The domestic cat is one of the most popular pets in the world, and there are many different breeds to choose from. But how many cat breeds are there exactly?
The answer to this question isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Different cat registries and associations have different criteria for what constitutes a distinct breed, so the number of recognized breeds varies depending on the source.
How Many Breeds of Cats Are There in The World?
There are dozens of recognized cat breeds in the world, and the exact number can vary depending on the organization or registry that is counting. The International Cat Association (TICA), for example, currently recognizes 71 different breeds of cats.
The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), on the other hand, recognizes 44 breeds, while the World Cat Federation (WCF) recognizes a total of 55 breeds.
In addition to these major organizations, there are many other smaller cat registries that recognize a variety of breeds.
As a result, it’s difficult to say definitively how many cat breeds there are in the world.
However, it’s safe to say that there are at least 40 and possibly as many as 100 different breeds.
In addition to these recognized breeds, there are also many non-recognized or “hybrid” breeds, which are created by breeding domestic cats with wildcat species or other domestic breeds.
These breeds are not recognized by mainstream cat registries but may be recognized by smaller organizations or clubs.
It’s worth noting that the process of recognizing and standardizing cat breeds is ongoing, and new breeds are being developed and recognized all the time.
Therefore, the total number of recognized cat breeds can vary from year to year as new breeds are added or removed from the list. So, there are many breeds of cats in the world, and the exact number can depend on the organization or registry that is counting.
What factors contribute to the variation in numbers?
There are a few factors that contribute to the variation in the number of cat breeds recognized by different organizations. One factor is the criteria that each organization uses to define a breed.
For example, the CFA requires that a breed have a minimum of 100 registered cats in order to be recognized. TICA, on the other hand, has no minimum number requirement.
Another factor that contributes to the variation in numbers is the way that different organizations classify cat breeds. The CFA, for example, divides cat breeds into seven groups:
- Asian
- Domestic
- Exotic
- Foreign
- Natural
- Oriental
- Rare and Unusual
TICA, on the other hand, divides cat breeds into four categories:
- Classic
- Experimental
- Natural
- Premiership
Domestic Cat Breeds
When it comes to domestic cat breeds, there are three main categories: short-hair, medium-hair, and long-hair. Let’s take a closer look at each:
Short-hair breeds
Short-hair breeds are known for their sleek, low-maintenance coats, which require minimal grooming. Some popular short-hair breeds include the American Shorthair and the British Shorthair.
Medium-hair breeds
Medium-hair breeds have a slightly longer coat than short-hair breeds, which requires a bit more grooming to keep it looking clean and shiny. Some popular medium-hair breeds include the Maine Coon and the Persian.
Long-hair breeds
Long-hair breeds have a thick, luxurious coat that requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and mats. Some popular long-hair breeds include the Abyssinian and the Siamese.
Hairless cat breeds
These breeds are known for their lack of fur and wrinkled skin. They require more grooming and bathing than other breeds, as well as regular veterinary checkups to monitor their skin and overall health. Hairless cat breeds include the Sphynx, Peterbald, Donskoy, Ukrainian Levkoy, and Bambino.
Exotic Cat Breeds
In addition to domestic cat breeds, there are also a number of exotic cat breeds available. These breeds are generally created by crossing domestic cats with wildcat species and include both hybrid breeds and wildcat breeds.
Hybrid breeds
Hybrid breeds are created by crossing domestic cats with wildcat species and are generally known for their exotic appearance and energetic personality. Some popular hybrid breeds include the Bengal and the Savannah.
Wildcat breeds
Wildcat breeds are created by crossing domestic cats with purebred wildcat species and are generally known for their exotic appearance and wilder personality. Some popular wildcat breeds include the African serval and the Asian leopard cat.
Emotional Support Cat Breeds
Emotional support cat breeds are feline companions that provide comfort, and companionship. And also the emotional well-being of individuals who are dealing with various mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression.
While any cat can potentially provide emotional support, some cat breeds are known for their temperament, personality traits, and behavior which make them particularly suitable for this role.
Certain cat breeds are often recommended as potential emotional support animals due to their gentle nature, affectionate behavior, and their ability to bond closely with their owners. Some of the cat breeds that are commonly considered good choices for emotional support include: Ragdoll, Maine Coon, Siamese, Birman, Persian, and Sphynx etc.
It’s important to note that the effectiveness of an emotional support cat in alleviating anxiety and depression varies from individual to individual.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cat Breed
When choosing a cat breed, there are a number of factors to consider, including size and appearance, temperament and personality, grooming needs, and health and lifespan.
- Size and appearance: If you’re looking for a specific size or appearance in a cat breed, be sure to research the breed’s characteristics and size range. Some breeds, such as the Maine Coon, can be quite large, while others, such as the Siamese, are more petite.
- Temperament and personality: Each cat breed has its own unique personality and temperament, so it’s important to consider what type of cat will best fit your lifestyle and personality. Some breeds, such as the Siamese, are known for their social and outgoing nature, while others, such as the Russian Blue, are more independent and laid-back.
- Grooming needs: Some cat breeds have longer coats that require regular grooming to prevent tangles and mats, while others have short, sleek coats that are relatively low-maintenance. Be sure to consider your own grooming preferences and ability when choosing a breed.
- Health and lifespan: Different cat breeds have different lifespans and are prone to different health issues. Be sure to research the breed’s potential health issues and average lifespan to ensure that you are prepared to care for your feline companion for the long haul.
Conclusion
The number of cat breeds in the world is a matter of some debate. However, there are at least 40 and possibly as many as 100 different breeds.
The different types of cat breeds vary in appearance, personality, and needs. When choosing a cat breed, it is important to consider your lifestyle and preferences.
His professional interests include humane education, ethics, small animal behavior, and veterinary. As a pet lover from school life, having grown up with two cats and a dog. If he isn’t spending time with his friends and family, Justin enjoys traveling. Learn more about Justin here.
