How Many Cat Breeds List Exists?

Multiple cat breed lists exist worldwide, with numbers ranging from 45 to 75 recognized breeds depending on the registry. The main registries include The International Cat Association (TICA) recognizing 73-75 breeds, the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) with 45 breeds, and the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe) acknowledging 50 breeds.

Why Cat Breed Numbers Vary Across Registries

The number of recognized cat breeds changes based on which organization you consult. Each registry maintains different standards for what qualifies as a distinct breed.

TICA operates as the most progressive registry, accepting 73-75 standardized breeds as of 2024-2025. Their approach includes breeds derived from crossing existing breeds, natural mutations, and even experimental varieties. CFA takes a more conservative stance, recognizing only 45 pedigreed breeds. They maintain strict requirements and rarely accept new breeds or color patterns.

FIFe sits in the middle ground with 50 recognized breeds, representing 42 member organizations across 40 countries. The World Cat Federation (WCF) recognizes 69 breeds, while the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) maintains a list of 45 breeds similar to CFA’s count.

The discrepancy stems from classification disagreements. TICA treats the Himalayan as a separate breed, while CFA considers it a colorpoint variety of the Persian. Some registries count longhair and shorthair variations of the same breed separately, inflating their numbers.

Major Cat Registries and Their Recognition Standards

The International Cat Association (TICA)

Founded in 1979, TICA maintains the world’s largest genetic registry of pedigreed cats. Their 73-75 recognized breeds include traditional favorites alongside modern hybrids like Bengals and Savannahs.

TICA accepts several breed categories: naturally occurring breeds indigenous to specific regions, mutations of existing breeds, crosses between established breeds, and breeds already recognized by other registries. They also maintain a pathway for experimental breeds working toward championship status.

Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA)

Established in 1906, CFA represents the oldest and most traditional registry in North America. With 45 recognized breeds, they prioritize genetic stability and proven breeding programs.

CFA’s 2018 additions of the Lykoi and Khao Manee marked rare exceptions to their cautious approach. Three breeds currently hold provisional status, working toward full championship recognition. CFA estimates that 95% of pet cats are non-pedigreed, existing outside their registry system.

Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe)

Operating as an international federation since 1949, FIFe recognizes 50 breeds across four categories. Their member organizations span Europe, South America, and parts of Asia.

FIFe breaks down breeds into four groups: Category I (Persian and Exotic), Category II (Semi-longhair), Category III (Shorthair and Somali), and Category IV (Oriental breeds). They maintain procedures for new breeds to achieve full recognition through their member organizations.

World Cat Federation (WCF)

WCF takes a unique approach by accepting standards from multiple registries. They recognize 69 breeds directly while also honoring breeds accepted by TICA, FIFe, and other World Cat Congress members. This creates both broader recognition and occasional naming conflicts between organizations.

How Breed Classification Differences Create Confusion

Registry disagreements create situations where the same cat might be classified differently. The Himalayan serves as a prime example: TICA recognizes it as a distinct breed, CFA treats it as a Persian variety, and WCF merges it with other colorpoint breeds into a single “Colourpoint” category.

The Cymric presents another case study. Some registries classify it as a longhaired Manx variant, while others treat it as a separate breed despite identical breed standards. The classification often depends on disputed origin claims rather than genetic differences.

Coat length variations cause further splits. TICA may list longhair and shorthair versions of breeds like the American Curl or Scottish Fold separately, effectively doubling the breed count. Other registries consolidate these variations under one breed name with multiple divisions.

Geographic and cultural naming adds another layer of complexity. The Balinese, Javanese, and Himalayan breeds have no connection to their namesake regions. Western breeders selected these exotic-sounding names for marketing purposes, creating confusion about breed origins.

Beyond Official Recognition: Experimental and Developing Breeds

The official counts don’t tell the complete story. Beyond the 45-75 recognized breeds, numerous experimental and developing breeds exist.

Experimental breeds work toward recognition through championship advancement programs. The Highlander and Serengeti, both crosses of existing breeds, currently hold Advanced New Breed status with TICA. They participate in shows for evaluation but don’t compete for championship titles.

Natural landraces present another category. The Van Cat, native to Turkey’s Lake Van region, exists as a landrace rather than a standardized breed. The Cyprus Cat (Aphrodite) represents a naturally occurring population working toward full recognition.

Hybrid breeds continue to emerge through crosses with wild cat species. The Savannah (domestic cat × Serval), Bengal (domestic cat × Asian Leopard Cat), and Chausie (domestic cat × Jungle Cat) achieved recognition after decades of breeding programs. New hybrids like the Machbagral and Margay hybrids remain in experimental stages.

Mutation-based breeds arise from spontaneous genetic changes. The Lykoi, recognized by CFA in 2018, developed from a natural mutation causing partial hairlessness and werewolf-like appearance. The Munchkin’s short legs resulted from a genetic mutation, though some registries refuse recognition due to health concerns.

Including experimental, provisional, and unrecognized breeds, estimates suggest 80-100 distinct cat breed varieties exist worldwide. However, many may never achieve official recognition due to genetic instability or health issues.

Why Fewer Cat Breeds Exist Compared to Dogs

Cat breeds number between 45-100, while dog breeds exceed 300-400 depending on the registry. This substantial difference reflects fundamentally different domestication histories.

Dogs underwent selective breeding for specific working purposes over thousands of years. Breeds developed for herding, hunting, guarding, and companionship, each requiring distinct physical and behavioral traits. This functional specialization drove extensive genetic divergence.

Cats, by contrast, self-domesticated around 8,000 years ago by hunting rodents near human settlements. Humans didn’t deliberately breed cats for diverse tasks. Their primary role remained pest control, requiring minimal trait variation. Deliberate cat breeding didn’t begin until the 19th century, giving breeders far less time to develop breed diversity.

Modern domestic cats retain 95% genetic similarity to wildcats. Dogs diverged much further from wolves through intensive selective breeding. This closer genetic relationship to wild ancestors limits the variation breeders can achieve within cat populations.

Cat breeding remains relatively young. The first organized cat show occurred in 1871 at London’s Crystal Palace, showcasing fewer than 25 breeds. Most contemporary cat breeds developed within the past 150 years, with many emerging after 1950. Dog breeding, conversely, has occurred for millennia.

How New Breeds Achieve Registry Recognition

Adding a new breed to a registry requires years of documented breeding. Each organization maintains specific requirements regarding breeding history, genetic stability, and population size.

TICA requires new breeds to demonstrate three generations of consistent traits. Breeders must show that offspring reliably inherit the defining characteristics. The breed advances through stages: Registration Only, New Breed (non-competitive showing), Advanced New Breed (competitive showing with restrictions), and finally Championship status.

CFA maintains stricter standards, often requiring decades of breeding records. New breeds must demonstrate genetic health, stable temperament, and sufficient population size across multiple breeders. The organization actively discourages new breed development, having added only three breeds since 2000.

Registration timelines vary dramatically. The Bengal spent nearly 20 years in developmental status before CFA acceptance in 2018. The Savannah achieved TICA championship status in 2012 after development beginning in the 1980s. Some experimental breeds have waited over 30 years without achieving full recognition.

Genetic health screening plays an increasingly important role. Registries now require testing for inherited conditions before accepting new breeds. Breeds linked to genetic disorders face rejection. The Scottish Fold’s cartilage mutation, while creating distinctive ears, raises health concerns that some registries cite in refusing recognition.

The Most and Least Recognized Breeds

Certain breeds achieve universal recognition across all major registries. The Persian, Siamese, Maine Coon, British Shorthair, and Russian Blue appear on every major registry’s list. These foundation breeds possess long breeding histories and genetic stability.

At the opposite end, breeds recognized by only one or two registries often represent recent developments or controversial genetics. The Munchkin appears on TICA’s list but faces rejection from FIFe and GCCF due to concerns about the skeletal mutation causing short legs. The Dwarf Cat Association maintains a separate registry for Munchkin-derived breeds banned elsewhere.

Regional registries sometimes recognize breeds unknown internationally. The German Rex appears on some European registries but lacks recognition in North America. The Aphrodite Cat (Cyprus Cat) holds recognition in European organizations but remains unknown to CFA and TICA.

Rare breeds with small populations struggle to maintain registry status. The Turkish Angora, despite being among the oldest natural breeds, nearly went extinct in the mid-20th century. Conservation breeding programs revived the population, but numbers remain limited. The Egyptian Mau, naturally spotted and historically significant, has only about 7,000 registered individuals worldwide according to CFA data.

Understanding Domestic Shorthair and Longhair Cats

The most common “breeds” technically aren’t breeds at all. Domestic Shorthair (DSH) and Domestic Longhair (DLH) cats represent mixed-ancestry populations without pedigrees.

In the United States, 95% of pet cats fall into DSH or DLH categories. These cats exhibit random combinations of genetic traits from multiple breed backgrounds. Unlike pedigreed breeds, no breed standard defines their appearance or temperament.

Registries treat these cats differently than pedigreed breeds. Some organizations allow DSH and DLH registration for outcrossing purposes—breeding with pedigreed cats to introduce genetic diversity. However, they remain ineligible for championship competition.

The term “Domestic Shorthair” differs from breed names like “American Shorthair” or “British Shorthair.” The latter represent specific breeds with defined standards, pedigrees, and predictable traits. Domestic Shorthairs lack these characteristics despite similar-sounding names.

Many beloved pets classified as Domestic Shorthair or Longhair may possess breed ancestry. A grey cat with green eyes might have Russian Blue heritage. A large, fluffy cat could descend from Maine Coons or Norwegian Forest Cats. Without pedigree documentation, however, they remain classified as mixed-breed domestics.

How Registry Recognition Affects Cat Breeding

Registry recognition impacts breeding programs significantly. Recognized breeds gain access to championship shows, providing breeders with validation and marketing opportunities. Show success drives demand and pricing for kittens.

Unrecognized breeds face challenges in establishing breeding programs. Without show access, breeders struggle to demonstrate quality and attract buyers. Many experimental breeds depend on a handful of dedicated breeders working without recognition or financial reward.

Registration also affects genetic health management. Registries maintain pedigree databases tracking lineage and hereditary conditions. Breeders use this data to avoid inbreeding and genetic disorders. Unregistered breeds lack these resources, potentially compromising long-term health.

Some breeders intentionally work outside registry systems. Designer breeds like the Cheetoh (Bengal × Ocicat) or Margay hybrids exist in small numbers without seeking formal recognition. Breeders may prioritize creating unique cats over meeting registry standards.

Multiple registrations benefit breeders by expanding showing opportunities. A cat registered with both TICA and CFA can compete in shows sanctioned by either organization. However, differing standards sometimes create conflicts where a cat meets one registry’s requirements but not another’s.

Regional Variations in Breed Recognition

Geographic location influences which breeds gain recognition. European registries like FIFe and WCF recognize breeds popular in Europe but unknown in North America. The Neva Masquerade, a colorpoint variety of the Siberian, has separate breed status in some European registries while North American organizations treat it as a Siberian variety.

Asian breeds face recognition challenges in Western registries. The Khao Manee, an ancient Thai breed, only achieved CFA recognition in 2018 despite centuries of breeding in Thailand. The Korat and Burmese similarly required decades to gain Western acceptance despite long histories in their native countries.

Australia and New Zealand maintain unique breed standards through the Australian Cat Federation and New Zealand Cat Fancy. They recognize breeds uncommon elsewhere, including the Australian Mist (originally Spotted Mist), developed specifically for Australian conditions.

Russian registries recognize breeds rare outside the former Soviet Union. The Kurilian Bobtail, popular in Russia, remains relatively unknown in North America despite TICA recognition. The Ural Rex holds recognition in Russian registries but lacks international acceptance.

These regional differences reflect local breeding preferences and cultural attitudes toward cats. What constitutes a desirable breed in one region may hold little appeal elsewhere, influencing which breeds breeders develop and registries accept.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which registry recognizes the most cat breeds?

TICA recognizes 73-75 breeds, the highest among major registries. Their progressive policies accept experimental breeds, mutations, and hybrids that conservative registries exclude.

Can a cat be registered with multiple organizations?

Yes, many breeders register cats with multiple registries. This provides more showing opportunities and helps establish breed recognition across organizations. Different registries may classify the same cat under different breed names.

Are there cat breeds not recognized by any major registry?

Numerous experimental and designer breeds exist without formal recognition. These include developmental hybrids, recent mutations, and breeds with insufficient breeding populations. Some may achieve recognition eventually while others remain perpetually unofficial.

Why does CFA recognize fewer breeds than TICA?

CFA maintains conservative standards requiring extensive breeding history and genetic stability. They discourage new breed development and rarely accept experimental varieties. TICA takes a more progressive approach, accepting newer breeds and mutations.

The variation in cat breed lists reflects different philosophies about what constitutes a breed. Conservative registries prioritize genetic stability and long breeding histories, while progressive organizations embrace innovation and diversity. For prospective cat owners, the specific registry matters less than finding a cat whose personality and care requirements match your lifestyle. Whether choosing a pedigreed breed or a mixed-ancestry domestic cat, the connection you build with your feline companion transcends any registry’s classification system.

Data Sources:

The International Cat Association (TICA) – tica.org/ticas-breeds
Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) – cfa.org/breeds
Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe) – fifeweb.org
Wikipedia – List of Cat Breeds (2024-2025 data)
Various veterinary and pet care sources (Catster, PangoVet, Hepper – 2024-2025 updates)