How Many Cat Breeds are There in the World?

Cat Breeds & Comparisons Kevin Dawson March 11, 2025

Cats come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. From the familiar house-cat curled up on your couch, to the mighty tiger in the wild, the world of cats is full of variety.

While domestic cats and wild cats share many similarities, they also have distinct differences.

This blog takes a closer look at:

• Various types of cats
• Their history with humans
• What makes each one special in its own way

Understanding these fascinating creatures will help you appreciate their unique traits and the bond they’ve shared with humans for thousands of years. Let’s dive into the world of cats!

How Many Cat Breeds Are There?

1. Domesticated Cats

Around the world, there are about 40-70 cat breeds that major cat groups accept. The exact number changes based on which cat organization you ask.

Some well-known cat breeds include:

• Siamese – Known for their blue eyes and vocal nature
• Maine Coon – Large cats with thick fur and friendly personalities
• Persian – Flat-faced cats with long, thick coats
• Ragdoll – Relaxed cats that often go limp when held
• Bengal – Spotted cats that look like small leopards

Some cat breeds, like the Siamese and Persian, are common worldwide, while others, like the Korat from Thailand or the Turkish Van, are much harder to find.

2. Wild Cats

Scientists count about 40 species of wild cats worldwide. These range from the massive tigers and lions to smaller cats like bobcats and ocelots.

Among the most well-known wild cats are:

• Tigers – The largest cats with distinctive stripes
• Lions – Known for living in groups called prides
• Cheetahs – The fastest land animals
• Snow leopards – Mountain cats with thick fur

Wild cats differ from house cats in size, behavior, and how they live.

While your house cat might weigh 10 pounds, a tiger can weigh over 600 pounds. House cats live with people, but wild cats need large areas to hunt and live naturally.

The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA) often differ on which breeds they officially accept. The CFA tends to be more careful about adding new breeds,while TICA accepts more types.

Why Do Different Organizations Recognize Different Numbers?

There are a few reasons why different organizations might recognize different numbers of cat breeds.

Here are the main factors that influence this:

• Criteria for Recognition: Breeds must meet specific genetic and physical standards.
  Some organizations may have stricter guidelines, while others are more lenient in their recognition process.

• Geographical Differences: Some breeds are recognized in one country but not another.
  For example, certain breeds that are common in Europe might not be as widely recognized in the United States.

• New & Experimental Breeds: Some breeds are still under review or recently developed.
  These newer breeds may not have been accepted yet by all organizations, as they need more time to prove their traits and stability.

• Hybrid vs. Natural Breeds: Some organizations choose to exclude hybrid breeds (those that are crossbred with wild animals), while others may accept them depending on their characteristics.
  Natural breeds, which are developed over time without human intervention, tend to have broader acceptance.

Identifying Your Cat’s Breed

If you’re curious about what breed your cat might be, look at these features:

• Fur length and pattern
• Eye color and shape
• Body size and shape
• Ear size and position
• Tail length and fur

Many cats are mixed breeds, making it hard to place them in just one category.

If your cat has a mix of traits, it might be what cat lovers call a “domestic shorthair” or “domestic longhair” – the cat world’s version of “mixed breed.”

To help figure out your cat’s breed, you can:

1. Look at photos of known breeds and compare
2. Ask a vet for their opinion
3. Consider a cat DNA test

Why are There Fewer Cat Breeds Than Dog Breeds?

Dogs have over 300 breeds, while cats have far fewer. This difference comes from history and how humans have worked with these animals.

People started keeping dogs about 15,000 years ago, while cats joined human homes more recently, only about 9,500 years ago.

Dogs were trained for many jobs like hunting, herding, and guarding. This led people to create many different dog types for different tasks.

Cats, however, had one main job: catching mice and rats. Since all cats are good at this naturally, people didn’t need to create many different types.

Also, cats tend to choose their own mates when left alone, while dog breeding has been more controlled by humans throughout history.

The History of Feline Domestication

Cats first started living near humans around 9,500 years ago in the Middle East. They were drawn to early farming towns where grain storage attracted mice.

In ancient Egypt, around 4,000 years ago, cats were highly valued and even worshipped. The goddess Bastet had a cat’s head, showing how important cats were in their culture.

Cats spread to Europe with traders and Romans. They reached the Americas much later, coming with European settlers in the 1600s.

Unlike dogs, which humans actively tamed, cats pretty much domesticated themselves by finding it useful to live near people.

Feline Behavior and Traits

House cats and wild cats share many behaviors.

When your cat kneads your lap, hunts a toy mouse, or hides in a box, it’s showing behaviors that its wild cousins also have.

House cats still:

• Hunt and pounce on moving objects
• Mark territory by rubbing against things
• Hide when they feel unsafe
• Watch from high places

Different cat breeds often have different personalities.

Siamese cats tend to be chatty and need attention, while Persian cats are often quiet and calm. Maine Coons often act more like dogs, sometimes even playing fetch.

Conclusion

Cats come in many types, from the common house cat to rare wild species.

Despite the fact that there are fewer cat breeds than dog breeds, each cat has its own unique traits and history.

Cats share some impressive skills with their wild relatives, such as their hunting abilities.

Their physical appearances also vary widely across different breeds, from sleek and slender to fluffy and rounded.

Whether you’re a cat owner or simply fascinated by these creatures, cats remain one of the most intriguing animals to have in our world.

Their different personalities and characteristics make them wonderful companions for many people.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Most Popular Cat Breed?

The Domestic Shorthair is the most popular breed, known for its friendly nature.

What’s The Rarest Type of Cat?

The Ashera and Khao Manee are considered rare breeds.

Are Hybrid Cat Breeds Recognized?

Yes, hybrid breeds like Bengal and Savannah are recognized by some cat organizations.