Loving or aloof, mischievous or cuddly - for many people, their cats are an integral part of the family. Here are extraordinary stories of some of the world's most charismatic and captivating cats:
Princess Kitty, dubbed "The Smartest Cat in the World," was trained to play the piano and do 100 other incredible tricks
ASPCA 2007 cat of the year, Winnie, led her family to a carbon monoxide leak
Simon received the Dickin Medal for his efforts in consoling the wounded on the British navy ship HMS Amethyst
A hospice cat named Oscar can predict patients' deaths
Fred, the "Undercover Kitty," won the Law Enforcement Appreciation Award for helping to nab a fraudulent vet
Scarlett, an incredible mother cat, damaged her eyes saving her five kittens from a New York inferno
Smart and adventurous, Macavity caught a bus several times a week to the nearest fish and chips shop
Lewis, nicknamed "The Terrorist of Sunset Circle," was put under permanent house arrest after biting and scratching six neighbors
And many more.