How many cat breeds are there
There are 73 recognized cat breeds globally, though the exact number depends on the registry. This article breaks down the major organizations and why the count varies.
73 recognized cat breeds, though the exact number depends entirely on which registry you ask. The variation exists because different organizations have different standards for what constitutes a distinct breed versus a color variant or a regional landrace.
Registry standards drive the count
The most widely cited figure comes from the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), which recognizes 45 breeds. The Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe) is more inclusive, listing 73 breeds, while the World Cat Federation (WCF) recognizes 83. These discrepancies are not errors; they reflect different criteria for acceptance. For instance, a breed recognized as distinct by one body might be considered a color variation or a regional type by another.
Landraces versus formal breeds
Not all cats with distinct appearances are formal breeds. The Siberian cat, for example, began as a centuries-old landrace in Russia before being developed into a formal breed with standards in the late 1980s. While it is now recognized by all major registries, many other natural varieties exist without formal pedigree status. The distinction matters because a landrace is a naturally occurring population, whereas a formal breed has a closed studbook and specific conformation requirements.
Color variants often confuse the count
Some registries count specific color patterns as separate breeds, while others list them as varieties within a single breed. The Bombay is exclusively black, but the CFA recognizes 22 other breeds that can come in solid black. In the case of the Neva Masquerade, a colorpoint variant of the Siberian, some registries like FIFe and WCF categorize it as a separate breed, whereas others treat it as a color variation of the Siberian. This single difference can add or subtract one from the total count depending on the source.
Why the number keeps changing
Breed recognition is a dynamic process. New breeds are occasionally introduced, while others may be merged or reclassified based on genetic studies. For example, phylogenetic studies have clarified that while the Siberian looks similar to the Maine Coon due to convergent evolution in harsh climates, they are not genetically related. As genetic testing becomes more common, the classification of breeds may shift, altering the total number of recognized breeds over time.
When a breed is just a myth
Some breeds exist only in folklore or as internet myths. The "Kellas cat" is a real hybrid resulting from interbreeding between domestic cats and the Scottish wildcat, but it is not a formal breed. Similarly, the "black cat" is often treated as a breed in casual conversation, but it is simply a coat color found in many different breeds, from the Bombay to the British Shorthair. The myth of a specific "black cat breed" aside from the Bombay is a common misconception.
In summary, the number of cat breeds is not a fixed constant but a reflection of the specific registry's rules. Whether you cite 45, 73, or 83, the underlying reality is that there are dozens of distinct, formally recognized breeds, each with its own history and standards.