worry of urban dangers like busy roads. The Hunter Cat is the most feral of the personalities, regularly interacting with realistic cat toys and showing signs of an expert hunter Advertisement

THE CAT'S CAT As is the case with the Human Cat, the Cat's Cat has to be nurtured into developing positive relationships with other felines, which can often go against their nature to see them as a threat to resources. The trick is, as with humans, to socialise them when they're young, exposing them to other cats and kittens. You can identify a Cat's Cat through its willingness to play with and groom its furry siblings, touching noses and rubbing up against each other. A Cat's Cat may cope better living with other felines, but even well socialised cats can be choosy about who they share their bed with. This cat may be perfect for young working couples who can leave their partners in crime to run riot throughout the day. The Cat's Cat has to be nurtured into developing positive relationships with other cats, but the trick is to socialise them while they're young Advertisement

THE CANTANKEROUS CAT The Cantankerous Cat is more easily frustrated than his four counterparts and can be less tolerant to being handled, due to being quite sensitive to touch, their environment and being on high alert. These felines require more time and effort to make sure they're comfortable when interacting with humans. The Cantankerous Cat can be identified by its need for its own space to play, explore independently and preference for regular but less 'hands on' interactions with humans. It needs to make the first move when it comes to being handled. The Cantankerous Cat enjoys time on its own, and will explore independently without any human input Advertisement