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.