How many cat breeds are there in total? - briefly
There are currently around 70 recognized cat breeds worldwide, according to major feline organizations such as The International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA). However, this number can vary slightly depending on the specific organization and their criteria for recognition.
How many cat breeds are there in total? - in detail
Determining the exact number of cat breeds is a complex task due to the varying definitions and categorizations used by different feline registries around the world. However, a comprehensive overview can be provided based on the recognized breeds listed by major cat associations such as The International Cat Association (TICA), the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), and the Federation Internationale Feline (FIFe).
The TICA recognizes over 70 breeds, including both longhair and shorthair varieties. This includes well-known breeds like the Siamese, Maine Coon, and British Shorthair, as well as lesser-known ones such as the Munchkin and the Sphynx. The CFA, which is one of the oldest and largest cat registries in North America, acknowledges around 45 breeds. Similarly, FIFe, a European organization, recognizes approximately 50 breeds.
It's important to note that these numbers can fluctuate over time as new breeds are recognized and accepted into the registries. For example, the Lykoi cat, known for its werewolf-like appearance, was recently accepted by TICA and is now considered a recognized breed. Additionally, some organizations may list separate colors or patterns of a breed as distinct varieties, which can further increase the count.
In addition to the recognized breeds, there are many cat breeds that are still in development or are not yet widely accepted by major registries. These include breeds like the Savannah, a cross between an African Serval and a domestic cat, which is gaining popularity but has not been universally recognized.
In conclusion, while it's challenging to provide a definitive number of cat breeds due to variations in recognition and classification among different organizations, a reasonable estimate based on the major registries would place the total number of recognized cat breeds between 50 to 70. This figure is subject to change as new breeds are developed and accepted by the feline community.